IMSA Confirms DPi 2022 Timeline

Photo: IMSA

IMSA has confirmed the timeline for the development of its DPi 2022 platform, which will see the technical regulations released by the first quarter of next year.

Revealed during Friday evening’s ‘State of the Series’ address at Road America, IMSA President Scott Atherton outlined the current progress in the evolution of the new regs that will serve as the successor to the current DPi formula beginning in 2022.

With the initial feasibility studies and wind tunnel model testing already complete, IMSA is set to begin the tender process for the spec hybrid system.

Atherton said they’ve had discussions with between 10-11 hybrid manufacturers although would not confirm the intended specification, which is understood by Sportscar365 to be a high-voltage system.

“I don’t want to confirm any of the technical details,” Atherton told Sportscar365. “That’s not yet part of our [public] discussion.

“That will come out when the regulations are released.”

While confirming a deadline of Q1 2020, two years prior to the platform’s planned debut in the 2022 Rolex 24 at Daytona, Atherton indicated the regulations could be finalized even sooner.

It comes in contrast to the FIA World Endurance Championship, which just last month confirmed its Hypercar regulations for the 2020-21 season.

“The sooner the better,” Atherton said on confirming its DPi 2022 regs. “There’s no benefit to delaying. As soon as they’re ready, we’ll go public.”

The timeline, meanwhile, calls for on-track testing to begin in the first quarter of 2021.

The second-generation DPi platform will feature “increased styling freedoms” compared to the current platform that will provide “enhanced” production car relevance for OEMs.

Multiple engine configurations will continue to be permitted, while alternative fuels, as part of IMSA Green, could be introduced in the future.

While not confirmed, it’s understood the platform will continue to be LMP2-based with the current four constructors.

Atherton said there are currently nine manufacturers involved in steering committee meetings in helping shape the regulations that will be in effect for at least five seasons.

“IMSA prides itself on being as transparent as it can be,” he said. “It’s not always an option given the business that we’re in.

“But to have people aware of when to expect the next steps in the process… credit where credit’s due, it all goes to Simon [Hodgson], Matt [Kurdock] and his team.

“I’ve heard unsolicited comments from many of the manufacturers that are involved with us, that this is a new benchmark of process, thoroughness and communication.

“All of these things are important when you’re defining the next generation of anything.”

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