Corvette Daytona Prototype
Category | Daytona Prototype DP | ||||||||
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Constructor | Chevrolet | ||||||||
Technical specifications | |||||||||
Chassis | Dallara, Coyote or Riley built steel tube frame | ||||||||
Suspension (front) | Double wishbone, push-rod actuated coil springs over dampers | ||||||||
Suspension (rear) | Double wishbone, push-rod actuated coil springs over dampers | ||||||||
Axle track |
(Front) 65.25 in (1,657.3 mm) (Rear) 64.75 in (1,644.6 mm) | ||||||||
Engine | Chevrolet 5.5 litre V8 naturally aspirated, mid-engined, longitudinally mounted | ||||||||
Transmission |
EMCO or Xtrac 5 (2012-2013) or 6 (2014 on) sequential manual (2012-2014) sequential semi-automatic (2015 onwards) | ||||||||
Competition history | |||||||||
Notable entrants |
Spirit of Daytona Racing SunTrust Racing GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Action Express Racing Wayne Taylor Racing | ||||||||
Debut | 2012 Rolex 24 | ||||||||
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Constructors' Championships | 4 | ||||||||
Drivers' Championships | 3 |
The Corvette Daytona Prototype is a prototype racing car which started competing in the Rolex series in North America in 2012. It marked Chevrolet's return to Daytona racing as a full constructor and not just as an engine manufacturer. Previously General Motors had competed in Rolex Sports Car Series under the Pontiac brand as well but shelved that program when they discontinued the Pontiac brand for the 2010 season.
The car raced in Grand-Am competition from 2012 through 2013 as a Daytona Prototype, and then continued in the P class in the IMSA Tudor SportsCar Championship Series, now called the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
With the change to IMSA racing, the car got several key updates to compete against ALMS P2 series cars head to head including carbon brakes, carbon clutch, large rear diffuser (not part of Grand-Am rules), dual element rear wing, and some other bespoke aerodynamic upgrades. For 2015, the car also got an aesthetic upgrade to C7 style grill, headlights, and taillights.
The engine, built by NASCAR engine builder ECR Engines, is a 5.5L port injected LS7 with individual throttle bodies and a dry sump oil system.