Jr III Expands into Two-Car Operation

Jr III Racing will expand into a two-car effort for the 2021 IMSA Prototype Challenge season, with Greg and Eric Palmer returning alongside a second Ligier JS P320 Nissan entry for Ari and Natasha Balogh.

The Palmers combined for five top-ten finishes in six outings in 2020 including the team’s best IMSA finish of fifth at Sebring International Raceway.

The father-daughter duo of Ari and Natasha Balogh, meanwhile, are set to make their IMSA debut next month at the Roar Before the 24 at Daytona.

“Joining Jr III Racing and competing in the IMSA Prototype Challenge is an exciting new challenge for my daughter and I,” said Ari Balogh.

“Billy [Glavin, team owner] has put together a great team of professionals who support me and Natasha’s (Balogh) venture into Prototype racing.

“The Ligier is unlike anything I have driven before.

“It requires a new driving style that I have been adapting to during our test sessions. I am looking forward to getting the season started soon and getting behind the wheel of the No. 33 at Daytona International Speedway.”

Natascha Balogh said her first experience of the LMP3 car was “unreal.”

“Beyond the sensation of being in a closed cockpit vehicle, the speed and aero is really out of this world,” she said.

“I’m excited to get more seat time so I can get settled before the season starts, but I’m also excited to start testing the limits of what the car can do. Jr III Racing is an incredible group of professionals.

“The camaraderie and teamwork is palpable.

“Having teammates that are a father-son duo shows the team is centered around family and emphasizes how important it is that the team is cohesive. Seeing as success comes from teamwork, to see that in the team, and across the drivers, I’m really optimistic about what we can accomplish together.”

Glavin added: “Jr III Racing was formed as an outgrowth of the passion my father and I share for the sport.

“So having a father-son and father-daughter driver pairings as part of the team just adds to the family-oriented environment we have.”