Pre-Selections 2009

• All entries must be in (with 5000EUR - non-refundable) by 21st January 2009
• Pre-selected entries must be confirmed (and paid for - 38000EUR) by 12th January 2009
• Invite list were published 26th February
• Invitees that accept must enter (and pay 38000EUR) by April 8th 2009
• Should the withdrawal be declared prior to April 24th 2009 at
  midnight, half of the entry fee, i.e. € 22 000 will be refunded
• After midnight April 24th and before May 16th 2009 at midnight, the
  total amount of the entry fee will not be refunded
• After May 16th 2009, the entry fee and the advance payment on
  technical expenses will not be refunded
• In all cases, an amount of € 5 000 (deposit on participation fee) will not
  be refunded.
• No reserves will be called for entry after May 22nd 2009

The entry list for Le Mans is limited to 55 cars spread across the 4 categories. 29 entries are "pre-selected", that is to say if they enter, their entry will be accepted. This only applies if the entry is to the same category as it was pre-selected for. This privilege belongs to the team and is not related to car or engine make. The pre-selections in each category are:-

• 1st and 2nd at 2009 Le Mans in each category
• 1st and 2nd in 2009 LMS in each category
• 1st at 2009 Petit Le mans in each category
• 1st in 2009 ALMS or 2nd in ALMS in each category if winner also won Petit Le Mans
• 1st and 2nd in 2009 FIA-GT in GT1 & GT2
• 1st 2009 Michelin Energy Endurance Challenge

The criteria for selection are deliberately vague, the following is a quote from the ACO regulations outlining the "rules":-

a. The following criteria are at the Selection Committee’s discretion.
b. The list is not exhaustive and with no priority classification.

• A maximum of two (2) cars per competitor
• Fame of the competitor (manufacturer, factory-backed team, well-known private team, private team)
• Previous "24 Hours of Le Mans" races
• Competitors' record
• Regular entries in "American Le Mans Series" and "Le Mans Series" events
• Recommended entry in a race prior to the Selection Committee meeting
• Quality of the cars
• Technical interest
• Relationship with the A.C.O. and its environment regarding legal and financial issues
• Maintaining the participation of "privateers"
• Etc.