IMSA and WEC Could Unite Under One Prototype Racing Rulebook by 2030

Most stakeholders agree that sports car racing would benefit from a single set of regulations when the current rules expire in 2030. Unifying the rulebooks used by the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship could make it easier for automakers to compete in both series.

Porsche backs a unified sports car racing platform

“The way forward is to bring the categories together, and behind the scenes, everyone… there’s been a lot of discussions, a lot of meetings, and we’re doing exactly that,” said Urs Kratl, head of Porsche’s prototype program.

However, Kratl also acknowledged the success of the current system. Sports car racing has enjoyed strong results over the last four years, including competitive WEC hypercar races and record crowds on both sides of the Atlantic.

“Basically proving that the concept works,” Kratl said. “And if that’s what allowed it to happen, like two different conventions and regulations, it was a huge success. If you ask me, it would have been smart to do that from the start. If we had one set up, the answer would be yes, and it worked.”

IMSA sees LMDh as a model for future regulations

IMSA president Doonan suggested that the next generation of regulations could evolve from the LMDh formula. The goal would be to preserve the value of the current platform while giving automakers a cost-effective way to compete in the top category.

“We think the next set of regulations is an evolution of LMDh, and there has to be a way for everyone to understand the value of what’s happened with LMDh, and for OEMs to say, ‘Well, we can run in the top category in a fairly cost-effective way,’” Doonan said.

He also emphasized the importance of stability for automakers, Michelin, and MOTUL, particularly when the industry faces challenges beyond its control.

“I don’t want to repeat myself, but stability is important in so many areas at the moment, because we hope that when we have headwinds that we can’t control, this is what will happen. It’s … a place where automakers can come into the market, a place where Michelin and MOTUL can come into the market,” Doonan said.

How prototype racing influences road cars

Prototype racing remains important to many fans because technology developed on the track can eventually improve road cars. Although direct technology transfer is less common than it once was, it still occurs.

Porsche’s T-Hybrid engine and electric turbocharger, for example, come directly from the company’s 919 Hybrid race car.