Performance Tech Steps Up to Prototype with Oreca LMP2

Photo: Performance Tech

Performance Tech Motorsports confirmed on Wednesday its planned step up to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Prototype class with a single LMP2-spec Oreca 07 Gibson.

The Brent O’Neill-led team, which won the final Prototype Challenge title this season, will remain with the French constructor for a sixth year as it moves into the top class of the WeatherTech Championship.

The team’s driver lineup is yet to be announced.

While having initially explored a Ligier JS P217 and having come close to finalizing a deal with Dallara to bring the first LMP2-spec car from the Italian constructor to the series, the team has ultimately opted for an Oreca chassis.

“We know everybody going into this,” said O’Neill. “Everyone is expecting to see Dallara or Ligier but we look forward to continuing the relationship we’ve built over the years it was the right choice for us.

“It’s a big step for everybody but it’s a less steep curve to continue with ORECA because we’ve been working with them all along. ORECA was a part of our success this year.

“They did great through this process. We’ve had fun getting people excited about the new car. This, the car announcement, played out well for both of us.

“Everyone was asking ORECA who the car was for and our team was excited. But we’re happy to announce with them and excited to get to work.”

Performance Tech joins JDC-Miller Motorsports and CORE autosport in running the Oreca LMP2 next year in the growing Prototype class.

“I think they chose the right car for two main reasons,” ORECA technical director David Floury said. “Firstly, the Oreca 07 is known for quality and has proven its speed and reliability.

“But besides this, it is a good base for teams that are entering the category for the first year to achieve great results. JDC in the USA or Graff in Europe have really demonstrated this in 2017.

“The second point is that Performance Tech and ORECA have developed a strong and successful relationship through years. This will enable to gain valuable time and speed up the process.”

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.