As tensions mounted since the introduction of the DPi to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Series as to whether the LMP2 entries could compete, the series has decided to split the Prototypes into two classes for 2019.
The decision headlined a series of changes announced for next season, as IMSA unveiled their new schedules, series, and branding for the 2019 season Friday at Road America.
“As we continue to evolve the WeatherTech Championship, we’ve engaged in extensive dialogue with our stakeholders to consider appropriate refinements,” IMSA Vice President of Competition Simon Hodgson said in a statement. “The changes we will implement in 2019 are based upon the feedback we’ve received from all WeatherTech Championship class stakeholders in the paddock. We expect the changes will be popular with participants and IMSA fans alike.”
As the DPi and LMP2 teams are split into two separate classes, DPi becomes the pinnacle of the series and will no longer adhere to BoP against the LMP2s. This will allow the DPi entries to compete to the fullest potential of their cars, something that hasn’t been seen in the interest of maintaining competition between the united Prototype classes. The LMP2s will then shift to a Pro-Am configuration in line with the World Endurance Championship.
While this move may prove popular with fans and DPi programs, the effects on LMP2 programs remains to be seen. While the teams will now regularly compete for wins, the overall wins and top ratings that were desired by these privateer entries will now be farther out of reach.
Michelin will take a far firmer role in American sports car racing, taking over as the title sponsor of two series under IMSA. As Tequila Patrón steps away from a storied history in the sport, the tire maker has stepped in to rebrand the Tequila Patrón North American Endurance Cup as the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup. In addition, they will replace their competitor in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge as the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
“Endurance has long been a key characteristic of Michelin tire performance, both on and off the track,” Michelin North American director of motorsport Chris Baker said in a statement. He added the importance of the brand’s presence in the sports car development level. “Many of the automakers currently competing in IMSA have chosen tires from our Michelin Pilot family for aspirational vehicles in their respective lineups. So it is a natural fit as we seek to promote our brands through IMSA competition.”
IMSA will also debut a new series for GTD teams in 2019: the IMSA WeatherTech Sprint Cup. The seven-race championship based around IMSA’s sprint races is designed to provide a more cost-effective opportunity for GTD programs to regularly compete at a top level as they now compete for three championships across a single season.
