Performance Tech Motorsports will be joining the Prototype class for the 2018 IMSA SportsCar Challenge season with the purchase of a ORECA 07 LMP2.
Team Principal Brent O’Neill struck a new deal with French manufacturer ORECA for the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship after retiring the No. 38 ORECA FLM09 Prototype Challenge. The long-awaited announcement comes after much deliberation over manufacturers, series and classes.
O’Neill had his eyes set on the Prototype class since late 2016 when the final year of the PC class was announced. He specifically selected ORECA and IMSA because he wants to be challenged against the best and compete with the best equipment. Performance Tech enters its sixth year with ORECA this upcoming season.
“We know everybody going into this. Everyone is expecting to see Dallara or Ligier but we look forward to continuing the relationship we’ve built over the years it was the right choice for us,” O’Neill said. “It’s a big step for everybody but it’s a less steep curve to continue with ORECA because we’ve been working with them all along. ORECA was a part of our success this year.
“They did great through this process. We’ve had fun getting people excited about the new car. This, the car announcement, played out well for both of us. Everyone was asking ORECA who the car was for and our team was excited. But we’re happy to announce with them and excited to get to work.”
Performance Tech has competed, and won, at every level of prototype racing except for the Prototype class. Now, with the PC class removed and a championship in hand it is time the team proves itself against the giants of Prototype racing. The familiarity between the manufacturer and team gives each side added hope at a successful first year together in the Prototype class.
ORECA Technical Director David Floury proudly supports the family team from Deerfield Beach, Florida.
“We are really glad to partner Performance Tech in moving up to LMP2,” Floury said. “The team is strong and has shown it in LMPC and we have developed a very good relationship through the year. ORECA will for sure support as much as possible to help Performance Tech continue to achieve success.
“I think they chose the right car for two main reasons. Firstly, the ORECA 07 is known for quality and has proven its speed and reliability. But besides this, it is a good base for teams that are entering the category for the first year to achieve great results. JDC in the USA or Graff in Europe have really demonstrated this in 2017. The second point is that Performance Tech and ORECA have developed a strong and successful relationship through years. This will enable to gain valuable time and speed up the process.”
Performance Tech begins the 2018 season in January with the Rolex 24 At Daytona. O’Neill looks forward to testing with his team prior to the start of the season and anticipates a good showing at the Roar Before the 24. Performance Tech Motorsports is focused on having its new toy in working order for a second chance at a second win at Daytona.