A new generation for LMP2 racing arrives in 2029

It is official: the future of the LMP2 class is locked in. The next generation of these incredible machines will make their grand entry into the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at the 2029 Rolex 24 At Daytona. These new prototypes are set to arrive one year after their initial debut in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) and Le Mans Endurance Management (LMEM) championships.

Here is the technical reality: competitors will choose between two chassis constructors, Ligier Automotive and ORECA. Under the hood, these beasts will house turbocharged V6 engines from Gibson Technology, producing 420 kW, or approximately 563 horsepower. While the aerodynamics will stay familiar to those of the current generation that began in 2017, the shift represents a calculated move toward future-proofing the class.

Teams have plenty of time to prepare, as the current ORECA LMP2 07 chassis and Gibson V8 engines will remain the standard through the conclusion of the 2028 season. IMSA President John Doonan noted that this timeline provides the necessary runway for competitors to manage their investments. As the ACO put it, this transition is rooted in a serious commitment to cost control.