Winward Racing Eyes Historic IMSA GTD Three-Peat at Petit Le Mans
Winward Racing, propelled by drivers Russell Ward and Philip Ellis, is on the cusp of an extraordinary achievement in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Heading into the highly anticipated season closer, the Motul Petit Le Mans, the team holds a precarious six-point advantage in the GTD class. Joined by endurance specialist Indy Dontje in their #57 Mercedes-AMG GT3, their objective is to secure a historic third consecutive championship, a feat that would cement their legacy in North American GT racing.
The quest for a trifecta at Petit Le Mans presents a formidable challenge. Despite their consistent success and four victories this season—including prestigious wins at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Road America, and VIR—Road Atlanta has remained an unconquered territory for Winward Racing. The team has never before graced the podium at this circuit. To counter this historical pattern and bolster their championship aspirations, the team engaged in extensive pre-race testing in Georgia, meticulously fine-tuning their Mercedes-AMG GT3.
Russell Ward emphasized the critical importance of qualifying well to gain an early advantage. He noted the fierce competition, particularly from the #96 car of Turner Motorsport, acknowledging their rival's typical strength at Petit Le Mans. Ward articulated the strategy to extend their points lead early in the race, aiming for a buffer that would alleviate some pressure. He stressed the team's commitment to focusing on their own performance, rather than being overly influenced by competitors' actions, a lesson learned from past experiences. The ultimate goal is to maximize their result at Petit, understanding that the track's demanding nature, with its high commitment zones and bumps affecting the car's systems, requires a precise and focused approach.
For Ward, who navigates the dual responsibilities of driver and team owner, the prospect of a third consecutive title is the culmination of years of dedicated effort and significant organizational development within the global GT racing landscape. He attributes their sustained success to an exceptional group of individuals both in the United States and Europe. Building a program capable of competing for race victories at such a high level is inherently difficult, but maintaining that position, year after year, presents an even greater challenge. Ward highlights the team's proficiency in identifying areas for improvement, even amidst consistent triumph. He proudly stated that Winward Racing has become intrinsically linked with Mercedes-AMG and GT racing, a reputation they are keen to uphold.