Littlejet -
xxx
You can take your FAA ATP check ride without a current IR or ME rating. Actually, the ATP check will make you current again in category, class (and type if a type rating is required for the aircraft), as well as the instrument part, since the ATP includes an instrument competency check. And if it has not changed since my years in the USA, you do not even need an instructor's recommendation (for an ATP flight test). See FAR 61 for prerequisites for ATP flight test.
xxx
Happy contrails