Ex-Factory Dodge Viper GTS-Rs Possible for ELMS in 2015

Photo: John Dagys

Last month’s Petit Le Mans may not have been the last appearance for the Dodge Viper GTS-R after all, as the Riley Technologies-built V10-powered beasts could be off to Europe to compete in the European Le Mans Series with privateer squads next year.

Speaking with Endurance-Info, Michel MacBurnie of SRT Motorsports Europe confirmed interest from multiple customers for the ex-factory GTE-spec cars, which appear to have been made available for sale following a reversal of Chrysler’s original plans.

“Originally there were no plans to sell the GTS-R, but discussions were held with SRT and the green light was given,” MacBurnie told Endurance-Info. “There are inquiries to run the car in the European Le Mans Series and for it to return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

It’s understood there are at least two undisclosed European teams interested in purchasing the cars, which would see them campaigned in the Pro-Am-enforced ELMS GTE ranks next year.

A Le Mans program could also be in the cards, although potentially not until 2016.

“The European championship is a real possibility for 2015,” MacBurnie said. “Regarding Le Mans, nothing is ruled out for next year but it’s also [an option] for 2016. The Viper GTS-R is one of the best GTE cars on track.”

The Riley-built Vipers made its debut in mid-2012 in the American Le Mans Series, having collected its first win in 2013 by the factory SRT Motorsports squad.

It was followed by a pair of class victories this year as well as the GTLM drivers’ title for Kuno Wittmer, as well as the Riley-run squad collecting the teams’ championship.

In addition to the potential of GTE Vipers in Europe, MacBurnie is optimistic of seeing additional Viper GT3-Rs, with no fewer than six teams having expressed interest in FIA GT3-spec machine.

“Several teams from Europe, including those from France, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland have expressed interest in the Viper GT3-R for 2015 and we very much hope that a team will run cars in the Blancpain Endurance Series,” he said. “We are working on this direction with the teams involved.

“After a full year competing in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, Pirelli World Challenge and Supercar Challenge with success, the car is currently in its final stages of approval from the FIA.

“The goal is to have at least two Viper GT3-Rs in the Blancpain Endurance Series, while the European Le Mans Series is also under consideration, as well as the French GT Championship.”

MacBurnie said there’s a possibility of seeing the Dutch Race Art squad, which gave the car its maiden win earlier this year, enter the Blancpain Endurance Series next year.

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