Porsche Penske Motorsport is gearing up for the highly anticipated Petit Le Mans, scheduled from October 11 to 14, with two impressive additions to their driver line-up: Josef Newgarden and Laurens Vanthoor.
Newgarden, a two-time IndyCar champion and recent winner of the 2023 Indy 500, will make his debut in the GTP category at this prestigious endurance race, marking an exciting new chapter in his career. "I have a lot of respect and admiration for both the Penske and Porsche brands, and the combination between the two through Porsche Penske Motorsport is a dream scenario for any racing car driver and is an absolute honor to be a part of," said Newgarden enthusiastically about his new role.
Having previously competed in the LMP2 class during the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Newgarden is no stranger to endurance racing. He will partner with Matt Campbell and Felipe Nasr to drive the No. 7 Porsche 963 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. He expressed his appreciation for the hard work the team has invested over the last few years, stating, "Watching the dedicated teams build this program from the ground up has been exciting to watch, and seeing both Porsche 963s get wins this year and compete for championships shows that all the hard work has paid off."
Eager to contribute to the team's successes, Newgarden added, "My goal is to add to the program and help support the tremendous efforts that Porsche Penske Motorsport has put in place. With some good fortune, I’m sure we can turn effort into results together."
Joining Newgarden in the expanded Porsche roster is Laurens Vanthoor, a two-time IMSA GT champion with a wealth of experience as a Porsche factory driver. Vanthoor will team with Mathieu Jaminet and Nick Tandy in the No. 6 Porsche 963. Unlike Newgarden, Vanthoor is well-acquainted with the 963, having driven it in the FIA World Endurance Championship earlier this season alongside his teammates Kevin Estre and Andre Lotterer.
Vanthoor expressed his excitement for the upcoming race, saying, "I’m really excited to compete with the team’s IMSA program and help them wrap up their season, as they try and achieve their goals."
The addition of these two highly skilled drivers indicates a strategic move by Porsche Penske Motorsport as they seek to strengthen their competitive edge at the season finale. The Petit Le Mans set at Road Atlanta is known for its challenging layout, making driver experience and teamwork essential for success.
Porsche has a history of success in endurance racing, and the expectation is that both Newgarden and Vanthoor will be instrumental in guiding the team toward potential victory. As the race weekend approaches, anticipation builds not just around the pairing of these skilled drivers, but also what they may achieve together on the track.
The presence of athletic talent alongside professional dedication underscores Porsche's commitment to excellence in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. With Newgarden and Vanthoor in the driver's seat, Porsche Penske Motorsport appears poised to make a significant impact at the Petit Le Mans and possibly clinch an impressive finish to their season.
