The development of Cadillac Racing's Cadillac V-LMDh continued this week at the Sebring circuit where the first round of the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship will be held. The Hypercar prepared by Chip Ganassi Racing underwent a 24-hour endurance test session with the goal of collecting data during stints like those carried out in-race and to assess the car's resilience at this very demanding circuit. Cadillac Racing Assistant Programme Manager Kalvin Parker: "It was good to come to Sebring to put the new car through its paces and see what it will do in the harshest environment it will race in terms of surface. It was also beneficial for the team to see how it functions as a unit over 24 hours with a new car with new systems."

Six drivers took turns at the wheel of the V-LMDh. Alex Lynn: "For every driver and every member of the crew, there is no other way to really get to know your machinery than having track time like this. The team sends you out and says you have two hours, go explore. Once the season starts, every run has something to learn, so exploring and learning on your own is a nice feeling, especially when you’re starting to look for more performance."

19,000 km under its belt

At the same time, the Cadillac V-LMDh prepared by Action Express Racing set to compete in the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship also submitted to a test session carried out by Pipo Derani and Alexander Sims: "It’s really good to experience the car at Sebring with the challenges the track presents with the bumps, and to explore and understand what the car does in those situations. We’ve gone through a fair few changes and we’re making good improvements. This is another step on from Road Atlanta where the car is more in tune with me at speed and I feel quite comfortable with what it’s doing. The car is performing well."

Since it first hit the rack in July, the Cadillac V-LMDh has covered nearly 19,000 km. Kalvin Parker: "It was helpful to have one car running the full 24 hours and have the other car run a very successful test plan that included some night running to get drivers used to the new headlights in changing track conditions."

Cadillac Racing has now concluded its testing programme ahead of the preliminary sessions for the Rolex 24 at Daytona on 20-22 January. The Cadillac V-LMDh will make its big debut in competition at the Daytona International Speedway on 28-29 January.