Examining the Differences Between Classes in the IMSA Sportscar Championship : Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2)
The LMP2 class is much like the GTP Class in terms of physical appearance similarities, and not much after that. These beasts of race cars are amazing feats of power for their spec. The LMP2 cars will race in seven(7) races in the 2024 season. This includes Daytona; Sebring; Watkins Glen; CT Motorsport Park; Road America; Indianapolis; Road Atlanta.
Just like the GTP class, the LMP2 class has driver requirements during specific races determined by the longevity of the event. For races reaching the twenty four(24) hour mark, the LMP2 class teams must have four(4) drivers racing in their cars. In this class, driver ratings are also looked upon. With these twenty four(24) hour races, each team must race at least one(1) bronze rated driver. These teams are also allowed to have either one(1) of each (platinum and gold), or two(2) gold drivers to race in their cars as well in the longer events. In races that stretch to ten(1) - twelve(12) hours, the LMP2 class is allotted three(3) drivers that they must have. One of those drivers must be a bronze rated driver, and only one of those drivers can be platinum or gold as well. This driver lineup is the same in LMP2 for six(6) hour races. In races less than six(6) hours, the LMP2 class teams must have a bronze rated driver and either a platinum or gold driver. Only two(2) are allowed for these events.
Points are handed out the same in all classes. Click here to find out more about how the IMSA Championship works.
In the LMP2 class, driver ratings start to matter more and more. In this class, if qualifying is rained out or shortened in any way, LMP2 class must submit a Bronze rated driver to start the race. If a Bronze rated driver is not starting the race in an LMP2 class car, the team/driver will be penalized. The penalty is stopping on pit-road plus five(5) minutes.
LMP2 class teams are not allowed to test their car off track in a wind tunnel and/or in a straightline test per the IMSA Rule Book. If the type of testing does not include those two specifications, those tests may be approved by IMSA.
On track tests can be approved by IMSA up to two(2) weeks prior to the race event happening at the specific track being tested on. In the LMP2 class, they may request to test at two(2) tracks with their bronze rated drivers up until only one(1) week/the Sunday prior to the race event at the specific track being tested at. This allows for lower rated driver to get experience at tracks before going into a race at a track that they may or may not have ever driven on.
LMP2 class teams and drivers have an unrestricted amount of days to test. Only certain types of tests are not allowed and cut-off.
Some classes have restrictions on fueling their cars. LMP2 is not different. They have a specific fueling time. There is a minimum time and a maximum time that is class specific. There is a formula calculated to determine this time in the IMSA Rule Book. There are penalties for this action of going under or over the time allotted to refuel. The first time the penalty is committed, it would only cost the team/driver a drive through penalty. The second time and all other times after that causes the driver to stop the car and add ten(10) seconds.
In Qualifying, LMP2 teams can only use a single set of tires from their amount provided at the beginning of the week. Teams cannot change the tires during the qualifying session. However, they can choose whether or not they want to use dry or wet tires depending on the weather.
Qualifying must also be submitted by a Bronze rated driver. Not adhering to this rule could cause the team and car to be pushed to the back of the field at start of the race and disregarding their qualifying effort, and the points collected during. There is only one(1) session for LMP2 cars to qualify under.
At the start of the race, the LMP2 cars and drivers will line up behind the GTP cars and ahead of the other two classes, unless instructed otherwise by IMSA. Tires at the start of the race must also be wet or dry per the IMSA Rule Book. This can be determined by the team which tire they would rather start the race on.
On full course yellow flags, pits will open and the LMP2 class will be allowed onto pit road during the first lap that it is open along with the GTP cars. The other two classes must stay out.
An award is presented to drivers with a Bronze rating in the LMP2 class for demonstrating their talent, determination and skills and have a recognition in the racing community. This award is for individual drivers themselves and only drivers considered ‘non-professional’
Comments