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Le Mans / ALMS
ALMS: Libra Set To Rejoin LMP2 With Radical-Ford
Ian Dawson-led effort first to debut Ford-based Roush Yates EcoBoost engine...
Having last made a handful of ALMS starts in 2010 with a Radical-Nissan, Ian Dawson's Libra Racing team is set to rejoin the LMP2 ranks this year. (Photo: Libra)
After being absent from the grid in 2011, Libra Racing looks set to enter the American Le Mans Series this year with a refocused LMP2 effort that sees the introduction of a new powerplant to the cost-capped prototype ranks.
Team principal Ian Dawson confirmed last week that his British squad, based in North Carolina, will utilize Roush Yates Ford power for its Radical SR9, with the intention of debuting at next month’s 60th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring ahead of a full ALMS season.
“Having stayed true to one of the most genuine cost capped concept cars built, the Radical LMP2, we have continued to upgrade and develop what was originally a very fast and reliable design, which showcases Radical race chassis’ global presence,” Dawson explained. “The use of the Roush Yates 3.2L V6 Twin Turbo engine will give Project Libra the ability to show what opportunities the team has seen in private testing with a competitive and cost effective option in the now growing LMP2 category.”
Roush Yates, the popular engine builder in NASCAR and GRAND-AM, was one of the first to announce a cost-capped powerplant built to the new LMP2 regulations in late 2010, but the Ford-based unit had to see action until Dawson’s latest initiatives.
Following 18 months of in-house development, the 3.2-liter V6 twin-turbo engine completed an initial 200-mile test in Libra’s Radical earlier this month at the North Carolina Center for Automotive Research test facility in Garysburg, N.C.
“We are extremely pleased to be able to showcase the advancement of our skills, personnel, and technologies in entering the American Le Mans Series,” said John Maddox, Roush Yates Sports Car Program Manager. “The collaborative effort with Project Libra is an opportunity for us to introduce our Ford-based race engine into competition with a partner that has as much devotion and interest in achieving success as does Roush-Yates.”
Andrew Prendeville was at the wheel during the Feb. 10 test, while Dawson says he expects to confirm the team’s driver lineup shortly. Dawson also has the “full intention” to have a second Radical chassis race-ready by the third round of the season at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in May.
Libra Racing has yet to appear on the entry list for Sebring, a race which is only accepting full-season entrants from either the ALMS or FIA World Endurance Championship.
However, it's believed there are three spaces remaining on the grid for ALMS teams that would commit for the entire 10-round championship.
John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at
Team principal Ian Dawson confirmed last week that his British squad, based in North Carolina, will utilize Roush Yates Ford power for its Radical SR9, with the intention of debuting at next month’s 60th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring ahead of a full ALMS season.
“Having stayed true to one of the most genuine cost capped concept cars built, the Radical LMP2, we have continued to upgrade and develop what was originally a very fast and reliable design, which showcases Radical race chassis’ global presence,” Dawson explained. “The use of the Roush Yates 3.2L V6 Twin Turbo engine will give Project Libra the ability to show what opportunities the team has seen in private testing with a competitive and cost effective option in the now growing LMP2 category.”
Roush Yates, the popular engine builder in NASCAR and GRAND-AM, was one of the first to announce a cost-capped powerplant built to the new LMP2 regulations in late 2010, but the Ford-based unit had to see action until Dawson’s latest initiatives.
Following 18 months of in-house development, the 3.2-liter V6 twin-turbo engine completed an initial 200-mile test in Libra’s Radical earlier this month at the North Carolina Center for Automotive Research test facility in Garysburg, N.C.
“We are extremely pleased to be able to showcase the advancement of our skills, personnel, and technologies in entering the American Le Mans Series,” said John Maddox, Roush Yates Sports Car Program Manager. “The collaborative effort with Project Libra is an opportunity for us to introduce our Ford-based race engine into competition with a partner that has as much devotion and interest in achieving success as does Roush-Yates.”
Andrew Prendeville was at the wheel during the Feb. 10 test, while Dawson says he expects to confirm the team’s driver lineup shortly. Dawson also has the “full intention” to have a second Radical chassis race-ready by the third round of the season at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in May.
Libra Racing has yet to appear on the entry list for Sebring, a race which is only accepting full-season entrants from either the ALMS or FIA World Endurance Championship.
However, it's believed there are three spaces remaining on the grid for ALMS teams that would commit for the entire 10-round championship.
John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at
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