VP Racing SportsCar Challenge

The No. 29 prototype.

Stewart Motorsports runs the No. 29 Ligier LMP3 in the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, IMSA's prototype series. It's a newer program than the GT effort and a different kind of racing: a closed-cockpit prototype, a spec class where the cars are identical, and the first step toward a bigger prototype campaign in 2027.

The No. 29 Ligier LMP3 of Stewart Motorsports

A spec class, so the driving decides it

The VP Racing SportsCar Challenge is IMSA's LMP3 series. Every car is built to the same specification, which means there's nowhere to hide. The difference between winning and sixth is the driving, the strategy, and the call from the pit wall.

The car

A mid-mounted 5.6-litre Nissan V8 driving the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox, in a car that weighs around 950 kilos. Roughly 455 horsepower, and very little of the car between you and it.

Engine: 5.6L Nissan V8
Power: 455 hp
Gearbox: 6-spd sequential, RWD
Weight: 950 kg (minimum)

Full specification

From the Ligier JS P320 user manual and the LMP3 technical regulations.

Chassis & Brakes

Model: Ligier JS P320
Chassis: Ligier OA09, carbon fibre with honeycomb core
Bodywork: Carbon and Kevlar
Brakes: Brembo, adjustable balance
Front brakes: Ventilated steel discs 355 mm, 6-piston monobloc
Rear brakes: Ventilated steel discs 355 mm, 6-piston monobloc

Engine & Drivetrain

Engine: ORECA Nissan VK56, 90° V8, water-cooled
Power: 455 hp (LMP3 class regulation)
Engine weight: 195 kg
Lubrication: Dry sump
Gearbox: Xtrac 1152, six-speed sequential plus reverse
Shift: Xtrac paddle shift on the steering wheel
Drivetrain: Limited-slip differential, tripod driveshafts

Suspension & Electronics

Suspension: Double steel wishbones with pushrod, rocker-actuated spring/damper units front and rear
Dampers: Öhlins TTX40, four-way adjustable
Steering: Woodward hydraulic power steering
ECU: Magneti Marelli SRG 481
Data: Wintax acquisition, Magneti Marelli power electronics