2020 has not been the most anchored season for Earl Bamber Motorsport but the coronavirus-induced racing suspension has given time for the team to reconsider their options for next season, with team co-owner Will Bamber hinting at a possible IMSA debut in the coming years.
Stalwarts of the Porsche Carrera Cup were the team have ensconced themselves as series front-runners, EBM were set to make a debut in this year’s GT World Challenge Asia championship as well as fully-fledged Intercontinental GT championship campaign.
However, the global pandemic has seen the larger parts of those plans shelved and the team are now looking at possible domestic series outside of Asia to diversify the team’s racing plans.
One of which that has enticed Bamber’s interest is the IMSA WeatherTech Championship, specifically the GT Daytona class which in 2016 adopted full GT3 specifications.
Similarly, a cheaper alternative the team is considering is a possible run in the Australian GT championship which would prove to be more cost-effective and logistically feasible for the Malaysian-based outfit.
“I’m interested to drive over here [in America]. I’m looking for opportunities,” Bamber told Sportscar365 at the latest IMSA event.
“China GT, Australia GT, for sure are ones we’re looking at as well, but to come over here and have a look at IMSA is very interesting as well.
“I think GTD is an interesting topic. From a customer side, the guys are really interested in the bigger races, that’s for sure.
“Daytona, Sebring and Petit [Le Mans] are ones that are on the hot list for many customers. But realistically, to race in America is so expensive.”
Bamber’s older brother Earl currently competes in the IMSA championship in the quicker GT Le Mans class for the factory Porsche team.
Unfortunately, cost-cuts as a consequence of the pandemic has seen Porsche pull the plug on its two-car IMSA effort meaning Bamber’s 2020 campaign is currently his last.
Ultimately, it leaves EBM with a possible backdoor into the GT Daytona class should they choose to pursue it in the future.
EBM is set to return to action for the GT Challenge Asia championships which is scheduled to kick start on August 29 from Suzuka, while a curtailed Porsche Carrera Cup Asia championship is slated to run its first round in Thailand on September 18.
