The IMSA Prototype Challenge
Presented by Mazda takes a bold
new step in 2018 with the adoption
of an endurance-racing format for a
six-race season.
The 2018 IMSA Prototype
Challenge again will include both the Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3) class
for closed-cockpit race cars from a variety of chassis constructors –
which began competing in the series this year – along with the Mazda
Prototype Challenge (MPC) class, which features Mazda engines powering
open-cockpit Elan race cars.
The IMSA Prototype Challenge will shift from its longtime “sprint race”
format of two 45-minute races per event to a single 1-hour, 45-minute
endurance race per weekend for both classes starting next season.
Teams will have the option of using single- or two-driver lineups for
each race. In the LMP3 class, all drivers will be required to have an FIA
Driver Rating and must be either Bronze- or Silver-rated to be eligible to
compete, with a maximum of one Silver-rated driver eligible per car.
Driver ratings are not required for the MPC class. However, drivers with
a Platinum rating by the FIA are prohibited from competition. Drivers with
Gold ratings also are typically prohibited, but may be considered at the
discretion of the race director.
No driver may compete in more than one race car per weekend. The
qualifying driver must start the race on the tires used in qualifying, and
each competing driver will be required to meet a 40-minute minimum drive
time.
Each pit stop also will have a minimum-time requirement, as team
personnel and pit lane equipment will be limited. Drivers and tires may be
changed at the same time during pit stops, but the driver must be out of
the car and no other work may be performed on the car during refueling.
The 2018 season began at Daytona International Speedway in early
January as part of the annual Roar Before the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Like the WeatherTech Championship and Continental Tire Challenge,
the IMSA Prototype Challenge comes to Sebring International Raceway –
which has served as the season-opener for the series for the past several
years – for Round 2 of the season.
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IMSA Prototype Challenge