IMSA: German brand closing on DPi program

Germany's AMG brand, which serves as the customer sport arm of Mercedes-Benz is, according to multiple sources, said to be close to providing a Daytona Prototype international (DPi) solution.

RACER has learned a Mercedes-Benz AMG DPi, built around the Riley/Multimatic 2017 P2 chassis with the V8 engine from the brand's SLS GT3 coupe and with custom DPi bodywork, has been offered to multiple teams.

Unlike the DPi programs for Cadillac and Mazda, which will see their respective cars placed within a small, closed group of IMSA Prototype entrants, the Mercedes-AMG DPi program is believed to be more customer driven. The project is said to be administered by AMG, rather than a full-blown factory DPi campaign on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, and would operate like many of the other manufacturer customer sport programs where hardware and technical support is provided to independent teams that purchase its products.

The Mercedes-AMG DPi plan is rumored to involve the supply of engines and bodywork, only, which would leave teams to pay for the Riley/Multimatic chassis and underwrite all operating costs. It would also mark the second known DPi solution provided by the American-Canadian chassis supplier, and would complement the (yet-to-be-formally-announced) DPi in the works for Mazda.

Although Mercedes-AMG DPi customers would foot most of the bill, the program would, in theory, provide entrants with an enhanced selling point for potential sponsors and funded Pro-Am drivers looking for a manufacturer-affiliated home.

Meetings between AMG and multiple IMSA Prototype teams have reportedly taken place in recent months, although it's unclear whether anyone has signed on to run its DPi. Only two DPi manufacturers are expected to have cars on the grid for the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January, while a few others have been mentioned as candidates for a midseason introduction, which could be a better fit for the AMG DPi timeline.

Of the current entrants, Visit Florida Racing team owner Troy Flis has been open about his search for the right DPi or WEC P2 chassis solution to replace his Corvette DP next year, has been mentioned as a candidate for an AMG DPi, and confirmed discussion have taken place.

"We have spoken with them, and we still have a bit to go to do what we're looking to do, but [there's] nothing to report yet," Flis told RACER from the paddock at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on Thursday, which hosts this weekend's IMSA Weather Tech SportsCar Championship event.

Flis is also known to have met and spoken with other DPi and WEC P2 manufacturers about using their solutions.

Mercedes-AMG tested its new GT3 car at Daytona in November with customer sport head Thomas Jager spearheading the effort, but with IMSA's steep "official series partner" price tag for manufacturers to meet, its GT3 coupes did not go forward as part of the WeatherTech Championship this season. It's believed that hurdle will be cleared in order for a DPi program to go forward when IMSA axes the DP platform and shifts to an all-P2-based Prototype class once the 2016 season concludes.

On a related DPi note, the Don Panoz-owned DeltaWing Racing program recently expressed an interest in adding its name, engine and bodywork to IMSA's roster of upcoming DPis, and according to sources, it has been nothing more than a statement of interest.

Until a formal effort is launched by DeltaWing to become a DPi manufacturer, its future in the Prototype class, where its DWC13 Coupe is completing its farewell tour, is uncertain.

Provided the Mercedes-Benz AMG DPi program moves forward, IMSA would have three manufacturers known to be preparing cars for its new Prototype formula.

The three-pointed star has an illustrious history in international prototype racing, including its overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1989 (above, LAT Photographic), but has a significant void in North America in the top form of sports car competition. If the brand is represented in DPi--even with AMG as the focal point, it would break new ground for Mercedes.

It would also add another famous German name to a series where Audi, BMW and Porsche currently serve as major promotional points for IMSA.