With two of its big three manufacturers departing, the 2009 ALMS could never live up to its incredible 2008 season. But there were still plenty of twists and turns to enjoy, as Matt Beer recounts

With Audi and Porsche departing, and the championship falling into line with the ACO and pegging back LMP2 performance, the 2009 American Le Mans Series was always going to be far lower-key than 2008's thrilling three-way, ten-car, prototype shoot-out.

Sebring and Petit Le Mans apart, it was down to the Highcroft and De Ferran teams to provide the entertainment as they went head to head for the title in Acura's radical LMP1 car. And although this contest could not match the spectacle of the previous year, it was at times even more intense at the front - with both crews knowing that their rival was sure to capitalise if they were anything less than perfect.

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