AWA Racing stepping up to IMSA WeatherTech LMP3 class for 2022
FOLLOWING A SUCCESSFUL 2021 SEASON IN IMSA MICHELIN PILOT CHALLENGE AWA RACING IS NOW GEARING UP FOR THE ROLEX 24 IN A DUQUEINE D08 LMP3 PROTOTYPE WITH FIDANI/WITTMER
It looks like AWA Racing had been pondering about the next step to take in IMSA sanctioned racing following their 2021 campaign in Michelin Pilot Challenge where they were top contenders all season long and victorious at Daytona in the four hours race and again at Mid-Ohio.
“LMP3 cars are fast, enjoyable machines,” said Team Principal Andrew Wojteczko. “The LMP3 class has no Balance of Performance (BoP), and it is more economical than GT Daytona (GTD). It is a competitive class with expectations of significant growth in coming seasons. To make the switch to LMP3 was a logical progression for our team.”
Orey Fidani and Kuno Wittmer will continue their partnership at the wheel of the LMP3 and will be joined by none other than Lars Kern for the Endurance Michelin Cup races. Lars played an important role with the Plaid Porsche and Pfaff Motorsports during their IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar GTD effort these past seasons. Matt Bell will be joining AWA Racing for the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
“I am extremely delighted on being back in the WeatherTech Championship,” declared Montreal native Kuno Wittmer. “Having joined AWA in late 2019, the connection with the team and co-driver Orey Fidani has been an incredible adventure so far. We had the chance to test the LMP3 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park a couple times and we all fell in love with it. Orey is an absolute gentleman, friend and I value his driving skills highly. Also, I’m very happy to have Lars and Matt onboard, as we know their capabilities in the series.”
“It’s great to stay in IMSA and be with AWA,” said the German driver. “The team did a tremendous job in the Michelin Pilot Challenge, and it will be exciting to see their transition to the WeatherTech Championship. I am paired with experienced drivers who know IMSA in and out, so I think it’s going to be straight forward, but it’s always exciting to start the season with the biggest event. I am happy to stay within the paddock as part of a great team with connections to Pfaff. In the past few seasons, I fell in love with the way Canadians work and who they are. I’m really looking forward to working with Andrew, Orey, Kuno and Matt for the first race. Let’s bring it on!”
British driver Matt Bell is no stranger to LMP3 Prototype racing having competed on a regular basis since 2016 in championships like Asian Le Mans Series, Michelin Le Mans Cup and IMSA Prototype Challenge. He also has experienced LMP2 prototype as well as GT Series with several participation at the famous Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 hours.
Matt Bell echoed Lars’ thoughts on participating in the Rolex 24 At Daytona by adding, “I’m very excited to be joining team AWA for the Daytona 24 Hours. It’s a race I love doing and it’s always a great way to kickstart the year. I’ll be new to the team; we have a great lineup, so I’ll be doing all I can to help challenge for the top step and start the team’s season off as strongly as possible.”
AWA’s Duqueine D08 LMP3 that will sport the team’s usual yellow livery and the number 13.
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Schedule
January 21-23 Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona Test
January 27-30 Daytona International Speedway 24 Hours*
March 16-19 Sebring International Raceway 12 Hours*
May 13-15 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 2h 40 minutes
June 23-26 Watkins Glen International 6 Hours*
July 1-3 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park 2h 40 minutes
August 5 – 7 Road America 2h 40 minutes
September 28 – October 1 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta 10 Hours*
*IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Round
IMSA Prototype Challenge
In addition to a full season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, AWA will field a second LMP3 car in the IMSA Prototype Challenge (IPC) with Canadian driver Anthony Mantella.
“I am honored that Anthony has elected to have AWA campaign his IPC effort for next season,” declared Andrew Wojteczko. “I’m confident Anthony will be up to speed quickly and challenging for podiums in the bronze cup. Anthony has had a few years away from the sport, a chance to reflect and I believe he’s coming back to it with a great approach, a positive attitude focused on being the best driver he can be.”
IMSA Prototype Challenge Schedule
January 21-23 Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona 3 Hours
May 13-15 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 1h 45 minutes
July 1-3 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park 1h 45 minutes
August 26 -28 VIRginia International Raceway 1h 45 minutes
September 28 – October 1 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta 1h 45 minutes
Excerpt from AWA press release
Image courtesy AWA Racing
