Proton Competition Gears Up for Daytona
Ummendorf-Based Team Makes Dual Debuts in GTP and GTD Classes at 2024 Season Opener
As the motorsport community gears up for the 2024 season, Proton Competition is poised to make a significant impact at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Scheduled for 27/28 January in Florida, this 24-hour classic marks the first major event of the new year in motorsport.
Hailing from Ummendorf, Germany, Proton Competition is entering uncharted territory this year. For the first time, the team will compete in the prestigious GTP class at the Rolex 24, fielding their Mustang Sampling Porsche 963. This entry marks a significant step up for the team, demonstrating their commitment to competing at the highest levels of endurance racing.
Additionally, the team is set to make their debut in the GTD class at the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season opener. They will be racing the 1st Phorm Mustang GT3, showcasing their versatility across different racing classes.
The driver line-up for the Mustang Sampling Porsche 963 (#5) is a blend of experience and talent, featuring Gianmaria Bruni from Italy, Romain Dumas of France, Switzerland's Neel Jani, and Alessio Picariello from Belgium. This formidable team is expected to be a strong contender at the Daytona International Speedway.
In the 1st Phorm Mustang GT3 (#55), the cockpit will be shared by a diverse group of drivers: Ryan Hardwick and Corey Lewis from the United States, Dennis Olsen from Norway, and Italy's Giammarco Levorato. Their collective experience and skill set bring a competitive edge to the team.
Christian Ried, the team owner, emphasized the importance of preparation and teamwork for success at Daytona. He highlighted the collective effort of the team and their partners in creating optimal conditions for a strong start to the motorsport year.
Proton Competition is no stranger to victory at Daytona. Last year, the team celebrated a double victory, clinching class wins with their Oreca-07 Gibson (LMP2) and the Mercedes-AMG GT3 (GTD Pro) for WeatherTech Racing.
In the run-up to the 24-hour race, the traditional "Roar Before The Rolex 24" will take place from 19 to 21 January, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating event.
In a significant announcement for the GTD class, Giammarco Levorato and Corey Lewis will be competing in all the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD races for Proton Competition. They will be joined by Ryan Hardwick for the endurance events at Sebring, Watkins Glen, Indianapolis, and Petit Le Mans, forming a robust team for the season.
As the anticipation builds for the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Proton Competition's dual debut in both the GTP and GTD classes positions them as a team to watch in this year’s motorsport calendar.
