RLR Msport will run a Ligier JS P3 chassis in next year’s European Le Mans Series.
Team principal Nick Reynolds will spearhead the project alongside historic sportscar racer Mike Smith.
The new chassis is scheduled for an October/November delivery, when it will also undergo its first pre-season tests.
RLR Msport will become the first British team to enter the Onroak-produced Ligier chassis in the European Le Mans Series. It is believed that the team’s existing Ginetta LMP3 chassis that runs under the University of Bolton banner will also take part in next year’s championship.
“The plan is to run the car in the 2016 ELMS championship with 2 or 3 top line drivers who are looking to further their career in prototype racing,” explained Reynolds.
“It’s been a long road to get to this point. Highlights include running an LMP2 car at Le Mans along with selected FIA World Endurance Championship rounds. We also won the ELMS race at Imola earlier this year in our current LMP3 car and we look forward to this new challenge with Ligier with whom we have a long term relationship, through CN prototypes over the last few years.”
“It’s great to be working with Mike again from the early days back together in such a high profile event. Mike may drive the car in selected events, subject to the right driver mix.”
The RLR Msport-run Ginetta LMP3 currently lies second in the ELMS standings (Credit: NISMO Global)
“The LMP3 race series and what it leads to is interesting,” added Smith.
“Having raced a Chevron in CER during 2013/14 , and at the same time owning and running Radical SR8’s I became aware of the new regulations for LMP3 which are attractive to prospective entrants; the cost cap element particularly works. The cars are state of the art, particularly the new Ligier.”
“I have known Nick and family for over 25 years, in fact I raced in Caterhams in the 90’s with Nick and I am confident that Nick’s association with the University of Bolton and his track record in LMP2 and LMP3 is more than capable of achieving the targets we are going to set. The interest in sports car racing at this time is ever growing and I am convinced that LMP3 will be the next growth category.”
