FCP Euro Switches to GS Program with Mercedes-AMG

Former TC America outfit FCP Euro has announced that it will embark on an IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge program this year with a Mercedes-AMG GT4 in the GS class.

The Milford, Conn.-based team is switching to IMSA competition having spent the last three years competing on the SRO America bill with a pair of Volkswagen Golf GTi TCRs.

Michael Hurczyn and Nate Vincent, who finished first and second in the 2019 TC America TCR standings, will continue to drive for the team as it moves to Pilot Challenge.

The FCP Euro squad previously ran a Mercedes C300 in the American Endurance Racing series and has returned to the manufacturer for its GT4 debut.

FCP Euro’s core business is supplying European car parts to North American customers while its race programs since 2016 have focused on machinery from European brands.

It started out running BMW and Mercedes vehicles in AER before making the step up to the TCR formuula in 2018 with Volkswagen.

“FCP Euro has always had big aspirations as a business, on the track, and as part of the automotive community,” said the company’s director of marketing, Kyle Bento.

“Our new program with IMSA is no exception. We are excited to see the FCP Euro colors on a Mercedes-AMG GT4.

“It’s an incredibly capable platform for GT4, and we’re excited to continue to grow our expertise and Mercedes-Benz product catalog.”

FCP Euro plans to make its sports car debut in round three at Mid-Ohio on May 15.

The season-opener was held last weekend at Daytona International Speedway while round two is due to take place at Sebring next month.

“After following IMSA for most of my life, it is a dream come true to be able to compete against some of the best race car drivers in the world,” said Hurczyn, who in addition to his driving role is also FCP Euro’s brand director.

“As we have been working through the planning, it has become clear that everyone on the team will be expected to compete at a much higher level than we have ever done in the past.

“We have a remarkable team that has built an incredible business, with proven success on and off the track.

“We know 2021 will be a year for learning, but people who know FCP Euro should expect nothing less than a highly competitive and organized program that intends on running up front.”

Vincent added: “It’s a big step for our FCP Euro team to jump into a series with so much potential, and to a class that is as closely contested as the GS class.

“I have found that often the defining factors in a race car’s performance is determined by all the little things, and I think that the Mercedes-AMG GT4 is one of the best GT4 cars in the world.

“On a personal level, I’ve come a long way with FCP Euro – in the early 2000s, I was buying parts from their eBay store and now, we are building an IMSA program.”