Visit Florida Racing has confirmed the purchase of a Ligier JSP217 for use in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship.
The team will switch to the Onroak-made LMP2 chassis from its existing Riley Mk.30 which has so far struggled for pace this season.
The new Gibson-powered Ligier will make its first appearance at the Road America round in early August.
"We have seen what the Ligier JS P217 is capable of, not only here in IMSA, but also in Europe as well, so we are eager to get to the track and learn about the JS P217 at Road America," said Visit Florida Racing team owner Troy Flis.
"I’m impressed with the customer support that Onroak Automotive has in place, and I have known Max Crawford for a long time so that relationship is another key element for us and Visit Florida to make this commitment.”
Onroak Automotive CEO Jacques Nicolet added: "We are very proud that Troy Flis chose our Ligier JS P217 to continue his team participation in the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship."
"With more than 30 years of experience, of which 13 years in the Daytona Prototype category, Visit Florida Racing is a leading figure in the USA motorsport world."
"In establishing Onroak Automotive in Denver, North Carolina, under the management of Max Crawford, we are able to provide extended support to our teams and to make sure they have the best opportunity to meet the success they deserve with our Ligier JS P217."
Having been an IMSA front-runner in recent years, Visit Florida Racing has faced a difficult to start to the 2017 season which saw the introduction of a new Prototype rule set.
Despite finishing third at the season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona with its brand-new Riley, drivers Marc Goossens and Renger van der Zande have failed to return to the podium since and currently sit ninth in the standings.
The most recent event in Canada saw the Riley stop multiple times on track with an electrical issue, before retiring.
However, the pair's best results have come at the endurance rounds, meaning they sit joint third in the North American Endurance Cup table with only the 10-hour Petit Le Mans event remaining.
After turning competitive laps for the first time at Road America, the Ligier will compete at Laguna Seca before heading to Atlanta for the season-ending enduro in October.
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