IMSA Teams Begin Pre-Season Testing at Daytona

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A number of IMSA entries, including the new Action Express Racing ‘all-star’ Cadillac DPi.V.R entry and Meyer Shank Racing’s Acura ARX-05, took to Daytona International Speedway on Tuesday for the first of a two-day private test ahead of January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Both seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson former DTM star Mike Rockenfeller got their first taste of a DPi, along with AJ Allmendinger, who will join MSR’s lineup in its Acura DPi for next month’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season opener.

Sportscar365 understands that Johnson, Rockenfeller, Simon Pagenaud and Pipo Derani all turned laps in the No. 48 Ally-sponsored Cadillac DPi, while former Mazda DPi ace Olivier Pla got his first experience in MSR’s Acura DPi alongside Allmendinger and HPD factory driver Dane Cameron.

A number of Riley Motorsports entries have also been on hand, including its new Ligier JS P320 Nissan LMP3 car for Dylan Murry and Jim Cox.

The duo are set to be joined by Jeroen Bleekemolen and former IMSA Prototype Challenge champion Austin McCusker for the Rolex 24.

Riley’s second LMP3 entry, for Gar Robinson, was also listed to take part in the test while the team’s new Toyota GR Supra GT4 was also seen in the paddock.

Joao Barbosa, meanwhile, was spotted testing Sean Creech Motorsport’s new Ligier LMP3 alongside Lance Willsey, although it remains unclear if the car is registered for the WeatherTech Championship or IPC, which will open its season at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 weekend.

In addition to the teams in Daytona, Corvette Racing wrapped up a two-day test at Sebring International Raceway on Tuesday, marking both Nick Tandy and Alexander Sims’ debut in the mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette C8.R.

Sportscar365 understands that all six of Corvette’s drivers were in attendance.

Photo: Supplied

Photo: Supplied

Photo: Supplied

Photo: Supplied

Photo: Supplied

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