Motul Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N

Welcome to the Motul Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N. This is your event program featuring the weekend schedule as well as lots of great content on the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Michelin Pilot Challenge and the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich.

MOTUL Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N

MAY 12-14

MOTUL Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N

EVENT SCHEDULE / May 10 - 14, 2023 Provisional Schedule 3.2.2023

Friday, May 12 8:25am - CCL 8:30am - 9:10am 9:25am - 10:10am 10:20am - CCL 10:25am - 11:25am 11:25am - 12:25pm 11:35am - 12:05pm 12:20pm - CCL 12:25pm - 12:55pm 1:05pm - CCL 1:10pm - 1:55pm 2:05pm - CCL 2:10pm - 3:10pm 3:20pm - CCL 3:25pm - 3:45pm 4:00pm - CCL 4:05pm - 5:35pm 5:45pm - 6:05pm 6:10pm - 6:30pm Saturday, May 13 7:55am - CCL 8:00am - 8:15am 8:20am - 8:35am 8:50am - CCL 8:55am - 10:25am 9:10am - 10:40am 10:55am - CCL 11:00am - 11:15am 11:20am - 11:35am 11:30am - 12:00pm 11:45am - 11:50am 11:50am - 12:35pm 12:50pm - CCL 12:55pm - 1:10pm 1:20pm - 1:35pm 1:45pm - 2:05pm 9:20am 2:15pm - 2:20pm 2:20pm - 3:10pm 3:10pm - 4:10pm 3:15pm - 3:45pm 3:30pm - 4:10pm 3:40pm - 4:10pm 4:20pm - 4:30pm 4:30pm - 6:30pm 6:40pm - 7:10pm 7:15pm - 7:35pm Sunday, May 14 7:55am - CCL 8:00am - 8:20am 8:30am - 8:35am 8:35am - 9:20am 9:35am - 9:40am 9:40am - 10:30am 10:45am - 12:00pm 12:00pm - 12:10pm 12:10pm - 2:50pm 2:55pm - 3:15pm

IMSA Course Clearance Laps

Practice #1

Mazda MX-5

IMSA Course Clearance Laps

Practice #1

Lamborghini Trofeo

IMSA Course Clearance Laps

Practice #1

Michelin Challenge

Lunch

Media Activity (Hot Track) IMSA Course Clearance Laps

Practice #2

Mazda MX-5

IMSA Course Clearance Laps

Practice #2

Lamborghini Trofeo

IMSA Course Clearance Laps

Practice #2

Michelin Challenge

IMSA Course Clearance Laps

Qualifying

Mazda MX-5

IMSA Course Clearance Laps

Practice #1

WeatherTech Championship

Cadillac Car Corral Laps (IMSA) Mixed Car Corral Laps (IMSA)

IMSA Course Clearance Laps

Qualifying #1 Qualifying #2 Practice #2 Practice #2

Lamborghini Trofeo Lamborghini Trofeo

IMSA Course Clearance Laps

WeatherTech Championship (GTD/LMP2) WeatherTech Championship (GTP/GTD Pro)

IMSA Course Clearance Laps

Qualifying Qualifying Pre-Race RACE #1 Qualifying Qualifying Qualifying Pre-Race RACE #1 Lunch

Michelin Challenge TCR Michelin Challenge GS

Autograph Session WeatherTech Championship

At Team Transporters in the Paddock

Mazda MX-5 Mazda MX-5

IMSA Course Clearance Laps

WeatherTech Championship (GTD, GTD Pro) WeatherTech Championship (LMP2-Bronze) WeatherTech Championship (GTP)

Lamborghini Trofeo Lamborghini Trofeo

Porsche Car Corral Laps (IMSA) Pre-Race - Open Grid / Fan Walk

IMSA Hot Lap Experience By Invitation Only

Formation Laps

RACE Michelin Pilot Challenge Lamborghini Car Corral Laps (IMSA) Corvette Car Corral Laps (IMSA)

IMSA Course Clearance Laps

Warm Up Pre-Race RACE #2 Pre-Race RACE #2

WeatherTech Championship (All Classes)

Mazda MX-5 Mazda MX-5

Lamborghini Trofeo Lamborghini Trofeo

Pre Race - Open Grid / Fan Walk presented by Hagerty

Formation Laps

RACE: MOTUL Course de Monterey Powered by Hyundai N

IMSA WeatherTech Championship

MOTUL Cote de California Car Corral Lap (WRLS)

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O n behalf of the team at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and the entire County of Monterey, it is my great pleasure to welcome all of our distinguished guests and fans for the Motul Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N. Whether this is your first time visiting or you are a returning guest, we hope that the rolling green hills and beauty of the bay provide the perfect backdrop to your weekend of thrilling action.

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series brings some of the best motorsport competition in the world to the Monterey Peninsula. With so many incredible teams and cars this year, we look forward to seeing them ripping down the corkscrew and watching the results come in. We are grateful to the IMSA organization, the teams and drivers, and all of our volunteers who work to make this event happen every year. We’d like to give a special thank you to WeatherTech, Hyundai, Motul, and all the incredible sponsors who support our efforts and allow us to continue hosting this internationally acclaimed series. In addition to the world-class racing on track, we hope you are able to take advantage of all the amazing amenities this weekend has to offer, whether it be our food vendors, our incredible exhibitors, our beautiful campgrounds and trails, our hospitality venues or our kid friendly activities, there is much to do and see at the track this weekend. Off track there are picturesque views, award winning wineries and restaurants, art galleries and cultural landmarks, and much more to take in. Welcome one and all to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and thank you for your continued support to kick off our 2023 season. Sincerely, John V. Narigi

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Dear IMSA Fans,

On behalf of the France family and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), it is our honor to welcome you back to beautiful WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and the Motul Course de Monterey Powered by Hyundai N race weekend. Sunday’s two-hour, 40-minute headline race features the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, which is the pinnacle of professional North American sports car competition. The picturesque circuit here at WeatherTech Raceway will offer the perfect showcase, not only for the race fans in attendance, but also for the live, national television audience watching on NBC. This race will feature four WeatherTech Championship classes representing a host of world-class manufacturers. The new and highly anticipated Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) machines that debuted this year are making their first visit to WeatherTech Raceway. These cutting-edge prototype racers utilize traditional internal combustion engines paired with a hybrid electrified power storage/ regeneration system to propel them around the track at their lightning-quick pace. The Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class brings even more high-tech prototypes with Pro-Am driver lineups and outstanding race teams. Factory-backed GT Daytona (GTD) PRO cars return to WeatherTech Raceway this weekend with a plethora of ultra-professional teams, drivers and manufacturers. And the Pro-Am GTD class returns again to battle not only for the season-long WeatherTech Championship title, but also IMSA WeatherTech Sprint Cup honors. You won’t want to miss Saturday’s headliner either, the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, featuring production-based race cars in a two-hour, high-speed traffic jam. And there’s even more racing on tap this weekend, including a pair of Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich races and the season-opening doubleheader for Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America. We are proud to showcase a motorsports experience unlike any other where fans can get up close and personal with the drivers, teams and cars. Our paddock is open to all ticketholders, and you won’t want to miss the all-driver autograph session in the WeatherTech Championship paddock Saturday morning! Make sure to obtain one of our Fan Guides which are available throughout the facility. They contain illustrations of each race car in the field to determine who’s who on the track. You’ll also notice digital displays on all WeatherTech Championship and Michelin Pilot Challenge race cars; these inform you where each is running in its class throughout a race. Be sure to download the IMSA app for live timing and scoring, onboard cameras and up-to-the-minute news and information. And whenever you can’t be with us at the racetrack, be sure to tune in to NBC Sports’ outstanding coverage on the NBC and USA television networks or streaming on Peacock. Thank you again for joining us this weekend! Best Regards, Ed Bennett John Doonan CEO President

Bonjour & Welcome Race Fans! Motul is proud to celebrate our 170th year as a brand and introduce our 2023 IMSA title race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Motul Course de Monterey Powered by Hyundai N. We are also introducing an experience that is the first of its kind, Cote De California, an automotive enthusiast rally. The namesakes of these events are inspired by the motorsport legacy of the Monterey Peninsula paired with a bit of French flair and influence. The idea behind this is an homage to the roots of Motul, which started in New York City in 1853. The company was ultimately sold to its French distributor in 1911 as a result of the dissolution of Standard Oil. Motul holds several firsts, including developing the world’s first multi- grade oil in 1953 and the first 100-percent synthetic automotive oil in 1971 with Motul 300V. This foundation of innovation has led to a natural partnership with race series, performance manufacturers, and teams who demand products that hold up under the extreme conditions of motorsport. As the Official Motor Oil of both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Motul continues to lead innovation in the lubricant industry. This season marks a new era of racing, with advances in technology through the GTP category. Motul continues to provide lubricant testing for all competing teams, discovering more sustainable methods to provide the best performance and protection. Launched in 2021, the latest Motul 300V racing oil features organic base stocks using non-fossil renewable materials limiting the environmental impact and allows Motul to lower its carbon footprint by 25 percent during the manufacturing process. We are committed to supporting our community in California, as it has been the home to Motul USA since 1989. To browse performance products for your ride, your journey, and your passion visit shopmotul. com. Follow along with us in the world of motorsport @motulusa on all socials. Motul wishes you a day of wonderment and memories to last a lifetime. Thank you for joining us. Celso Pierre President Motul USA

HOW MOTUL USES RACING AS THE ULTIMATE LABORATORY FOR ITS PRODUCTS

F or Motul, racing is more than just a rolling advertisement. Whenever we put our branding on a car, we require the team to have our oils put to the test inside the vehicle. The company is celebrating 170 years in 2023 and this commitment as a brand has cemented our reputation for producing high-quality lubricants By Nicloas Demaria Motul Americas Technical Manager

that meet the rigorous demands of motorsports. In order to develop its performance synthetic motor oil and gear oils, Motul continually tests and evaluates the product with our partners. Within the IMSA series, and motorsports events around the world, oil samples are collected from teams and even tested on-site using the Motul Racing Laboratory in the case

MOTUL Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N

“ of events like Motul Petit Le Mans. The Motul Racing Laboratory is a state-of-the-art machine that is equipped with advanced testing equipment and staffed by experienced Motul lubricant engineers and technicians. The laboratory uses a range of testing techniques, including gas chromatography, infrared

We can let the teams know if traces of a specific element exist that might point to abnormal wear for specific components of the engine or gearbox.

spectroscopy, and viscosity testing, to evaluate the samples and see how the various base oils and additives are holding up under these conditions. We can let the teams know if traces of a specific element exist that might point to abnormal wear for specific components of the engine or gearbox. This data also allows Motul to balance all the various characteristics you

MOTUL Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N

want in a racing lubricant, giving adequate protection while still providing the lowest friction for added power. The result of this development and formulation led to the creation of our flagship 300V line of oils. The legendary Motul 300V was created in 1971 as the first ester- based automotive engine oil. It used technology from the aerospace

the manufacturing process. This is important, as IMSA and its partners continue to look for new ways to continue racing with a reduced impact on the environment. Motul’s 300V racing motor oil line is known for its use of ester- based formulas, which offer several advantages over traditional mineral oil or synthetic oil formulations. One

“

Motul’s 300V racing motor oil line is known for its use of ester-based formulas, which offer several advantages over traditional mineral oil or synthetic oil formulations.

industry and applied it for use inside a car. The name comes from the 300 victories that Motul-powered teams had achieved up to that point. For the 50th anniversary in 2021, an updated version of the 300V line was released. Motul supported teams like BMW and Pfaff Motorsports in IMSA were crucial in testing different variations of the product to create the latest formula. The new blend has more refinements for increased performance, more protection, and a better additive package for the emissions equipment. The new formula also features organic base stocks using non-fossil renewable materials, limiting the environmental impact and allowing Motul to lower its carbon footprint by 25% during

of the key benefits of ester-based oils is their superior lubricity. Ester molecules are polar, which means they have a positive and negative end. This polarity allows the oil to adhere to metal surfaces more effectively, providing better lubrication and reducing friction. As a result, engines that use ester-based oils can run more smoothly and efficiently, with less wear and tear on their components. Another advantage of ester-based oils is their ability to withstand high temperatures. Ester molecules have added temperature resistance, which means they can resist ignition and combustion at higher temperatures than other types of oils. This makes them ideal for use in high-

You rarely see them—and only for seconds when you do. While races are finished by the driver, they aren’t won without the crew. Every moment is critical. Every team member is crucial. And the less you see them, the more we win. THE RACE INSIDE THE RACE

lexus.com/motorsports @LexusRacingUSA @VasserSullivan

MOTUL Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N

“ Ester-based oils also have excellent shear stability, which means they can maintain their viscosity and lubricating properties even under extreme pressure.

performance engines that generate a lot of heat, such as those used in motorsports. Ester-based oils also have excellent shear stability, which means they can maintain their viscosity and lubricating properties even under extreme pressure. This is important for engines that experience high loads and high RPMs, as it helps to protect the engine components

and prevent wear and tear. As we look further into the future, Motul continues to explore technologies such as more organic base stocks and even high-quality regenerated (recycled) oils. The testing performed with all our racing partners allows us to develop the next generation of synthetic oils for the track and your daily commute.

DRIVERS AND TEAM EXECS ALIKE SHARE WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT THE WEATHERTECH CHAMPIONSHIP’S NEW TOP PROTOTYPE CLASS

By John Oreovicz

H eading into the 2023 season, hype for the 21st century revival of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s GTP class was massive. But the eagerly anticipated new LMDh prototypes lived up to or exceeded expectations, and sports car racing fans responded in kind with record onsite attendance at Daytona International Speedway and

increased television ratings. There’s a lot to love about the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) formula – whether it’s the way the cars look, the way they sound or the incorporation of hybrid technology that prioritizes efficient use of energy and promotes relevance to the increasing electrification of production cars. And let’s not forget the spirit of cooperation

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with the FIA World Endurance Championship that went into creating GTP, creating the potential for IMSA LMDh and WEC LMH prototypes to compete on level terms for overall race wins in both series in the future. We canvassed a wide range of personalities in the IMSA paddock to learn what they love the most about GTP and the new LMDh cars. Most had a hard time distilling it down to just one thing. Here’s what they’re saying: PIPO DERANI No. 31 Whelen Engineering Racing Cadillac V-LMDh, 2021 Daytona Prototype international (DPi) champion: “The sound of the Cadillac is absolutely amazing. But in general, the look and the ability the manufacturers have to show their brand, I think that’s fantastic.”

BOBBY RAHAL Nos. 24 and 25 BMW M Hybrid V8; Rolex 24 and Sebring Twelve Hours winner; co-owner, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: “These GTP or LMDh cars are sophisticated race cars. The fans are going to respond to these cars – they’re fast, they look good, they sound good, they’re all a little bit different. And these are the works efforts, the factory teams. Having that connection and relationship between the series and the manufacturers is going to be fantastic for IMSA in terms of promotion and marketing. I think this is going to usher in a new era for IMSA, and to think that you can take that car to run at Le Mans is even more of an attraction for me as a team owner, and I think for our fans too.”

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“ I thought the DPi car was amazing, but this is spectacular. Not just the Acura – all of them! Cadillac, Porsche, BMW, they all look 1,000-mph fast.

Helio Castroneves

MATHIEU JAMINET No. 6 Porsche Penske

HELIO CASTRONEVES No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian Acura ARX-06; Three-time consecutive Rolex 24 winner; 2020 DPi champion; four-time Indianapolis 500 winner: “The design is amazing. I thought the DPi car was amazing, but this is spectacular. Not just the Acura – all of them! Cadillac, Porsche, BMW, they all look 1,000-mph fast. They’re very innovative and we’re going to an era where sports car racing is incredible. It’s going to explode. The potential is huge, and that’s what I like.”

Motorsport Porsche 963; 2022 GTD PRO champion: “For me, it’s a big change coming from the GT car, so the first thing which impressed me was the power. The GTD cars are already fast, but the first time I went on the power in the prototype, I thought, ‘Whoa! This thing has way more power than I ever experienced in my life!’ As a driver you’re always excited by speed, and these cars go much faster.”

MOTUL Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N

FILIPE ALBUQUERQUE No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06, Three-time Rolex 24 winner: “I think it’s innovation. It’s a completely new car, and I was lucky enough to be involved in the development from the very beginning of it. We have green mobility, so we have the best

FELIPE NASR No. 7 Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963; 2018 and ’21 DPi champion: “What I love the most is the look of the car – wider, longer, it just looks pretty aggressive to me, and I like that. Having driven sports cars for quite a few years now, this is one of the most advanced cars I’ve driven in sports car racing – not only because of the hybrid components and everything that comes together with that. There’s a lot on our table now, a lot of tools on the steering wheel and information that we didn’t use to have in the DPi days.” MIKE HULL No. 01 Cadillac Racing “What I like about this category of GTP car is the technology it represents going forward. We need to embrace alternate technologies if we want to keep racing cars and have manufacturers help us do it. That’s a big deal. The cars are complex, but the reality is the complexity is secondary to the message.” Cadillac V-LMDh; Managing Director, Chip Ganassi Racing:

of two worlds.” CHIP GANASSI No. 01 Cadillac Racing Cadillac V-LMDh;

Seven-time IMSA champion team owner: “I personally like the sound of our car (the Cadillac). I think the V-8 says a lot. If we’re out with all the other cars, it’s nice because you know when it’s coming by. I like that. I think everybody on both sides of the Atlantic are very, very, excited about this formula, about what’s about to happen. So I think we’re on the precipice of a new renaissance here, thanks to the people in charge.” SIMON PAGENAUD No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian Acura ARX-06; 2022-23 Rolex 24 winner; 2010 IMSA LMP1 champion; Indy 500 winner and IndyCar champion: “For me, it’s how technical it is and the relationship you have to have with the engineers in calibrating all the systems together. I think it’s a breath of fresh air compared to IndyCar, where we can’t do any of that. For somebody technical like me, it’s fascinating.”

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA TO COMPETE IN NÜRBURGRING 24 HOURS ENDURANCE RACE

N ext week, for the first time, Hyundai Motor America is set to compete in the ADAC TotalEnergies 24 Hour Race at Germany’s Nürburgring circuit from May 20-21. Hyundai Motor America alongside Hyundai Motorsport GmbH will partner with Target Competition to field a single Elantra N TCR entry piloted by a veteran lineup of Hyundai drivers from Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA). The driver lineup will feature the reigning IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) Championship pairing of Taylor

Hagler and Michael Lewis alongside Mason Filippi and Harry Gottsacker. Behind the wheel of the Hyundai Elantra N TCR, the BHA drivers bring Team USA representation to the Nürburgring 24 Hours scene and will engage in a head-to-head battle against their European TCR field counterparts. The 2023 debut for Hyundai Motor America comes three years later than initially planned when the manufacturer intended to enter in the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2020, which had to be postponed due to the

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Coronavirus pandemic. To be eligible to compete, all four Hyundai BHA drivers were required to participate in informative classes, Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) races and a specific qualifying race ahead of their entry into the ADAC TotalEnergies 24 Hour event. Within the required NLS races, all four drivers will pilot a Hyundai i30 N street car featuring only slightly modified safety equipment in co- driver pairings of Hagler and Lewis then Gottsacker and Filippi. Given the eligibility requirements, the drivers have had to make six trips to Germany leading up to the start of the Nürburgring 24 Hours weekend. BHA’s drivers will be making a quick transition from their regular duties in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge events to travel to Germany for their upcoming NLS races. Immediately after the checkered flag waves here at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca the team will depart one last time to compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

Expanding on Hyundai’s international reach around the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Jeff Ricca of Ricca Autosport will represent Hyundai Motor America within the VT2 class of the Hyundai i30 Fastback N Cup as the sole driver from the United States via Hyundai’s “Dare to Dream” global program. Ricca currently drives a Hyundai Elantra N in the TC class of the 2023 SRO TC America Powered by Skip Schedule of Events Leading Up to the Nürburgring 24 Hours 1. March 10-11: Mandatory Nürburgring training class 2. March 18-19: NLS Race #1 at Nürburgring 3. March 31 - April 1: NLS Race #2 at Nürburgring 4. April 12-15: NLS Race #3 at Nürburgring 5. April 21-22: Nürburgring 24 Qualifying 6. May 18-21: Nürburgring 24 Hours

MOTUL Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N

Barber Racing School championship and has previous experience at the 24-hour event providing key knowledge of European competition. Since 1970, the Nürburgring 24 Hours has been a staple on the European racing network that highlights touring cars and GT endurance racing. Team Target Competition is no stranger to the world of TCR racing in Europe and

there. 24 Hours around is probably the most difficult circuit, but we love it and that’s the kind of stuff we look to do. Thank you to Hyundai for making this happen for us and we will do our best and have fun.” “I look forward to representing Hyundai USA in an international program for the first time in Germany,” said Taylor Hagler. “We will have the opportunity to sample a wide range

“

It is cool to compete in a historic, unique, and crazy event where we can showcase Hyundai’s vehicles amongst the great competition out there.

Michael Lewis

gives a familiarity to the Hyundai BHA drivers ahead of their debut at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Target Competition has earned championship accolades, including back-to-back Drivers and Team Championship titles in the TCR International Series (2015) and in ADAC TCR Germany series (2016, 2017) as well as capturing the TCR Europe Trophy in 2017. “Hyundai and Bryan Herta Autosport give us such great opportunities,” said Michael Lewis. “It is cool to compete in a historic, unique, and crazy event where we can showcase Hyundai’s vehicles amongst the great competition out

of the race-prepared versions of the N vehicles as we work to qualify for the race. It will be a busy spring balancing the logistics of our IMSA and Nürburgring 24 schedules and spending time on the simulator to prepare for the race!” “I am very grateful for Hyundai making this happen, and it’s an honor to represent Team America at the Nürburgring,” Mason Filippi said. “I cannot wait for each of the six trips and to run as many laps as possible to learn such a grueling but fun track. Hyundais are fun to drive and it will be exciting to get behind even more N models while roasting around the Nordschleife. The Nürburgring is my

MOTUL Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N

Taylor Hagler and Michael Lewis, drivers of the No. 1 Hyundai Elantra N TCR for Bryan Herta Autosport, on track at the BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fl., Jan. 27, 2023 Photo/Bryan Herta Autosport/LAT

“

I appreciate Bryan (Herta) and Hyundai working so hard to get this opportunity for Team America to take on the Nürburgring 24 Hour race.

Harry Gottsacker

Gottsacker. “I appreciate Bryan (Herta) and Hyundai working so hard to get this opportunity for Team America to take on the Nürburgring 24 Hour race. It is going to take a lot of effort to even make the grid in May and we’re going to work together step by step to be successful.”

favorite track I’ve ever driven, and I am fulfilling one of my dreams by competing there over the next few months.” “We originally discussed this program a few years ago and I’ve been waiting anxiously for this opportunity since it was just a concept,” said Harry

A MAZDA MX-5 CUP HOMECOMING

I t’s been two years, but this weekend, the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires is back to its birthplace: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. In 2006 the work of the prolific Spec Miata community created a new, professional level of the sport: Mazda MX-5 Cup. It’s first race, on May 7 of that year, was at Laguna Seca. Since then, the series has become famous for close racing, lots of drafting and incredible finishes. The catalyst for these amazing 45-minute races is the MX-5 Cup car. It’s the same road-going Mazda Miata you can buy at a dealership, only after these leave the assembly line in Japan,

they head to Flis Performance in Daytona Beach, Florida, to be converted into a true race car. Several components on the car are sealed to ensure even competition and a cost-saving platform. It’s not just the top step of the podium, a trophy, and championship points that these drivers are fighting for, it’s their shot at $6,000 for a race win and payouts that continue all the way to 10th. That’s just a small part of the more than $1 million on offer from Mazda this season, including $250,000 for the series champion and $80,000 for rookie of the year. The reigning MX-5 Cup Rookie of the Year, Connor Zilisch (No. 72 Hixon Motor

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drivers from numerous Mazda grassroots programs to compete for a scholarship valued at $110,000 to race in MX-5 Cup. This year’s recipient is Nate Cicero (No. 83 McCumbee McAleer Racing). Though he is second in the rookie standings coming into the season, he has never raced at Laguna Seca before. Another component of the MX-5 Cup Shootout is the Women in Motorsports Initiative, which awards a $75,000 scholarship to a female driver. This year’s winner is Heather Hadley (No. 54 Spark Performance) who hails from Vallejo, California. Hadley has never raced at Laguna Seca, but she was lucky enough to ride in the Mazda pace car here in 2012, which may have sparked her love for Mazda. The last time the series raced at Laguna Seca, it was Gresham Wagner (No. 5 Spark Performance) who won both weekends en route to the 2021 MX-5 Cup Championship. That year, Laguna served as the penultimate round of the season, and Wagner’s double-win gave him the cushion he needed to seal the deal in the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta finale. Wagner did not repeat his MX-5 Cup Championship in 2022, instead it was Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) who claimed the title. There has never been a repeat champion in series history and both Wagner and Thomas have had difficult starts to the season. They could each use a boost this weekend to jumpstart their hopes of making MX-5 Cup history. These are just some of the drivers to watch in this immensely talented field, so get ready, because you’re about to witness two wild races! Green flag waves at 11:50am on Saturday, May 13* and Sunday, May 14 at 8:35am*. All races are available to re-watch on the IMSA YouTube Channel. * schedule subject to change

Sports) comes into the WeatherTech Raceway event as the championship leader. The 16-year-old has visited the podium three times in the first four races of the season, most recently a win in Round Four on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. “I’ve only been to Laguna Seca once for a Trans Am race in 2022, but it is definitely one of the top three coolest tracks I’ve ever been to,” Zilisch said. “The views, the hills, the area, the track itself, it’s all gorgeous and I really enjoyed my time there. That being said, going back in the Mazda MX-5 Cup is going to be a ton of fun. Looking back on older races from back in the day, the track races well, and hopefully we will be able to carry the momentum from our Race 2 win at St. Pete and keep the Hixon Motorsports team atop the boards in California. I’m leading the championship, which is exciting, but unfortunately, I can’t even race the whole season due to conflicts, so it’s kind of just like a pat on the back at this point. However, I have been contributing to the team championship, and I’ve helped the team achieve better results, which is really almost a more significant accomplishment for me. I love running with HMS and enjoy everyone’s company every time we go racing. Hopefully Laguna Seca treats us as well as St. Pete did!” Only 60 points behind him in the standings is a driver with a special connection to the track; Aaron Jeansonne (No. 24 JTR Motorsports Engineering) recently relocated to Northern California and considers Laguna Seca his home track. His love for the circuit isn’t just because of its location, Jeansonne won the 2022 NASA Spec Miata National Championship here last September. Something Zilisch and Jeansonne have in common is winning the Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout (Zilisch in 2021 and Jeansonne in 2020). This annual event invites young

MOTUL Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N

IN THE FAST LANE WITH ARTIST BILL PATTERSON

Y ou can almost hear the roar of the world’s best sports cars that will be racing in the Motul Course de Monterey, powered by Hyundai N, through the event artwork. Skillfully capturing the breadth of manufacturers competing this year, the poster is a collaborative effort between the famed artist Bill Patterson and Racer Studio, the creative agency for WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “I’ve always been a sports car racing fan (I even got to wave the green flag at

the very last ALMS race at Laguna Seca before the unification with Grand Am), and I’m very excited about the new hybrid cars and IMSA’s decision to rename the top category ‘GTP,’” said artist Bill Patterson. “The cars are amazing, the drivers are the best in the world, and the competition is truly World Class. When asked if I would be interested in producing the cover art for this year’s Motul Course de Monterey, powered by Hyundai N, my response was: ‘Is this a trick question? Hell yes!’” Patterson, who has been associated with WeatherTech Raceway for more than 18 years, explained that it was a difficult challenge doing the research to get the cars correctly configured and “stickered,” but learned a ton about how the teams adapt and refine the cars and what makes each car unique. “I can’t wait to see these cars take the green and watch as they make the drop through the Corkscrew,” added Patterson. “I look forward to seeing everyone at my favorite track, please come by my tent in the paddock and say hello.” In addition to the art being available as a collectible 24” x 36” poster to purchase, which has long been a fan favorite among attendees and collectors, the art will be used on select merchandise in the Official Raceway Store. Patterson will also be present in the paddock and lakebed area during the weekend to autograph posters, meet guests and conduct live art demonstrations. In addition to commissioned fine art, Patterson has raised over $1 million by painting live at many charity galas, such as the Austin Hatcher Foundation (an official charity of IMSA), National Guard Youth Foundation, St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and United Way.

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John Doonan IMSA President

The new GTP class is drawing widespread thumbs up. Now you focus on the tight streets of Long Beach followed by Monterey. How well do you see the GTP class doing in these environments? There were a lot of questions going into the Rolex 24 At Daytona surrounding reliability of the new hybrid- powered prototypes in GTP and whether or not they would be able to make it through 24 hours of racing in their first time out. It’s safe to say those concerns proved to be unfounded as our four participating manufacturers – Acura, BMW, Cadillac and Porsche – as well as our hybrid powertrain partners – Bosch, Xtrac and WAE Technologies – more than rose to the occasion, successfully showcasing the most technologically advanced racing platform this continent has ever seen and putting on a fantastic show while doing it. At Sebring, any one of the four manufacturers could have won the race as the on-track competition got even more exciting. It’ll be a whole new dynamic this weekend in a 100-minute, all-out battle at Long Beach, and then we’ll head for WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for a two-hour and 40-minute battle. I think the level of competition – which is already high – will ratchet up another level or two on this West Coast swing and I can’t wait to see it unfold.

W ith Daytona and Sebring up to your expectations? I would say the season so far has exceeded our expectations. From an audience perspective, we’ve seen all- time record attendance at both the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, and our YouTube docuseries “Win the Weekend” – which is being produced through our long-term partnership with Michelin – is exposing our product to a substantial new audience. On the racetrack, we’ve seen outstanding competition throughout all of our IMSA-sanctioned series. Overall, I’d say we’re off to a successful start to 2023 and look forward to continuing that that momentum throughout the season. successfully in the rearview mirror, is the season shaping FAST FIVE WITH JOHN DOONAN

MOTUL Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N

In addition to prototypes, GT racing seems to be extremely popular with IMSA fans also. What do GT fans have to look forward to this year and in the future? GT racing is extremely popular with IMSA fans and has been for decades. We’re fortunate to have 10 different manufacturers competing in either the GTD PRO or GTD classes – or both, as many are. There are two new models and one Evo this year competing alongside several other established models, and as we saw particularly at Sebring, nearly any car in either class has the capability to win. And while we’ve focused quite a bit on the GTP class and its new technology this year – and rightfully so – I’m expecting the pendulum to swing back in the direction of our GT classes next year when the new Corvette and Mustang GT3 cars come online to compete against these established brands. GT racing is the bedrock of IMSA and there is much to look forward to this year and for the foreseeable future. What makes the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship unique? The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship offers a professional motorsports experience unlike any other on this continent. The diversity of technology between prototypes and GT cars, the multiple-driver format and multi-class racing virtually guarantees nonstop action whether a race is 100

minutes or 24 hours – or any race length in between. WeatherTech Championship cars come in various shapes and sizes and make a variety of different sounds by virtue of the different engine configurations each manufacturer has chosen to represent their brands. Our chairman, Jim France, best described the sounds you hear at a WeatherTech Championship race when he said, “It’s like a symphony playing out there.” The fan experience is second to none also, with all fans able to access the paddock through the weekend and all are invited to join us for the Fan Walk on the grid before each race. The Michelin Pilot Challenge provides intense battles. How has the manufacturer support been? Manufacturer support for Michelin Pilot Challenge has been tremendous. There are a total of 12 manufacturers competing this year between the Grand Sport and Touring Car classes and with good reason, as this series is an ultimate showcase enabling each manufacturer to showcase similar technology to its road-going products in a pressure-packed, highly competitive environment. This series has great teams and drivers, and serves as both a great stepping stone for those wishing to move into the highest levels – such as the WeatherTech Championship – and a destination for many other teams and drivers.

HYBRID-POWERED GTP CARS BRING EXCITEMENT OF SPORTS CAR RACING TO WEATHERTECH RACEWAY

T he most anticipated IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season in years arrived in 2023, and thus far it’s met and even exceeded expectations. The buzz around North American sports car racing has been the return of the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class. Unlike the legendary cars of the 1980s and ‘90s, however, the new GTP

machines contain an electrified power storage and regeneration system that when mated with the traditional internal combustion engine in each car provides the necessary horsepower for these state-of-the-art rocket ships in a more sustainable fashion. The future of sports car racing is now with these cars. Four ultra- successful global auto manufacturers

MOTUL Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N

“ The future of sports car racing is now with these cars. Four ultra-successful global auto manufacturers with winning motorsports histories

with winning motorsports histories – Acura, BMW, Cadillac and Porsche – have eagerly joined GTP this year, with more to come in 2024. The Motul Course de Monterey Powered by Hyundai N this weekend serves as the fourth outing – on the fourth very different type of circuit – that these sleek, powerful beasts will encounter. The competition through the first

races of the season has been fierce and tight. Acura prevailed in January’s opener, the Rolex 24 At Daytona, with a 1-2 finish. Cadillac won a wild thriller in the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, but only after two Porsches and an Acura collided while running 1-2-3 with nary a few minutes left in the 12-hour race. BMW finished second at Sebring, showing significant progress from

MOTUL Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N

“ The familiar-looking GT cars that look more like those you see on the streets and highways will also race.

Daytona. How things shake out here this weekend is anyone’s guess, but expect nothing less than nail-biting battles to the checkered flag. Three other WeatherTech Championship classes will also be vying for victories in Sunday’s race. The Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) cars possess a similar look to the GTP prototypes but aren’t quite as fast

and their lineups must include a non- professional driver with a Bronze or Silver rating according to the latest FIA driver categorization. The familiar-looking GT cars that look more like those you see on the streets and highways will also race. Those entered in the GT Daytona Pro (GTD PRO) class are factory- backed teams with all-professional

MOTUL Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N

driver lineups. While those racing in GT Daytona (GTD) run the same international GT3-specification cars as in GTD PRO, GTD lineups must include at least one non-pro driver as in LMP2. The GTD cars have proven to be on par frequently with their GTD PRO counterparts and the two classes should put on their own great show in Sunday’s race as well. A measure of the close competition within the GT classes is the fact that four different manufacturers have won in the first two races of 2023. The No. 79 WeatherTech Racing Mercedes-AMG triumphed at Daytona in GTD PRO, with the No. 27 Aston Martin Vantage taking GTD honors in January’s 24-hour race. At Sebring’s 12-hour battle last month, the No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports Porsche won in GTD PRO while the No. 1 Paul Miller Racing BMW was victorious in GTD. The No. 9 Pfaff Porsche took GTD PRO victory honors a year ago at WeatherTech Raceway, with the No.

16 Wright Motorsports entry giving Porsche a manufacturer sweep by claiming GTD honors. Every car entered in all four classes this weekend has a two-driver lineup, with both drivers mandated to be in the car for a minimum amount of time. The opening WeatherTech Championship practice is set for Friday afternoon, with a second set for Saturday morning ahead of qualifying later in the day to set the starting grid order. The two-hour, 40-minute race takes the green flag at 12:10 p.m. Sunday. The Motul Course de Monterey Powered by Hyundai N is the fourth event on the 2023 WeatherTech Championship schedule. The next event is the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at historic Watkins Glen International in New York State on June 25. The season wraps up with the traditional Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta from Oct. 11-14.

MOTUL Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N

W eatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca’s racing season is only just getting underway. Following the Motul Course de Monterey Presented by Hyundai N, there’s plenty more to come. Beginning in July there’s top 2-wheel action followed by the always anticipated Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, the thrilling NTT INDYCAR Series season finale and last, but certainly not least, the return of Porsche Rennsport Reunion 7. July 7-9 MotoAmerica Superbike SpeedFest at Monterey July 14-16 AHRMA Classic MotoFest of Monterey August 12-13 Monterey Pre-Reunion August 16-19 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 20 Corkscrew Hillclimb & Community Day Sept. 8-10 Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey (INDYCAR) Sept. 28-Oct 1 Porsche Rennsport Reunion 7

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