Manthey Racing Reveals Driver Line-ups for 2026 IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup
Manthey Racing has officially announced its driver line-ups for the 2026 IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup, marking the German team’s debut in the prestigious five-round series. This announcement comes after the team, renowned for its seven victories at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, confirmed plans to field two new Porsche 911 GT3 Rs, one in the GTD PRO category and another in GTD.
GTD PRO Entry
The #911 GTD PRO vehicle will feature Manthey’s signature ‘Grello’ livery, driven by Porsche factory driver Thomas Preining, alongside Porsche-represented drivers Ricardo Feller and Klaus Bachler. Preining, the 2023 DTM champion, brings three years of experience with Manthey and limited IMSA experience from the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2022 and 2023.
“Our first test went very well, and everyone on the team is motivated,” Preining commented. “Racing in America is fun, and it’s even more rewarding when you are successful – which is exactly what we’re aiming for.”
Feller, who last competed in North America in 2019 with Land-Motorsport, returns after notable achievements, including victories in the ADAC GT Masters and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
“I raced in these endurance races back in 2019 and have wanted to return to the US every year since,” Feller stated. “With the 24 Hours of Daytona upcoming in January, our full focus is on that race.”
Bachler joins from AO Racing, where he secured wins at both the 12 Hours of Sebring and Laguna Seca in 2025. This will be his eighth consecutive start at Daytona.
“With Thomas and Ricardo, I have two extremely strong teammates,” Bachler remarked. “It has always been a big wish of mine to race in the Grello.”
GTD Entry
The #912 GTD Porsche, sponsored by 1st Phorm, features a lineup of Ryan Hardwick, Riccardo Pera, and Morris Schuring, joined by Porsche factory driver Richard Lietz for the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Hardwick and Lietz are previous Daytona winners and are poised for success after a strong 2025, highlighted by their victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“I’m very excited to be returning home to race in IMSA with Manthey in 2026,” Hardwick expressed. “We have a strong driver lineup that combines youth and experience.”
Schuring, a 20-year-old driver, has already captured iconic races, including Le Mans, and looks forward to the challenges presented by the IMSA series.
“Going to America will be a new challenge for me,” Schuring noted. “I’m confident we’ll be well prepared.”
Pera has a solid track record with Porsche, boasting extensive race experience, while Lietz brings his impressive résumé, including three Daytona class victories.
The Path Ahead
The inaugural race of the 2026 IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup kicks off with the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona from January 21-25, 2026, preceded by the Roar Before The 24 test weekend.
With a strong and diverse driver line-up, Manthey Racing is poised to make a significant impact in its first season on American soil.
— Images © IMSA, Manthey
