By alley - May 13, 2016, 10:01 AM ET

PWC: Long switches to Wright Motorsports for remainder of season

Wright Motorsports will field a Porsche 911 GT3 R for Patrick Long to drive in the 13 remaining races on the 2016 Pirelli World Challenge schedule, putting the popular Porsche factory driver back in contention for the series' GT drivers championship.

Long was left without a ride last week

when his EFFORT Racing team announced a hiatus from competition

Long has a long-time working relationship with Wright Motorsports and its owner, John Wright, as well as Michael Schein, a rookie who drives a Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R in the Pirelli World Challenge's GTA class and already has three podium finishes in just four starts.

"It's unfortunate how Patrick's program with us came together because we don't want to capitalize on another team's misfortunes, but we've worked with him many times in the past, we know he'll be a great benefit to our team, and we're excited to have him on board," Wright said.

"I also want to thank Michael Schein for committing to campaign a Porsche GT3 R in Pirelli World Challenge this year," Wright added. "That provided the infrastructure we needed to add Patrick's car to our PWC program. Michael and Patrick have also worked together in the past, and they have a great working relationship as well."

"This is a rare chance to take a very difficult situation and quickly turn it around," Long said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity that John and Michael have given me. It's been humbling, and I'm elated to be able to continue in the series with Wright Motorsports.

"I've worked with John in many different programs over the years, and we've had a lot of success together," he added. "It's always great to work with him and his team."

Long is currently fifth in the GT driver point standings. He won the first race of the year at Circuit of The Americas in March, and was also on the podium in round five at Long Beach in April.

The 34-year-old driver is one of 15 Porsche factory drivers, and the only North American to hold that distinction.

The next PWC event is May 19-22 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

Source: Wright Motorsports