AO Racing Signs Priaulx to Full-Time GTD Seat

Sebastian Priaulx will drive full-time in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship next year with the newly-formed Porsche GTD outfit AO Racing.

The 21-year-old has been confirmed alongside Bronze-rated driver PJ Hyett for the 11-round main season, while Hyett’s driving coach Gunnar Jeannette will come on board for the four Michelin Endurance Cup events.

Former Mazda DPi driver Harry Tincknell completes the lineup for next month’s Rolex 24 at Daytona season-opener.

Priaulx burst onto the sports car racing scene last year by winning the Porsche Carrera Cup North America presented by The Cayman Islands title before stepping up to the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2022.

He shared a Dempsey-Proton Racing Porsche 911 RSR-19 in GTE-Am this year with Tincknell and also made his GT3 debut at the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa, although Daytona will signify Priaulx’s first appearance in a GT3-spec Porsche.

Both Priaulx and Tincknell are Multimatic-contracted drivers.

“I’m excited to be heading into the full IMSA season with Gunnar and PJ, and I’m really happy to team up with Harry for Daytona after winning two races in WEC with him this year,” said Priaulx.

“I love racing in America, and I’ve had some great results there. IMSA is one of the best championships in the world, so I can’t wait to get stuck in with Gunnar and PJ and the new team.

“These are exciting times. Thanks to AO Racing and Multimatic for making it happen.”

AO Racing recently took delivery of its new Type-992 Porsche 911 GT3 R and plans to complete its first test before the end of the year.

The Chicago area-based team was founded by Hyett and Jeannette, who raced in a variety of series this year, including the WEC season finale in a GTE-Am Porsche.

“I’m thrilled to be able to announce our Rolex 24 and full-season driver lineups and to have Harry and Seb join our program,” said Jeannette.

“They bring a mixture of youth and experience to the team. Harry has multiple Le Mans wins and success both in GT and prototype racing.

“While Sebastian is young, he’s had plenty of experience in GT cars and won the 2021 Porsche Carrera Cup North America championship presented by Cayman Islands.

“Priaulx and Tincknell are part of the Multimatic organization and have also raced together with great success in the World Endurance Championship, so I think the four of us will make a competitive lineup for the Rolex 24.

“I’ve had a relationship with Multimatic and Larry Holt for the majority of my career.

“While my role has evolved over the past few years, I’m delighted that we are able to continue our relationship and that AO Racing is able to join forces with Multimatic.”