JDC-Miller to Focus on LMP2; PC Class Set for Reduced Entry

Photo: Mike Levitt/IMSA

JDC-Miller Motorsports has discontinued its Prototype Challenge program, adding to a further depleted grid in the spec prototype class, with only one full-season entry currently confirmed in the category’s final year in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The Minnesota-based squad, which had initial plans of continuing in PC alongside its new Oreca 07 LMP2 effort, has elected to focus on the new full-season Prototype entry instead, according to team co-owner John Church.

Church told Sportscar365 that driver lineup for the Oreca 07 will be announced this week. The team tested four drivers, including Mathias Beche, in a multi-day test at Sebring last week.

The termination of JDC-Miller’s PC program is the latest in an increasing list of teams not returning to the class next year.

Five-time class champions CORE autosport has moved to GT Daytona with a new Porsche 911 GT3 R, while Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup champions PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports has purchased a Ligier JS P217 for its step up to the P class next year.

Reigning class champions Starworks Motorsport has yet to confirm a full-season entry, with Peter Baron admitting that the Florida-based team could instead focus on a two-car Patron Endurance Cup program-only.

Starworks fielded as many as three cars in select races last year. “It’s not the world’s best year for selling a PC program,” Baron told Sportscar365.

Series stalwarts Performance Tech, could be left in a similar position, with the Brent O’Neill-led operation yet to finalize its return, although O’Neill said he’s hopeful of getting a program into place later this week.

The only confirmed full-season entry, so far, is BAR1 Motorsports, with team principal Brian Alder telling Sportscar365 that he has a pair of drivers committed for the year and is currently working on a second season-long effort.

Alder said that both of the cars will be at Daytona, which is likely to see a 4-5 car PC class entry, but drop off as the season unfolds.

The class has an eight-round schedule next year, including all four Patron Endurance Cup races, plus the races at Circuit of The Americas, Detroit, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Road America.

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