I hope you saved all your Flying Lizard Motorsports gear. You’re going to need it again next season! According to today’s announcement, Flying Lizard is once again partnering with Porsche as a development partner, this time as part of their North American Young Driver Development program, while entering two Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR race cars in the Grand Touring Sedan (GTS) class of the Pirelli World Challenge.
The combined effort of Flying Lizard Motorsports and Porsche Motorsport North America will provide up and coming young racers the opportunity to develop their race craft and compete on a challenging level within the Pirelli World Challenge while being watched by the Porsche Young Driver coaches.
“This just feels right to see Flying Lizard Motorsports back again with a Porsche program,” said Program Manager Darren Law. “We have had so many successful and memorable races with Porsche. Much of my driving career has been with Flying Lizard Motorsports, so I am happy that we will have the opportunity to join forces with Porsche for the upcoming season.”
Flying Lizard Motorsports’ History with Porsche
Flying Lizard proudly joined the Porsche family upon its professional racing inception in 2004, entering into full season competition in the American Le Mans Series. From 2007 to 2012, Flying Lizard Motorsports ran as a factory supported effort, with 2013 being the final season the team would run full season with Porsche Factory Drivers. In the nine year relationship, the Lizards and Porsche acquired three driver championships, three team championships and two manufacturer championships. Much to the delight of the devoted fan base, in 2016, the team unveiled a Lizard liveried Porsche 911 GT3 R for competition in select amateur and professional racing events.
The 2017 Pirelli World Challenge Season
The 2017 season with the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR will mark the first time the team has run a full season Porsche entry since 2013. After its debut and class victory earlier this year at the 24 Hours of Nuerburgring, the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR has been homologated by the SRO, making it eligible for national and international competition in the GT4 class. The two Flying Lizard Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MRs will race the entirety of the estimated nine race GTS season, and do so in the traditional Lizard livery.
“We are pleased to welcome Flying Lizard Motorsports back into the Porsche Motorsport fold, fulltime,” said Jens Walther, Porsche Motorsport North America, president and CEO. “Our fans still fondly remember the 911 RSRs they campaigned in their unique livery. For the ‘Lizards’ to come back with the new Cayman GT4 Clubsport in the Pirelli World Challenge Series, is welcoming news for all. Their interest and involvement with young drivers is a great reminder of their unwavering dedication to motorsport.”
“The GT4 cars are ultra-competitive and I am confident the Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR will be able to race for a championship,” concluded Law. “The goal is to not only win races and championships but to develop drivers to give them the opportunity to have a career as a professional.”
The 2017 Pirelli World Challenge begins March 10-12 in Florida for the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Drivers for the two Flying Lizard Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MRs will be announced at a later date.