IMSA Sets Reduced LMP2 Performance Levels for Roar

Photo: Rick Dole/IMSA

IMSA has confirmed reduced performance levels for the LMP2 class in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, having released the category’s technical configuration for next month’s Roar Before the Rolex 24.

Issued in a technical bulletin on Thursday, the class, made up entirely of Oreca 07 Gibsons, will have less power, more weight and will run to different aero configurations compared to the 2022 season, as part of the sanctioning body’s class stratification to the new-for-2023 GTP category.

A 35 mm air restrictor has been established for the 4.2-liter Gibson-powered V8 engine, which will be limited to 8000 RPMs from first to fifth gears and 8500 RPMs in sixth gear.

Previously, the power levels were restricted only through a 8700-RPM limiter, at all gears.

Additionally, the car has been given a 10 kg increase in minimum weight, from 940 to 950 kg, while the minimum full refueling time has been increased from 34 to 40 seconds, which will result in longer pit stops.

IMSA has also detailed two different aerodynamic configuration options, for both the front and rear. This compares to a single specification that was enforced at this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona.

The modifications were trialed in the two recent IMSA-sanctioned tests at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and Daytona International Speedway, which offered opportunities for selected teams to run to prescribed testing plans as part of IMSA’s evaluation process.

It’s unclear if the cars’ performance levels for the Roar will be in effect for the entire season or whether adjustments could be in store for more traditional circuits that make up the majority of the LMP2 calendar.

IMSA has yet to issue the Balance of Performance for the GTP or GTD Pro and GTD classes for the Roar.

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