Pratt Miller Motorsports is forging ahead with plans to leave an indelible mark in the LMP2 racing category. This recent development surprised many when they appeared on the 2025 entry list for the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship hosted by IMSA. Despite a challenging start, the motorsport organisation is eager to establish a top-tier prototype program in the days to come.
Marc Maurini, the Program Manager at Pratt Miller Motorsports, shared his ambitious plans, stating firmly that they are here to stay in prototype racing. Even though they aspire to ultimately break into the top class, Maurini expressed satisfaction with their current position in LMP2. He emphasized that the team is intent on achieving success in this class before considering a transition to a higher tier.
Pratt Miller is no stranger to prototype racing. They are renowned for their partnership with General Motors and Corvette Racing. However, their racing repertoire goes beyond that. Pratt Miller was the driving force behind the Chevrolet Intrepid GTP, which started racing in IMSA in 1991. They also contributed to the design of the bodywork for the Corvette Daytona Prototypes in the early 2010s during the later years of Grand-Am and into the unified IMSA series era.
The foundation for Pratt Miller’s foray into LMP2 was set almost a year before their first race in Daytona. According to Maurini, discussions with John Doonan, IMSA President, began as early as March 2024. However, it wasn’t until mid-September that they could initiate concrete plans, as they were finally guaranteed an entry. This led to a whirlwind of activity, including the procurement of transporters, trucks, trailers, cars, and equipment. By early November, they were ready for their first track test.
Pratt Miller’s LMP2 project did not significantly detract resources from their flagship Corvette team. Maurini revealed that only three people from the Corvette program were transferred to the new endeavor. The rest of the team consists of external hires, internal recruits, and individuals from other areas of Pratt Miller Motorsports. This approach ensured that the Corvette program remains unaffected and successful.
Despite their vast experience, the team acknowledges the steep learning curve they face in LMP2. Maurini, who has transitioned from being the chief engineer of Chevrolet’s IndyCar race operations to leading the Corvette Racing program, and now to heading all race operations at Pratt Miller, recognizes the competitiveness of the LMP2 class this year. They aim to not only win races and championships but to also earn respect from their competitors.
The team’s debut race in Daytona was marred by an unfortunate multi-car crash involving Bronze driver Chris Cumming. An oil leak also led to the No. 73 ORECA 07’s retirement at Sebring. With LMP2 on a three-month hiatus from IMSA competition before it returns at Watkins Glen, Pratt Miller Motorsports currently finds itself at the bottom of the LMP2 Teams’ Championship.
Despite these setbacks, Maurini is optimistic about the future. He aims to leverage the processes that built the Corvette Racing dynasty over the last quarter of a century to propel the team to the forefront of LMP2 and potentially establish a premier class prototype program in a category like IMSA GTP. Maurini believes that while they need to learn a new car, the fundamentals remain the same. The team’s focus, for now, is on LMP2, and they aim to get the most out of this program.
