2017 IMSA Silly Season Update: Prototype Challenge

Photo: Jake Galstad/IMSA

The Prototype Challenge class heads into the final year of competition in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, with what’s expected to be a reduced entry with a number of PC stalwarts having shifted its focus to other categories for 2017.

In its latest Silly Season update, Sportscar365 explores the confirmed and possible entries for the PC class next year.

Confirmed Full-Season (4-6 cars):

Starworks Motorsport – The Peter Baron-led squad will defend its class championship with at least one full-season Oreca FLM09, and potentially two, depending if its second Riley Mk. 30 Gibson materializes for the Prototype class. Driver lineups for Starworks’ PC effort have yet to be announced but will likely feature some familiar names. (1-2 cars)

Performance Tech – Series stalwarts Performance Tech will return with its PC entry for the final season. The Brent O’Neill-led squad is working on a deal to keep James French in one of the season-long seats for a fourth season. (1 car)

JDC/Miller Motorsports –  While stepping up to the Prototype class with an Oreca 07 Gibson, the Minnesota-based team will keep its PC entry in action as well for the full season, with a to-be-confirmed driver lineup. Look for a combination of its existing drivers, including Mikhail Goikhberg, Stephen Simpson and Chris Miller, to be a part of the effort, depending on which of the drivers gradate to the P class. (1 car)

BAR1 Motorsports – The Brian Alder-led team will return with at least one Oreca FLM09 for the year, while working on a second full-season entry. Two cars are already confirmed for the season-opener at Daytona. Drivers have yet to be announced but will feature a mix of current and new drivers, amid Johnny Mowlem’s retirement from professional racing. (1-2 cars)

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