Sebring International Raceway, home of the infamous 12 Hours of Sebring, is America’s oldest road racing track. Forged from an airbase used in World War II, this grueling course is known for its ability to test and break even the most resilient cars and drivers. The Formula & Automobile Racing Association’s Sebring 500 Endurance Race is no exception. A four hour endurance race on 3.74 miles of historic concrete and asphalt is a daunting task for even the most seasoned drivers, especially in the sweltering heat and humidity of mid-July in Central Florida. But the Dayvtec team in the Ligier LMP3 emerged victorious with both a first in class and first overall win. When driver Danny van Dongen crossed the finish line, he had more than a two lap lead ahead of the second place finisher. The car completed the race without any hitches and was able to do the entire endurance race on just one set of Hankook slick racing tires.

With temperatures clearing triple digits on the track, fans at the Sebring 500 really might have thought they were seeing double; but there actually were two LMP3s at Sebring. Car #27 that drove and won the race was the first ever Ligier LMP3 in the United States, brought over earlier this year for the FARA Sunset 500 at Homestead Speedway by European engineering team Dayvtec, American driver Sam Tawfik and Dutch pro driver Danny van Dongen. They had so much interest in the car that they immediately brought over a second to sell. Dayvtec has set up facilities in Miami and intends to sell and support multiple Ligier LMP3s. Much to the fans’ delight, this car remained trackside on display for sale and support throughout the Sebring 500. Because of the pending IMSA homologation, Dayvtec and company have seen tremendous interest from both amateurs and seasoned professionals whom have been anxious to get behind the wheel of this new machine. Dayvtec already plans to bring cars number three and four for sales and support to the United States to keep up with growing demand. Van Dongen, who comes from a professional GT racing background, loves the precise handling and relative lightness of the Ligier LMP3. “I can understand why it’s so appealing. It combines precision handling, light weight, extreme durability, an easy learning curve, and the 206,000 Euro price tag puts it firmly in line with the market leading Porsche cup car.”

Drivers Sam Tawfik and Danny van Dongen see a promising future for the LMP3 in the United States. “It has received such tremendous support from the racing community. Not only has it become a fan favorite but I am constantly getting compliments and interest from fellow race drivers. The LMP3 has made waves and now everyone is watching,” said Tawfik shortly before the race. “We are even on a billboard!” noted van Dongen. FARA races are always filled with unique cars and this race featured everything from Corvettes to Porsches, Lamborghinis, Pragas and even a multi-million dollar Pagani, but the LMP3 clearly stole the show.

Tawfik and van Dongen plan to continue with the LMP3 in the Formula & Automobile Racing Association championship in partnership with Dayvtec Engineering and Hankook Race Tires, and have their sights set on IMSA for the 2017 season. They currently have the only two Ligier LMP3 cars in the entire United States. Team Dayvtec is based out of Miami, Florida and is sponsored by Hankook Race Tires, Comras Commercial Real Estate Company and the South Beach Hotel Group. They are available for sales and support of the Ligier LMP3 in FARA, IMSA, NASA and other series throughout the United States.