Patrick Long will retire from racing after this Saturday’s Motul Petit Le Mans to take on new roles with Porsche.
Long, America’s sole Porsche factory driver, will move into a role as an brand ambassador for Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) and a competition advisor with Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA).
His final start as a professional racing driver will be this Saturday, alongside Jan Heylen and Trent Hindman aboard the #16 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R.
“My passion for motorsports has not lessened since the first time I sat in a kart,” Long said. “In fact, I would say it is greater than ever before.
“But, in the last several months I have recognized that the focus of that passion has gradually shifted. I still love to race, to make a Porsche do what I want it to do and, most of all, to win.
“But that passion is now more fulfilled by taking part in the bigger picture. To support the brand that has supported me and to help usher in a future of Porsche Motorsport that holds true to where Porsche came from.”
“I am honored and excited by these new roles with Porsche Cars North America and Porsche Motorsport North America. It is bittersweet, of course, to not be lining up at the Rolex 24 in 2022 after 18 consecutive starts, but I know that this is the right decision for me, and I am excited to help steer the future of Porsche in a different but equally fulfilling way.”
Long has been affiliated with Porsche since 2002, spending 18 years as a factory driver. He has since taken two class wins in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, three wins in the Twelve Hours of Sebring and a win at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
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