BATAVIA, Ohio, (December 17, 2020)– Following a successful season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Wright Motorsports will go back to the professional cars racing series in 2021 with a nearly identical program. Led by John Wright, the operation will see full-season chauffeurs Ryan Hardwick and Patrick Long return to pilot the No. 16 Porsche 911 GT3 R, once again sponsored by 1st Phorm, Mountain Motorsports, and Una Vida Tequila. Jan Heylen, will again stand in as the endurance addition, and Klaus Bachler will sign up with the group for the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona in January.
“We’re enjoyed be back for another year with the very same group we had for 2020,” stated John Wright. “Consistency was a big part of our success last year, and we’re beginning 2021 on the ideal foot by continuing with our tested formula. From the drivers, to the team and sponsors, we really produced a great organization, and I’m proud to have Wright Motorsports back for another year with all these individuals and partners.”
Consistency was undoubtedly the name of the video game for Wright Motorsports in 2020. The group finished just two points behind the class champions, with 4 podiums and 8 top-five finishes. Their steady season-long progression culminated with triumph at the Twelve Hours of Sebring, clinching the group’s very first endurance win of its 20-year history. Although the win it itself was an excellent task, it was not up until after the race that the chauffeurs revealed that the No. 16 Porsche suffered a broken left-rear shock for much of the race, most likely failing in among the very first two stints. The race-winning outcome was not only a testimony to the team for pressing on, racing on the bumpiest circuit on the calendar, however also showcased the dependability and competitive performance of the Porsche 911 GT3 R, out-performing a class filled with other manufacturers.
The No. 16 Porsche 911 GT3 R will once again sport the blue, black, and white livery, showcasing the primary sponsorship from 1st Phorm, a leader in nutrition and sports performance supplements. Mountain Motorsports, a powersports dealer owned by Ryan Hardwick, will continue its support of the team, also joined by Una Vida Tequila, who initially signed up with early into the 2020 season.
Together, Ryan Hardwick and Patrick long became a competitive set, scoring 2 sprint podiums when just the two motorists shared the automobile. Jan Heylen first signed up with the duo at Road Atlanta’s 6 hour endurance race, helping in protecting the group’s very first podium of the 2020 championship. At the Twelve Hours of Sebring, Heylen dominated the qualifying session, earning his very first career IMSA pole position. Klaus Bachler will once again support the team as an addition for the Rolex 24 only, where the group started the year with a solid fourth location surface.
The schedule for the GTD class consists of 12 events throughout North America, going back to the fan-favorite courses throughout the nation. The Michelin Endurance Cup will once again feature four endurance races in the 12-race calendar: The Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Twelve Hours of Sebring, the Sahlen’s 6 Hours of The Glen, and Petit Le Mans. The 2021 season will also see the series broaden from four classes to five: Daytona Model worldwide (DPi), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), Le Mans Model 3 (LMP3), GT Le Mans (GTLM), and GT Daytona (GTD). The new season will also present a brand-new points incentive for qualifying, awarding 35 points for pole position, 32 for second place, 30 for 3rd, then declining by one point with each position, down to 30th in class.
The momentum from the season-finale success will carry over to the new year, starting with the Rolex 24 at Daytona, January 30-31. Introducing some brand-new formats to the endurance classic, the starting grid for the Rolex 24 will now be figured out by a 100-minute certifying race the week in the past at the Holler Before the 24 test. The two-driver race will be obligatory for all Rolex 24 competitors, taking place Saturday, January 24. For all occasion information, visit imsa.com.
Chauffeur Prices quote
Ryan Hardwick
I’m truly excited to be back with the exact same program that had a lot of success in the very first year, and I’m seeking to building on that success. For me personally, I’m truly focused on continuing to enhance as a motorist and as a teammate. We expect to continue our 2020 success. The 2021 season will be even more competitive, with even more vehicles, excellent drivers, and strong groups to compete against. We feel we’re the best ready team entering into the brand-new season, and we’re going to capitalize on our momentum from our Sebring triumph to fight for that leading step at Daytona.
Patrick Long
I revel in the element of continuity. Having the band back together assists a lot with a view of keeping the momentum of where we left off in 2020. I anticipate the competition to just increase, so the work begins now and through the green dropping for the Rolex 24 in just over a month from now. Grateful to have our sponsors and partners back on board. I am looking forward to this!
Jan Heylen
It’s interesting to start the brand-new season with the good momentum from in 2015! A strong second half of the season, ending with a win at the 12 Hours of Sebring, puts us in a good place to kick off 2021 at Daytona. It’s really unique to go into another season with a group I call family, with Patrick, my best friend of twenty years, and Ryan who has actually invited me and has given me a home in his organization. I believe we have all the elements to have a successful year and defend the championship like we did in 2015. Porsche and PMNA played a key role in all the success we had in 2020 and I’m excited to be dealing with them once again and their continued assistance entering into the brand-new season.
Klaus Bachler
In 2021 I will once again have the honor of taking on John Wright and his remarkable team for the Rolex 24h. Racing in Daytona is constantly a very special experience. I can’t wait to push the automobile to its limitations on this incredible track. I am eagerly anticipating interact with Ryan, Pat and Jan.
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