PWC: Flying Lizard signs Stacy for GTS Porsche

Flying Lizard Motorsports has signed Nate Stacy as the first driver to sign for its new two-car Porsche program for the 2017 Pirelli World Challenge GTS class. Stacy has signed a one-year deal with Flying Lizard Motorsports with the option to pursue a second year. The 17-year-old Stacy showed an impressive performance throughout the 2016 season, earning one win and eight podiums in his first full season in the GTS class.

"It means a lot to me as a driver to be a part of this effort," said Stacy. "It is a big step forward for me to run with such a proven race team with so much history. With their experience, it'll be exciting to learn so much from the whole team."

The Oklahoma native began his racing career at age 12, winning two races in the production altered Comma Series, as well as becoming the youngest driver to not only finish in the top 10, but to even compete in the NASA 25 Hours of Thunderhill. Stacy returned to the Comma Series in 2013 and became the youngest driver to win the championship, earning six wins and two top five finishes.

He joined the Pirelli World Challenge in 2014, competing in the Touring Car class. In his rookie season, he earned one win and an impressive eight podium finishes. The following year, Stacy focused on gaining experience and furthering his development as a driver, starting the season in the TC class before switching to GTS for the remainder of the season.

At just 16 years old, Stacy entered the 2016 season as a full season GTS entry with Roush Performance, showing increased talent with every race. He capped off the season with one of his most impressive drives to date, starting from the back of the grid to finish third at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

"I've come a long way in this last season," said Stacy. "I still need to improve on my driving before I step into GT, so there's still a lot to learn."

As part of the driver development program that Flying Lizard Motorsports has established with Porsche to coach and cultivate young talents in North America, Stacy will race one of two FLMPorsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MRs. The 2017 Pirelli World Challenge GTS season kicks off at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, March 10-12.

"With our latest announcement of Flying Lizard coming back into the Porsche Motorsport fold full-time, we have a lot a great things happening for the upcoming season," said program manager Darren Law. "One of our goals is to give young drivers the right opportunity in the racing industry to be successful and showcase their talent.

"During the last two seasons in Pirelli World Challenge, I have had the opportunity to watch some of the other classes, especially the GTS class, and follow the progress of some of the up and coming talent. This is a great platform for young drivers, and Nate Stacy is one that really caught my eye. He showed the ability on track with raw speed, he was able to fight for podiums and wins in a car that was difficult to drive. He showed great racecraft in difficult conditions against some veteran drivers, and we felt he should be given an opportunity with our program. The combination of Flying Lizard Motorsports, Porsche Motorsport, and the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR will be the right platform to do just that."