Magnus Racing switches from IMSA to PWC
Magnus Racing, which last year won the GTD category in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, will run two Audi R8s in this year’s Pirelli World Challenge.
Photo by: Art Fleischmann
Team owner John Potter will campaign in the GTA class, while the GT driver will be supplied by Audi Sport customer racing.
Potter stated: “When evaluating our options for 2017, we thought it was a good opportunity to pursue a new challenge. When I consider that I’ve driven in pro racing for 10 years, I realized that very little of it has been in a sprint format, and the timing seems right to see how we enjoy it.
“This will be a new era for the team, not only because of the new series, but with the emphasis on sprint racing and solo driving we have to take a whole new approach. Running a two-car team has been an ambition of ours since the beginning, and while we’ve had some experience with two-car programs at Rolex 24 at Daytona, the unique format of the Pirelli World Challenge provides us an opportunity to really explore this.
Potter paid tribute to Audi, having switched from Porsche 911 to an Audi R8 at the end of 2015.
“Audi Sport customer racing has been incredible so far. Obviously in our very first race together we took victory at the most prestigious race in the country, and that set the course for a partnership that has been beneficial for all of us. We appreciate their willingness to support us into 2017, and I think together we will provide an incredible program.
“Creating a program around one of their factory pilots is a unique opportunity and great platform to develop around, and we look forward to being a weekly threat for overall race wins.”
The team has clinched two Tequila Patron North American Endurance Championships, which amasses points from IMSA’s four endurance races – Rolex 24 hours, Sebring 12 Hours, Watkins Glen Six Hours and Petit Le Mans. Along the way, the team has scored class wins in the Rolex 24 (twice) and Sebring 12 Hours.
PWC president and CEO Greg Gill said: “We are extremely honored to have Magnus Racing join our series for 2017. Their success on-track speaks for itself, and coupled with their reputation for fan engagement and off-track fun, we’re confident the team will have a great experience here.
“The sprint format is something that a lot of teams and drivers grow to enjoy, and I’m confident everyone within the team will enjoy what the Pirelli World Challenge has to offer.”
Tristan Herbert, the mnager of motorsport and customer racing at Audi of America, added: “The strength of Magnus Racing became instantly apparent when we won our first race together, at the biggest event of the year. “From Day 1 we’ve admired the quality and depth of the team, as above all else they come with a strong will to win and that makes for an excellent partnership.
“The Pirelli World Challenge presents a new opportunity for everyone within the team, and we believe our car should be an excellent contender in that format.”
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