JDC-Miller “Actively Working” on Second 963 for Next Year

Photo: Jake Galstad/IMSA

JDC-Miller Motorsports is still targeting an expansion into a two-car Porsche 963 effort in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship next year according to team principal John Church, who is “actively working” on possibilities that could include full-season or a Michelin Endurance Cup-only program for the car.

As first revealed by Sportscar365 in October, the Minnesota-based team has continued to make progress towards its goal of doubling its GTP class program, having taken delivery of a second 963 chassis over the winter.

While its plans remains fluid, Church is hoping to strike a deal with drivers and/or sponsors to make the second car a reality.

“We’re actively working on getting the second car running next year,” he told Sportscar365. “But it’s a limited pool that you’re dealing with. Budget is the biggest obstacle right now.

“We’re working on it.”

When asked about its current chances of mounting a full-season program with the second 963, Church said: “Maybe 50/50. It’s hard to say. It’s a challenge but you’ve got to keep working at it.”

JDC-Miller was Porsche’s first North American customer of the LMDh car, having debuted its car last year at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with Tijmen van der Helm and Mike Rockenfeller completing the season.

Richard Westbrook replaced the Ford-bound Rockenfeller this season, and has seen continual gains in the privateer program.

Church said one option could be to run the second car in the five-round Endurance Cup, and then look at ways to complete the season.

“That would be one option for sure,” he said. “That’s probably the option you start with and then it can be built [up] from there. It’s a project.”

As reported last weekend, JDC-Miller plans to return to the LMP2 ranks this summer with a two-race program for Gerry Kraut and Scott Andrews at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Road America.

Church said the future of that program beyond the two sprint races remains unclear.

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