IMSA: Planning for PC replacement continues; 2016 updates outlined

IMSA has extended the life of its current ORECA FLM09-Chevrolet PC package, and continues to consider its options to replace the aging chassis for 2018. IMSA invited LMP3 manufacturer Ginetta and interested team owners to test the car a possible replacement for the FLM09, and that left many who attended thoroughly underwhelmed by the experience.

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PC team owners have also pitched the concept of a budget-minded LMP2 car as logical upgrade for the FLM09, which is a converted P2 chassis with a series of cost-capped modifications. Speaking with IMSA's Geoff Carter (LEFT) on the status of PC 2018 developments, the former IndyCar chief mechanic and ALMS team manager says IMSA will remain focused on bringing its new-for-2017 P2 regulations to bear before choosing a path for its second-tier prototype class.

"The short answer is we haven't determined what we're going to do yet, but there are possibilities out there," said Carter (LEFT), who serves as the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series and technical manager. "LMP3 is something we looked at, we held a test, and put that on the shelf as a possible consideration. There's the value-engineered P2 car which we've seen a few proposals on. We haven't moved forward with that, other than having it as a consideration."

IMSA is keen to replace the FLM09 for a variety of reasons, and atop the list is its open-top construction. Retrofitting the ORECA with a roof isn't an option, leading IMSA to search for a purpose-built closed-top prototype to take its place.

"The world of sportscar racing is going away from open-top cars, and IMSA is interested in doing that as well, and we don't think there's a solution to enclose the current PC car," Carter said.

Although IMSA still needs to device a succession plan for the FLM09, it sounds like the process of modifying the ACO's new P2 spec for IMSA's Daytona Prototype international formula could shape the outcome for whatever happens in PC for 2018. It wouldn't be a surprise to see one of the four official P2 chassis suppliers tabbed to assemble a less expensive version, using a new engine, for PC entrants to purchase.

"The one thing we're really focused on that's important for 2017 is the implementation of the new P2-based car," Carter continued. "We've been working hard on that for the past 12 months, and once we get that progress where we want it, we'll turn our attention back to what we will or won't do with the PC class."

For now, IMSA, ORECA, Katech – builders of the spec Chevy V8 PC engine – Continental Tire, and Motec have come up with a series of upgrades for the FLM09 that will be introduced in stages leading into January's Rolex 24 at Daytona and March's 12 Hours of Sebring.

"We met with the PC stakeholders at Petit, asked what they felt it would take to increase their interest in the car to extend its life through the end of 2017," Carter said. "They unanimously said they wanted an electronics upgrade, and a revised wet weather tire.

"We went to work with ORECA, and with Katech, to take 30 pounds of the rear of the car, and came up with an electronics that has a new ECU (engine control unit), a new dash, a new GCU (gearbox control unit), a new PDU (power distribution unit), and we're giving the cars traction control. Everything is being swapped over to Motech, the cars are getting new wiring looms, and, for the first time, we're adding telemetry. All of this integration will happen for Sebring."

Improved reliability and chassis balance have been targets for the new PC updates.

"Currently, Katech is working on engine calibrations with the new ECU," Carter continued. "We've made a slight modification to the heads, and we've changed the damper on the front of the motor to reduce the ringing on the gearshifts so we'll have better reliability on the dog ring failures. We'll have that for Daytona.

"And then for Sebring, we'll have a lightweight rod and crank assembly that will take 25 pounds out of the car. It will move the weight distribution further forward, but we'll still keep the cars at 910 kilos, add the [traction control], and the better drivability with the ECU, and we'll have updated rain tires for the cars next season. We'll have a car that's much nicer to drive for the gentleman drivers, have more reliability, and have a package that's sustainable through 2017."