Paul Miller Racing Transitions to a Two-Car GTP Pro Team with Promising Results
Paul Miller Racing (PMR) has undergone significant changes for the 2025 season, evolving from a singular presence in the IMSA series to a competitive two-car GTP Pro team. This shift comes as BMW ramps up its support, introducing an upgraded M4 GT3 Evo car tailored for enhanced performance.
Last year, PMR made its debut in GTP Pro, securing the Michelin Endurance Cup with drivers Madison Snow and Neil Verhagen. However, pivotal changes have arisen with Bryan Sellers departing the team, leading to a refreshed driver lineup: BMW factory drivers Dan Harper and Max Hesse in the No. 48 car, alongside Snow and Verhagen in the No. 1.
The current season has seen PMR achieve its first victory with the M4 GT3 Evo at Watkins Glen, followed by a commendable 2-3 finish at Sebring. Despite facing challenges at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP), PMR’s No. 1 car continues to lead the Michelin Endurance Cup standings over the No. 48.
Team Principal Mitchell Simmons highlighted the duality of excitement and pressure that comes with operating a two-car factory team, noting, "There’s a lot of headache with factory sponsorship… running it as a business kind of takes some of that fun away." Despite these challenges, the influx of new engineers and mechanics has injected vitality into the team.
“We wanted to bring in some young blood,” Simmons stated. “Our priorities have changed—we’re all about racing with our hair on fire, but life has set in for many of us.”
The integration of younger drivers and personnel has produced positive results, though adaptation has presented challenges. Harper and Hesse, both relatively new to GT racing, have shown resilience, qualifying consistently within the top five. However, their campaign was marred by a DNF at Daytona due to an avoidable incident, which hindered their championship standing.
While PMR’s performance at tighter tracks like Detroit and Laguna was limited due to the M4’s dimensions, their competitive spirit remains high. Hesse acknowledged their ongoing development: “This is making us strong… we have to learn nine tracks and adapt quickly.”
Simmons praised BMW’s commitment, asserting, “They’ve been very, very good at giving us everything we’ve needed to succeed.” Despite facing a rollercoaster season, PMR sits fourth in the championship standings, suggesting potential for greater success as they adjust to the new dynamics.
With the right trajectory, PMR is poised to contend for GTD Pro honors next year and aims for a potential 1-2 finish in the Endurance Cup despite earlier setbacks. The synergy developed among the drivers and new team members looks promising as the season progresses.
