CRP considers prototype switch

Pirelli World Challenge team owner Nicholas Short has floated the idea of switching CRP Racing from the sprint racing GT series to IMSA's endurance racing Prototype class in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. His approach to the concept, at this early stage, could be described as exploratory.

"An LMP2 program is not for the faint of heart," Short said. "It will be a very competitive class, and I'm interested in speaking with partners who are committed to take on this challenge and build a long-term relationship with us. We want drivers who understand how serious we are about this project and are able to bring funding to the program."

As one of PWC's marquee, race-winning GT teams with Ryan Dalziel and Daniel Morad behind the wheel, PWC's loss would be IMSA's gain. According to the team, a visit to IMSA's season finale at Petit Le Mans was made by Short to gather information to use in the decision-making process.

"The purpose of the trip was to meet with manufacturers and drivers while getting a lay of the land," he said. "It is a new challenge, and I am only interested in an LMP2 program if I can do it right, emulating well-run teams such as Tequila Patrón ESM and Wayne Taylor Racing."

If Short is serious about leaving PWC for IMSA, he'll have just over two months to find a budget, sign drivers, secure a car, modify or buy the necessary support equipment, and head to Daytona for the January 5-7 Roar Before The 24.

"Everyone who is involved in endurance racing has the dream of running Le Mans as well as Daytona," he said. "With the standard ACO/FIA homologation, we could run a full season in the IMSA series and still have the chance of getting an entry into Le Mans. We have the infrastructure in place, but there's a lot of details to think through and people to talk with before we make our decision. We're interested to talk to all parties at this point."