WEC: Riley-Multimatic targets June test debut for new P2

Riley Technologies and Multimatic have targeted a June roll-out for its new LMP2 chassis. A first look at an early rendering of the car (ABOVE) gives an indicator of what the final product could look like.The American-Canadian racecar manufacturers were selected by the ACO and FIA as one of four approved P2 chassis suppliers starting in 2017 where a revised formula will be used in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA's WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. 

"It's no small task, and the way the ACO and FIA made out the rules, there are specific timelines we need to hit," Bill Riley told RACER. "The first is in January to homologate the tub design, and then in April we homologate the bodywork for the WEC, and then we have to do our crash testing in June.

"We're also shooting for the first track test in June, so June is our aim, but it could become July because of the schedules it being a busy time for sports car racing in June."

Riley's father Bob, a legendary designer in his own right, and the design team at Multimatic have been pushing to prepare everything that's needed to meet the milestones and deadlines imposed by the ACO and FIA.

"My dad Bob and everyone at Multimatic team have been working really hard, we've been busy with all of the CFD work, all the CAD work, and due dates are coming up pretty quick," he added.

Interest from WEC and IMSA teams has been remarkable, according to Riley.

"Everything has been really positive, and it's time for something new in the sports car scene," he said. "We've had a lot of interest, and some people are closer than others to getting their deposits in. We'll tackle those as they come in and schedule delivery accordingly.

"And at this stage, almost a year out from when these new P2s will start racing, we're fortunate to already be aligned with a strong manufacturer and this is the most interest I can recall for one of our cars still 13 or 14 months away from going racing."

The Riley-Multimatic will face competition for P2 sales from Italy's Dallara, and two French constructors, Onroak Automotive and ORECA. As IMSA teams work through their budgets for 2017, advantages could be found with a domestic P2 due to the high shipping and importation costs associated with the three European manufacturers.

"But it goes both ways," Riley said. "With the relationship with Multimatic, the car will be sold by them to European teams, and the profits won't be as much going that way for the same reason, but it will be more to our favor for American teams because you don't have those big costs to get cars or parts in from across the pond."