Toronto Based GRS Autosport to take on full 2022 IMSA Prototype Challenge
AVE MOTORSPORTS WILL FIELD TWO GRS AUTOSPORT LIGIER JSP320 WITH DRIVER LINE-UP TO BE FINALIZED
Although all the available seats are still to be taken, drivers George Staikos, Tony Ave, and Hanna Zellers have been confirmed. The first outing will be for the 3 hour Scouts of America opener at Daytona International Speedway during the weekend of the Roar before the Rolex 24 on January 21-23.
The program is supported by numerous backers including GMS Excavating of Napanee, ON, Staikos Homes of Belleville, ON, and Corum of Switzerland.
This will be George Staikos’ second full season of racing after winning the 2021 IMSA Prototype Challenge LMP3-2 class.
“It’s exciting to be returning to IMSA in 2022 after completing my first full season of racing in the 2021 Prototype Challenge” said George Staikos. “The Ligier JSP320 is a fantastic vehicle and very comfortable to drive. It’s also great to have the continued support of our Canadian partners Staikos Homes, Ontario’s premier home builders and GMS Excavating, along with the addition of Corum.”
Tony Ave is a 2-time Trans Am champion, and has a history of wins in Pro Atlantics, USAC, and was the 1993 Pro Sprint World Snowmobile Champion.
Tony Ave commented : “I’m looking forward to getting back into Prototype racing after a few years away. I’m very impressed with the Ligier equipment and am looking forward to building a team with GRS Autosport that can compete in professional sports car racing for years to come.”
Hanna Zellers participated in the 2018 Prototype Challenge season among many other single-seat and sports car series, with podiums in Formula Atlantic and the SCCA runoffs, and a karting season championship. “I am beyond excited to make my return to the IMSA Prototype Challenge. I feel like I have so much more to accomplish, and I’m ready for the challenge,” Hanna Zellers added.
Ave Motorsports is the manufacturer of most successful Trans Am chassis of the modern era in association with Riley Technologies, and a service provider to IMSA, SRO, SCCA, and Vintage race teams. They have a rich history in prototype racing, having co-designed and built the Ave-Riley AR2 LMP3 for the previous LMP3 homologation.
GRS Autosport is based in Toronto, Ontario and Ave Motorsports is based in Mooresville, NC.
Excerpt and image from GRS Autosport release
