Progress continues in development of Cadillac V-LMDh

Though the first IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship race is in late January 2023 at Daytona International Speedway, time is of the essence.

“We have a lot of durability work to do – which is putting as many miles on the car as possible,” GM sports car racing program manager Laura Wontrop Klauser said. “We also have a lot of integration work with the engine, hybrid and electronic braking system. Plus understanding the tires and making sure the driver experience is great, so they feel confident pushing the car to its limits in the races.”

IMSA has scheduled sanctioned tests for Oct. 3-5 and Dec. 6-7 for manufacturers planning to compete in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class. The Jan. 20-22 Roar Before the Rolex 24 will be the first official competition sessions.

Cadillac Racing drivers Pipo Derani, Sebastien Bourdais, Earl Bamber and Alex Lynn participated in the sessions at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

“I think we had a really successful first test at Sebring and the guys at GM have done a great job in the short break to take all the information and make some positive steps forward in the overall development of the car,” Bamber said. “We continue to learn about the engine and the hybrid system, which is new for everybody. Same goes for the powertrain and the chassis with Dallara.

“The car is wicked fun to drive. Now it’s about getting more miles, so it’s a busy time coming up with tests that are critical to the project. All eyes forward to 2023.”

Added reigning IMSA DPi champion Derani: “To be part of the program and develop this new hybrid technology with Cadillac Racing is fantastic for me as a driver. I’ve had a successful time with the DPi and now I’m looking forward to the future. The car was born quite well; it’s a strong base where we can start working with the car. For a driver when they get in a car they immediately know if it’s a car that they’re going to be able to develop into a good car or they’re going to have lots of trouble with. The little that I’ve had so far in the car shows great promise. It gives us a reason to smile and keep working hard.”

Since 2017, Cadillac has been competing at the forefront of American sports car racing in IMSA in the DPi class, where is has recorded 27 victories, three Manufacturer Championships and four Manufacturer Endurance Cup Championships. Cadillac Racing has also won three Team and Driver Championships.

Five Cadillac DPi-V.R entries will compete for the brand’s fifth victory of the season Oct. 1 in the 10-hour Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.