JDC-Miller MotorSports has placed an order for a second ORECA 07 with plans to expand to a two car prototype effort for the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. The team currently sits third in the driver and team championships of the Prototype category, coming off of consecutive runner-up finishes at Watkins Glen and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. JDC-Miller MotorSports will take delivery of the car later this fall.
The Minneapolis, MN based team has enjoyed an encouraging debut season in the premier prototype category. Fielding an ORECA 07 – Gibson WEC LMP2 spec prototype fulltime, the all silver-rated lineup of JDC-Miller regulars Misha Goikhberg, Stephen Simpson and Chris Miller have regularly taken the fight to manufacturer-backed efforts from Cadillac, Nissan and Mazda. With six top-five finishes in seven races and near victories in the most recent two races, the team has consistently proven its ability to compete at the highest level of professional sportscar racing.
Team co-owner and managing partner John Church confirmed today that the order was placed earlier this week for the team’s second ORECA 07 Gibson-powered LMP2 car with plans for a second full-time entry in the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship.
“This year has been a big step up for everyone but we have been proud of how the team has been able to handle the transition. Moving to the premier prototype class with a new car and new equipment has been a significant undertaking but we have a great group of people and we were confident we could be competitive. Sitting third in the standings after seven races with two podium finishes is validation of our efforts and gives us confidence to continue on the path we have been on. Campaigning a second car next season is the logical next step in our goal of becoming one of the strongest professional sportscar teams in North America.” Church explained.
“The success we have enjoyed this season is a product of everyone’s hard work and continued efforts to improve. Misha and Chris have driven like true professionals with neither putting a foot wrong all year and Stephen has continued to demonstrate that he is one of the top drivers in the championship. We have also enjoyed a great relationship with ORECA. They have built an excellent racecar and have contributed greatly to our success. We know our first win in an ORECA 07 is not far away.” John Church continued.
The team also has other big plans for 2018. Currently leading the Jim Trueman Award, which awards the winner an invitation to the 2018 24Hours of LeMans, the Minnesota based group is already exploring their options for the French classic.
“I would be lying if I didn’t admit that we have high hopes of securing the Jim Trueman Award this year. We have already let IMSA know that if we win we will take the invitation and enter LeMans in 2018.” John explained.
“We know that continuing to grow and establish ourselves is important to hopefully being considered for future DPi opportunies. We feel that adding a second car and competing at LeMans are both steps in this direction. We look forward to finishing the 2017 season on a high note and taking delivery of our new ORECA 07 in the coming months.”
“My goal has always been to help John Church and his great team compete at the top levels of racing. This year has proven we are very close to achieving that goal. It has been lots of fun and I am lucky to be involved. I can’t wait for the next race and the 2018 season.” John Miller partner in JDC Miller MotorSports added.
