IMSA details its IPR concept

The promoters ofIMSA have provided details and confirmations on the launch of the international Daytona Prototype in 2017. These prototypes approved by the FIA ​​and the ACO from LMP2 will be produced by four manufacturers: Dallara, Onroak Automotive, Oreca and Riley / Multimatic.

The brands entered will be able to change the bodywork and engine of the LMP2s (Gibson V8 obligatory in WEC) by retaining the chassis of one of the four manufacturers selected by the ACO. The bodywork areas are located at the front, sidepods and rear fenders.

The Prototypes category of the 2017 IMSA season will thus welcome the DPIs, the LMP2s of the 2017 season and the LMP2s of the 2016 season with closed cockpits equipped with engines approved by the IMSA. LMP2s from the 2016 season will no longer be eligible from 2018.

The Balance of Performance between the DPI and the LMP2 will be studied with wind tunnel tests. IMSA stewards will also test and verify the engines with a target of 600 hp and a comparable level of power and torque.

Since the announcement of the four manufacturers selected by the FIA ​​and ACO, IMSA has received several requests from interested brands wishing to modify the dimensions in order to fit their engines. These requests led to work between IMSA, the FIA ​​and the ACO to establish the dimensions. The brands also requested to use their own electronic systems in place of the Cosworth ECU used by the LMP2s.

IMSA hopes that the technical regulations for DPI and LMP2 will be finalized this month. The project was delayed due to the contradictory objectives displayed by the European Championship and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest. While LMP2 focuses on private teams, IMSA is primarily looking for manufacturers.