Conquest Racing has announced its lineup for the 2027 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, with driver Manny Franco returning to full-time competition behind the wheel of the #34 Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO. This will be the fourth consecutive season that the team competes in the Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) class, a special year in which the organization celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Founded in 1997 by Belgian driver Eric Bachelart, Conquest Racing has a total of 42 entries in IMSA, with 30 of them during the last three campaigns in the GTD. The 2024 season was highlighted by two victories, including one at Road America and another at the Motul Petit Le Mans. Franco and his colleague Albert Costa achieved the fourth place in the championship standings, the best result for the team to date.
For the 2027 season, Franco will return as a full-time driver after participating in some races in 2026. Costa, who has been with the team for three years, will continue his collaboration. On the other hand, Lorenzo Patrese, who was the primary co-driver for most of 2026, will move to the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup, where he will participate in the five longest races on the calendar.
Franco has expressed his excitement about returning: “I am thrilled to be back for a full season. Conquest Racing has been fundamental in my career, and I still believe we have unfinished business in this championship.” Bachelart has also expressed his satisfaction with Franco’s return and highlighted the need for a perfect execution to face the current competition in IMSA.
During the 2026 season, Conquest Racing showcased a consistently competitive pace. Costa and Patrese recorded fast laps in several races, with Patrese achieving a prime position at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, and the best classification of the season with a third place in the Long Beach races.
Allying with Franco, Costa has emphasized his relationship with the team: “After four years together, this is more than a team for me; it’s like a family.” Patrese has also expressed his eagerness to compete alongside Franco and Costa again, hoping to replicate the successes of previous seasons.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
