Manthey Racing Triumphs at Sebring with Historic Win in IMSA
In a remarkable debut season, Manthey Racing secured its first IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup victory at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, marking a significant milestone for the renowned German team. The #911 Porsche 911 GT3 R, featuring the iconic “Grello” livery, clinched the top spot in the GTD Pro class, reinforcing Manthey’s legacy in endurance racing, which includes past triumphs in the FIA WEC and at the Nürburgring.
Swiss driver Ricardo Feller, who previously defeated Manthey at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, expressed his pride in delivering the team its inaugural IMSA win. “Grello is something special among all the Porsche cars,” Feller stated, reflecting the car’s celebrated status in the sport.
Feller shared the podium with veteran Klaus Bachler, who has demonstrated extraordinary consistency, claiming victory at Sebring for the third consecutive time with different teams. Bachler attributes their success to flawless execution throughout the race: “We had the car, we had zero problems. Perfect stops. Perfect strategy.”
Manthey’s registration as a competitive force in the IMSA landscape is further highlighted by the strong performance of its rivals, particularly AO Racing’s #1 Roxy Porsche, which finished second in class. With just over 90 minutes remaining, Thomas Preining edged out AO’s Harry King, setting multiple fastest laps and drawing on his previous DTM experience to secure their lead.
Yet the race was not without challenges. Manthey’s second entry, the #912 Porsche, faced a disappointing end due to a collision, preventing a potential double victory. As the team looks ahead, they currently sit tied for first in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD Pro standings, poised for their next race in the Endurance Cup at Watkins Glen.
This victory not only establishes Manthey Racing as a serious contender in IMSA but also signals a formidable presence for future endurance racing events across North America.
