The World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) has ratified the agreement made between the Automobile Club de L’Ouest (ACO), IMSA and the FIA that will allow the Le Mans Hydrid (LMH) entries to compete in IMSA competition.
The agreement ratified in July 8 addresses four elements that will balance the performance of LMH entries, competing in 2021 for the first time in FIA World Endurance Championship, with LMDh entries due to make their debut in 2023.
The four elements are tyre fitment, acceleration profile, braking capabilities and aerodynamics.
The intention is to allow manufacturers of entries into the senior class of endurance racing on both sides of the Atlantic the opportunity to compete in the most prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, is delighted that there is now convergence for the two top classes.
“This major announcement stems from our ambition to forge a common future for Endurance racing. We have all worked together to achieve this landmark agreement and I would like to thank all the stakeholders very sincerely.
“The manufacturers dreamed of being able to participate in the greatest endurance races in the world with the same model of a car: this will now be reality.”
IMSA President John Doonan is also excited about the opportunities that the new agreement offers to engage with the next generation of endurance racing enthusiasts.
“What we achieved as a group a few weeks ago in Paris has the potential to revolutionise prototype sports car racing all over the world. The stage is set for a highly competitive top category that will include many of the world’s greatest automotive manufacturers.
“Collectively, we have an opportunity to engage with the next generation of endurance sports car racing fans and elevate our sport to the highest levels. I cannot be prouder of the spirit of collaboration between our IMSA team, our colleagues at the ACO and FIA, and all of our automotive partners.”
Currently the LMH class has seen entries from Toyota, Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus, Peugeot (with its recently revealed 9X8), Bykolles and Ferrari while the LMDh class has commitments from Accura, udi, BMW and Porscje.
