Libra Racing to Test P2 Car at Sebring, Daytona

Photo: John Dagys

There will be at least two P2 cars at Sebring and Daytona next weekend, as Libra Racing has confirmed it will take part in the pair of IMSA pre-season tests, with the hope of gaining a full-season entry for next year’s TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.

Last seen at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in 2012, the Ian Dawson-led squad crew plans to roll out its Roush Yates-powered Radical SR9 for drivers Robbie Kerr and Nicolas de Crem. The car is powered by a 3.2-liter Ford-based EcoBoost V6 powerplant, similar to the manufacturer’s recently announced DP engine.

“We tested last month with Robbie at MSR [in Houston]. It was just a shakedown, to make sure all systems worked,” Dawson told Sportscar365. “We have worked away to be ready for 2014 and have sponsors. With the regulation balance, I would say that we have a great package but we also have to deal with the entry and the politics.”

While Kerr, who is competing in this weekend’s FIA WEC Six Hours of Shanghai with Delta-ADR, is no stranger to North American racing, de Crem will be making his U.S. debut.

The 23-year-old Belgian has competed in both the European Le Mans Series and 24 Hours of Le Mans in LMPC and LMP2 machinery, respectively, with his last start coming in 2011.

“The team is working really hard to finalize an agreement with one final sponsor,” de Crem said in an interview on Belgian Web site, Actu Moteurs. “I think we should end our discussions this month. This should secure proper funding for the team throughout the entire season.

“I have not driven a car like this in two years so I need to make sure I stay fit. I am getting some training in a simulator provided by Kinetic… Sebring and Daytona are legendary tracks. I really can’t wait to be there.”

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