GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing has closed its doors, with the longtime sports car racing squad set to transition into sponsorship opportunities with the GAINSCO Auto Insurance company.
Founded in 2001, the Texas-based team had been one of the most successful and recognizable in North American sports car racing, having scored two championships, 16 wins and 31 poles, primarily in Grand-Am competition.
It has most recently competed in Pirelli World Challenge for the last two years with Jon Fogarty, first with a McLaren 650S GT3 before transitioning to a Porsche 911 GT3 R this year.
No reason was given for the team’s ceasing of operations.
“It’s hard not to be humbled by the opportunity to work with so many championship drivers and crew members on this epic journey we have all been part of,” team owner Bob Stallings said.
“Many special relationships have come out the GAINSCO program. Terry Wilbert, our team manager of 12 years, Kyle Brannan and John Ward, two of the best racing engineers in the business and all the team members who made our racing so fun and successful will be friends forever.
“In addition, Jim Lutz and Mark Kent of GM Racing who were so supportive of our championship run in the Rolex Series and Nick Lester of Porsche Motorsport North America have been invaluable friends and partners of our team for many years and hopefully in the years to come.
“And last, but certainly not least, Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney. One of the most accomplished all-American Sports Car driving team seen in racing.
“Fast, smart, unselfish and both Champions, Jon and Alex were the magic sauce that made the team so special. They both are like sons to me and I cherish our special personal friendships.”
GAINSCO, meanwhile, plans to continue its motorsports involvement under a new “engagement format” that will see the brand provide sponsorship to an existing team.
Details on that program has yet to be revealed.
“I am very excited about the potential to continue the heritage of the GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing program,” Stallings said.