Daytona Lights

Grand-Am is evaluating a new second-tier prototype class for the 2008 season. Daytona Prototype Lights would be a one-make class designed for aspiring sports-car drivers and amateurs. The cars, which would compete in a sprint-race format, would be smaller, lighter and less powerful Daytona Prototypes.

Grand-Am has not admitted the plan exists, but it has solicited proposals for spec Lights cars from a number of leading U.S and European constructors. Those are believed to include Riley Technologies, Pratt & Miller and Swift in the United States and Dallara, Lola and Tatuus in Europe.

Discussions are also under way with as many as four manufacturers about supplying engines, which could be anything from a V8 to a turbocharged four-cylinder. Grand-Am has set a $100,000 target price for a turnkey car. There potentially could be a short series of races in the second half of 2008 before the full championship in 2009. AutoWeek