PR1/MATHIASEN MOTORSPORTS SHOWS SPEED AND PROMISE IN AN OTHERWISE CHALLENGING ROLEX 24 HOURS OF DAYTONA

For Immediate Release

February 1, Daytona, Florida.- After a very promising start the of the 24 Hours of Daytona, which had Ben Keating on the #52 Wynns / Rain-X / Four Horsemen / Max Connect / Client Command / Valkyrie.ai AI Oreca 07 LMP2 starting from the pole position, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports had to finally retire 40 minutes before the end of the 24 hour race. The retirement came after an impressive set of comebacks after the #52 suffered both mechanical issues and repairs from contact during the race. The PR1/Mathiasen crew displayed impressive perseverance after several garage fixes.

In spite of the complicated circumstances, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports was still able to record the fastest lap of the 24-hour race in the LMP2 category, with a time of 1:36.910 by driver Nicolas Lapierre on lap 53 of the 24-hour race and the best time in the overall weekend with a time of 1:35.979 by driver Mikkel Jensen during Practice 2.

The next round of the IMSA Weathertech Championship will be another test of endurance at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Presented by Advance AutoSports, on March 20th. For more information about this upcoming event, click here.

Ben Keating

Driver

#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

“Obviously, this is not the race we wanted to have. We had the pace, the fastest lap of the race, the drivers, the team… Everything was perfect. Unfortunately, we had a few mechanical issues. But looking on the bright side, our team kept fighting and never gave up. Thanks to the fans for supporting us and watching the race! Thanks to Wynns and their support for this race and that beautiful car!”

Mikkel Jensen

Driver

#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

“My first 24h Daytona, so I had a great time here with the team. Unfortunately, the race didn’t turn out as it should and we had a bunch of issues that we will have to investigate before going to Sebring in March. We had the best pace all weekend and we can be proud of that. Nonetheless we worked as a team and got the best out of the situation. Thanks to the team for never giving up!”

Scott Huffaker

Driver

#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

“Dissappointed with the result, but very proud of everyone on the team for never giving up! Onto the next one!”

Nicolas Lapierre

Driver

#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

“Disappointing outcome for this race, because the pace was really amazing. We had everything to win this race… but unfortunately, we had a few mechanical issues, that were not all of them on our end. All in all, it was a great experience for me. I wish good luck to the team for the rest of the season. I’m sure they going to rock it!”

Bobby Oergel

Team Principal

#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

“I am so sad we didn't get what I feel the whole team deserves. Our pace and perseverance as a group was amazing, but this wasn’t ours to win. To have the best speed averages across the board with our drivers, is not only a testament to them, but the whole team with the best speeds of out of all the teams from around the world. I want to thank everyone at pr1/Mathiasen for all their hard work and devotion to a small, but mighty program.”

ABOUT WYNN’S®.

Wynn’s® USA has built a reputation on pushing the boundaries of endurance, speed and performance for over 80 years.  With a range of additives to prevent and solve problems that affect the operation of the engine, using Wynn’s® for preventive maintenance is the alternative to expensive mechanical repairs and maintaining optimal engine performance. That’s why those who demand the best depend on Wynn’s®.

ABOUT RAIN X.

For the last 40 years, Rain‑X® has provided drivers with products to help them outsmart the elements. With our Original Glass Treatment™ water beading technology, Wiper Blades and Glass Cleaners; Rain‑X® leads the automotive aftermarket in glass care.

In recent years, the Rain‑X® portfolio has expanded to include other types of car care products such as our Car Washes, Waxes, Bug & Tar Removers, and Headlight Restoration Kits. All Rain‑X® products are designed to help keep our customers a confident step ahead of Mother Nature on the road.

PR1/MATHIASEN TO START THE ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA FROM THE POLE POSITION AFTER WINNING THE MOTUL POLE AWARD 100 AT THE ROAR 24

For Immediate Release

January 26, 2021 – Daytona, Florida – PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports once again proved that they are the team to beat in the LMP2 category after an impressive performance all through at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 this past weekend at Daytona International Speedway. The team and defending 2020 LMP2 Champion, is heading into the 59th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona with great momentum after winning the LMP2 Motul Pole Award 100 Qualifying race this past Saturday at Daytona.

The #52 Wynns / Rain-X / Four Horsemen / Max Connect / Client Command / Valkyrie.ai AI Oreca 07 LMP2, showcased an outstanding performance all through the Roar 24 weekend, leading 2 out of the 4 sessions. For Saturday’s qualifying session, Keating took the #52 Oreca 07 LMP2 and with a time of 1:37.368 got the Pole position for the Motul Pole Award 100 qualifying race.

Drivers Mikkel Jensen and Ben Keating took part in the Motul Pole Award 100 qualifying race Sunday, which started with the track wet from a morning shower. Keating started the race and had a spin during the formation laps right before the green flag, causing a drive through penalty which set the #52 to the back of the LMP2 field. Keating along with Jensen brought the #52 Oreca 07 LMP2 all the way to the 2nd position and finally on lap 44, Jensen passed Centilar Racing’s Antonio Fuoco for the lead in the waning moments of the race, to wrap up a very exciting battle for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports.

Now all eyes are set on the 59th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, to be held on this weekend. PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports driver lineup consisting of drivers Ben Keating, Nicolas Lapierre, Mikkel Jensen and Scott Huffaker, and a brand-new livery design showcasing the colors of the team main sponsor, Wynn’s®, Rain-X®, 4 Horsemen, Max Connect, Client Command and Valkyrie.ai will officially kick off the activities with 3 practice sessions this Thursday January 28th, followed by a 4th practice Friday January 29th. The green flag to mark the start of the 59th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona is at 3:30 P.M EST on Saturday, January 30th on NBC. For the full broadcasting schedule and more information about the Rolex 24, here.

Ben Keating

Driver

#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

“It feels good to feel good, I don’t want to discount this. However, the Roar is not what counts. I knew when I signed up with PR1 to run the car and for Scott, Mikkel, and Nico as my teammates, that we were going to have a good program. But now the important things begin. The Rolex 24 Hour win is our goal. I made several mistakes during my run in the qualifying race, and I need to learn from them.

I am happy to start up front. I am happy that everything went well on the team and with the car. But the big challenge is still in front of us. It reminds me of the Winston Churchill quote, 'Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.'"

Mikkel Jensen

Driver

#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

“It was an intense race. Ben made it a little exciting with the hectic start to the race but it made us having to push to get back up there which for sure made us learn even more! Looking back at it now, I’m happy that he didn’t give me the car in a safe P1. The pole doesn’t mean much at Daytona 24, but it was a good show and the team deserved the attention! Now, let’s get ready for the Rolex 24!”

Scott Huffaker

Driver

#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

“The team performed very well. We were fastest in two out of four practice sessions and we won the qualifying race. We still have some work to do before the race but I think we sit in a great position going into the Rolex 24.”

Nicolas Lapierre

Driver

#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

"Great result for the team! Fantastic win in a very exciting race. Even if the result doesn’t mean much in a 24 hours race, it is very good to know that the car is super competitive and the drivers are ready to fight! We made some good moves on the setup and tried different track conditions, which is always very good information to get ready for big one next weekend."

Bobby Oergel

Team Principal

#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

“I am very proud of our whole team and drivers for seeing through the approach and goals we set last Thursdays testing to prepare for the 24. In securing the pole to then secure the pole again is for sure a good feeling for everyone. We are now looking forward to a smooth 24 and to repeat this next Sunday.”

ABOUT WYNN’S®.

Wynn’s® USA has built a reputation on pushing the boundaries of endurance, speed and performance for over 80 years.  With a range of additives to prevent and solve problems that affect the operation of the engine, using Wynn’s® for preventive maintenance is the alternative to expensive mechanical repairs and maintaining optimal engine performance. That’s why those who demand the best depend on Wynn’s®.

ABOUT RAIN X.

For the last 40 years, Rain‑X® has provided drivers with products to help them outsmart the elements. With our Original Glass Treatment™ water beading technology, Wiper Blades and Glass Cleaners; Rain‑X® leads the automotive aftermarket in glass care.

In recent years, the Rain‑X® portfolio has expanded to include other types of car care products such as our Car Washes, Waxes, Bug & Tar Removers, and Headlight Restoration Kits. All Rain‑X® products are designed to help keep our customers a confident step ahead of Mother Nature on the road.

PR1/MATHIASEN KICKS OF THE 2021 SEASON AT THE ROAR IN PREPARATION FOR THE MOST COMPETITIVE ROLEX 24 YET.

For Immediate Release

January 20, 2021 – Daytona, Florida – PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports is ready to kick off the 2021 season with a packed field at the annual Roar Before the Rolex 24 test this weekend in preparation for the Rolex 24 At Daytona, to be held on January 27-31st. The team and defending 2020 LMP2 Champion, will debut a new driver lineup consisting of drivers Ben Keating, Nicolas Lapierre, Mikkel Jensen and Scott Huffaker, and a brand-new livery design showcasing the colors of the team main sponsor, Wynn’s®, Rain-X®, 4 Horsemen, Max Connect and Client Command, in the #52 Oreca 07 LMP2.

The Roar Before the Rolex 24, will show a considerable increase in the number of entries, than in 2020. In the LMP2 category, there are 10 entries registered, which will make this year’s Rolex 24 At Daytona one of the most competitive yet. The three-day Roar from Jan. 22-24 takes on added significance as well since it will be climaxed for the first time by a 100-minute qualifying race to set the grid for the Rolex 24 that starts on January 27th.

PR1/ Mathiasen Motorsports is coming into the Roar Before the Rolex 24 after winning the 2020 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship title in the LMP2 category. The team will use the Roar to acclimate themselves with their new driver lineup and gather valuable info in preparation for the Rolex 24. The four PR1 drivers will share the wheel of the #52 Wynn’s® LMP2 for the first time at the 3-day event.

Ben Keating, 48, is one of the most experienced and successful bronze drivers in the sport, with several of championships under his belt, Ben has competed in five 24 Hours of Le Mans with a best finish of third, and has won the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup three times. Ben will again pull double duty at the Rolex 24 by also co-driving a TF Sport Aston Martin Vantage GT3 in the GT Daytona (GTD) class.

25-year-old Danish driver, Mikkel Jensen, will join the lineup and make his Rolex 24 debut, coming off a win at Petit Le Mans in 2020. The young Dane is the 2019 European Le Mans Series LMP3 Champion, and finished third in the LMP2 Championship in 2020 with G-Drive Racing.

20-year-old, Scott Huffaker, has a long-standing relationship with PR1/Mathiasen spanning several years. Beginning in 2016, the 20-year-old American driver raced in Pacific F2000 and climbed the open wheel ranks to win the Formula Pro USA F4 championship two years later. In 2019, he won the Team USA Scholarship while piloting the PR1/Mathiasen LMP3 to a second-place finish in the IMSA Prototype Challenge series, and in 2020 he made his LMP2 debut with the team in route to a team championship.

Frenchman, Nicolas Lapierre, 36, is a world-class endurance driver with various wins and championships, including four victories in LMP2 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and two FIA World Endurance Championships. He is also no stranger to IMSA, scoring two overall victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring.

The Roar schedule finds WeatherTech Championship test sessions at 11:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. ET Friday, Jan. 22, as well as 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23. Live timing and scoring will be available for each session on IMSA.com.

Motul Pole Award 100 qualifying starts at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 and streams live on IMSA.com. Following a 10 a.m. warmup on Sunday, Jan. 24, the Motul Pole Award 100 wraps up the weekend starting at 2:05 p.m. that afternoon. For more information on the Roar, click here.

Rolex 24 At Daytona action runs Jan. 27-31. Live coverage of the 24-hour race begins at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Jan. 30 on NBC. For more information on the Rolex 24, click here.

Ben Keating
Driver
#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2
“I am super excited about the 2021 Rolex 24 and all that goes with it. The LMP2 class is going to see the most competitive event it has ever experienced in IMSA. I believe the best competitors love good competition. This adds to the stress of performing well but also to the excitement of the race.

This team of drivers have never driven together. The Roar is going to be very important as far as making seats and getting fitted into the car, but also working together on things like driver changes and car set up. This is my favorite race of the year!”

Mikkel Jensen
Driver
#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2
“I’m very much looking forward to meet the new team and my new teammates, and obviously to get my first laps at Daytona. Nicolas has great experience to make sure we have a great setup to start with and from there on it’s all about getting everything out of the track time and get the last bits done on the setup. Very interesting with the qualifying race for the first time this year, and looking forward to see how much effort teams put into get a good starting position.”

Scott Huffaker
Driver
#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2
“I am looking forward to getting back in the car after the winter break and to begin working with my new teammates. Hopefully we can a learn a lot during the Roar to help give us the best chances for the Rolex 24.”

Nicolas Lapierre
Driver
#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

"I'm super excited about the Roar. To get to know the team and my teammates. It is a very important test for us, as have to set up all the small details for the Daytona 24, so I'm really looking forward to it and to get ready for the big one next week."

Ray Mathiasen
Team Principal
#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2
"We have great expectations for the team's performance this season and can't wait to see how we do this weekend at the Roar. It's great to see all the competition in the LMP2 category. It's going to be a tough this weekend and next weekend at the Rolex 24-hour race. We wish the team great success!"

Bobby Oergel
Team Principal
#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2
“We are very thankful to have such a great program assembled with our partners for this year’s Rolex 24. The team has prepared for the Roar with the focus of learning the new changes to the cars and engines for the category, which is filled with 10 great teams ready to battle for the Rolex 24 this year. The focus for the week is going to be keeping it clean, sharpen the arrows and gather info.”

ABOUT WYNN’S®.

Wynn’s® USA has built a reputation on pushing the boundaries of endurance, speed and performance for over 80 years.  With a range of additives to prevent and solve problems that affect the operation of the engine, using Wynn’s® for preventive maintenance is the alternative to expensive mechanical repairs and maintaining optimal engine performance. That’s why those who demand the best depend on Wynn’s®.

ABOUT RAIN X.

For the last 40 years, Rain‑X® has provided drivers with products to help them outsmart the elements. With our Original Glass Treatment™ water beading technology, Wiper Blades and Glass Cleaners; Rain‑X® leads the automotive aftermarket in glass care.

In recent years, the Rain‑X® portfolio has expanded to include other types of car care products such as our Car Washes, Waxes, Bug & Tar Removers, and Headlight Restoration Kits. All Rain‑X® products are designed to help keep our customers a confident step ahead of Mother Nature on the road.

PR1/MATHIASEN WINS FIFTH TIME IN A ROW AT LAGUNA SECA

September 16, 2019 – Monterey, California – PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports won the Monterey SportsCar Championship Powered by McLaren at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with their LMP2 entry as part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The No. 52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports ORECA LMP2 driven by Matt McMurry and Dalton Kellet won their fifth race in a row around the famous 2.23-mile circuit over the weekend. The penultimate round of the 2019 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship ran under green flag conditions through its entirety allowing the crew and drivers to execute their winning strategy and secure the championship points lead.

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports finished one lap ahead of season-long competitor No. 38 Performance Tech Motorsports ORECA. The points lead now stands 235-227, and PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports will only need to score points at Motul Petit Le Mans to take the 2019 WeatherTech Championship title. The 10-hour Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road America will take place on Saturday, Oct. 12.

Matt McMurry – Driver of the No.52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports ORECA LMP2

“Another win! This win makes five in a row, and more importantly, it means we only have to start at Petit Le Mans to win the championship. The car was great as always, and the crew performed flawlessly all weekend.”

Dalton Kellet – Driver of the No.52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports ORECA LMP2

“It was a great return to the team. We had a good day. At the start of the weekend, we struggled a little bit. We brought our pace right in line with the Performance Tech guys today. I think we did a better job managing traffic. I think we got a bit of a gap with a nice buffer when we did the driver change, so it was good.”

Bobby Oergel - Team Principal

“Both drivers did exactly what was needed by keeping it clean and consistent. We worked hard to get the car balanced for the tricky conditions of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports crew performed flawlessly again. The whole race was under green flag with no yellows, which really helped us in building a gap to the competition. With the points championship settled we can go to Petit Le Mans only shooting for the win.”

BOTH PR1/MATHIASEN ENTRIES ROUND OUT TOP 15 IN TOUGH VIR RACE

August 26, 2019 – Alton, Virginia – PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports rounded out the IMSA Prototype Challenge Championship race at VIRginia International Raceway in the top 15 with both entries despite challenging weather conditions.

The Prototype Challenge entries included the No. 52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Ligier JS P3 piloted by Chris Archinaco and Scott Huffaker and the No. 70 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Ligier JS P3 driven by Joel Janco and Jonatan Jorge.

The one-hour, 45-minute race had a total of 16 laps under full course yellow conditions. The slick track presented many challenges all 23 Prototype Challenge entries. The No. 52 had a great start from 14th on the grid with Archinaco behind the wheel. Archinaco was able to make it up to 7th before a mistake sent him off track. The No. 52 was able to re-enter the fight with no damage, but at the back of the field. Running a similar pace to the top 5, Archinaco finished his stint around the 50-minute mark of the race. Huffaker's stint almost mirrored his teammates as he was running lap times consistent with the top 3 competitors before spinning. Huffaker was also able to return to the race with no damage and finished in 11th.

The No. 70 started from 19th with Janco in charge of the first stint. Janco did what he set out to do and ran a clean race before pitting for Jorge to take over. PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports felt confident about the No. 70's position until a full course yellow came out and wrongfully placed the pace car in front of Jorge. This put Jorge in front of the leader, which took away any opportunity to pass for the remainder of the race. Jorge took the challenge in stride and pulled away from the leaders on the green flag and the following laps until the crew of PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports asked him to be conservative to the finish. Jorge crossed the line in 14th overall and solidified the lead in the Bronze Cup Prototype Challenge Championship point standings.

The next outing for the IMSA Prototype Challenge Championship will be at the Motul Petit Le Mans on October 12. The IMSA Prototype Challenge race from VIR will be televised on NBCSN on Monday, Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. ET

Bobby Oergel - Team Principal

"The whole team (crew and drivers) did a great job all week through some very tough conditions. The result really saddens me, but I'm happy with the pace and possibilities that were in play for the race. Unfortunately, the weather conditions of damp track and slick tires caused many drivers, including ours, to have some agricultural experiences during the race. On the other hand, I am amazed by the little to no damage that both left the event with. It was a tough event for sure, and I can't thank the whole crew, drivers, and their families enough for the upbeat mindset throughout the week."

PR1/MATHIASEN SECURES FOURTH CONSECUTIVE WIN AT ROAD AMERICA

August 5, 2019 – Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin – PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports won their 4th consecutive race at the IMSA Road Race Challenge at Road America with their LMP2 entry as part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

 Matt McMurry and Patrick Kelly piloted the No. 52 ORECA LMP2 to a 31.35-second victory over the No. 38 Performance Tech Motorsports ORECA shared by Cameron Cassels and James French. The win was especially significant to Kelly, a 51-year-old driver from Minnestrista, Minnesota who had not raced in nine years since being involved in an accident with a school bus that almost took his life.

The win contributed to a five-point lead in the overall standings with two races left in the 2019 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. Next up for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports will be the penultimate round of the season at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Sept. 15.

Matt McMurry – Driver of the No.52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports ORECA LMP2

“It was just perfectly executed by everyone on the team. Patrick made a huge comeback, coming from not running for nine years and jumping right back in and holding the gap to Cassels. He did exactly what he needed to do, holding the gap to him. I got back in and did what I needed to do by holding another gap back.”

Patrick Kelly – Driver of the No.52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports ORECA LMP2

“I’ll tell you; it’s hard to describe. I think the last race I was in was Laguna or maybe it was Sebring in GTC, remember when we had the (Porsche 911 GT3) Cup cars that ran in the class. I was in a really horrible crash with a school bus driver who was texting and swerved into oncoming traffic. I was just about a year ago able to be cleared to go back. I just said I have to keep a clear head, do what I need to do, do decent lap times, don’t do anything stupid and foolish and just hand it over to Matt in one piece. I’ll admit it was hard to stay relaxed.”

Bobby Oergel - Team Principal

“This was a great weekend for us. Happy to have Patrick back and able to capture our fourth consecutive win. Very happy to be leading in the Championship points standings as well. Great job by everyone here at PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports.”

PR1/MATHIASEN CAPTURES THIRD CONSECUTIVE WIN AND POINTS LEAD IN CANADA

July 8, 2019 – Bowmanville, Ontario – PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports captured their third consecutive win and moved into the points lead at the Mobil 1 SportsCar Grand Prix Presented By Acura with their LMP2 entry. The team also had one podium finish out of their two Prototype Challenge entries as part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

After winning at Mid-Ohio, Watkins Glen, and now at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports No. 52 ORECA LMP2 entry leads the No. 38 Performance Tech Motorsports ORECA in the overall championship points standings. A season staple, Matt McMurry was joined by local Canadian, Dalton Kellet who made his IMSA debut and secured his first IMSA win in front of his hometown crowd.

The LMP2 class competes next month at Road America for the IMSA Road Race Showcase on Sunday, Aug. 4.

The two Prototype Challenge entries, which ran the day before the LMP2 class included the No. 52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Ligier JS P3 piloted by Chris Archinaco and Scott Huffaker and the No. 70 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Ligier JS P3 driven by Joel Janco and Jonatan Jorge. The No. 52 finished an impressive performance in 2nd place while the No. 70 faced adversity and finished in 16th place.

The next IMSA Prototype Challenge race will take place at VIRginia International Raceway during the Michelin GT Challenge race weekend Aug. 23-25

Matt McMurry – Driver of the No.52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports ORECA LMP2

“Really happy with this win at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. The team’s just been performing perfectly. The last three races the car’s been great. The execution of the pit stops have been great. And our teammates have been doing well this whole time too. We gained the championship lead with this one and showed that we have the pace to stay in the lead for the rest of the season.”

Dalton Kellet – Driver of the No.52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports ORECA LMP2

“What a weekend! Racing at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports was a blast, and they gave Matt and me a perfect car. I ran the first two stints, and we were able to take the lead on a good strategy call and grew the gap, being efficient in traffic. Matt did an excellent job in the second half of the race and brought the car home for the win. Being my first IMSA event, there was a lot to learn. The team did a great job helping me get up to speed with traffic, pit-stops, driver changes, and a new car!”

VICTORY FOR PR1/MATHIASEN AT THE SAHLEN'S SIX HOURS OF THE GLEN

Watkins Glen, New York – July 1, 2019 – PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports won the sixth round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen in the LMP2 category.

The No. 52 PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports ORECA was piloted by Matt McMurry, Gabriel Aubry, and Eric Lux. Aubry captured the pole and started the race out front. Aubry dropped to second early on in traffic and the No. 38 Performance Tech Motorsports ORECA Gibson of Kyle Masson, Cameron Cassels, and Andrew Evans led the majority of the first half of the race.

Two GTLM competitors made contact with the No. 38 Performance Tech Motorsports ORECA Gibson, who was able to continue the race, but allowed the No. 52 PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports ORECA to take the victory by 20 laps and finish 10th overall. After winning at Mid-Ohio, this was the second consecutive victory for PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports in the LMP2 class.

Next for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, is Canadian Tire Motorsport Park for next Sunday's Mobil 1 SportsCar Grand Prix presented by Acura. IMSA Radio also will have live coverage throughout the weekend on IMSA.com and RadioLeMans.com, with race coverage airing on SiriusXM Radio.

Matt McMurry – Driver

"Another win, this time at the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen! The car was great all weekend, so good that we were almost able to compete with some DPi's. It was a fun race against Performance Tech, and I'm sorry to see their race end the way it did. They put up a good fight but ultimately, we came away with the win. Looking forward to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park next week!"

Gabriel Aubry – Driver

“Extremely happy to get the win here at the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen. This is a race with a lot of history and I’m happy to be a part of that. My teammates Matt and Eric did a great job and the guys at PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports gave us a great car.”

Eric Lux – Driver

"Wow, this feels great. I don't know how many times I've done this race but more than a few and it sure feels good to finally be on the top step here. This is one of the best tracks in the world. This IMSA racing is most competitive. Even though we'd like more cars in our category, managing traffic out there with that many other cars and classes is a constant dogfight. To be on the top step required a great job from everybody. That's what we did today. Matthew and Gabriel did a super job, too."

VICTORY FOR PR1/MATHIASEN MOTORSPORTS IN LMP2 IN MID-OHIO

May 8, 2019 – Lexington, Ohio – PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports won their first race of the season in the LMP2 class at the Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio as part of the 2019 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship over the weekend.

Having suffered damage to their No. 52 ORECA LMP2 in the first two rounds of the season despite showing great speed, the main goal of PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports in Mid-Ohio was to run a full clean race. In his first race with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports, Eric Lux took on the challenge of qualifying and was able to gain valuable experience in the unfamiliar machine. Starting from second on the grid, Lux stayed out of trouble into Turn 1 and continued to run clear throughout his entire stint and move into 1st place as he became more and more comfortable in the No. 52.

Lux handed the wheel over to Matt McMurray for the remainder of the event who was hoping to run PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports strategy of double stinting the tires. The strategy was working well until one of the used tires had an issue resulting in the crew putting on a fresh set for the last 30-minutes of the race. McMurray went on to win the Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio and even set the fastest lap of the race with a 1:14.58. 

Next up for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports is the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen in New York on June 30, 2019.

Matt McMurry – Driver

“It was great to finally have a clean race where the team and I could show what we’re capable of. The PR1/Mathiasen crew worked flawlessly and gave Eric and me a great car despite the few laps of testing we had due to the poor weather earlier in the weekend. I’m excited about the next race so we continue scoring more points and get ahead in the championship.”

Eric Lux – Driver

“Except for Daytona last year, it’s been five years since I’ve been in a prototype. So it was quite a steep curve jumping back into it. But I couldn’t have asked for a better team to get back into it with. I’m happy to make this the weekend I came back and to end up on the top step of the podium.”

Bobby Oergel - Team Principal

“Couldn’t be happier for the team to take the win. Sad to say some of our competition had some bad luck at the beginning of the race, but it was great to see everyone get everything together and get right back out and show a lot of speed as well. Hats off to the Performance Tech crew for handling that damage and getting back on track.”

PR1/MATHIASEN MOTORSPORTS BACK TO RACING AT MID-OHIO IN LMP2 AND LMP3

May 1, 2019 – Lexington, Ohio – PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports will compete in the LMP2 class of the Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio as part of the 2019 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship this weekend and will also continue with their junior program in the IMSA Prototype Challenge.  

Matt McMurray will be joined by Eric Lux to help pilot the PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports No. 52 ORECA LMP2. Lux, now 31-years-old was one of the first 16-year-olds to finish the 24 Hours of Daytona and the youngest winner of a Rolex Sports Car Series. The experienced duo will take to the 2.4-mile circuit on Friday at 10:05 a.m. EDT for Practice 1 and again at 3:15 p.m. for Practice 2. Qualifying for the LMP2 class will run from 12:30-12:45 p.m. on Saturday.

Race day activities will begin early on Sunday at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course with a warm-up at 8:00 a.m. The two-hour and forty-minute Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio will go green at 1:40 p.m. More information can be found at https://sportscarchampionship.imsa.com/events/2019-acura-sports-car-challenge-mid-ohio

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports will also be running in the LMP3 category in the IMSA Prototype Challenge with drivers Scott Huffaker and Chris Archinaco. The one-hour, 45-minute race will be streamed live on IMSA.tv on Sunday, May 5 at 8:40 a.m. ET. The race also will be shown on NBCSN on Friday, May 10 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Matt McMurry – Driver

“I’m looking forward to driving at Mid-Ohio again and the weather looks like it’s going to be perfect for a race weekend. This sprint race will be an opportunity for us to finally show our speed after all of the reliability problems we’ve had earlier in the season”

Eric Lux – Driveer

“Mid-Ohio and Watkins Glen are located within 3-hours of my home, and they are two of my favorite circuits! I am excited to team-up with PR1 regular, Matt McMurry, and to try and secure a couple of wins for the team! I’ve known team owner, Bobby Orgel for years and we’ve always wanted to put something together. I appreciate the opportunity and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel!”

PR1/MATHIASEN MOTORSPORTS FINISHES 2ND AT 12 HOURS OF SEBRING AFTER STARTING ON POLE

March 20, 2019 – Sebring, Florida – PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports had a weekend of highs and lows after starting the 67th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Presented by Advance Auto Parts in pole position and just missing the top step of the podium in the second race of the 2019 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship

The team of PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports nearly secured pole position at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona earlier this year, so expectations were high going into qualifying at Sebring International Raceway.  Matthew McMurry threw down a spectacular flying lap right at the checkered flag to score his first career Motul Pole Award with a lap time of 1:49.728 in the No. 52 ORECA LMP2.

The race began under heavy rain conditions and the first hour was run under caution. Despite the conditions, McMurry and his teammates Gabriel Aubry and Anders Fjordbach held the lead in the LMP2 class until the No. 52 fell victim to a left-rear suspension failure. PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports was forced to return to their trailer and repair the car before returning to the fight.

Jumping back into the race in 2nd place, the repairs made by the PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports crew allowed their drivers to eat away at the laps they had lost and push to catch the leading car. Unfortunately, despite having set the fastest lap of the race and being faster than the leading LMP2, the gap was too significant, and PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports finished the 67th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Presented by Advance Auto Parts in 2nd place. Next, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports will go from the east coast to the west coast on April 13th for the Bubba Burger Sports Car Grand Prix at Long Beach.

Matt McMurry

Driver - #52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

"We had the pace to win by a pretty big margin, but sadly a suspension failure took us out of contention for the win. We had a great car all weekend, and the team did a great job getting us back out on track quickly after the suspension problem. It was very disappointing, but I know we definitely have the pace to win."

Gabriel Aubry

Driver - #52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

"Such a hard weekend in Sebring.  We had lost our chances of wins early in the race due to an unusual suspension failure that brought us back to 24 laps behind the leader. The team proved the strongest pace over the last 9 hours of the race, but just as Daytona it is not what we were looking for. It doesn’t reward the team for the work during both races, and I hope luck will turn our way to do it properly."

Anders Fjordbach

Driver - #52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2 

"A dream came true, to participate in one of the American classics, Sebring. It was a big experience for me, I’m a big fan of the American way to do racing, it’s very interesting. However, our result was very disappointing. We drove a perfect race, with great pace, great pit stops, great strategy, no contacts. But an early suspension failure made us drop back 24 laps and that was game over, unfortunately."

Bobby Oergel

Team Principal

#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

"The race started out as planned with keeping the car safe and examining the tough rain conditions. Once things settled down, Matt worked his way to the lead, and all was going well. Sadly we had a failure that was very odd, and this put us 24 laps behind. The drivers and team all did a great job to earn back 11 of those laps, but in the end, we needed more time."

SCOTT HUFFAKER AND MIKE GUASCH JOIN PR1/MATHIASEN MOTORSPORTS IN SEBRING FOR PROTOTYPE CHALLENGE

March 13, 2019 – Sebring, Florida – PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports will officially expand its operations with a new LMP3 entry in the IMSA Prototype Challenge category this weekend at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Presented by Advance Autoparts with drivers Scott Huffaker and Mike Guasch.

Huffaker will be making his IMSA debut this weekend after winning the 2015 Pacific Formula 1600 Championship and placing 3rd in the 2016 Pacific Formula 2000 Championship with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports. The American also raced with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports in the finale of the 2018 Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda at Circuit of The Americas.

Guasch is also no stranger to the PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports crew. The California native has an extensive racing resume dating back to the American Le Mans Series where he won the Prototype Challenge Championship title with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports in 2013. Guasch’s next decoration while being paired with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports came in 2015 when they placed 2nd overall in the United Sports CarChallenge in the Prototype Challenge class. In 2016 Guasch took his career abroad in the European Le Mans series where he won another championship title in the LMP3 category. Due to the demands of his off-track career and the launch of his racing documentary “The Gentleman Driver,” the sixty-one-year-old took a break from driving in 2017 and 2018 and will use the 12 Hours of Sebring as a season opener in preparation for the 2019 European Le Mans Series.

Huffaker and Guasch will pilot the #52 Ligier JSP3 against the 24 other Prototype Challenge entries for the one hour and forty-five-minute race. Practice 1 and 2 concluded today’s track activities with the next session, qualifying, scheduled for 8:00 A.M. EDT tomorrow. Racing will go green tomorrow, Thursday, March 14th at 12:35 P.M. EDT. More details can be found at https://prototypechallenge.imsa.com/events/2019-mobil-1-twelve-hours-sebring-presented-advance-auto-parts

Scott Huffaker – Driver

“I’m excited to be here this weekend regardless of feeling a little under the weather. I think this weekend should go really well. I haven’t had much time in the car, but I’m excited to be a part of this competitive series, and I’m hoping we do well.”

Mike Guasch - Driver

“I’m really excited I got the call from Bobby last minute and got the chance to come out here to Sebring and get some time in the LMP3 car. I’m heading off to Europe in three weeks, so this is a nice warm-up race for me.

It’s also a great opportunity for me to promote “The Gentleman Driver” documentary, which we will have on the car. We are going to do the best we can and kick some butt.”