CHALLENGING DEBUT FOR PR1/MATHIASEN MOTORSPORTS #11 ENTRY AT THE ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA.

February 3, 2022 – Daytona Beach, FL - PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports kicked off the season with a challenging effort for the #11 Fear the TAFS/ End ALZ/ Chem Direct in the 60th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, held last weekend.

After a promising debut at the Roar Before the 24 and a front-row starting position, the #11 Oreca 07 LMP2 driven by Steven Thomas, Jonathan Bomarito, Josh Pierson and Harry Tincknell retired from the 24-hour endurance race, suffering from a mechanical issue just 2 hours before the checkered flag. 

"Wasn’t to be at Daytona this year.", said Harry Tincknell. "It was frustrating giving it absolutely everything to succeed but not being able to extract the performance required but I guess that feeling makes winning feel even sweeter.", he added. "PR1 Motorsports will be back though and expect many wins for them and my teammates this year." 

"Although the Rolex 24 didn’t quite go our way, I’m still proud of what I did as a driver and of what the team did this weekend.", said 15-year-old Josh Pierson, who made history last weekend as the youngest driver to ever race in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. 

"My first two stints were solid with strong pace.", said Pierson. "I got dragged down to earth in the third stint, and mechanical issues plagued us come sunrise, but even with all of that I’m still very happy with how my first IMSA race went and I want to thank the team for all their hard work. Looking forward to Sebring!", he finalized. 

"While it wasn’t the result we all wanted" said Jonathan Bomarito, "everyone worked incredibly hard and I want to thank each and every member of the team." 

"Thank you to the crew for their hard work. Thanks to JB, Harry and Josh for driving with me.” concluded Steven Thomas. 

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports returns to action for another historic endurance race, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Presented By Advance Auto Parts at Sebring International Raceway, March 16 – 19.

Photo credit: Sideline Sports Photography⁣ / Josh Pierson Media

PR1/MATHIASEN MOTORSPORTS WINS THE MOBIL 1 TWELVE HOURS OF SEBRING PRESENTED BY ADVANCE AUTO PARTS For Immediate Release

March 23, Sebring, Florida- After starting from pitlane and serving an early drive-through penalty, the #52 Wynns/Rain-X/Four Horsemen/Max Connect/Client Command/Valkyrie.ai Oreca 07 LMP2 went on to take its first victory of the season at the 69th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Advance Auto Parts. Drivers Ben Keating, Mikkel Jensen and Scott Huffaker made up for a heart-breaking Rolex 24 with a dominant victory at the grueling 12 hour race.

This is the third win in a row for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports at the Twelve Hours of Sebring, and it sets the team and drivers up as the championship leaders in the LMP2 class with 382 points. 

The PR1 crew will continue to defend their lead after an almost three-month hiatus at the Detroit Grand Prix which will take place June 5-6. 

Ben Keating

Driver

#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

"What a great race! We had a perfectly clean race, and we were all quick in the car. The PR1 team did a great job. It was a full team win. To me the big moment that decided this race for us was early in the morning warm up, when Mikkel noticed that something was weird in the suspension. We had to go back to garage to replace a rear upright. This caused us to miss the recon lap, which meant we had to miss the start of the race and start from pit lane.

Sebring is the second race in the North American Endurance Championship. There were points awarded at the 4hr Mark, the 8hr Mark, and the 12Hr Mark. Not only did we score 1st place points in every segment, but I think each of the three drivers got to bring the car to the points in different segments. I know for me, driving to 1st place points at the 4 hour mark was a special part of the race.

The last 15 minutes of the race were much much closer than we had hoped for. We had built up almost a 3 minute lead and had all of it eaten up under a late Safety Car. As it turned out the 2nd place car was able to get the fuel they needed AND pull right up on our tail. The last fifteen minutes were not easy, but Mikkel kept us in front for the win. 'Wynning' is what this team is all about!"

Mikkel Jensen

Driver

#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

"Starting from the pit lane with a drive through on top made us having a hard time in the beginning of the race. Ben did great to gain back and bring the car in the lead. After Scott and I could control it from the front and pulling a gap to P2.

I got nervous at the end having P2 right on my tail at the restart. We had been leading all the way through, so to give it away in the end was not an option! Super happy to get my first Sebring 12h win, and credits to the whole team for a faultless job! Can’t wait for the next one at Watkins Glen!"

Scott Huffaker

Driver

#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

"I’m very happy with the result. The team performed amazing all weekend and can’t thank them enough for all their hard work. It was very exciting race!"

Ray Mathiasen

Team Principal

#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

"What an exiting race! The last 20 minutes left us on the edge of our seats. The car performed flawlessly all day after repairing a problem during warm-up. I want to thank our drivers and crew for a job well done. I’m so glad we were finally able to travel to a race once again and witness our third win in a row at Sebring."

Bobby Oergel

Team Principal

#52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2

"What a hard-fought win that was. We had an issue in the warm-up that caused us to miss the recon and start from pit lane nearly a lap down. Turning that into the win was off the charts! Ben, Scott and Mikkel along with the entire crew did such a great job again. I cannot wait to get to the next event."

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 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.