Mazda Supplying Diesel LMP2 Engines Next Season

The flood of news out of Le Mans in over, but there are still drips here and there. MazdaMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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has announced that next year it will supply a diesel engine to the Dempsey Racing LMP2 team and customer racing teams around the world. It will be the first diesel engine ever raced in the class because previously they had not been allowed under the rules. 

The engine is a 2.2l, turbocharged diesel four-cylinder that will be branded SKYACTIV-D In addition to Dempsey Racing, Mazda will supply the engine to interested teams in the Grand-Am Advanced Technology GX Class for 2013. Teams in the World Endurance Championship and American Le Mans Series will also be able to purchase the engines. 

There is no word on specifications for the diesel. Mazda says that it is still dynoing it and will track test it later in the year. 

“Today we reopen our love affair with Le Mans and mark the beginning of a whole new chapter in motor racing for Mazda. We’ve won international races with rotary engine technology at Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring.  Now we’re looking to return to the winner’s circle with what we believe will be the most advanced and cleanest production-based powerplant the sport has ever seen," said Jay Amestoy, Vice President of Mazda Motorsports, Mazda North American Operations.

Dempsey Racing will be the first team in the world to get the SKYACTIV-D, and the car will carry Mazda sponsorship. 

Dempsey Racing is owned by actor Patrick Dempsey who is best known for his role on the television series Grey's Anatomy. Dempsey has raced Mazda RX-8sMazda RX-8 Gen.2Japan, 2009 > present4 versions
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in the Grand-Am Series since 2007, and Dempsey Racing has campaigned LMP Challenge and LMP2 cars in the ALMS this season.