|
 |
|
|
|
|
Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered By Mazda Formula Announces Change For 2013
Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda is widely known for being a unique racing platform that provides affordable competition to both young, dynamic talent, as well as veteran racers who crave a true prototype experience on renowned road courses and high profile venues across North America.
|
|
|
As the pinnacles of the two sports car series in America begin to converge in 2013, IMSA Prototype Lites series officials are also looking to the future of the sport. Their goal is to continually improve competition and further develop the current platform so it remains in step with the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón and the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports
Car Series, two series that have long defined the championship formula for prototype racing in North America.
With the future firmly in mind and the historic 61st Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring fueled by Fresh From Florida rapidly approaching, Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda officials have announced a change to the Lites 2 category with the goal of widening the spectrum of competition and creating more opportunity throughout the 14-race schedule.
While the Lites 1 class will remain unchanged, the Lites 2 class will make a switch from the previous formula, which featured the West Race Cars chassis with Kawasaki power.
The 2013 Lites 2 package will adopt the current Lites 1 Élan DP02 chassis, fitted with a highly capable, production-based Mazda 2.3L engine. The venerable Mazda package will produce in excess of 200 horsepower and speeds similar to the previous formula at approximately 160 mph. As with all Mazda-powered competition vehicles, the power will be durable and affordable for Lites 2 competitors with a full-season between rebuilds readily achievable.
This new alternative aligns with the goals of the IMSA Development Series by offering affordability with close competition, as well as ensuring that the competition is truly "Powered by Mazda."
Series Director Steven Sewell is excited about the new formula and providing the competitors with more opportunity within prototype competition.
"The addition of cost-effective 2.3L Élan DP02 cars to our established Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda grid is a perfect complement to the existing Élan DP02 L1 category," he said. "The balance of performance between the two classes makes for an ideal evolution through the junior prototype ranks while the commonality of manufacturers in series partners Élan and Mazda makes for even greater economies for all competitors. For the fans, the cars will obviously appear similar, but the engine notes will be entirely different and class colors will be evident as they are throughout the IMSA and ALMS series."
The 2013 season will also see further recognition of the full Masters Class podiums at every event. Alongside returning 2012 Masters Champions Jon Brownson (Eurosport Racing) and Alan Wilzig (Wilzig Racing/Performance Tech), qualifying drivers can expect to receive full Masters honors in each class at every race in terms of a full podium ceremony, and honors at the Championship Celebration at the end of the season.
PaddockTalk Perspective
|
|
|
| |
|
