IMSA has formally locked within the timeline for its next-generation Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) laws, confirming that the brand new equipment will debut within the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the 2029 season.
The rollout follows a staggered introduction technique, with the brand new automobiles set to debut a yr earlier—in 2028—throughout all Vehicle Membership de l’Ouest (ACO) and Le Mans Endurance Administration (LMEM) championships, together with the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Beneath an unique licensing settlement between IMSA and the ACO, the upcoming LMP2 grid will function chassis from two authorized constructors: Ligier Automotive and ORECA.
Technical specs & stability
#99 AO Racing ORECA LMP2 07: PJ Hyett, Dane Cameron, Jonny Edgar
Picture by: Brandon Badraoui / Lumen through Getty Pictures
Whereas the aerodynamic traits are anticipated to stay much like the present platform that debuted in 2017, the most important shift comes beneath the engine cowl. The following-generation prototypes will transfer away from the present naturally aspirated powerplants in favor of a 460 kW (roughly 616 horsepower), turbocharged V6 engine equipped by Gibson Know-how.
To make sure stability and cost-effectiveness for present grid members, the WeatherTech Championship will retain its current method by means of the top of the 2028 season. Groups will proceed to discipline the ever-present ORECA LMP2 07 chassis powered by Gibson V8 engines for the subsequent three seasons earlier than making the aggressive swap on the 2029 Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Give attention to competitor value management
#8 Tower Motorsports ORECA LMP2 07: John Farano, Sebastien Bourdais, Sebastian Alvarez, Kyffin Simpson
Picture by: Jake Galstad / Lumen through Getty Pictures
IMSA President John Doonan emphasised that the prolonged timeline is a deliberate transfer to guard workforce investments and permit for long-term operational planning.
“One in every of our high priorities is to supply IMSA opponents with loads of runway to plan for the long run,” Doonan mentioned. “This announcement supplies clear course for present and potential future LMP2 opponents on the timeline for utilizing current gear, in addition to the chance to plan for funding in new automobiles for the 2029 season.”
Doonan famous that the LMP2 class is presently having fun with a interval of sturdy well being within the WeatherTech Championship, a pattern IMSA expects to keep up by means of the 2028 transition.
The ACO echoed this give attention to monetary sustainability throughout its preliminary unveiling of the platform earlier this yr, stating that the brand new laws mirror a “robust dedication to value management, with restricted and thoroughly managed will increase” to make sure the category stays accessible for privateer groups.
Watch: The Rolex 24 at Daytona: Precision, Perfection, and The Street To Victory (IMSA Endurance Racing)
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