IMSA: Planning continues for Lexus GT3 debut

The 2015 version of the factory Lexus RC F that will compete in IMSA's WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is being prepared for an April testing debut.

According to Scott Pruett, who will lead the driving duties for F Performance once the V8-powered car starts running in North America, plans to test the car towards the end of February or early March have been pushed back, but he expects to receive a full debrief on the status of current car, and its replacement, days after the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

"There have been some delays, so I don't see getting to the racetrack until April, just based on the fact that we are waiting on components," Pruett told RACER. "They're new components for the 2015 car, and with that being said, next Tuesday, I leave for Japan with a number of people from Lexus and F Performance to go over there and see what's going on with the '17 car. We'll also talk about what is in store for the updated 2015 car we will start testing and racing in 2016. I couldn't be more pleased."

Pruett says the American Toyota Racing Development team has also been an integral part of the development behind the RC F IMSA program.

"We had meetings with TRD last week in Charlotte and they were incredible," he said. "Their depth of resource is incredible with everything they do and have done. And they are ready, willing and able to jump into helping this project for the remainder of 2016 and beyond."

F Performance anticipates using the 2015 car to evaluate parts and pieces for the 2017 RC F, which makes rushing out to test less of a priority.

"The future truly couldn't be brighter as I see all these people and components and desires coming together for what race we race in 2016, and then put all we learn into the 2017 car for next year," Pruett said.

"When we go to Japan and sit down with TGC, which is the internal racing department doing the car, we'll meet with people who were in Formula 1, in the WEC P1 program, and they're in charge of what is going on in Tokyo with the '17 car. More answers will be coming shortly after Daytona when we come back from Japan, and let me tell you, after being in some other programs most recently, it is very refreshing."