Winward Confirms Second Full Season Mercedes-AMG GT4

Winward/HTP Motorsport has announced the expansion of its IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge program to two full-time GS entries.

Craig Lyons and Kris Wilson’s No. 3 car will compete in all ten races alongside Damien Faulkner and Russell Ward’s No. 33 Mercedes.

In addition, the No. 57 car will run selected events during year driven by team owner Bryce Ward and HTP Motorsport regular Indy Dontje.

Lyons and his driver coach Kris Wilson join the Houston-based team after competing in selected GS Class races in 2018.

The season-long agreement was completed after the team’s experiences testing together at last weekend’s Roar Before the 24 test at Daytona International Speedway.

“I’m extremely happy about the partnership with Winward/HTP Motorsport,” said Lyons, President and CEO of Stor-It Selfstorage.”

“The time I spent with them at the Roar test, I can see that they are all business. They get it done, they know what they are doing and they are very purposeful.

“It’s great to be working with my new teammates too, Damien, Russell and Bryce have all made me feel extremely welcome and I am delighted to be here,” added Lyons.

Kris Wilson is also extremely enthusiastic about the No. 3 car’s 2018 prospects. “It’s great to be back with Craig and it’s fantastic to be racing the new AMG GT4,” he said.

“It’s a cool car and everything is beginning to come together. It’s new to everyone and with the relationship between us, Winward and HTP being so new, we are still working on how best we can fit everything together, but ultimately I just can’t wait to get racing and this is going to be a very cool season.”

Winward Racing team owner Bryce Ward recognizes the many advantages of running a multi-car program. “Craig and Kris have already had an extremely positive influence on the team, having two cars on track all season really means we will be able to optimize the development of the platform as the season progresses,” he said.

The opening round of the 2018 IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, the BMW Endurance Challenge At Daytona, takes place on January 28th at Daytona International Speedway.