The program which has stayed under wraps for the entire build program sees the team enter the only Radical Manufactured chassis in the category fitted with the first of the Ford based Production engines to compete in LMP2 . This is a new and exciting period for the team which can give us the platform to compete at the highest level and re define our future goals.

“Radical Sportscars is pleased to see its SR9 LMP platform returning to international competition, in the American Le Mans Series with established Radical, Project Libra,” said Radical’s Co-founder, Phil Abbott. “It was always the aim of the SR9 to represent a cost-effective yet competitive entry onto the LMP grid; values which are more important than ever in the age of cost-capped prototype racing. We look forward to assisting Project Libra during the 2012 season.”

Roush Yates Engines is pleased to announce the launch and successful first track test at the North Carolina Center for Automotive Research test facility in Garysburg, NC, of the long-awaited Ford production-based 3.2L V6 Twin Turbo racing engine.

After developing this unit for the past 18 months, with significant in-house engineering and dynamometer testing, it was with great satisfaction to all involved with the project to at last see the car and engine on track on Friday, February 10th.

The association with Project Libra to install the engine, in collaboration with Roush Yates and completing the successful test, which covered some 200 miles with no issues, was a triumph for the entire group.

The substantially revised Radical LMP2 car offered a well proven chassis true to cost cap regulations. With the addition of the new engine, this marks a milestone for a Roush Yates entry into the American Le Mans Series Championship.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to showcase the advancement of our skills, personnel, and technologies in entering the American Le Mans Series,” said John Maddox, Roush Yates Sports Car Program Manager. “The collaborative effort with Project Libra is an opportunity for us to introduce our Ford-based race engine into competition with a partner that has as much devotion and interest in achieving success as does Roush Yates.

“Roush Yates Engines is proud to support many series with Ford-based racing engines,” Maddox added. “This project is the latest of many that are focused on the grassroots and privateer market.”

Project Libra are extremely motivated by the completion of a four month collaboration with Roush Yates, as well as the engineering input from both parties to see the all-new 3.2L V6 Twin Turbo engine turn a wheel for the first time last week and look forward to a long and successful association. Having stayed true to one of the most genuine cost capped concept cars built, the Radical LMP2, we have continued to upgrade and develop what was originally a very fast and reliable design, which showcases Radical race chassis’ global presence.

The use of the Roush Yates 3.2L V6 Twin Turbo engine will give Project Libra the ability to show what opportunities the team has seen in private testing with a competitive and cost effective option in the now growing LMP2 category.

Testing will continue at NCCAR, Project Libra’s base of operations, prior to the 12 hours of Sebring with a full entry in the 2012 American Le Mans Series Championship and with the full intention to have a second Radical chassis race ready by Laguna Seca.

We will be making further announcements on our driver and sponsorship commitments prior to the first event which will see the current car continuing its test program.

To close thank you very much for our partners support and hard work to get this Project to this very exciting point.

Source : Libra Racing