Thaze Eyeing Pilot Challenge Expansion, GTD Pro Effort

Photo: Thaze Competition

Thaze Competition could be on the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship grid next year, with the Detroit-based operation signaling interest in a partial season program around the Chevrolet Grand Prix of Detroit event in June.

Having made its team debut at Detroit last June as part of the Michelin Pilot Challenge round, the team is hopeful of mounting a two-car Mercedes-AMG GT4 effort in the GS class next year.

Details on the proposed WeatherTech Championship effort are unclear at the moment, other than it would be earmarked for the GTD Pro category and likely associated with another team.

“We’ve always had our sights set on moving up to GTD, but not until 2025,” said team co-owner Faisal Ahmad.

“When we heard that the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship was going to be part of the Detroit Grand Prix schedule, we knew we had to make a move. We decided to take the plunge and do everything we can to be on the grid for the race on the streets of Detroit next summer.”

Ahmad added: “Competing in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship on the very streets of Detroit where Thaze Competition first took off will be another dream come true.

“We have a considerable amount of local partners and there is huge interest in this event. We are relishing the chance to showcase the Thaze Competition brand on a global stage. The competition in GTD Pro is no joke, but we are incredibly optimistic about taking the green flag in the Motor City next year.”

Ahmad and team co-owner Brian Makse, meanwhile, are also putting the pieces together for its proposed two-car GS program after making two series starts this year.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have such an incredible team behind the Thaze Competition No. 78 Mercedes-AMG GT4 in 2024,” said Makse. “The drivers and crew have been exceptional this season and they exceeded our best expectations with a podium on our debut in Detroit and the fourth place finish in Canada.

“We’ve got some exciting conversations going on with multiple drivers who have seen what this team has already achieved and who recognize the potential we have for 2024.”

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