IMSA: Autometrics outlines NAEC plans

After taking part in the recent test days at Daytona, Autometrics Motorsports has confirmed it is working toward running the No. 24 Porsche 997 GT3R in the North American Endurance Cup events as well as the possibility of other select races in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

"The test was extremely useful as we had the opportunity to work on the set-up of the car on the Continental tires and while there were no official times, we believe the car is right on pace with the others at the test in the GTD field," said Gordon Friedman, president of AMS. "We were encouraged by the test and believe that the 997, while not the latest model from Porsche, will be an extremely reliable platform – especially for the long endurance races that comprise the NAEC."

Joe Toussaint, who owns the car, has been interested in racing it in IMSA since it was acquired in July of 2014. Toussaint and AMS raced the car in select Pirelli World Challenge GT-A races in 2015 but have been keen to participate in IMSA.

"I began discussions with Geoff Carter at IMSA and Jens Walther, president of Porsche Motorsports North America, in the summer of 2015 about running the car in IMSA," said Toussaint. "I want to thank both Geoff and Jens for their help. I'm very excited that the car is eligible to race in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Our goal is to run the car in the NAEC events."

It is planned that both Toussaint and Cory Friedman (both bronze-rated drivers) will participate in the events. "We believe that the 997 platform is race proven and extremely reliable. We have already begun preparations for the race having sent the engine and transmission back to PMNA," said Friedman. "We're excited and believe we can have strong finishes in the races by utilizing the speed and reliability of the Porsche, driving smart and being ready to capitalize at the end of the races.

Source: AMS