Henzler to Join Porsche at COTA Ahead of Bruni Arrival

Photo: Porsche

Wolf Henzler has been confirmed as Laurens Vanthoor’s co-driver in the No. 912 Porsche 911 RSR for next weekend’s Advance Auto Parts Sportscar Showdown at the Circuit of The Americas.

The German driver joins Porsche GT Team for just one round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, ahead of new signing Gianmaria Bruni’s arrival at Porsche in time for the Watkins Glen round following the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Kevin Estre competed in the opening three rounds of the WeatherTech Championship alongside Vanthoor, but following Bruni’s signing, the Frenchman has switched to the manufacturer’s FIA World Endurance Championship GTE-Pro program.

The two-hour, 40-minute race at the circuit in Austin, Texas, clashes with the WEC Six Hours of Spa, and so a replacement for Estre had to be found for the WeatherTech Championship race.

Henzler has raced in TRG’s Porsche 911 GT3 R at Daytona and Long Beach so far this season, although tire issues caused the team to pull out of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

The Kevin Buckler-led team returned to the IMSA paddock for the Bubba Burger Sports Car Grand Prix at Long Beach earlier this month, but no word has been made on the team’s intention for the rest of the season.

With Henzler committed to the GT Le Mans program at COTA, TRG would have to source a replacement driver if it does return for the fourth round of the season.

The COTA round takes place on May 4-6.

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.