Wright Motorsports have confirmed their two-car return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for 2020.
Team newcomer Ryan Hardwick and Porsche Factory driver Patrick Long will be the full-season drivers of their #16 Porsche 911 GT3 R, sponsored by sports nutrition company 1st Phorm and motorcycle and powersports retailer Mountain Motorsports.
Announced in October, the 2018 Super Trofeo and SRO America GT Cup champion will bring 1st Phorm and Mountain Motorsports to the Wright program and the No. 16 Porsche 911 GT3 R.
“I am literally counting down the days until the green flag waves at the Rolex 24 in Daytona,” said an eager Hardwick. “I couldn’t be more excited about how things came together during the offseason with Wright Motorsports and Porsche Motorsport North America. This team is truly where I belong. I immediately felt comfortable and right at home with these guys. I’m also super stoked to have the opportunity to share the driver seat this season with Patrick Long. As a long-time Porsche enthusiast, I’ve been a fan and watched Pat compete for years. Getting the chance to actually race alongside and learn directly from him, is a real honor. Daytona can’t come soon enough. I’m ready to get after it!”
Returning to Wright Motorsports for another year of competition, Patrick Long will continue to race with the fan-favourite Porsche team. The three-time ALMS GT champion also holds three Pirelli World Challenge titles, and currently has an impressive 27 wins in IMSA competition.
“We know the model of consistency gets you in championship contention, but sheer performance and victories are likely going to have the final say,” said Long.
“I revel the chance to mount a challenge for a title, but I have no doubt we are in the most competitive era of GT racing this country has ever seen. I really like where we ended up in 2018 with Wright Motorsports in IMSA with our GTD effort. It’s great to get back into the groove and the plan is to pick up where we left off. Ryan is a refreshing personality and he seems as driven and focused as any driver on the grid, pro or not. That’s a great combination and I like where we have been able to get as teammates in a very short span of time. I am grateful to our partners in believing in our combination of a driving pair.”
Final confirmation is still awaited on the driver squad for Wright’s second GTD entry.
