USC – Michael Shank Racing puts a Honda V6 in its Ligier

So much new stuff in 2015 for Michael Shank Racing. After abandoning its Riley DP in favor of the Ligier JS P2 designed by OnRoak Automotive, the Columbus (Ohio) team announced today that it had ended the partnership linking it to Ford since 2008. The American team will in confidence effect next year in the Honda twin-turbo V6. Author of 230 starts in Daytona Prototypes, the team has also, as a reminder, renewed the Ozwaldo Negri-John Pew duo. But behind this move to LM P2, there is actually a completely different ambition.

“The move to the Ligier JS P2 is not only an asset for our 2015 campaign, but it is also a first step forward taken with the aim of racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2016, Michael Shank said. It's a great package that has already proven itself (this year in the hands of Oak Racing. Editor’s note). It's a big change for our team but the prospect makes me impatient. »

And Allen Miller, head of the Honda Performance Development prototype project, continued: “Michael Shank Racing has become one of the leading teams in American endurance racing, and we believe that this move to LM P2 and the V6 turbo Honda will put them in a good position for 2015 and future seasons. »

After a first public appearance during Roar Before the Rolex 24 (Tests organized as a preamble to the 24 Hours of Daytona) from January 9 to 11, the orange and black Ligier JS P2-Honda will make its racing debut on January 24, on the occasion of the 52nd edition of the double Florida clock tower. An event that Michael Shank's men have already won. It was in 2012.