VICI GROUP undertook discussions with a number of car manufacturer's regarding potential new track programmes during 2000 and 2001. Of particular interest was the newly formed American Le Mans Series (ALMS) which was at that time capturing the imagination of the carmakers and racing fans alike.

The decision was taken in November 2001 to introduce a new brand into the US racing scene via the VICI RACING division - Lamborghini. It was the logical conclusion of these efforts to formulate an individual development and racing programme on behalf of a major manufacturer, which could utilize the wide ranging experience of the VICI GROUP, as well as its acknowledged ability in areas such as global logistics. And so a feasibility study was carried out.

The Lamborghini angle had come about due to VICI RACING's peripheral interest in the GTR Supertrophy , a ‘single-make' racing series for ‘gentlemen drivers' using race-prepared Lamborghini Diablo GTR cars.

VICI RACING's exhaustive feasibility study concluded that the Diablo GTR could be easily adapted to the new GT class rules, and would be an almost certain winner. With almost 600bhp estimated to be available, as opposed to 450bhp from the Porsche 911, any handling loss would be easily be compensated for by this car's raw power. VICI's engineers also concluded that the aerodynamics could be favourably improved within ALMS guidelines. Participation in the larger GTS class was ruled out as bringing the car up to the level of competivity required was deemed unrealistic.

Given the green light for a development programme, VICI RACING acquired three Lamborghini Diablo GTR cars (which were known internally by the designation GTR-V). A ‘laboratory' car was used for testing and development in Germany, where initial work was to be undertaken, due to its close proximity to the factory and Lamborghini's German owner's, Audi. Meanwhile two ex-GTR Supertrophy cars were acquired and shipped to the US for preparation in VICI RACING's state-of-the-art Florida workshops.

Lamborghini provided VICI with assistance in obtaining ACO homologation for the GTR-V, and in particular mention must be made of Valentino Balboni, Lamborghini's longest serving employee (he started his career with them in 1968), who provided an efficient direct liaison link. To obtain homologation, Daniel Perdix and Gerard Gachet of the ACO, flew to Munich in Germany to undertake an inspection of the GTR. This location was chosen partly due to its accessibility, but also because Audi/Lamborghini had a showroom at Munich Airport where they were present road Diablo versions, as well as a factory-owned Diablo GT, which allowed both road and race versions to be closely compared.