WEC: Press conference planned for North American Int’l Auto Show

The FIA World Endurance Championship will make its first appearance at the annual North American International Auto Show next week as the global sports car series hosts a number of guests and manufacturer representatives on Jan. 12-13 in Detroit.

The WEC’s NAIAS press conference on Jan. 13 should focus on making formal introductions to the numerous auto manufacturers and teams with roots in the U.S., to present some of its star power--specifically with actor/racer Patrick Dempsey via video link, and to announce a new television deal.

The biggest news to come from the WEC at NAIAS could be what isn’t revealed. Ford is expected to unveil the successor to its GT platform on Jan. 12, but that should be the extent of the presentation.

Speculation regarding the WEC’s press conference, a tie-in with Ford, and the Blue Oval’s upcoming GTE program has been circulating, but RACER has learned Ford’s most recent plan – and it has changed more than once in recent months – involves the American brand revealing its return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2016 just prior to this year’s race at a location to be determined in Paris.