Klauser Named New Chevrolet Sports Car Program Manager

Photo: Corvette Racing

Laura Wontrop Klauser will take on a new overarching role as Chevrolet’s new sports car racing program manager that will include the factory Corvette Racing operation.

Klauser, who had been at the helm of the Cadillac DPi-V.R program since its inception in 2017 and also manages the Chevrolet Camaro GT4.R customer effort, was announced by GM on Tuesday in her increased role, which includes taking over duties from longtime Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan, who was let go late last year.

The appointment comes amid the manufacturer’s shift towards an “engineering-based approach” throughout its motorsports programs.

“It’s a huge honor to move into this role with Corvette Racing,” said Klauser, who has been part of General Motors’ racing activities for the last five years. “It unquestionably is one of the premier programs in all of sports car endurance racing.

“The rich history of Corvette’s successes in IMSA is something of which everyone at Chevrolet can be proud.

“At the same time, this motorsports management restructure is a great opportunity to rethink how Chevrolet operates on IMSA weekends.

“My goal is to promote more synergy between our racing programs and funnel our technical learnings back to GM so we continue to make and sell better cars to our fans and customers around the world.”

Klauser, who holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and master’s in engineering, began at General Motors in 2008 on the production side including design work on the Corvette C7 before being named program manager for the Cadillac ATS.V-R effort in 2016.

A year later, Klauser helped launch the Cadillac DPi program, which to date has claimed two manufacturers championships, four Michelin Endurance Cup titles and 18 wins including four consecutive victories in the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Klauser also is heavily involved with SAE. A past participant the student level, she remains an active member and volunteer for the FSAE program as dynamic events coordinator for the Michigan competition. She has served on the SAE Detroit section board since 2011 holding the chair position for 2018.

She also is a familiar face to the Corvette customer and enthusiast community. Klauser has participated as a Corvette team representative at the National Corvette Museum birthday bash’s ladies garage and Corvettes at Carlisle events annually. She also participates in track days driving her 2013 Corvette Grand Sport.

“We are pleased to have someone as enthusiastic and experienced as Laura as our Sports Car Racing Program Manager,” said Mark Stielow, director of Chevrolet motorsports competition engineering.

“Corvette Racing and GM’s road-racing efforts will benefit from her engineering experience with both the Corvette and Cadillac production cars, and her relationship with a large number of our fans and Corvette owners.”

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