Strakka Downsizes GT3 Program, No IGTC Entry

Photo: Dirk Bogaerts/SRO

Strakka Racing has downsized its GT3 program for next season, confirming on Friday just one Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup.

The British team ran two or three cars at each Intercontinental GT Challenge round this year, and three cars for the full Endurance Cup.

Confirmation that it won’t be returning to IGTC comes after the team was absent from the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour entry list, revealed earlier in the day.

The downsize comes as a surprise, after team founder/driver Nick Leventis told Sportscar365 in October that he expected a return to the IGTC as well as the Blancpain GT Endurance program.

Strakka will instead defend its Blancpain GT Endurance Pro-Am drivers’ title, which was secured by Leventis, Chris Buncombe and Lewis Williamson.

“We’re delighted to be announce our plans for 2019,” said team director Jay Davenport. “After a successful first year with Mercedes-AMG, we’re aiming at an even better second year relationship.

“We’re heading into the new year after ending this season with a win, so that gives us some good momentum. We’re looking to defend the Pro-Am Drivers Championship title in the Endurance Cup.

“At the moment we are evaluating whether we add a Silver or Am car to our lineup and we will announce our car and driver lineup in due course.”

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.