Updated MPC, IPC Daytona Entry Lists Released

Photo: Jake Galstad/IMSA

Updated entry lists, featuring key driver additions, have been released for this weekend’s pre-season IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge test and IMSA Prototype Challenge season-opener at Daytona International Speedway.

Initially distributed without driver names, the 38-car Pilot Challenge entry list now features the majority of drivers that will take part in the optional three-day test.

Among the notable additions include Aurora Straus and Nick Longhi in a Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT4, Corey Lewis in RENNtech Motorsports’ Mercedes-AMG GT4 and Jeroen Bleekemolen as a third pilot in Riley Motorports’ Mercedes alongside full-season drivers Dylan Murry and Jim Cox.

The TCR class, meanwhile, sees reigning class champions Michael Lewis and Mark Wilkins split up between the two Bryan Herta Autosport Hyundai Veloster N TCR entries. 

Wilkins is set to be joined by Gabby Chaves and Ryan Norman, with Lewis paired with the 2019 driving duo of Mason Filippi and Harry Gottsacker.

It’s unclear if BHA’s lineups are for the season or Daytona-only, which permits three drivers due to the race’s four-hour format.

The team had expressed interest in expanding to a three or potential four-car operation for 2020.

Drivers Confirmed for IPC Season Opener

The grid for Saturday’s three-hour IPC season-opener, meanwhile, has been set, with 18 LMP3 cars confirmed, alongside the majority of drivers. 

The new-for-2020 format requires a minimum of two-driver lineups and at least one Bronze-rated driver in each squad.

Austin McCusker and Rodrigo Pflucker will not defend their championship, with Forty7 Motorsports scaling back to a single Norma M30 Nissan for Joel Janco, JJ Jorge and Kyle Kirkwood.

2019 runner-up Stevan McAleer, meanwhile, is set to be joined by Joe Robillard in the Muehlner Motorsports-run Robillard Racing Norma entry. 

K2R Motorsports will field a pair of Ligier JS P3 Nissans for Steven Thomas and Thomas Merrill (No. 11) and Naveen Rao and Matt Bell (No. 64), with Dave House and Paul LaHaye back at One Motorsports for 2020.

The race is set to get underway Saturday at 12:15 p.m. ET and will be the first IMSA race to be broadcast on the new Trackpass on NBC Sports Gold package.

IMSA.tv will provide flag-to-flag coverage for international viewers, with the race available to all on IMSA Radio.

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