It seems like only yesterday that the dynamic duo of Patrick Long and Jörg Bergmeister were taking one checkered flag after another as pilots for Flying Lizard Motorsports. When, in fact, the two haven’t raced a full-season together since 2012. Today, however, Wright Motorsport confirmed they are bringing the two back together again in a Porsche 911 GT3 R to contest the five-round Pirelli World Challenge SprintX championship. Their debut will take place at Virginia International Raceway next month.
If time has tarnished the gleam of Long and Bergmeister’s accomplishments together, let us help you polish them up. Prior to the 2017 season, the duo earned three ALMS championships in seven seasons together plus shared the top step of the podium at races like the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the 12 Hours of Sebring.
“I’m very grateful to be back for another shot at the championship with the Wright Motorsports team. It’s also great to back in a car with my long time co-driver Jörg Bergmeister. This will be our eighth time running a season championship as teammates since 2004! Jörg is a tremendous competitor and always pushes every aspect of the program to be its very best, including his teammate. We’ve shared a lot of very fond memories and victories in the past and have many more to make in the coming races,” said Patrick Long.
When asked for his thoughts on the Long/Bergmeister reunion, Porsche Motorsport North America President and CEO Jens Walther had this to say, “Seeing Patrick and Jörg back together brings a smile to my face, as I’m sure it does for many fans of the driver duo from the 911 GT3 RSR days. The two will definitely add excitement to the growing PWC SprintX format.”
In addition to his SprintX duties with Jörg, Patrick will campaign a full-season in the No. 58 Porsche as he looks to best last year’s second place finish in the GT Championship.
The 2017 Pirelli World Challenge will kick off with Rounds 1 and 2 at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 10-12. The first SprintX event will take place April 28-30 at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR).