LMP3 Teams “Not Surprised” By IMSA’s Decision to Drop Class

Photo: Jake Galdtad/IMSA

Multiple LMP3 teams said they are “not surprised” by IMSA’s decision to drop the class from the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at the end of the season.

Confirmed on Wednesday, the junior prototype category will not continue in the top series next year, with the championship reverting to a four-class format.

Both Sean Creech Motorsport and Jr III Racing have praised IMSA President John Doonan for his open line of communication in the process, which will see LMP3 machinery focused exclusively on the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge beginning in 2024.

The two leading WeatherTech Championship teams have expressed desires of remaining in the series, with undisclosed programs, for next year.

“We are not surprised by today’s announcement,” a statement from Sean Creech Motorsport read.

“It does come as a disappointment, given our team’s longstanding history with IMSA in general and especially with the LMP3 car since its inclusion in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

“We do appreciate that John Doonan informed us of the decision prior to the public announcement and was willing to engage in constructive dialogue about the future of the WeatherTech and VP Series.

“We are extremely grateful for all of the hard work over the years from our partners Ligier and Katech, and our sponsor Focal One, as well as everyone on the SGM team.

“The Ligier LMP3 platform has proven to be an outstanding one, both in performance and durability. As we have demonstrated, it is ideally suited for a variety of race formats, from sprint to 24-hour racing.

“We will continue to work on our plans for 2024 – certainly remaining in the IMSA WeatherTech Series would be a priority.”

Jr III Racing team owner Billy Glavin echoed Jr III’s sentiments on the category’s demise at the end of the season.

“The announcement today did not come as a surprise, and I appreciate that John called to confirm the news with me before it was made public,” Glavin said.

“Starting with our program in IMSA Prototype Challenge, the LMP3 platform has been a fantastic way for Jr III Racing to grow within IMSA to now compete in both VP Fuels as well as in WeatherTech.

“Ligier has been a great partner to us over the course of the years and we look to finish the year on a high note.

“We are working to continue to race in WeatherTech in the future, and appreciate the clarity that this announcement is creating for everyone in the paddock.”

Riley Motorsports team owner Bill Riley previously told Sportscar365 that his LMP3 program for Gar Robinson is also working to remain in the series next year, although declined to confirm that a LMP2 effort would be the most sensible solution.

“I think [LMP3 was] a great class to get involved in for WeatherTech,” Riley told Sportscar365 in Long Beach. “We’re not ready to announce our 2024 plans but I know we’ve talked about staying in WeatherTech. There’s multiple options for sure.”

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