Turner Reverses Course, Announces Full-Season GTD Return

Despite initial plans to not return full-time in 2015, Turner Motorsport will in fact return to defend its GT Daytona championship in the full TUDOR United SportsCar Championship season with a new lineup.

“I have been working on putting this program together since the last race – I’m happy to say that everything just fell into place this past weekend – now my guys are going to have to work round the clock to get the car ready for Daytona,” said team owner Will Turner.

Finnish ace Markus Palttala will return, while Michael Marsal will take over as the Silver-rated co-pilot in the No. 97 BMW Z4 GT3.

“I’m especially happy to return to the Tudor Championship with Turner Motorsport and the BMW Z4 GTD No. 97,” Palttala said.

“I love racing in the U.S.; there are just so many great circuits and events. With everything I learned in 2014 I think Michael and I will have a good run this season and I am looking forward to another season with Turner Motorsport.”

The 2014 GTD champion Dane Cameron moves up to Action Express Racing’s Whelen-backed Corvette DP.

Still, the team has added an ace for the Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup rounds in the form of Andy Priaulx at Daytona and Sebring.

Priaulx raced full-time with BMW Team RLL in GT Le Mans in 2014, but will shift to a full-season European Le Mans Series effort with Marc VDS Racing Team.

“Andy is a fantastic addition to the team; the IHG Rewards Club partnership is especially exciting for us,” Turner said.

“Now we need to decide on our fourth driver and our driver lineup will be complete for Daytona. Fast, experienced silvers are not easy to find but I am confident that we will choose the best option in the next few days.”

The team has also announced a two-car full season effort in Pirelli World Challenge, also with Z4 GT3s.