When the IMSA ROAR entry list is released, fans will quickly recognize the name of factory Mazda driver, Joel Miller, aligned with the No. 20 Prototype entry of BAR1 Motorsports. Miller, from his experience as a Mazda factory driver, will take on the role of helping the team accelerate the learning curve of getting the Multimatic–Riley Mk 30, P2 car up to speed.
“Joel has a ton of experience with the Multimatic–Riley Mk 30, Prototype,” said Brian Alder, BAR1 team owner. “The underpinnings of our car is the same platform as the Mazda DPI. Joel has spent untold hours driving and developing the Mazda. In addition, he has seat time driving the car with the latest upgrades.”
“Currently, the Mazda is the only other car on the grid we can hope to share information with,” added Alder. “Joel will be a tremendous asset to our engineers and our crew as we attack the steep learning process of the car and the Prototype class. Needless to say, we are very appreciative of Mazda and John Doonan’s help in making this relationship possible. It’s an incredible display of sportsmanship”
No stranger to IMSA or Mazda, Miller came through the Mazda Road to Indy open-wheel program before he became part of Mazda’s endurance sports car effort. He developed the new USF-17 USF2000 and PM-18 Pro Mazda cars with Tatuus for the Mazda Road to Indy in conjunction to his other rolls with the series. A degreed mechanical engineer, Miller was the lead presenter of Mazda’s national-touring STEM education program, and made his fifth 24-Hours start in 2017, all with Mazda.
“I’m looking forward to working with BAR1 and Multimatic to develop a standard version of the MK 30,” said Joel. “Personally, I enjoy the technical side… getting a car into the window, and the whole process of working with the team. I’m confident my experience with the car can help Brian and the team bring the Evo chassis up to speed.”
The 2018 season will kick off with the annual three-day Roar Before the Rolex 24 At Daytona test session on Jan. 5-7. The test is mandatory for all Rolex 24 participants. The 56th Rolex 24 At Daytona will run on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 27-28, followed by the 66th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida on Saturday, March 17, which also completes the season-opening “36 Hours of Florida.”
