Hargrove: Porsche Selected Driver Status Led to Wright Drive

Scott Hargrove says his status as a Porsche Selected Driver was instrumental in helping to arrange his Blancpain GT World Challenge America deal with Wright Motorsports, capping off a busy 2019 slate for the Canadian.

The former open-wheel racer made the transition to sports car racing in Porsche single-make racing before bursting onto the scene by winning in each of his first two Blancpain GT America starts a year ago en route to the Sprint title with Pfaff Motorsports.

Hargrove was named the second-ever Porsche Selected Driver over the offseason, giving his career the boost of support that he has always sought.

“Part of that program is having Porsche put me out in front of other teams and recommend me and basically increase my exposure,” Hargrove told Sportscar365.

“It’s pretty much as simple as that. That’s what got Wright Motorsports interested in me and it was a mediation between Wright and Porsche Motorsport North America and myself to make it all come together.

“It means a lot to me to have that belief and that support behind you. When you can showcase your talent and someone takes notice and believes in you, that’s everything.

“I really am grateful to Porsche for what they’re doing helping me get to the next level of my career.

“I’ve been looking for that my entire career. I also am a very loyal aficionado of Porsche. I’ve always loved the cars. To be picked up by a brand that I love, that’s the cherry on the top.”

Hargrove acknowledged that joining a championship-winning outfit with a championship-winning co-driver carries additional expectations.

“Wright Motorsports and Patrick Long, those names are synonymous with success,” he said. “Being paired with both of them for this year, it’s going to be a real test to see how I perform there.

“There’s going to be so many resources behind to help us excel, and with those names behind us there should be no reason why we can’t have success.

“I won the Sprint GT championship last year and I’m definitely hungry for more. Being with Wright, it’s just an honor.

“John Wright and everybody in that organization have done a tremendous job over the years and have a long, long history of success so we’ll see if we can continue that.”

Hargrove Excited for Expanded Sports Car Program

His Blancpain GT America commitments with Wright comes in addition to full-season drive in IMSA’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and Michelin Pilot Challenge with Pfaff.

Hargrove said the increased schedule means he will have to adjust his diet and fitness regimen for additional days on the road, but added that he once again expects to be a championship contender.

“Three full championships this year, it’s going to be pretty fun,” he said. “I’m basically going to be living in a hotel, but I’m excited for it.

“Every driver just wants to drive, so to have that opportunity and to be in a car as much as I will be, I’m not complaining.

“Certainly there will be some adjustments with my diet, being on the road so much and trying to keep track of my fitness, but I’m excited for the challenge.

“After last year, a success would be matching that or bettering it as far as results go. I think the championship is the target. And then it’s about learning as much as I can.

“It’s a new team for me, all new personnel, so trying to be adaptable between the two teams and also different tires in both series, being able to adapt back and forth to that, a successful year will be overcoming all those challenges and coming away with some great results as well.”