LMP3 Gen3 Debuts in North America
The first batch of third-generation LMP3 cars are set to debut this weekend at the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, featuring a double-header format. All entries are Ligier JS P325s, a model that has seen significant success across Europe and Asia.
Team Lineup:
- TWOth Autosport: Co-owner and driver Travis Hill will lead the effort with title sponsorship from Shopify, sharing the car with F1 Academy graduate Nicole Havdra during the Airbnb Endurance Challenge.
- Toney Driver Development: Fielding two cars, driven by Lincoln Day (#95) and Brady Golan (#30), the team is managed by Nathan Toney, currently an engineer with Inter Europol Competition.
The LMP3 field will showcase the contrast between the new Toyota V6 twin-turbo engines and the older Nissan V8s.
Key Media Personnel Changes
In other news, Oliver Gavin, former Corvette Racing driver, joins the NBC/Peacock commentary team for the 2026 season, marking a multi-race agreement following his guest appearance last year during the Rolex 24.
Biffle Tribute in Michelin Pilot Challenge
For the upcoming Michelin Pilot Challenge, KOHR Motorsports will unveil a special livery on its #60 Ford Mustang GT4 honoring NASCAR legend Greg Biffle. Designed by Andy Blackmore, the livery mirrors Biffle’s 2002 championship car, complete with a tribute hashtag #BeLikeBiff applied in classic sponsor font.
Ford Racing Developments
Logan Sargeant participated in a fitting with Era Motorsport after attending Ford Racing’s 2026 reveal in Detroit. The Ford Racing Driver Development Team expands from six to fourteen members, adding eight new drivers, including Americans Nate Cicero and Devon Anderson, along with international talents like Cameron McLeod from Australia.
Acura Meyer Shank Racing Insights
Acura Meyer Shank Racing’s #93 Acura ARX-06 will continue its partnership with Honda Racing Corporation, featuring number plates that reflect their historical significance. Team principal Shank noted the 93 signifies HRC US’s founding year, further deepening the team’s connection to Honda’s heritage.
Aston Martin’s Valkyrie Returns
As the Aston Martin Valkyrie prepares for its first Rolex 24, driver Ross Gunn emphasizes the importance of patience as the team tackles its sophomore season. With unpredictable competitive dynamics, Gunn aims for a solid performance, focusing on tire degradation and reliability as key factors during the high-stakes race.
Pilot Challenge Testing Update
In initial testing for the Michelin Pilot Challenge, the Ford Mustang GT4s dominated, securing the top seven spots on the leaderboard during practice sessions. Session 1 saw Morgan Burkhard lead with a time of 1:52.800 in the #2 CSM Porsche, while Hugh Plumb topped Session 2 at 1:53.296.
VP Racing SportsCar Challenge Practice Results
In early practice sessions for the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, Gebhardt Motorsports’ Duqueine D08s led the timesheets, with Danny Soufi posting the fastest lap of 1:43.384 in Practice 1. Oscar Tunjo followed up with a best of 1:43.012 in Practice 2, underscoring the competitive edge of the older models over the new Ligier JS P325s.
Qualifying for the VP Challenge begins at 10:25 AM ET, followed by Race 1 at 2:00 PM ET, available for live streaming through IMSA’s platforms.
Images © IMSA, dailysportscar.com
