LMP3 class looks like continuing disaster ahead of Rolex 24

This afternoon’s 2021 Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway looks, uh, a little more dangerous than usual. Not because of the weather or the track – mainly because of the addition of the LMP3 class, which turned out to be a bit of a hot mess.

In theory, there is nothing wrong with the prototype LMP3 machines, which have typically run their own special series in the United States. They look a lot like LMP2 machines, but the LMP3s all share a Nissan V-8 that produces 455 horsepower. Overall, it looks pretty straightforward.

But for some reason if you put these cars on a track with other classes, disaster happens. Part of this is because it’s a big step forward for novice or gentleman riders – people who may not have a lot of skills or experience but have the ability to race. It is very good. I do not judge. But the action on the track – whether it was in practice sessions or last weekend’s qualifying race – showed that these bad boys can cause impressive mayhem.

In Thursday night practice, for example, LMP3 driver Austin Dillon locked himself in Turn 6, attempted to avoid hitting the tire barrier while turning into Turn 1 and facing oncoming traffic. , before finally reaching Turn 6. According to a Twitter user, Race Control said, “It was the dumbest thing we’ve ever seen.”

Here’s a handy traffic visual to help you imagine the situation.

Dillon’s instincts were right in this situation, for the most part. As a professional driver Ryan lewis Dillon explained, probably just trying to avoid hitting the tire barriers head-on. He’s new to the car, so it makes sense that there is a learning curve. It’s a shame that it must have been during the night practice before one of the biggest endurance races in the world.

Another big issue here is the fact that the LMP3s are roughly on par with the GTLM class machines in terms of pace, which means we’re about to have two very different types of cars fighting each other. for the same track positions. Which could easily get mean.

Sports car fans expect chaos to befall Daytona Beach this weekend, and many believe that chaos will be sparked by the LMP3 machines. The Rolex is still a good watch, but it will be particularly fascinating this year with this wild card added to the mix.