Porsche Junior Heinrich Joins 311RS for Road Atlanta Finale

Photo: Camden Thrasher/311RS Motorsport

Laurin Heinrich is set for his Porsche Carrera Cup North America presented by The Cayman Islands debut in next weekend’s season-ending rounds at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta with 311RS Motorsport.

The Porsche Junior will take the seat of the No. 12 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, normally driven by Leh Keen, for Rounds 15 and 16 of the single-make series.

Heinrich, who finished third in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup standings this year, recently traveled to Road Atlanta to take part in a two-day test in preparation for his series debut.

As was the case with Jeff Gordon at Indianapolis, the 20-year-old German will be in the Invitational class and therefore not have an impact on Pro class points or championship battles.

“We were honored to welcome Porsche Junior Laurin Heinrich to Road Atlanta for two days of testing last week,” said team principal Ryan Gates. “He is a true testament to the quality of Porsche’s Junior Program and we are proud to have him join the team for the PCCNA finale at Road Atlanta.

“It is bittersweet to not see Leh driving his signature red Deluxe No. 12 Porsche 992 GT3 Cup at his home track, but Leh has done a great job helping to install Laurin with the team and knows the No. 12 is in good hands. We cannot thank him enough for pouring his heart into the team these past two seasons.

“All of us at 311RS Motorsport aim to maximize this opportunity for our drivers and partners, giving it everything we have to finish Season Two of PCCNA strong.”

Heinrich added: “Racing my first event in the U.S. is a dream come true for me.

“Together with 311RS Motorsport and Deluxe I‘m looking forward to competing in the PCCNA Finale at the end of September. I can’t imagine a better place than Road Atlanta to realize my dream.”

GT racing veteran Keen, meanwhile, revealed that he was not slated to contest a full season in the car this year, as he transitions into a role of being “more than just a driver” at the team.

“Our original plan was for me to drive only a portion of the races this year,” said Keen. “I actually ended up driving more races because of Laurin’s busy schedule in Europe.

“I’m enjoying Laurin coming in driving the No. 12 and my duties for the team in a different way just as much as driving the car.

“I’m really excited for the team to bring someone in of the caliber that Laurin is.

“We had a wonderful test and I see why the factory has taken him under their wing. Now it’s time to really focus on executing for the race weekend.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John