The reigning LMP2 winners at the Le Mans 24 Hours has announced a debut IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar campaign next year in partnership with four-time IMSA LMP2 champions PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports.
Under the name ‘Inter Europol by PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports’, the full-season partnership will see the Centenary Le Mans winning-Polish bakery privateer debut in the North American-based sportscar championship.
Earlier this week, 48 official entries were unveiled for the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech season featuring 12 LMP2 cars, one of which will be the sole Ligier run by Sean Creech.
PR1 Mathiasen has competed in the IMSA-sanctioned championship since 2014, and prior since 2010 in the ACO-sanctioned American Le Mans Series.
They currently situate themselves as 2023 LMP2 champion title-contenders ahead of the final round at Road Atlanta later today, aiming to secure their fifth Team Championship title and a sixth in the Endurance Cup.
Jakub (Kuba) Śmiechowski has been confirmed as the silver-rated driver for the endurance rounds, whilst the team are currently assessing their options for a professional-bronze full-season pairing.
Sascha Fassbender, Inter Europol Competition, Team Manager, said: “PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports has proven over many years that it’s a very strong team in IMSA.
“They have won the championship, and for us, it was a logical step to work with them in an IMSA partnership.
“I am really looking forward to this journey. Our partnership with PR1 allows us to hit the ground running, and we will be competitive from the very first day.
“So, we’re delighted to confirm that we have signed with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports owner Bobby Oergel for the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship.
“Kuba will compete in the five endurance races as the Silver-graded driver. We are now talking with Pro and Bronze drivers with a view of fighting for the championship from the very start.”
Ray Mathiasen and Bobby Oergel, Team Principals for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports, added their thoughts:
“We are delighted to welcome Inter Europol to our IMSA WeatherTech Championship LMP2 program.
“The success they have achieved, and continue to experience, is promising for our shared future.
“The collaboration between our teams opens up exciting possibilities, leveraging the strengths of both sides to achieve even greater success together.”
The 2024 season will commence at the Daytona International Speedway (Road Course) with the Roar Before the 24, followed by the 24 Hours of Daytona on 27-28 January.
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