WATKINS GLEN, NY (August 29, 2019) – It's been a long twelve-week break, but the Blancpain GT World Challenge America will finally be kicking back into gear this week at Watkins Glen International. Wright Motorsports will return to action barring the No. 58 Pro-class Porsche Consulting Porsche 911 GT3 R of Patrick Long (Manhattan Beach, CA) Scott Hargrove (British Columbia) and the No. 91 Pro/Am-class Henry Repeating Arms entry of Anthony Imperato (Brooklyn, NY) and Dennis Olsen (Norway).
Bringing you Up to Speed:
The weekend will host Rounds 9 and 10 of the seven stop schedule. It's been a season of highs and lows for the Wright Motorsports team, but the group looks to right the ship and make a push for two championships in the final six races of the season.
After taking their first win of the season in Round 8 at Sonoma Raceway, four podiums have Long and Hargrove sitting fourth in the driver's championship. I mperato- who has alternated between Porsche young professionals Dennis Olsen and Matt Campbell - stands alone, third in the Pro/Am championship, with just a 9-point deflect to the class leaders. With five podiums in eight races, Imperato and Olsen look to make their first trip to the top step of the podium. T he two Porsches have also helped Porsche advance to third in the manufacturer's championship and Wright Motorsports in third in the team championship.
Experience: Wright Drivers at Watkins Glen
Long and Hargrove will return to Watkins Glen for the second time this season, having already driven the new Porsche 911 GT3 R there in another championship. While Long has yet to see the top step at the road course, he’s all too familiar with the podium. Hargrove also carries a handful of podiums driving Porsches at the course- including the two second place finishes that led to him to clinching the 2018 SRO America Sprint Championship.
A native of Brooklyn New York, Imperato is eager to pad his resume with a strong result on home turf. The last time the New Yorker competed at Watkins Glen he saw two GTA-class victories tackling a one off event in 2018 SRO America competition. While every North American track on the calendar is new to Olsen, the Porsche Young Professional has already proven to have a knack for getting up to speed.
How to Watch
On track sessions begin Friday with Practice 1 set for 12:00PM EDT. Live coverage of Race 1 will begin at Saturday at 3:10PM EDT at gt-world-challenge-america.com/watch-live. For the first time, SRO America will offer LIVE CBS Sports Network coverage for Sunday's race, beginning at 3:15PM EDT.
PATRICK LONG
No. 58 Wright Motorsports/ Porsche Consulting Porsche 911 GT3 R
"We will try to keep the momentum from Sonoma after a pretty lengthy summer break. Watkins Glen is a unique track that requires lots of aero balance and commitment from the drivers. It's not always easy to overtake, so qualifying will be just as imperative as usual. It's just going to be good to get back with the Wright Motorsports team and push toward the end of the season"
SCOTT HARGROVE
No. 58 Wright Motorsports/Porsche Consulting Porsche 911 GT3 R
"Summer break is finally over. I'm excited to get back behind the wheel of the No. 58 Wright Motorsports Porsche, especially at Watkins Glen. Last year I had a really good race there, winning the Sprint championship, so I left with a really good memory of this place. It's been a while since we've been together as a team, so it'll take it will take us a little bit of refamiliarizing, but I think I know that will happen quickly. Then can get right back to where it where we left off in Sonoma which was a race win. I think I think the targets are now set pretty high now that it's full go finish out the championship in the top three. That is the goal moving forward."
ANTHONY IMPERATO
No. 91 Wright Motorsports/Henry Rifles Porsche 911 GT3 R
"After a long summer break it's good to be getting back in the car this weekend. Watkins Glen is one of my favorite tracks. Hopefully all the bad luck is out of our way now and we can start getting some wins. I'm looking forward to getting started."
DENNIS OLSEN
No. 91 Wright Motorsports/Henry Rifles Porsche 911 GT3 R
"It’s great to be back with Wright Motorsports. I’m looking forward to Watkins Glen. Every time I come to America it’s been a new track for me, but so far we’ve been successful anyways. I’m excited for the challenge and also to be back with Anthony. I think he’s improved a lot this season so I’m looking forward to showing our progress in SRO America.