Since 1999 the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) has offered all drivers and teams the possibility to compete for a whole racing season alongside the legendary 24-hour race of Le Mans. The ALMS regulations, which are issued by IMSA (International Motor Sports Association), are therefore based on the long-distance classic: Two prototype and two GT classes drive at the same time in a single race. The spectators watch four races in one – as well as the constant jostling for position and overtaking manoeuvres. Year after year the ALMS fills its fans with enthusiasm thanks to the presence of many notable manufacturers and prominent drivers at this very open and attractive race series.

In 2008, Porsche was the most successful manufacturer in the American Le Mans Series.

At the very beginning of the season, the trio of Porsche works drivers - Bernhard, Dumas and Collard - struck a major blow in their RS Spyder: an historic 18th overall victory for Porsche in the 12 Hours of Sebring. In a thrilling season, Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas managed to defend their driver's championship, the Penske team its team championship and Porsche its manufacturer's title.

The 911 GT3 RSR teams enjoyed similar success. Porsche works drivers Jörg Bergmeister and Wolf Henzler won the driver's championship with several class wins, Flying Lizard Motorsports prevailed in the team championship and Porsche took the manufacturer's title.

This continued the run of Porsche successes in the ALMS. In the last 10 seasons Porsche has won the manufacturer's title 11 times, Porsche customer teams have won the team title 10 times, and the driver's title has gone to Porsche drivers on 11 occasions.

Once again in 2009, several Porsche teams will be on the starting grid at the ALMS. Following the planned phasing-out of the RS Spyder programme in the ALMS, the focus is now once again on the GT2 class. The 911 GT3 RSR has been enhanced in an effort to repeat past successes and has been adapted to comply with the changed rules.