American giants Team Penske has signed a deal with Porsche to collaborate in the LMDh project, to compete in both WEC and IMSA.
Porsche announced its plans to compete in WEC and IMSA WeatherTech championship from 2023 onward, under the new LMDh regulations. Enhancing its prospects to compete in both the series’ at ease, they have joined hands with American giants, Penske.
The team will run under the name of Porsche Penske Motorsport, with the contract signed for multiple years. The deal was signed by Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board for Research and Development and Roger Penske, Chairman of Team Penske.
“We are delighted that we were able to get Team Penske to form this partnership,” said Blume. “For the first time in the history of Porsche Motorsport, our company will have a global team competing in the world’s two largest endurance series. To this end, we will be setting up team bases on both sides of the Atlantic.
“This will enable us to create the optimal structures we will need to take overall victories at Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring, for example.” At the same time, Steiner added: “As of 2023, Porsche will compete in the major endurance racing series. Our intention is to support and shape the new era with our LMDh prototypes.
“Not only will we be keeping our fingers crossed for the four factory cars we have in total, but also for our customer teams. The new LMDh vehicle will also be entered as a customer car in both series as early as the 2023 season. These partner teams will be given our full support. Whatever insights we gain from our factory effort will also be shared with them.”
Porsche’s motorsport head Enzinger stated: “Porsche and Penske share a proven track record of success. This partnership had a lasting impact from 2006 to 2008 on what was then the American Le Mans Series. Team Penske has made a name for itself with an almost unparalleled success story in motorsport.
“In the long list of victories to date, however, the name Le Mans has been missing. I hope that we will finally be able to chalk up this success as of 2023 with Porsche Penske Motorsport. This would then mark Porsche’s 20th overall victory at the Sarthe – a dream come true.”
And finally, Penske noted: “This is a proud day for our entire Penske organization. We have represented Porsche on the track or in our businesses for more than six decades. The heritage and success we have enjoyed together is unparalleled throughout our history. I can’t wait to get started as we build a global racing program with Porsche that will compete for wins and championships well into the future.”
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