Archangel Switches to Aston Martin Vantage GT4

Image: Archangel Motorsports

Archangel Motorsports will switch from Porsche to Aston Martin machinery, confirming that it will contest the final three rounds of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season in a Vantage GT4.

Alan Brynjolfsson and Trent Hindman will continue at the wheel of the new No. 7 Volt Lighting-sponsored Aston, ahead of a planned full-season run with the British-built-car in 2021.

“I think most of the paddock has had their eye on the Aston Martin Vantage GT4 all season,”  said team principal Mike Johnson. “Then once it started getting poles and winning races, it became pretty clear that it was the car to have.

“We didn’t intend on running it this year, but after having two unfortunate races at Mid Ohio, we figured we might as well get some running in now so we’ll be better prepared for next season.

“This time for development will be crucial, especially because our down time is limited between Sebring in November and Daytona in January.”

Brynjolfsson added: “We saw how successful the Aston Martin has been across all series so it certainly piqued our interest.

“The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 is a newer model to the GT4 platform and still has a lot of room for improvements with development, so we feel it has excellent potential. At this point I have yet to even sit in one so I am jumping into this completely blind, but time will tell.”

“Our goal in making the switch early is to use the last three races of this year as time for development and testing. This way we can come out of the gate strong for 2021 and go for another championship.

“It is all about winning the championship and doing whatever we can to maximize our potential of winning it.”

The St. Louis-based team will be put to the test with a short timeline to prepare the new car for next Friday’s Fox Factory 120 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

Hindman said he’s confident in the group’s expertise and ability to adapt as they take on yet another new challenge.

“I’m proud of the position the Archangel Motorsports team has put themselves in at the mid point of our 2020 IMPC season,” he said.

“Unfortunately we find ourselves outside of contention for the GS championship now after some bad luck at Mid-Ohio. However, it provides an excellent opportunity to prepare for the 2021 GS championship with three rounds remaining.”

“I’m confident in Alan, Mike, and the team and expect that their effort put forth with our new package will bring a more consistent performance and one that the Archangel team has deserved all year.

“Atlanta will be a massive learning experience for us but I think we’re all looking forward to the challenge.”

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