Following an impressive podium run in its class debut, 8Star Motorsports will contest next year’s TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in the Prototype Challenge category, while also working to finalize a single-car effort for the Prototype class.

Team boss Enzo Potolicchio confirmed to Sportscar365 that his Florida-based team has submitted a full-season entry for its Oreca FLM09, with 2013 IMSA Lites champion Sean Rayhall set to graduate to the top series alongside the Venezuelan owner/driver.

Potolicchio, however, said he could step aside from full-time driving duties if they sign a funded driver for the No. 25 entry, which turned its first laps at Daytona earlier this week.

On the DP front, Gustavo Yacaman and IndyCar driver Bia Figueiredo (formerly Ana Beatriz) tested in the team’s 2013-spec Corvette DP this week, with the hope of both South American drivers securing funding to mount a full-season attack in the premier prototype category.

“We were really happy with Bia’s pace,” Potolicchio said. “She was really good in the car and was getting used to it in a smart way. I think we have a good Brazilian talent there. Gustavo also did a good job and I think they would be great teammates for next year if everything falls into place.”

Potolicchio said he does not anticipate being able to confirm the DP entry by Friday’s deadline, although it’s expected IMSA will still accept entries, particularly in the Prototype class, which has seen a recent dwindling car count.

“We talked to Ed Bennett and the series. They know we’re putting together the budget with Bia and Yacaman, we just need a little more time to sign everything and put everything in place,” he said.

“We would have the whole upgrade [kit]. Action Express is already testing everything and they’re the Coyote manufacturer, so we’re just waiting for them to develop parts and be able to sell us a kit as a customer.”