Manthey Racing Unveils Driver Lineup for 2026 IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup
Manthey Racing has officially announced its driver roster for the inaugural 2026 IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup, featuring two new Porsche 911 GT3 Rs split between the GTD PRO and GTD classes.
In the GTD PRO category, the iconic No. 911 Porsche will sport the distinctive “Grello” livery, with drivers Klaus Bachler, Thomas Preining, and Ricardo Feller. The GTD No. 912, backed by 1st Phorm and driven by Ryan Hardwick, Riccardo Pera, and Morris Schuring, will include Richard Lietz for the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Driver Backgrounds and Achievements
Klaus Bachler, who claimed the FIA World Endurance Championship LMGT3 title with Manthey in 2024, transitions from a successful stint at AO Racing. Thomas Preining, the 2023 DTM champion, brings testing experience from Daytona International Speedway. Ricardo Feller, making his return to the Rolex 24 since 2019, contributes a wealth of competitive spirit.
“I’m really excited that it’s finally official and that I will be competing in IMSA alongside Manthey,” said Preining. “Our first test went very well, and everyone on the team is motivated and focused on the same goal: winning Daytona and making a strong statement in our first season in the U.S.”
For the GTD lineup, Hardwick, Pera, and Lietz, who clinched the LMGT3 class victory at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, will aim to leverage their collaborative success. Hardwick noted, “I’m very excited to be returning home to race in IMSA with Manthey in 2026,” referencing their prior win at Daytona in 2022.
Team Objective and Insights
Patrick Arkenau, director of Racing at Manthey Racing GmbH, expressed confidence in the team’s assembled drivers. “We are particularly pleased to be able to count on a very strong driver lineup with close ties to Manthey,” he stated. “We have gained a lot of experience and celebrated many successes with each of them.”
With an eye towards the upcoming season, Manthey Racing is preparing to compete at the Roar Before the 24 in January, setting the stage for an ambitious debut in the American endurance racing scene.
