MIA Returns to GS With New McLaren Artura GT4

Photo: Motorsports In Action

Motorsports In Action will return to IMSA competition for the Michelin Pilot Challenge season after a one-year hiatus, having confirmed a new McLaren Artura GT4 for drivers Jesse Lazare and Alex Filsinger.

The all-Canadian effort, led by veteran team owner Eric Kerub, will see managing director Carl Hermez resume his responsibilities as team boss and focus on engineering and strategy duties on race weekends, with Coy Arbour brought on as crew chief for the rejuvenated program.

MIA sat out Pilot Challenge competition last year for the first time since joining the series in 2017.

“I truly believe we are poised to have a shot at this incredibly competitive championship,” said Kerub. “We’ve got a great pairing of drivers, a hand-picked crew of top-level racing professionals, and a proper race car.”

Although the team finished runner-up in 2019 with Lazare and the McLaren 570S GT4, the previous generation car has little to do with this year’s contender.

Hermez attended recent factory tests at Sebring International Raceway as part of the team’s decision-making process in continuing with the British manufacturer.

“Prior to making our OEM selection for 2023, McLaren informed us they built a car incorporating five years’ worth of our comments and suggestions” explained Hermez.

“I had to see it for myself, and the Sebring visit confirmed their claims. We now have a car with equipment more in-line with the other OEMs in the field.”

MIA took delivery of the new Artura GT4 just prior to Christmas, with its first mileage stated during the Roar Before the Rolex 24 weekend followed up by the season-opening BMW Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway.

“We came so close in 2019 that it was a disappointment when MIA wasn’t able to secure a follow-up season with my involvement,” said Lazare. “In hindsight, I think the timing is even better now coming in with a significantly more complete race car than its predecessor.”

Filsinger, who makes the move from Pirelli GT4 America, added: “I am looking forward to building on the momentum this season with MIA.  I believe we have everything we need to chase the championship this season, the right team, drivers, and a spectacular new car.

“Jesse is a force to be reckoned with, and I know I will continue growing as a driver to deliver results for the team throughout the season. “

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