Olsen Replaces Dumas in Wright Lineup

Photo: Porsche

Newly crowned Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour winner Dennis Olsen has replaced Romain Dumas in Wright Motorsports’ lineup for the Blancpain GT World Challenge America season.

Dumas has been ruled out of the lineup due to his Platinum driver rating, which when combined with FIA Silver-rated driver Anthony Imperato, is not permitted within the GT3 Pro-Am class rules.

It has resulted in 22-year-old Olsen, a Gold-rated driver, to be drafted in for this weekend’s season-opening round at Circuit of The Americas to partner season-long driver Imperato.

The Norwegian will split driving duties of the No. 91 Porsche 911 GT3 R over the course of the season with fellow Porsche Young Professional Matt Campbell, although their race designations beyond COTA have not yet been announced.

While new to SRO Motorsports America competition, Olsen is no stranger to the circuit, having taken part in the 24 Hours of COTA in 2017.

“Everything will be a bit new with not only a new team and new championship, but a new car which is always exciting,” Olsen said.

“The plan is to get into a good flow from the beginning and I’m confident that it will work out very well.

“I really like the track; it’s fast and flowing with a very technical last sector. The first part of the track is the most demanding for me, as you really need to be on point with the setup to be quick through the chicane sections. I’m excited to get started.”

Imperato will be one of several FIA-rated Silvers that will race as a Bronze* in the class this year, with SRO America enacting its right to adjust driver ratings based on region-specific criteria. 

The team, which makes its full-season return to SRO America competition since winning the 2017 title, is coming off a two-day test at COTA last week.

“We’ve learned a lot about the new car and left the test in a good place,” Imperato said. “We will be pushing all weekend and looking to leave with as many points as we can.

“COTA is always a fun track to race at with a lot of good passing opportunities. I’m looking forward to getting the season started.”

 Porsche factory driver Patrick Long and Scott Hargrove, a newly minted Porsche Selected Driver, will pilot Wright’s sister Porsche GT3 entry, which will compete in the Pro class.

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