Craft-Bamboo Racing will enter two cars in the 2017 FRD LMP3 Series, China’s brand new premier prototype racing championship. The FRD LMP3 Series is an all new, sprint race prototype series that exclusively runs LMP3 class cars and is supported by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO). Craft-Bamboo recognizes the growing motorsport market in China and believes that the FRD LMP3 Series is a very strong concept and will grow to be one of the region’s top championships. The prototype sprint race championship is the first of its kind in China and brings a fresh and exciting format to the world’s largest automotive market. The Hong Kong team has committed to running two Ligier JS P3 LMP3s in the five-round event beginning in May 2017. Four rounds will be contested in China, and one in Malaysia, which will support the Asian Le Mans Series.
Officially launched in Shanghai, Craft-Bamboo Racing was one of four original teams to commit to the inaugural season, which will see a total of 16 LMP3 cars strive for the maiden title. Craft-Bamboo Racing has a strong history in prototype racing, winning the Asian Le Mans Series CN class in 2014. The team now turns their focus to the FRD LMP3 Series and will be taking the fight to the best teams in Asia in the LMP3 class.
The FRD LMP3 Series will see one international driver with an FIA driver rating of Gold or below, paired with a national driver from China with an FIA rating not higher than Silver. This creates a strong driver development program but also guarantees the competition between teams is not only of the highest standard but incredibly close.
Craft-Bamboo Racing is in the process of finalizing their driver lineup for the new championship and will make a further announcement when their four drivers have been selected.
FRD LMP3 Series Calendar
• May 14 2017: Shanghai
• June 4 2017: Zhejiang
• July 23 2017: Sepang
• August 27 2017: Shanghai
• September 17 2017: Zhuhai
Quotes
Kenneth Ma, Founder of the FRD LMP3 Series
“I wanted to bring together the best teams in the Asian region when I had the idea of creating the first prototype sprint championship in China. Craft-Bamboo Racing has been one of those front running teams in many international championships and I am happy to have them as one of the four original teams to offer their commitment to the championship. I know that they will bring a competitive package and this will only make the FRD LMP3 Series more exciting when the cars first take to the Shanghai Circuit in May 2017.”
Richard Coleman, CEO of Craft-Bamboo Racing
“We are very excited to join the new FRD LMP3 Series and compete for the inaugural title. Craft-Bamboo Racing will enter two Ligier JS P3 LMP3 cars and is looking to claim further success in the prototype racing class after earlier success in the Asian Le Mans Series. With motorsport becoming ever more popular in China, Craft-Bamboo Racing sees the opportunity to join new and exciting championships that we firmly believe can grow to become class leading competitions. We look forward to the start of the FRD LMP3 Series and will of course be looking to claim the championship prize at the end of the season.”