Lone Star Returns to IMSA With Mercedes-AMG GT4

Photo: Lone Star

Lone Star Racing will make its return to IMSA competition for the first time since 2019 as the Texas-based operation fields a Mercedes-AMG GT4 in Michelin Pilot Challenge for Anton Dias Perera and Scott Andrews.

The duo, who previously raced with Riley Motorsports, will team up for selected Pilot Challenge rounds, including this month’s season-opener at Daytona International Speedway and the second round of the season at Sebring International Raceway in March.

“I am very excited for 2023,” Perera said. “Our Mercedes-AMG GT4 was a blast to drive last season and I think we have a strong package. Lone Star Racing is a top level team and Mercedes-AMG is in their DNA.”

Pilot Challenge is new to Lone Star but the team is highly experienced with the Mercedes-AMG GT4 and GT3 platforms.

The team purchased a Mercedes-AMG GT4 in its first year of availability in North America in 2018, and the team maintains and prepares multiple cars for customers.

“All of us at Lone Star Racing are excited to be able to partner with Anton and Scott to continue the development of the Bluff City Racing car and drivers,” said Lone Star team manager and technical director AJ Petersen.

“This is our return to IMSA competition for the fist time in a few seasons. The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge series is a first for us, but we know the game and are certainly not new to firsts.

“We have been running in different racing series the last couple of years with successful outings, race wins and a string of podium finishes.

“I’ve been impressed with Anton’s and Scott’s approach and enjoy working with them. We are all pulling in the same direction and will continue to establish a strong foundation.”

Andrews added: “I am really looking forward to getting back into IMSA racing, especially with the Mercedes-AMG GT4. We had some great results with the car at the end of last year.

“Anton seems to gel with the car, and his pace was fantastic as his development keeps skyrocketing.

“I am really excited to be with Lone Star Racing and have been really pleased with AJ’s attention to detail so far. I really think that we can enter the season at Daytona kind of where we left off in 2022.”

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