IMSA Extends LMP2, DPi, GTE Homologation Periods

Photo: John Dagys

IMSA has extended the homologation periods for LMP2, DPi and GTE-spec machinery in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship by one year each, the sanctioning body confirmed on Wednesday.

It comes following the FIA World Endurance Championship’s transition to a winter calendar, which has delayed the homologation periods in the globe-trotting series by roughly six months.

IMSA DPi and LMP2 machinery, originally confirmed for a four-year period through 2020, will now be eligible until at least the end of the 2021 season.

GTE-spec cars, meanwhile, will be extended through the 2019 WeatherTech Championship season.

The current homologation period for LMP2 will be until the 2020/2021 season-ending WEC round at Le Mans, with GTE cars confirmed through the end of the upcoming ‘Super Season’ only.

The change indicates that any new-generation GTE cars would likely now debut in WEC competition prior to the WeatherTech Championship season the following calendar year.

WEC CEO Gerard Neveu revealed plans for the 2019/20 season to start in September or October, some three to four months prior to the WeatherTech Championship kicking off in Daytona on January.

The extension of the current LMP2/DPi regs also provides additional time for potential discussions with the ACO and FIA on a common prototype platform, initially proposed for 2020. 

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