BRASELTON, Ga. The Michelin Raceway Highway Atlanta is extraordinarily fashionable with drivers and followers alike. The monitor, situated close to the city of Braselton, gives loads of pleasure yearly. It is without doubt one of the few IMSA venues the place Porsche Penske Motorsport has but to win with its Weissach-built hybrid prototype. That’s set to vary this coming Saturday (October 3).

Heading into the showdown, Porsche is in second place within the producers’ standings. Manufacturing facility driver Laurin Heinrich (Germany), at present in second place, nonetheless has a mathematical likelihood of profitable the drivers’ championship. The Stuttgart-based sports activities automobile producer has received each title within the IMSA Championship for the previous two years.

Following his podium end most not too long ago in Indianapolis, Heinrich is returning to the No. 7 Porsche 963. On this automobile, the previous Porsche Junior driver, together with Felipe Nasr (Brazil) and Julien Andlauer (France), received the 2 endurance classics at Daytona and Sebring earlier this yr.

On the wheel of the No. 6 sister automobile are common drivers Kévin Estre (France) and Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium), together with Matt Campbell (Australia). This would be the last race behind the wheel of the 963 for for Campbell, who additionally got here up via the Porsche Junior Program.

The JDC-Miller MotorSports buyer staff is fielding one other Porsche 963 within the prime GTP class. The No. 5 automobile might be pushed by Porsche manufacturing unit driver Nico Müller from Switzerland, alongside Tijmen van der Helm from the Netherlands and Kaylen Frederick from the USA. The American privateer staff received the IMSA race at Laguna Seca in Could with Heinrich behind the wheel.

Within the GTD Professional class, two Porsche 911 GT3 R automobiles are going through off in a fierce competitors. Within the fan favourite AO Racing automobile nicknamed “Rexy” the 2 Brits Nick Tandy and Harry King are teaming up with Alessio Picariello (Belgium). “Rexy” will sport his now-traditional skeleton Halloween costume within the race. The well-known “Grello” from buyer staff Manthey won’t be competing at Petit Le Mans in its typical colours, however in a particular livery that includes the orange of Viessmann. The 2 Austrians Thomas Preining and Klaus Bachler – each former Porsche Juniors – share the No. 911 automobile with Mathieu Jaminet (France). Within the GTD class, three further Porsche 911 GT3 R automobiles from the client groups RS1, Wright Motorsports, and Manthey 1st Phorm might be on the beginning grid.

GT4 and Carrera Cup titles on the road

In IMSA Michelin Pilot Problem, Dan Ammann and Owen Trinkler have quietly put collectively a powerful season within the Bronze Cup class. Designed for gents drivers, the duo enter the ultimate race weekend simply 20 factors behind within the championship. Ammann and Trinkler want their No. 91 VRC Motorsports Group Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport to complete forward of championship rival Ted Giovannis in a Ford Mustang to safe the title with no regard to general place. General, Chris Miller and Mikey Taylor had been within the prime three late at Indianapolis earlier than a mandatory pit cease to refuel and hope to repeat the efficiency with higher luck on the end in Highway Atlanta.

Whereas the season ends this weekend for many, it’s only Spherical Seven of Eight for Porsche Carrera Cup North America. One yr after battling for Rookie of the 12 months honors, Tyler Maxson of TOPP Racing and Aaron Jeansonne of Kellymoss are battling for the general title of their an identical Porsche 911 Cup automobiles. The season concludes at Circuit of the Americas throughout the USA Grand Prix in October.

Driver quotes forward of the race weekend

Laurin Heinrich (Porsche 963 #7): “On the Petit Le Mans, I’ll be again within the No. 7 automobile alongside Felipe and Julien. Collectively, we received the 2 endurance classics at Daytona and Sebring initially of the season. We need to construct on that, as soon as once more play to our strengths, and win at Highway Atlanta as nicely. I nonetheless have an out of doors likelihood within the combat for the championship. Giving up isn’t an possibility for me. I’ll give it my all proper as much as the final lap.”

Matt Campbell (Porsche 963 #6): “The Petit Le Mans is considered one of my absolute favourite races. It’s all the time a spectacular approach to wrap up the season. This yr might be particularly significant for me personally. Will probably be my last race for Porsche. For me, this marks the tip of 10 great years collectively – a time for which I’m very grateful. It could good if I may obtain one other prime end result on this special day.”

Nico Müller (Porsche 963 #5): “The race is a significant spotlight yearly. I’m actually excited to be competing there for the primary time. Thus far, I’ve solely expertise the monitor within the simulator, and what I’ve seen could be very promising. Lastly, I get to race at Highway Atlanta in actual life! I’m assured that we are able to construct on the expertise we gained from our final race in Indianapolis. We need to be within the combine on the entrance.”