Manthey Racing to Compete in IMSA: A New Era for the Championship
Le Mans Winning Team Joins North American Endurance Racing
Manthey Racing, renowned for its successful pedigree in motorsports, including a recent victory in LMGT3 at Le Mans and the DTM championship, is set to enter the IMSA (International Motor Sport Association) series for the first time. The team will field entries in the GTD PRO and GTD classes, showcasing drivers Klaus Bachler, Ricardo Feller, and Thomas Preining, alongside Ryan Hardwick, Riccardo Pera, and Morris Schuring.
Impressive Recent Track Record
In addition to its 2025 achievements, Manthey Racing has claimed victories at prestigious events such as Bathurst and the Nurburgring, further solidifying its status as a top-tier GT racing team. Patrick Arkenau, the team’s racing director, expressed excitement about the entry into IMSA, stating, “For me, it’s super, super exciting. America is the last place on earth where we haven’t been successful.”
Strategic Goals in IMSA
A primary objective for Manthey Racing’s IMSA entry is to enhance brand visibility in North America, where the team’s remarkable global success has not translated into significant market awareness. Arkenau emphasized, “We also go to IMSA to raise the awareness of Manthey as a brand… America is very important, and we do not have the brand awareness that we have in other places in the world.”
Competitive Landscape and Challenges
Arkenau acknowledged the different challenges posed by IMSA, including varied track conditions and logistics. However, he believes experience from DTM will facilitate adaptation. “While in DTM with strategy and pit stops, IMSA offers a mix of endurance racing and sprint elements, making it a perfect environment for our team’s expertise,” he noted.
As Manthey Racing prepares to make its mark in IMSA, their commitment to competition and success continues to set the stage for thrilling storylines in the championship. The team’s entry is not only significant for its own ambitions but also poses a formidable challenge to rivals in the highly competitive GT landscape.
