Nolasport brings their Porsche 718 GT4 Clubsport to the historic 3.74 mile Sebring International Raceway for the second round of the 2019 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge championship.
The New Orleans based team looks to build on their strong performance in January’s season opening 4 hour contest at Daytona International Speedway. The No. 44 Vess Energy liveried Porsche will be piloted by Mike Vess (Witchita, KS) and Nolasport in-house pro and coach, Jason Hart (Flower Mound, TX) in the Alan Jay Auto Network 120.
Mike Vess looks forward to rising to the challenges of America’s oldest road racing circuit. “We had a successful test at Sebring in January after receiving the new cars at the ROAR.” He praised the team’s work in the Porsche’s development, “The Nolasport team continues to provide me a car that I’m comfortable pushing to find my limits while not sacrificing the speed Jason is capable of.”
Jason Hart can’t wait to get to a facility were he has always clicked. “From my first ever visit to Sebring I’ve been comfortable. The challenge of the weathered and bumpy surface, the history of the facility, I enjoy every bit and look forward to any opportunity to race here.” Hart also praised the team, “Through the ROAR and subsequent test at Sebring we’ve been pleased with the progress of our development program. It’s made me work harder away from the track, I need to bring my best. It’s a privilege to showcase the Nolasport team’s work in the talented IMPC GS field.”
Sebring marks the second scheduled 2019 IMPC start for the Hart/Vess pairing and the team is seeking a funded driver to fill out the season with Hart.
Team Principal Jon Scheurich is hopeful a quality co-driver can be found to continue in IMPC with Hart. “It is an exciting time at Nolasport, we are making some IMPC GS starts in 2019 with Vess Energy, drivers Mike Vess and Jason Hart.” Scheurich is aware that Nolasport is a new name in IMPC competition but the team is full of familiar faces in the paddock. “We’ve assembled a team at Nolasport that has been part of winning championships in sports car racing. When you couple our team and engineering with Jason’s ability to develop a driver it creates a unique opportunity for someone to be in IMPC.”
The green flies on the Alan Jay Auto Network 120 Friday, March 15 at 11:55am.
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