LMP3 Cup

American pair to race at inaugural Prototype Cup event

2 Mins read

United Autosports has confirmed that Guy Cosmo and Patrick Byrne will field an all-American LMP3 entry at Snetterton for the opening round of the Prototype Cup.

The new series, run by GT Cup promoter Bute Motorsports, kicks off this weekend (October 8-9) at the Norfolk circuit.

Cosmo and Byrne will share a Nissan-powered Ligier JSP3 in the 60 minute race.

Both drivers have extensive ties to North American endurance racing, with Cosmo a two-time race winner in the American Le Mans Series and Byrne making appearances in the IMSA Sportscar Championship and Pirelli World Challenge.

Cosmo is also the fastest driver around Le Mans in an LMP3 car, after he set the quickest time during the support race for the 24 hours in June.

“I’m thrilled to be joining United Autosports for another race this year and even more so to be paired with one of my favorite teammates in Patrick Byrne,” said Cosmo.

“After such an incredible experience with United Autosports at the Road to Le Mans it’s a real treat to be back with them for another race.

Patrick and I have worked together many times in the past where I’ve been both his driving coach and also his teammate.  Patrick is extremely talented, very focused and a quick study and I think we are going to have a great experience as he gets introduced to the LMP3 formula.”

Cosmo’s last regular European drive was in the Formula Denmark 2000 Championship back in 2000. Although the Snetterton Prototype Cup race is a one-off, Cosmo has shown interest in the series moving forward.

“I think this new Prototype Cup series is going to be a tremendous hit,” he said.

“The LMP3 category is exploding world-wide so there is a huge demand for a place to race these cars. I’d be surprised if there weren’t huge car counts for this championship next year and I’m happy to help kick the series off this weekend.”

Byrne, meanwhile, is set to make his LMP3 debut after spending the last few years in GT racing. In 2015 he made his IMSA Sportscar Championship debut with Flying Lizard Motorsports, driving an Audi R8.

“I am incredibly excited to have this opportunity to drive with United Autosports and who better to share this experience with than the man himself, Guy Cosmo,” enthused Byrne.

“Guy is fast and incredibly accomplished. He is a topnotch driver and epic teammate.”

“Cosmo and I have teamed up together throughout the past four years in several different cars and series. Put Cosmo in any car and in a few laps he is within record-breaking territory!”

United Autosports owner and managing director Richard Dean also welcomed the arrival of his two American drivers ahead of the Snetterton race.

“‘I’m thrilled Guy will be joining the team again for the Prototype Cup,” said Dean.

“He is the fastest man round Le Mans in an LMP3 car so having him on the team is definitely not a bad move! I’m looking forward to working with Patrick too – he’s done a lot of racing and I’m excited to see how he gets on in the Ligier.”

Cosmo and Dean will join United’s three other entries for the Prototype Cup, with Wayne Boyd/Jay Palmer, Richard Meins/Shaun Lynn and Jacques Duyver/Charlie Hollings already confirmed.

The calendar for the 2017 Prototype Cup will be announced soon.

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