DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – New and returning faces will join the Manthey effort for the team’s first trip to Watkins Glen International for next week’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, as the team is set for its third start in its IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup campaign.
Manthey is one of a handful of teams that see its usual drivers competing at either Watkins Glen or Spa-Francorchamps for the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, which are on the same weekend.
Klaus Bachler will continue aboard the team’s No. 911 iconic “Grello” livery Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) in Grand Touring Daytona Pro (GTD PRO), although alongside WeatherTech Championship debutant Loek Hartog and Porsche veteran Michael Christensen this race with both Thomas Preining and Ricardo Feller at Spa.
The same is true for Morris Schuring in the No. 912 car, where he’ll be at Spa and so Richard Lietz will fill in for him at Watkins Glen alongside Ryan Hardwick and Riccardo Pera in GTD. Lietz was the team’s fourth driver at the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
“I think first of all its always good in life if you challenge yourself and go outside your comfort zone,” Lietz said back at the ROAR Before the Rolex 24 test, hailing Manthey’s arrival to the U.S.
“For a German team, racing in America is a big effort. I think with Manthey now, with all their products they’re producing for road cars, they have to look worldwide for their market. The American market is always very interesting for Porsche and Manthey.
“The decision to go to IMSA was quite a smart one but definitely a big challenge. With ‘Grello’ on one side and Ryan this side, an American racer with a lot of success, is a great way to start your first year but definitely a big challenge.”
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The team confirmed the changes in an Instagram post:
“📞 IMSA is calling 🇺🇸
In one week we’re back in the US for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen – the next round of the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup, following our GT win at the 12 Hours of Sebring. 🏁
“With the overlap to the 24 Hours of Spa, our driver line-up changes slightly: Loek Hartog and Michael Christensen join Klaus Bachler in the #911, while Richard Lietz takes over from Morris Schuring in the #912.
“We share great memories with all three of them and can’t wait to hit the track together at Watkins Glen International.”