Pfaff Motorsports, the official McLaren importer in Canada, has announced that it will enter a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo in the GTD Pro class of the 2024 IMSA SportsCar Championship. This comes after McLaren’s recent announcement of a partnership with United Autosports for an entry in the LMGT3 class of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship.
Pfaff Motorsports has a strong history in the SportsCar Championship, having achieved championship titles in the GTD and GTD Pro classes, as well as 12 class victories, with their Porsche 911. Additionally, one of Pfaff’s McLaren dealers, Chris Green, has competed in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge and IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge support series with a McLaren 570S GT4.
The McLaren 720S GT3 Evo that Pfaff will race next season is an impressive machine. It is based on the renowned McLaren 720S road car and has been enhanced with improved aerodynamics and suspension over the original 720S GT3. Under the hood, the car features a modified version of the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine found in the 720S. However, instead of the road car’s 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GT3 Evo is equipped with a 6-speed sequential transmission.
In the highly competitive GTD Pro class, Pfaff’s McLaren 720S GT3 Evo will face off against rival GT3-spec cars such as the Aston Martin Vantage, Chevrolet Corvette, Lexus RC F, Mercedes-Benz AMG GT, and Porsche 911. It promises to be an exciting battle on the track as these high-performance machines go head to head for glory.
Ian Morgan, director of motorsports for McLaren’s road car arm, expressed his delight with the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to have Pfaff Motorsports onboard as one of our racing partners. The IMSA series is one of the highest-profile GT championships in the world, and to be working with a team with whom we have a strong and established history, both on and off the race track, is fantastic news.” The collaboration between McLaren and Pfaff Motorsports is sure to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, setting the stage for a successful campaign.
The IMSA SportsCar Championship is known for its intense competition and high-profile status. It attracts top-tier teams and drivers from around the world, making it a platform for showcasing the latest advancements in automotive technology and performance. For Pfaff Motorsports, participating in the series allows them to further establish their reputation as a leading racing team and continue their successful partnership with McLaren.
The 2024 season will be an important milestone for McLaren as well, as they make their return to the international endurance racing scene in the LMGT3 class of the FIA World Endurance Championship. This dual effort in both IMSA and the FIA WEC demonstrates McLaren’s commitment to motorsports and their desire to compete at the highest level in GT racing.
With Pfaff Motorsports leading the charge in IMSA with their McLaren 720S GT3 Evo, and United Autosports flying the flag for McLaren in the FIA WEC with their LMGT3 entry, the future looks bright for McLaren fans and enthusiasts. These partnerships not only showcase the performance capabilities of McLaren’s road cars in a racing environment but also provide an opportunity for the teams to gather valuable data and feedback to further enhance their road cars.
In conclusion, Pfaff Motorsports’ entry of a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo in the GTD Pro class of the 2024 IMSA SportsCar Championship is an exciting development for both the team and McLaren. With their proven track record and strong partnership, Pfaff Motorsports is poised to make a strong impression on the highly competitive GTD Pro class. Combined with McLaren’s return to the international endurance racing scene, this collaboration sets the stage for an exhilarating and successful 2024 season.