Preining Looking Forward to Bringing ‘Grello’ to IMSA

Photo: Porsche

Thomas Preining said he’s looking forward to bringing Manthey’s famous ‘Grello’ livery to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship next year.

The 2023 DTM champion, who has been a longtime Manthey and Porsche factory driver, is expected to be part of the team’s GTD Pro lineup in its No. 911 Porsche 911 GT3 R that’s confirmed for the Michelin Endurance Cup races, beginning with January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona.

When asked by Sportscar365 during the recent IMSA-sanctioned test at Daytona International Speedway if he would like to be part of the team’s Endurance Cup effort, Preining indicated that it’s “too early” to talk specifics on his programs for next year.

“But in general, of course I would like to do it,” he said. “I would like to win Daytona, that’s also why I did it the last two years.

“Of course it’s a bucket list item but I have not succeeded so far.

“I’m obviously very keen to try again. Generally, I like racing here. The tracks are cool.

“The other four tracks for the endurance calendar, I only know Sebring, the rest would be new to me. All of it is pretty old-school, American-style race tracks, so I would really appreciate driving there.

“It would be something a bit different.”

The 27-year-old Austrian said it’s been a “massive” effort for the Nicky and Martin Raeder-led team, which runs Porsches in the LMGT3 class of the FIA World Endurance Championship, DTM as well as spearheading the German manufacturer’s Nürburgring 24 efforts that includes NLS races, to expand into the WeatherTech Championship next year.

In addition to the GTD Pro entry, Manthey will also field a GTD class Porsche for newly crowned WEC LMGT3 champion Ryan Hardwick.

“It’s a big deal for everybody,” Preining said of the team’s IMSA program. “It’s a lot of effort. It’s a lot of personal commitment for everybody as well because it’s not like everybody is having an easy job.

“It will be a full year of traveling and working hard.

“When the bosses asks, ‘There’s this new thing we’re planning on doing. Would you be motivated to do it?’ Everybody that’s here is here because they want to.

“It’s motivating and it’s really cool to see.”

Preining said the allure of the ‘Grello’ livery, made famous on the Nordschleife with the team’s record seven overall victories in the Nürburgring 24, will make the GTD Pro program even more exciting.

“The last three seasons, I think every race the Grello has done, I’ve been on it,” he said. “I would like to bring the Grello to the U.S.

“It would be a big honor. I think it’s a big deal as well. We have a lot of American fans, at least that’s what I see on the socials.

“There’s a lot of people looking forward to see the car on track in January. Obviously I really hope for the team that it’s going to go well and it’s a successful start to the season.”

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