IMSA Prototype Challenge (formerly IMSA Prototype Lites) was a racing series featuring two classes of single-seat prototype cars racing simultaneously. The series was sanctioned by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). Most races were held in support of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.[1] The series raced LMP3 class prototype sportscars. The cars have grown in size and speed since its 2006 introduction, starting from four-cylinder and motorcycle powered race cars to large V8 powered cars. Each race was 1 hour and 45 minutes long apart from the season opening 3 hour race at Daytona International Speedway.
 | |
| Category | Sports car racing |
|---|---|
| Country | United States, Canada |
| Inaugural season | 2006 |
| Folded | 2022 |
| Classes | LMP3 |
| Last Drivers' champion |  Tõnis Kasemets |
| Last Teams' champion | Wulver Racing |
| Official website | IMSA Official Site |
The series' final season was in 2022. For 2023, the series was replaced with the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge.[2]
Car Specifications
editLMP3 Class
edit| Minimum weight | 930 kilograms (2,050 lb) |
| Maximum length | 4,650 millimetres (183 in) |
| Maximum width | 1,900 millimetres (75 in) |
| Engine | Naturally aspirated Nissan V8 5.6L |
| Fuel tank size | 85 litres (22 US gal) |
| Maximum wheel diameter | 28 inches (710 mm) |
| Maximum wheel width | 13 inches (330 mm) [3] |
Former classes
editMPC Class
- Engine: 2.0-liter, Naturally aspirated Mazda MZR engine
- Gearbox: 6 Speed Sequential Manual Transmission
- Weight: 1,425 lb (646 kg) with driver
- Fuel Delivery: Electronic fuel injection[4]
L2 Class[5]
- Engine: 2.3-liter, Naturally aspirated Mazda MP2
- Gearbox: 6 Speed Sequential Manual Transmission
- Weight: 1,425 lb (646 kg) with driver
- Fuel Delivery: Electronic fuel injection
L2 Class 2006-2012 only[6]
- Engine: 1000cc Naturally aspirated Kawasaki or Suzuki
- Weight: 1,100 lb (500 kg) with driver
L3 Class 2006-2009 only, class discontinued for 2010[7]
- Engine: 2.3-liter, Naturally aspirated Mazda MZR
- Weight: 1,350 lb (612 kg) with driver
Champions
edit| Season | Class | Driver Champion | Masters Champion | Team Champion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | L1 | n/a | ||
| L2 | n/a | PVM Racing | ||
| L3 | n/a | n/a | ||
| 2007 | L1 | n/a | ||
| L2 | n/a | PVM Racing | ||
| L3 | n/a | |||
| 2008 | L1 | |||
| L2 | ||||
| L3 | KC Racing | |||
| 2009 | L1 | |||
| L2 | ||||
| L3 | Surface Exploration | |||
| 2010 | L1 | |||
| L2 | ||||
| 2011 | L1 | |||
| L2 | ||||
| 2012 | L1 | |||
| L2 | ||||
| 2013 | L1 | |||
| L2 | ||||
| 2014 | L1 | |||
| L2 | ||||
| 2015 | L1 | |||
| L2 | n/a | |||
| 2016 | L1 | |||
| 2017 | LMP3 | |||
| MPC | ||||
| 2018 | LMP3 | |||
| MPC | n/a | |||
| 2019 | LMP3 | |||
| 2020 | LMP3 | |||
| 2021 | LMP3-1 | |||
| LMP3-2 | ||||
| 2022' | LMP3 | n/a | ||
| [9] | ||||
References
edit- ^ "IMSA, Cooper Tire align for partnership in Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Championship" (PDF). Press release. International Motor Sports Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 October 2011. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
- ^ "IMSA to Replace Prototype Challenge with New Sprint Racing Class in 2023". autoweek.com. Hearst Autos, Inc. July 1, 2022. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
- ^ "The different classes". Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). Retrieved 2016-05-05.
- ^ 2014 Technical Regulations, IMSA.com/competitors, Retrieved 20 September 2014
- ^ 2014 Technical Regulations, IMSA.com/competitors, Retrieved 20 September 2014
- ^ "Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Championship Technical Regulations Lites 2 / L-2 2011" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association. January 20, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
- ^ "Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Championship Technical Regulations Lites 3 / L-3 2010" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association. February 1, 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
- ^ Åberg, Andres. "The racing career of Adam Pecorari — in detail". Driver Database. Archived from the original on 19 October 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
- ^ "Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Results and Points". International Motor Sports Association. Retrieved 24 June 2011.