IMSA – BAR1 Motorsports moves to Prototype

The 2017 season was the last for the Oreca 09 FLM in IMSA SportsCar Championship. Many of the teams that have hosted this category in recent years have left in search of a new program. After Core Autosport, it is the turn of BAR1 Motorsports to move up to the premier category, joining PR1 Mathiasen, who had already taken the plunge at the end of 2016.

« Obviously, this is an important milestone for us, recognizes Brian Adler, the team owner. But this move to LM P2 offers us a lot of new opportunities. Driving in the major category of a championship allows us to attract larger partners, top-notch drivers and gives us the possibility of returning to Le Mans. »

The choice of mount, the Riley Mk.30-Gibson, may seem surprising as it appeared in decline this season, to the point that VisitFlorida Racing decided to part with it to obtain a Ligier JS P217. But the American team is counting on the development planned this winter thanks to "wildcards" and which will be carried out by Multimatic, in collaboration with Joest Racing. As a reminder, the German entity will operate the Mazda RT24-P next year, which uses the same chassis.

« I had the opportunity to see the changes made for 2018 and it is impressive, Adler continues. They did a really good job and the results recorded on the first tests exceeded expectations. »

On the drivers' side, nothing has yet been decided, but Brian Adler does not rule out fielding a second car.