Marc Miller and Michael Di Meo Will Drive the No. 78 Mercedes-AMG
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – There’s no place like home, at least for Thaze Competition.
The Michigan-based team will make its IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge debut in the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic, the 100-minute race June 3 on the new downtown Detroit street circuit. Michigan native Marc Miller and Canadian Michael Di Meo will drive the No. 78 Mercedes-AMG GT GT4 in the race featuring only the Grand Sport (GS) class.
“We’re excited to make our IMSA debut at the Detroit Grand Prix and it’s our hometown race,” said Faisal Ahmad, team principal. “Our team is made up of some seriously amazing folks who embody the never-give-up, determined spirit of the Motor City. After months of hard work and dedication, we’re finally living the dream. Our drivers and crew are amped up and ready to unleash our Mercedes-AMG GT4 on the streets of Detroit.”
Miller, the 2016 GS season runner-up, is from nearby Holland, Michigan. The opportunity to compete in his home race was one he could not refuse.
“The fact that it’s a Michigan-based team making its debut at what is considered my home race, the Detroit GP, makes this really special,” he said. “Historically, I have been the only or one of very few Michigan-based competitors at the grand prix.
“A win in this series on our debut is a tough ask, but Thaze has assembled a strong team, has opted for great equipment, and I know Michael and I can compete for the podium and anything can happen from there. We are hoping to give Michiganders a team to cheer for and celebrate with.”
Toronto native Di Meo is just as enthusiastic about his return to competition.
“The opportunity to drive the Mercedes-AMG GT4 at the team’s debut race is a dream come true,” he said “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Faisal and Brian (Makse, team partner) for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity, and to my sponsors for their unwavering support throughout my career. I am fully committed to bringing the best of myself to this race and am excited to see what we can achieve together as a team.”
Practice and qualifying take place on Friday, June 2. The race will stream live on Peacock at 4:10 p.m. ET Saturday, June 3.