What Is 2014 Asian Le Mans Series

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 Asian Le Mans Series was the second season of the revived endurance racing championship, running from October 2014 to January 2015 across four Asian circuits. It featured LMP2, LMP3, and GT classes with a total of eight races in a four-event calendar.

Key Facts

The 2014 Asian Le Mans Series began on October 18, 2014, at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia
It concluded on January 18, 2015, with the 4 Hours of Dubai at Dubai Autodrome
The series featured three classes: LMP2, LMP3, and GT-Am
A total of eight races were held over four race weekends
The series was organized by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the same body behind the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Overview

The 2014 Asian Le Mans Series marked the second season of the modern revival of the endurance racing series, originally launched in 2009 before a hiatus. Organized by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the same body responsible for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the series aimed to promote sports car endurance racing across Asia.

With a focus on professional and amateur drivers, the 2014 season expanded its reach and solidified its structure with a four-event calendar spanning Malaysia, China, and the United Arab Emirates. The series served as a development platform for teams and drivers aspiring to compete in the World Endurance Championship or Le Mans itself.

Eight races were held over four race weekends, each featuring two 2-hour events, increasing track time and competitive balance.
The season kicked off on October 18, 2014, at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, a key motorsport hub in Southeast Asia.
Events were held in Malaysia, China, and the UAE, showcasing the geographical diversity and growing motorsport infrastructure in Asia.
The series featured three distinct classes: LMP2, LMP3 (prototype), and GT-Am, allowing for varied team entries and driver experience levels.
Championship points were awarded based on finishing positions, with double points for the final race to intensify the season finale competition.

How It Works

The 2014 Asian Le Mans Series followed a structured format combining endurance racing principles with regional accessibility for Asian and international teams. Each event was designed to balance competitive racing with logistical feasibility across the continent.

Race Format: Each round consisted of two 2-hour races, allowing teams to compete in multiple sessions and accumulate points across the weekend.
Driver Requirements: Teams were required to field at least one bronze- or silver-rated driver to promote amateur and emerging talent participation.
Scoring System: Points were awarded from 1st to 10th place, with 25 points for 1st and a sliding scale down to 1 point for 10th.
Class Structure: The LMP2 class featured professional teams with high-performance prototypes, while LMP3 and GT-Am opened doors for privateers.
Homologation: All cars had to meet ACO technical regulations, ensuring parity and safety across LMP and GT categories.
Entry Eligibility: Teams from Asia and beyond could enter, with over 30 cars participating across the season’s four events.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2014 Asian Le Mans Series with other major endurance series of the same year:

Series	Region	Number of Races	Top Class	Organizing Body
Asian Le Mans Series	Asia	8 races (4 events)	LMP2	ACO
FIA WEC 2014	Global	8 races	LMP1	FIA/ACO
European Le Mans Series	Europe	6 races	LMP2	ACO
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship	USA	12 races	Prototype	IMSA
Super Taikyu Series	Japan	6 races	ST-1 (GT3)	STA

This table highlights how the 2014 Asian Le Mans Series filled a regional niche with a compact but intense schedule. While smaller in scale than the FIA WEC, it offered a crucial stepping stone for Asian drivers and teams aiming for international competition, particularly the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Why It Matters

The 2014 Asian Le Mans Series played a pivotal role in expanding endurance racing’s footprint in Asia, offering a professional yet accessible platform for drivers and teams. Its structure and ACO backing gave it credibility and long-term potential in a rapidly growing motorsport region.

Pathway to Le Mans: Champions in each class earned automatic invitations to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a major incentive for teams.
Driver Development: The series helped bronze- and silver-rated drivers gain experience in high-level endurance racing.
Regional Growth: By hosting events in Malaysia, China, and UAE, it expanded motorsport culture across diverse Asian markets.
Team Exposure: Privateer teams could compete on an international stage, improving sponsorship appeal and technical development.
ACO Integration: As an ACO-sanctioned series, it strengthened ties between Asian motorsport and the global endurance racing community.
Foundation for Future: The 2014 season laid the groundwork for future expansion, including the introduction of LMP3 in subsequent years.

Overall, the 2014 Asian Le Mans Series was more than just a regional championship—it was a strategic initiative to globalize endurance racing and cultivate new talent in emerging markets.