Amid a noted discrepancy in IMSA’s Prototype class, JDC-Miller Motorsports is looking at switching from LMP2 to DPi in 2019 to remain competitive.
As an LMP2 has appeared on the podium once in 2018, with CORE Autosport claiming P3 in the Rolex 24, the dominance of DPi programs has been consistent throughout the first five races of the season. To remain competitive, team boss John Church is considering the possibilities of purchasing new DPi models or converting their ORECA LMP2s – both costly options.
“Honestly, converting the cars we already have would be the easiest thing,” he said to RACER. “Is it realistic? I don’t have that answer at that point. We’re trying to get the options, if there are any, out on the table.”
With the smaller-scale JDC-Miller Motorsports’ consideration comes the struggle of IMSA’s DPi era. The manufacturer partnered DPi teams have largely dominated the series since being introduced to the sport. While adjustments have been made in an attempt to bring the competition between DPi and LMP2 teams closer together, little improvement has been seen in the results.
“With all respect to the teams that are running in the P2 cars,” IMSA President Scott Atherton told Sportscar365, “the caliber and the resources and the capabilities of the DPi teams have reached a level of performance that has made it very difficult for us to balance the DPi back to the benchmark performance of P2.”
Rather than hindering the performance of DPi teams or undermining the competition of LMP2, it has been suggested that the Prototype class be split into two separate categories not unlike the LMP1 and LMP2 classes seen in the World Endurance Championship. Atherton, however, maintains that this option will not be pursued by IMSA.
Various options will be explored throughout the season, as the series looks to improve this separation of competition moving into the 2019 season and allow all Prototype teams to compete at their top level. However, teams like JDC-Miller may be done waiting.
