Formal “Always Wants to Drive More” in WTRAndretti Dual Effort

Two-time Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Pro class Champion Danny Formal says he “always wants to drive more” as he pursues his third consecutive title in the single-make series alongside his full-season GTD program in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The 28-year-old Costa Rican will contest both series for Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti, which expands to a substantial five-car presence on the Super Trofeo grid to compliment a single-car GTD entry in the WeatherTech Championship.

“It’s our third year with the team in the Super Trofeo. We’re going for a third championship together,” Formal told Sportscar365. “I’m super excited.”

WTRAndretti enjoyed a dominant 2023 season, winning every race overall between its two Pro class entries, with Formal claiming an unprecedented ten victories with co-driver Kyle Marcelli.

“We had we found a baseline setup about two years ago and have pretty much been close to it ever since and every racetrack we’ve gone to,” said Formal of the team’s performance.

“I think we have a great cars in Super Trofeo. We’ll see what we have here.”

When asked about his and the No. 1 WTRAndretti crew’s goals for this season outside of chasing a series championship hat-trick, Formal said: “Last year we didn’t get all the poles in the Pro class. I think that’s a huge, huge goal.

“And also, I think the World Finals, the World Finals [have] eluded us for three years. Kyle and I really want that race. The team really wants that race. The last time they won it was 2017. So I really want to give that race to them.”

Formal joins his Super Trofeo championship-winning co-driver Marcelli in the No. 45 WTRAndretti Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 as the team’s full-season WeatherTech Championship drivers.

The pair, alongside Ashton Harrison and Graham Doyle, struggled in the season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona, finishing 17th in class, despite a strong qualifying effort.

“We showed a great pace sometimes in Daytona during the ride up to the race,” said Formal.

“Obviously, the race wasn’t what we wanted, but the team worked really, really hard [from] Daytona to now. And I think we found the solution to our problems and [we’re] super excited.”

Formal cited both the significant seat time of his dual program and his physical preparations as points of excitement and improvement for his dual season.

“I’m super grateful for this opportunity WTRAndretti is giving me right now,” he said. “To do double-duty, it’s something I’ve always liked. I’m a guy that always wants to drive more and more.

“I think I’m learning more and more, and the more driving I get to do, I think the more I’ll learn.

“It’s a really been a really busy off-season for me, doing a lot of karting, trying to stay in shape.

“I’ve lost about 17 pounds since Daytona, so that for sure will help a lot because obviously IMSA, in all series they weigh the car not the driver. So the lighter you are the better. So physically, I feel really up for it.”

Formal also feels benefits from driving Lamborghini machinery in both series this season.

“For sure I think helps a lot that we’re both now in the Lamborghini car in both series,” he said.

“I think the [Super] Trofeo car is such a beast to drive, with such limited grip compared to the GT3 that it definitely gives me an edge when I drive. The GT3 just gives me more time to think where I want to put the car.

“I get a lot more confidence in the GT3. [This weekend is my] first double duty of the season and and let’s see what we can do.”

Formal, New Co-Driver Norman “Pushing Each Other in the Right Direction”

This season, Formal will share the No. 1 entry with 2023 Super Trofeo title rival and series runner-up, Ryan Norman, who enters his third season under the WTRAndretti tent.

“Ryan is one of the fastest guys last year,” said Formal.

“The two races Kyle I lost last year in American rounds [were] to our teammate Ryan. So, [I’m] super excited to be sharing with the car with him.

“So far it’s been really good; his feedback’s similar to mine. So we’re pushing each other to towards the right direction.”

Formal added that the dynamic between the Super Trofeo rivals turned co-drivers has been, “great so far” as the pair have their sights set on the title.

“The WTR [number] one car’s always been their Pro car to try to go win the championship,” he said.

“So it’s some added pressure [on] him for that. But, I think he likes it. I think it’s added pressure that’s good pressure.

“It’s going great so far and looking forward to it.”