Bamber turns first laps in new Cadillac LMDh shakedown
Chip Ganassi Racing’s Earl Bamber has tested the new Cadillac LMDh and declared the experience as “exhilarating”.
The new car is in compliance with the Prototype rules that the IMSA and ACO devised for 2023, and will see the Cadillac compete in both the IMSA SportsCar Championship and the World Endurance Championship.
The new car replaces the DPi-V.R which, since the Daytona Prototype international rules were introduced to IMSA in 2017, has accrued 27 race victories, three manufacturer championships, three team championships and three driver championships.
“It’s exciting to see the hard work and ingenuity of the whole team pay off,” said Kalvin Parker, Cadillac Racing assistant programme manager. “The 2023 season promises to be one of the most competitive ever, so we’re looking forward to developing the race car with further testing on-track, driver feedback and in the windtunnel.”
Development of the race car will continue through the year, with IMSA-sanctioned tests scheduled for 3-5 October and 6-7 December at Daytona International Speedway.
Together with the new spec energy recovery system – combining Bosch’s motor generator unit, battery from Williams Advanced Engineering and gearbox by Xtrac – the 680hp car is Cadillac’s first hybrid prototype. Bamber, who won this year’s Sebring 12 Hours in Ganassi’s Cadillac with Alex Lynn and late stand-in Neel Jani, was impressed with the 2023 car following its shakedown.
Cadillac LMDh prototype
Photo by: Cadillac Communications
“This was a monumental event thanks to a complete group effort between Cadillac, Chip Ganassi Racing and Dallara,” said Bamber. “It was an exhilarating feeling to jump in the car for the first time and get a sense of what the future will look like.
“So much work has gone into the 2023 racecar, and I can’t wait to see it take flight next season.”
Chip Ganassi Racing and Action Express Racing are set to campaign the Cadillacs in 2023 while “additional details will be announced later this year.” JDC Miller MotorSports, currently a Cadillac customer, will be switching to the Porsche 963 for next season.
“The first laps are the start of an aggressive testing schedule ahead of next year,” said GM sportscar racing programme manager Laura Wontrop Klauser. “Our team is dedicated to continuing Cadillac Racing’s rich heritage of winning on the track.”
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