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Michelin Pilot Challenge

Pigot Replaces Lewis in MIA McLaren GT4 Lineup

Ex-open wheel star to join Sheena Monk in team’s McLaren 570S GT4 for full season…

Photo: IndyCar

Spencer Pigot has replaced Corey Lewis in Motorsports In Action’s lineup for the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season, it has been revealed.

The former NTT IndyCar Series driver will team up with Sheena Monk in the No. 3 McLaren 570S GT4 beginning with next weekend’s season-opening BMW Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway.

A reason for Lewis’ absence was not given although the Lamborghini junior driver was confirmed Monday as a full-time pilot with K-PAX Racing in GT World Challenge America powered by AWS.

Pigot, who has made sporadic starts in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, mostly with Mazda, will also be competing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona as a sub for Felipe Fraga in one of Riley Motorsports’ LMP3 entries.

“I’m really looking forward to competing in a season-long effort with Motorsports In Action and Sheena in the No. 3 J.G. Wentworth McLaren 570S GT4,” said Pigot. “I’ve always enjoyed racing in IMSA, but have never done more than a few races in one season, so it will be a welcomed change to be consistently in the car.

“I will definitely have a lot to learn when we get to Daytona, but Sheena is a proven race winner so I know her experience and speed will help me get acclimated to the car.

“Luckily, we will have a lot of track time during the Roar (Before the Rolex 24) test to get prepared for our first race.”

Monk and the Canadian team will be looking to build off a successful first year season together in 2020, highlighted by a win at Road America and top-ten finish in the GS class points standings.

“Spencer’s vast experience, lifelong dedication, and success in fighting for championships elevates our program and allows me to learn from someone who has competed in the highest disciplines of racing” said Monk. “It is a unique opportunity for my growth and I plan on embracing the knowledge he brings in all aspects of being a driver.”

“My goal is always to go out and win so this year is no different. When assessing my driving throughout 2020, nearly every race was better than the previous in some way so I hope to continue achieving those noticeable improvements.

“The McLaren 570S GT4 tends to be quite strong at Daytona so I think we can start the year off with a podium. With the improved pieces for this year and hopefully a more competitive car amongst the field, I believe we will be in a proper battle for the championship.”

“This is a big deal for Motorsports In Action,” said team owner Eric Kerub. “Having worked diligently to hone our program over the past four years, it’s a real honor to have Sheena renew with us entering our fifth season.

“The fact that Sheena was able to lure a talent like Spencer to join us is mega for the series, the team and McLaren Customer Racing.

“It seems that although the Michelin Pilot Challenge is considered a ladder to eventually get into one of the WeatherTech platforms, more and more top drivers are joining this series, which in my opinion, is the most competitive in North America.

“We will do our very best to provide this duo the opportunities to deliver great results.”

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

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