Sebring Successes in LMP3

The TWOth Autosport #22 Ligier JS P3 competed this past weekend in the 2-hour inaugural round of the HSR Prototype Challenge presented by IMSA at Sebring International Raceway. In only the team's second race with the car, the Ottawa-based group took home a 5th place overall and 1st in class finish to start the season. In addition to the team's second race in the LMP3 category, TWOth saw team driver Tobias Lütke and Team Principal Travis Hill participate in their first race as co-drivers in what was a learning experience for the whole team.

“I’ve had the privilege of racing the Shopify car for a few seasons now, but never got to run with Tobi. It’s pretty cool to see how far he’s progressed over the years and finally share the seat with him for his first endurance race,” said Hill.

A race largely without incident saw Lütke start the car and take it through the first two pit stops with Hill taking it to the end. During the final stint after sunset, issues arose with the front lighting that limited the car to daytime running lights only and left Hill to drive with limited track visibility. Despite this issue, Hill was able to get the car to the flag and round off an exciting event for the team. 

“They say Sebring is dark at night but nothing would have prepared me for running an LMP3 there without headlights!” explained Hill. “Fortunately, we’ve driven enough endurance races here and had solidified reference points because we definitely needed them. The few infield lights cast just enough lighting on curbs and tar patches that although we lost some pace, I was able to see my way around and stay in the race.”

The LMP3 platform has been a new venture and learning experience for Lütke and the TWOth team as their partnership has grown over the last 8 years from Miata lapping days to endurance sportscar racing. 2024 will be the team’s first full season of LMP3 competition in the new HSR Prototype Challenge series as they continue to learn and develop with a pair of Ligier JS P3’s.

“We learned a lot this weekend,” said Hill. “We’ve made huge strides with the car, our setup processes and equipment, and we’re already excited to get back out for round two at Road Atlanta!”

Following the Sebring event, the team returns to their home base at Calabogie Motorsports Park to inspect and prepare the #22 car for the next 2-hour endurance round of the HSR Prototype Challenge presented by IMSA, April 25-28 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.