Starworks Withdraws from VIR

Photo: Jake Galstad/IMSA

Starworks Motorsport has withdrawn from this weekend’s Michelin GT Challenge at Virginia International Raceway, following continued challenges for the team and its Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo.

The late decision, announced by the team via social media on Thursday, will result in a 13-car GT Daytona class entry and 21 cars overall for Sunday’s second and final GT-only race of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season.

As reported by Sportscar365 last month, the Peter Baron-led operation has been taking a “race by race” approach with its current GTD program, having returned for the Road America round after skipping races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Lime Rock Park due to speed-related issues with its Audi chassis.

Ryan Dalziel and Parker Chase finished 10th in class at Road America, despite a complete overhaul to the car made over the weekend.

IMSA, meanwhile, issued a Balance of Performance break to the Audi for VIR, which has seen the car’s minimum weight drop by 20 kg. 

Starworks had been the only Audi entered for this weekend’s two-hour and 45-minute race.

No word has been given if the Florida-based team will return to competition for the penultimate round of the season at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

The team is understood to be in discussions with multiple GT3 manufacturers for 2020.

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