Cadillac V-LMDh Completes Three-Day Road Atlanta Test

Photo: Cadillac

Cadillac has completed the second major outing with its newly named LMDh car, having logged three days of testing at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta that saw Pipo Derani added to the mix of drivers.

The Cadillac V-LMDh, under the direction of Chip Ganassi Racing and crew from Action Express Racing, took to the 2.54-mile circuit this week following last month’s five-day test at Sebring International Raceway.

Derani, the reigning IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship DPi champion, was joined by CGR drivers Sebastien Bourdais, Earl Bamber and Alex Lynn at the wheel.

“To be part of the program and develop this new hybrid technology with Cadillac Racing is fantastic for me as a driver,” said Derani. “I’ve had a successful time with the DPi and now I’m looking forward to the future.

“The car was born quite well; it’s a strong base where we can start working with the car.

“For a driver when they get in a car they immediately know if it’s a car that they’re going to be able to develop into a good car or they’re going to have lots of trouble with.

“The little that I’ve had so far in the car shows great promise. It gives us a reason to smile and keep working hard.”

Several developments to the Dallara-chassieid prototype were on the test car for the first time, including functional headlights.

“I think we had a really successful first test at Sebring and the guys at GM have done a great job in the short break to take all the information and make some positive steps forward in the overall development of the car,” said Bamber, who completed the car’s initial shakedown at Putnam Park in July.

“We continue to learn about the engine and the hybrid system, which is new for everybody. Same goes for the powertrain and the chassis with Dallara.

“The car is wicked fun to drive. Now it’s about getting more miles, so it’s a busy time coming up with tests that are critical to the project. All eyes forward to 2023.”

Sportscar365 understands that Cadillac’s next test will come at Daytona International Speedway next weekend as part of a group LMDh outing that will include Porsche and Acura.

Official IMSA-sanctioned testing is scheduled for Oct. 3-4 at Road Atlanta and Dec. 6-7 at Daytona.

“We have a lot of durability work to do – which is putting as many miles on the car as possible,” said GM sports car racing program manager Laura Wontrop Klauser.

“We also have a lot of integration work with the engine, hybrid and electronic braking system.

“Plus understanding the tires and making sure the driver experience is great, so they feel confident pushing the car to its limits in the races.”

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