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Myers Riley Motorsports is leaning greatly into racing heritage and enduring paddock connections as it gets ready for its 2nd season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
The group verified today that its # 16 Allan Myers Ford Mustang GT3 will go back to the Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) class in 2027 with a revamped motorist lineup and a makeover. Brazilian veteran Felipe Fraga goes back to anchor the effort, signed up with by Jarett Andretti as his full-season co-driver and Riley Dickinson actioning in for the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup rounds. A 4th chauffeur for the endurance races will be called later on.
Backed by the collaboration in between 3 Dog Garage collector Ross Myers and seasoned cars designer and group owner Bill Riley, the company is intending directly at the Bob Akin Award– an honor bestowed upon the highest-scoring Bronze-rated motorist in GTD that brings an automated invite to the 2028 24 Hours of Le Mans. To mark the brand-new project, the No. 16 Mustang will trade its 2026 red-and-black 1969 Boss 302 throwback plan for a yellow-and-black livery.
“The 2027 season represents an interesting chance for Myers Riley Motorsports to construct on its structures and pursue even higher aspirations,” stated Ross Myers, Team Co-Owner. “The objective extends beyond completing for triumphes and podium surfaces in IMSA. The pursuit of the Bob Akin Award and the chance to make a location at the prominent 24 Hours of Le Mans are main to the group’s aspirations. Welcoming Jarett Andretti to the program likewise brings unique significance, joining 2 households with an impressive motorsports history and a chance to compose a brand-new chapter together. With a gifted chauffeur lineup, an inspired team, and the experience acquired throughout the previous season, the structure remains in location. The aspiration is clear: prosper in IMSA and, eventually, bring that momentum onto the worldwide phase in Le Mans.”
Expense Riley included, “It’s excellent to be continuing our collaboration with Ross Myers for another season with the Ford Mustang GT3. I am anticipating having Felipe Fraga back with us, as he has actually been a fundamental part of our program for numerous years. I have likewise had the chance to deal with both Jarett Andretti and Riley Dickinson in the past, so I understand the skill and devotion they give the table. I am thrilled to bring this group together under one group, and I think we have a strong lineup to develop on the development we made last season and defend competitive lead to 2027.”
Picture by: Jake Galstad/ Lumen through Getty Images
Fraga brings considerable endurance pedigree to the team. While his 10 WeatherTech Championship triumphes– consisting of wins at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, and Motul Petit Le Mans– all can be found in LMP3 equipment, he just recently finished up his very first complete GTD project with a season-best seventh-place surface at Long Beach.
“I am very happy to be returning for another season with a team that feels like family to me here in the United States,” Fraga stated. “I have been working with this group across different programs since 2019, and it means a lot to have their continued trust and support. I am looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the Ford Mustang GT3, and our ultimate goal is to earn an invitation to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”
Joining him full-time is Andretti, who has actually logged 27 WeatherTech Championship begins throughout GTD and LMP3 competitors– mainly in between 2021 and 2024 in Aston Martin, Porsche, and Ligier entries. The relocation likewise restores a decades-old household link: Jarett’s late dad, John Andretti, raced vehicles created by Bill Riley’s daddy, Bob Riley, throughout IMSA’s GTP period in the 1980s.
“I am very excited to be joining the #16 Myers Riley Ford Mustang for the 2027 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season,” Andretti stated. “My dad worked with Bob Riley back in the 1980s during the GTP era, and I am proud to have the opportunity to continue that connection and create more history alongside the Riley family in 2027. I would like to thank Ross Myers and Allan Myers for making this opportunity possible.”
Completing the validated trio is Riley Dickinson, a standout in single-make Porsche racing who recorded the 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup North America title. Having actually made simply one previous WeatherTech Championship look– at the 2024 Battle on the Bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Kellymoss– the 2027 endurance slate will provide Dickinson his very first multi-race IMSA project throughout 5 significant endurance occasions.
“I am really looking forward to being part of the Myers Riley program for the 2027 IMSA WeatherTech Michelin Endurance Cup,” Dickinson stated. “It was great to watch this group from afar last season and see the progress and development they made throughout the year. I’m proud to have the opportunity to join the team and help continue that momentum as we fight for strong results. I am very grateful to Ross and Bill for the opportunity, and I am looking forward to making the most of it and fighting for a championship when we get to (Michelin Raceway) Road Atlanta.”
Check out Also:
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IMSAWright Motorsports names full-time 2027 IMSA GTD lineup as Sargent signs up with Adelson
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