Sebring: Double Podium for the Ligier JS P325 in the First IMSA Airbnb Endurance Challenge Race
On March 8, 2026, Sebring International Raceway hosted the opening round of the IMSA Airbnb Endurance Challenge, a new endurance series dedicated to LMP3 sports prototypes in the United States. On the 3.74-mile Florida circuit, Ligier LMP3s battled at the front throughout the race. After their sweep the previous week at COTA in IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, the Ligier JS P325s of Forte Racing and Toney Driver Development finished second and third.
An endurance championship within the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge
The IMSA Airbnb Endurance Challenge expands the program for LMP3 prototypes competing in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. Alongside the 45-minute sprint races held throughout the season, teams now have the opportunity to compete in four two-hour endurance races, featuring two-driver lineups.
The opening round brought together eight sports prototypes, including four Ligier JS P325s and one Ligier JS P320, on Sebring's famously bumpy and demanding circuit.
The Ligier JS P325s fight for victory until the final minutes
From the start of the two-hour race, the #95 Toney Driver Development Ligier JS P325, driven by Lincoln Day and Wyatt Brichacek, quickly joined the fight for victory.
Lincoln Day stayed close to the leader and even set the fastest lap of the race about 30 minutes in. Shortly afterward, a small mistake in Turn 3 cost him some ground, but the Ligier remained firmly in contention.
Following the pit stops and driver change, Wyatt Brichacek capitalized on a well-timed caution period to take the race lead. He then built a gap of more than seven seconds over his pursuers and appeared to be on course for victory.
However, with just four minutes remaining, a fuel pump issue suddenly slowed the car, forcing the team to relinquish the lead and ultimately finish sixth.
Behind that late twist, the Ligiers continued to shape the closing stages of the race. The #77 Forte Racing Ligier JS P325, driven by Brian Thienes and Patrick Kujala, delivered a strong and consistent performance. The duo finished second overall and first in the Bronze Cup after applying pressure to the leaders in the final laps.
The #30 Toney Driver Development Ligier JS P325, shared by Garett Grist and Ari Balogh, completed the podium after a controlled and well-managed race.
Three more endurance races on the schedule
The Sebring round kicks off a four-race endurance series for LMP3 competitors as part of the IMSA Airbnb Endurance Challenge.
The next events will take place at:
- May 7–9: Circuit of The Americas
- June 19–21: VIRginia International Raceway
- August 14–16: Road America
CLICK HERE for more information about the Ligier JS P325, the third generation of Ligier LMP3.
DISCOVER HERE the limited-edition Ligier JS P3X, celebrating 10 years of LMP3 with Ligier Automotive.
For more information about the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, CLICK HERE.
Photo credit: Michael Stahlschmidt