MDK Porsche Switches Classes to GTD Pro

The MDK Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R has switched to the GTD Pro class for this weekend’s Rolex 24 at Daytona after initially appearing as a GTD competitor.

The Ohio-based team qualified in GTD at last weekend’s Roar Before the Rolex 24, however it has moved to the higher of the two GT3-based classes three days before the race.

Jan Magnussen, Trenton Estep, Jason Hart and team owner Mark Kvamme continue to form the driver lineup, per the latest official entry list.

Outlining the reason for the change, an MDK Motorsports spokesperson told Sportscar365: “Our driver lineup for the balance of the season will be all Pros, so it makes sense to start here in Daytona.

“In addition, we see great opportunity as a team in the class from both a competition standpoint and for attracting partners. There may be some strategic advantages also.”

One potential “strategic advantage” of switching classes is the GTD Pro category’s more lenient drive time requirements.

In GTD, drivers must complete at least four and a half hours during the race, however the minimum race seat time for all drivers in GTD Pro is two hours.

Aston Martin outfit Team TGM is entered into the GTD Pro class fort this reason, with team owner and Bronze-rated driver Ted Giovanis telling Sportscar365 last week that applying for the higher category gives “more flexibility” on their drivers’ time behind the wheel.

The No. 53 Porsche’s switch increases the GTD Pro field to ten entries, while GTD has gone down to 23 cars.

MDK Motorsports is planning to contest the four-round Michelin Endurance Cup, however it is unclear if the team will enter the three other races in GTD Pro or GTD.