Manthey Racing Set for IMSA Debut at Sebring
Sebring, FL – Manthey Racing, renowned for its successes in endurance racing across Europe, will make its debut in the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup this weekend at the 12 Hours of Sebring. This marks the first time the team, a dominant force with seven Nürburgring 24 Hours and six Le Mans class victories, competes in the storied North American series.
The German squad is fielding two Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) Evos, competing in both the GTD Pro and GTD classes. During their recent outing at the 24 Hours of Daytona, the #911 ‘Grello’ led late into the race, ultimately finishing fifth in the GTD Pro category. The #912 secured ninth in the GTD class after experiencing a setback due to a blocked radiator.
Patrick Arkenau, Manthey’s racing director, expressed satisfaction with the team’s Daytona performance despite not achieving a podium finish. “We maximised the package we had,” he noted, emphasizing adjustments made to adapt to IMSA’s unique operational setup, specifically the logistics of having a garage separate from the pit box.
The 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona also served as the debut for the 992-spec Porsche 911 GT3 R’s Evo kit. “The changes are mostly in terms of reliability and software functionalities, which significantly influence race strategy,” said Arkenau, indicating confidence in the vehicle’s performance.
Manthey’s expansion into IMSA follows a strategic shift after the conclusion of Porsche’s factory LMGTE program in 2022, which has seen the team diversify its racing commitments. “We’ve been successful in WEC, DTM, and Nürburgring,” explained Arkenau. “IMSA was the logical next step to conquer North America.”
Looking ahead to Sebring, Arkenau is optimistic about the team’s potential. “We had a good test; the drivers are on pace, and we are ready to compete for podiums and wins,” he asserted. With a history of quickly adapting to new challenges, Manthey is eager to improve on their Daytona showing and aims to lead at the checkered flag rather than with just two hours remaining, a nod to their competitive aspirations.
The team’s ability to promote its brand in the North American market is also a key part of this venture. As Arkenau highlighted, Manthey is committed to enhancing visibility, emphasizing the relationship with Porsche and the brand’s racing heritage through targeted marketing efforts.
With anticipation building for Sebring, Manthey Racing is poised to make a significant impact in IMSA, appealing to fans and stakeholders alike as they aim for a historic inaugural race success.
