GMG Enters Audi R8 for GTD

Joining a growing list of entrants in the GTD category of the 2014 United SportsCar Championship, California-based Global Motorsports Group (GMG) will expand their relationship with Audi by submitting an entry into the new series.

GMG, which took three victories with the Audi R8 LMS during this year’s Pirelli World Challenge championship en route to a runner-up finish, is no stranger to endurance competition. The team was a frequent competitor in the American Le Mans Series from 2010-2012 as well as having appeared multiple times at The Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Currently, the team has committed to long-time GMG driver Alex Welch as well as team owner James Sofronas, with the full driver roster to be named shortly.

Known for their ability to provide strong, customer-driven programs, the team has won more professional races with the Audi R8 brand than any other team in North America. Additionally, the organization serviced a record five entries during this year’s World Challenge event at Circuit of the Americas.

“To take part in the debut of the TUDOR Championship would be a huge honor for our team,” stated GMG team owner James Sofronas. “We’ve had a fantastic 2013 between our success in the Pirelli World Challenge combined with our championship in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Series, so taking part in the TUDOR Championship is the next logical step. Beyond continuing our relationship with Audi, it’s especially exciting to move Alex up with the program. He’s been a great product of our driver development system, and he’s proven really strong in 2013.”

A multi-year veteran of the team, Colorado-based Alex Welch, is aiming to participate in his first Rolex 24 at Daytona. However, Alex has already amassed endurance experience in the team’s 2012 Porsche-based GTC program including the 12 Hours of Sebring.

In addition to multiple top-fives in the Pirelli World Challenge ranks, Welch also had a breakout 2013 season with two victories in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Series.

“It will be great to take part in some of the world’s biggest endurance races,” stated Welch. “GMG has done a great job getting me prepared for this next step, and I’ve really enjoyed driving the Audi. When you look at just how many quality teams are running Audi programs next year, it’s clear this is a great choice for the team.”

Having already submitted an entry into the series with one Audi, the team is continuing to pursue additional possibilities for 2014. With a long history of supporting multiple cars, additional entries remain a possibility.