Sean Creech Confirms LMP3 Return With Barbosa, Willsey

Photo: Sean Creech Motorsports

Sean Creech Motorsports has confirmed its return to the LMP3 ranks of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with drivers Joao Barbosa and Lance Willsey set for a full season in the No. 33 Ligier JS P30 Nissan next year.

The Florida-based team has acquired three additional Ligier LMP3 cars from the now-defunct CORE autosport, with a decision pending on a possible two-car WeatherTech Championship program or entry into the new VP Racing SportsCar Challenge.

“Having several cars does give us plenty of options for 2023,” said team principal Sean Creech.

“Primary focus will of course be on the WeatherTech series – we finished fourth in the championship this year and definitely want to go after that title next year.

“We’ve had discussions with additional drivers, which would make it a two-car team, but nothing concrete yet.

“We are also looking at the VP series, with Lance interested in running, as well as several other drivers. It’s an exciting time for IMSA and we’re looking forward to getting the season underway at our home race in Daytona.”

The team joined the WeatherTech Championship in 2021 but contested its first full season this year, highlighted by class victory at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and second straight podium at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

“I look at endurance racing as an iterative process,” said Willsey. “We as a team are learning about the car every weekend and at every test.

“We improved from last season to this season, and I don’t see any reason that won’t continue, based on the caliber of the team Sean has assembled.”

Barbosa added: “We have improved our knowledge of the Ligier each year, and I think we’ll be even more competitive this year than the past two years.

“With two years of experience, the team knows exactly what to do. It’s one of my favorite races of the year, even more so because I get to stay in my own home the whole time.”

The team has scheduled a two-day, two-car test at Daytona International Speedway this month to prepare for January’s season-opener as well as evaluate drivers for the Michelin Endurance Cup races and fourth seat at the Rolex 24.

“We have had a large number of inbound inquiries regarding opportunities to join us for Daytona as well as for the season,” said Willsey.

“We have at our disposal the unique combination of several race-ready Ligier LMP320 cars, a history of competing and winning both driver championships as well as races since IMSA welcomed the LMP3 platform.

“That provides the team the ability to work with and develop drivers to compete at the highest level of motorsports.”

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