CORE Autosport has responded to the news that Porsche will end its IMSA GTLM program at the end of the 2020 season, thanking the Stuttgart manufacturer for the partnership and expressing their gratitude.
The South Carolina-based outfit has run Porsche’s North American factory program since its formation in 2014, but will conclude at the end of the year after Porsche confirmed on Thursday that it will leave the IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship in the wake of the financial impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This has been an amazing seven-year partnership,” said Morgan Brady, CORE Autosport’s Chief Operating Officer. “I’m extremely proud of everything we’ve accomplished.
While we continue to prepare for the remaining 10 rounds of the IMSA Championship, we’re sensitive to how this departure will affect our team members and their families.”
Together with CORE Autosport, Porsche took victory in the 2014 Rolex 24 at Daytona at their debut race, the first of 18 victories in GTLM en route to two drivers championship, two team championships and three manufacturer championships. Other highlights included back-to-back victories in the 12 Hours of Sebring and a GTE Pro podium at the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“CORE’s partnership with Porsche has always been a dream for me,” added team owner Jon Bennett.. “Not just because I love the brand, but because partnering with Porsche’s history and reputation raised the visibility of the exceptional work we do at CORE.
I thank Porsche for an incredible seven years and I thank our employees who are the best in the business. I am honored we shared this journey together.”
