IMSA: AXR sees 'great results' in Cadillac testing

The 2017 DPi-V.R – which will make its debut at the Rolex 24 At Daytona – is the first prototype racecar from the New York-headquartered manufacturer since 2002. Action Express, which has won the last three WeatherTech Championship Prototype titles, and Wayne Taylor Racing's one-car effort, will run the Cadillac Dpi-V.Rs.

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"We wanted to get to the race track and start testing our Cadillac DPi-V.R as soon as we could, and we already have a couple of tests under our belt," Action Express team manager Gary Nelson said. "Our early testing is showing some great results. We've learned a lot about a high-downforce racecar - a car that instantly grabs the track. Our drivers are learning about the new car and whether they have to make any adjustments to their driving style to accommodate the new racecar. In addition, our engineering staff is also learning about the new car and how to best tune the car."

The team's championship-winning 2016 driver lineup - Joao Barbosa, Dane Cameron, Eric Curran and Christian Fittipaldi - return to the team for the upcoming campaign. The team will continue its relationship with partners Whelen Engineering and Mustang Sampling.

"In the past, we've had a lot of success with our simple strategy of not changing things unless absolutely necessary," Nelson said. "With IMSA's introduction of the new Daytona Prototype international (DPi) in the Prototype class, it was necessary for us to make changes for the upcoming season. While we have a lot to learn, we're also looking forward to the challenge of developing a reliable and competitive new race car."

Action Express will continue its engine relationship with ECR, which has been with the team for five years.

"We're excited about our relationship as a Cadillac partner team and utilizing the Cadillac DPi-V.R in competition during the upcoming season," Nelson said. "We're also looking forward to working together with our new chassis partner Dallara, as well as continuing our relationship with ECR engines. Obviously, there's plenty of work for us to do to prepare for the start of the 2017 season and we've been extremely busy getting familiar with our new racecars."