Wikipedia
IMSA Prototype Challenge
IMSA Prototype Challenge (formerly IMSA Prototype Lites) was a racing series featuring two classes of single-seat prototype cars racing simultaneously. The series was sanctioned by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). Most races were held in support of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.[1] The series raced LMP3 class prototype sportscars. The cars have grown in size and speed since its 2006 introduction, starting from four-cylinder and motorcycle powered race cars to large V8 powered cars. Each race was 1 hour and 45 minutes long apart from the season opening 3 hour race at Daytona International Speedway.
| Category | Sports car racing |
|---|---|
| Country | United States, Canada |
| Inaugural season | 2006 |
| Folded | 2022 |
| Classes | LMP3 |
| Last Drivers' champion | Tõnis Kasemets |
| Last Teams' champion | Wulver Racing |
| Official website | IMSA Official Site |
The series' final season was in 2022. For 2023, the series was replaced with the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge.[2]
Car Specifications
LMP3 Class
| Minimum weight | 930 kilograms (2,050 lb) |
| Maximum length | 4,650 millimetres (183 in) |
| Maximum width | 1,900 millimetres (75 in) |
| Engine | Naturally aspirated Nissan V8 5.6L |
| Fuel tank size | 85 litres (22 US gal) |
| Maximum wheel diameter | 28 inches (710 mm) |
| Maximum wheel width | 13 inches (330 mm) [3] |
Former classes
MPC Class
- Engine: 2.0-liter, Naturally aspirated Mazda MZR engine
- Gearbox: 6 Speed Sequential Manual Transmission
- Weight: 1,425 lb (646 kg) with driver
- Fuel Delivery: Electronic fuel injection[4]
L2 Class[5]
- Engine: 2.3-liter, Naturally aspirated Mazda MP2
- Gearbox: 6 Speed Sequential Manual Transmission
- Weight: 1,425 lb (646 kg) with driver
- Fuel Delivery: Electronic fuel injection
L2 Class 2006-2012 only[6]
- Engine: 1000cc Naturally aspirated Kawasaki or Suzuki
- Weight: 1,100 lb (500 kg) with driver
L3 Class 2006-2009 only, class discontinued for 2010[7]
- Engine: 2.3-liter, Naturally aspirated Mazda MZR
- Weight: 1,350 lb (612 kg) with driver
Champions
| Season | Class | Driver Champion | Masters Champion | Team Champion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | L1 | Adam Pecorari[8] | n/a | Cape Motorsports |
| L2 | Dan McBreen | n/a | PVM Racing | |
| L3 | Robert Mumm | n/a | n/a | |
| 2007 | L1 | Gerardo Bonilla | n/a | B-K Motorsports |
| L2 | Robby Card | n/a | PVM Racing | |
| L3 | Richard Spicer | n/a | Spicer-Hagerman | |
| 2008 | L1 | Jonathan Goring | Jon Brownson | Comprent Motorsports |
| L2 | Tom Drewer | Eric Vassian | WEST Racing | |
| L3 | Chris Funk | Chris Funk | KC Racing | |
| 2009 | L1 | Joel Feinberg | Gary Gibson | Eurosport Racing |
| L2 | John Weisberg | Alain Nadal | Berg Racing | |
| L3 | Chris Doyle | Chris Funk | Surface Exploration | |
| 2010 | L1 | Charlie Shears | Charlie Shears | Core Autosport |
| L2 | John Weisberg | Jim Garrett | Berg Racing | |
| 2011 | L1 | Ricardo Vera | Daniel Mancini | Eurosport |
| L2 | Robert Sabato | Alan Wilzig | 6th Gear Racing | |
| 2012 | L1 | Tristan Nunez | Jon Brownson | Performance Tech |
| L2 | Scott Tucker | Alan Wilzig | Level 5 Motorsports | |
| 2013 | L1 | Sean Rayhall | Jon Brownson | Performance Tech |
| L2 | Brian Alder | Jerome Mee | Ansa Motorsports | |
| 2014 | L1 | Mikhail Goikhberg | John Falb | JDC Motorsports |
| L2 | Brian Alder | Jerome Mee | BAR1 Motorsports | |
| 2015 | L1 | Kenton Koch | John Falb | JDC Motorsports |
| L2 | Brian Alder | n/a | BAR1 Motorsports | |
| 2016 | L1 | Clark Toppe | Joel Janco | JDC Motorsports |
| 2017 | LMP3 | Colin Thompson | Naj Husain | P1 Motorsports |
| MPC | Kyle Masson | Stuart Rettie | Performance Tech Motorsports | |
| 2018 | LMP3 | Kris Wright | Cameron Cassels | #30 Extreme Speed Motorsports |
| MPC | Jon Brownson | n/a | #34 Eurosport Racing | |
| 2019 | LMP3 | Austin McCusker Rodrigo Pflucker | Joel Janco | #47 Forty 7 Racing |
| 2020 | LMP3 | Matthew Bell Naveen Rao | Steven Thomas | #64 K2R Motorsports LLC |
| 2021 | LMP3-1 | Dakota Dickerson Josh Sarchet | David Grant Keith Grant | MLT Motorsports |
| LMP3-2 | Danny Kok George Staikos | Danny Kok George Staikos | Conquest Racing | |
| 2022' | LMP3 | Tõnis Kasemets | n/a | Wulver Racing |
| [9] | ||||
References
- ^ (PDF). Press release. International Motor Sports Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 October 2011. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
- ^ "IMSA to Replace Prototype Challenge with New Sprint Racing Class in 2023". autoweek.com. Hearst Autos, Inc. July 1, 2022. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
- ^ "The different classes". Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). Retrieved 2016-05-05.
- ^ 2014 Technical Regulations, IMSA.com/competitors, Retrieved 20 September 2014
- ^ 2014 Technical Regulations, IMSA.com/competitors, Retrieved 20 September 2014
- ^ (PDF). International Motor Sports Association. January 20, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
- ^ (PDF). International Motor Sports Association. February 1, 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
- ^ Åberg, Andres. . Driver Database. Archived from the original on 19 October 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
- ^ "Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Results and Points". International Motor Sports Association. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
External links
- Official site