TRG Returns to Porsche, Enters Full GTD Season

Image: TRG

TRG will return to fielding Porsches in top-level IMSA competition next year, with the Kevin Buckler-led team announcing Thursday plans to enter a full-season GT Daytona class entry with a Porsche 911 GT3 R.

The California-based team, which has enjoyed incredible success with the German manufacturer, including class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2002 and overall honors in the 2003 Rolex 24 at Daytona, is in talks with multiple drivers for its planned Rolex 24 and GTD season-long program.

A second Porsche is also possible for the 12-round GTD championship next year.

“I don’t think it gets much more ‘full-circle’ than this,” Buckler said. “Today, we are proud to announce that we are back with Porsche as our premier brand running in the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech Championship.

“It feels right. We are currently in talks with multiple sponsor partners, drivers, and are working on a second car and program.

“The entire team at IMSA has just done an amazing job building this motorsports platform. I’ve been beating the GT drum for 25 years and was with them in the beginning, and it has not been easy.

“I’m pleased and honored to be part of their history and heritage and now we’re back running full-time in WeatherTech.

“The Porsche support program has been second to none over all these years and it will be nice to have them by our side once again. It’s also going to be nice to be racing with some of my old friends that are still at Porsche.

“As we move into our 26th year as a company, the future of professional sports car racing is strong and I am glad to be doing my part to help lead in any way I can. And, oh yeah….we really like to win!”

Porsche Motorsport North America President Jens Walther added: “All of us at Porsche Motorsport North America are looking forward to seeing a new 911 GT3 R in the traditional TRG livery once again.

“Kevin and his team have been responsible for many Porsche GT victories over the years, including an overall Rolex 24 victory in 2003. We warmly welcome him back to the Porsche family.”

The team will continue to field Aston Martins in multiple series, alongside its planned return to the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Series next year as well.

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