Riley Submitting LMP2 Constructor Bid

Photo: Brian Cleary/BCPix.com

Riley Technologies is the latest constructor to throw its hat into the mix for the new-for-2017 LMP2 regulations, confirming plans to submit an expression of interest this week.

“The letter of interests aren’t due until Wednesday but I’ll have one in by then,” Bill Riley told Sportscar365 Monday at Le Mans.

The twist, Sportscar365 has learned, is that Riley’s bid is likely to be a combined effort with another existing chassis manufacturer.

Riley said he can’t comment on whether his is in partnership with another entity, which has been rumored in the paddock to be Multimatic.

What is certain is that at least one North America-based constructor will be granted one of the four licenses from the FIA.

Full details on the 2017 technical regulations will be announced during a press conference at Le Mans on Thursday.

For Riley, the most successful DP constructor, the opportunity to potentially move forward in the new era was a no-brainer for the company.

“Obviously Prototype racing in the U.S. has always been a backbone of our company for more than ten years,” he said. “It’s our intent to hopefully stay in it.”

Progress, meanwhile, continues to be made on its previously announced AR-2 LMP3 car, which is expected to begin on-track testing in a few months.

“The design is getting finished up and the tub is being built now by Elan,” Riley said. “That car will be testing in September.

“It will be tough to get the crash test done in this amount of time to race it in 2015. But obviously it will be ready in 2016.”

Riley said he’s patiently waiting on a decision from IMSA on whether the LMP3 platform will eventually be adopted in the TUODR United SportsCar Championship.

A feasibility test with at least one Ginetta-Nissan LMP3 car has been planned for the Monday following the Six Hours of The Glen.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John