WeatherTech Racing will bring back the #97 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo for the upcoming Twelve Hours of Sebring, with a pair of factory drivers supporting team regular Cooper MacNeil.
MacNeil will join forces with Maro Engel and Jules Gounon behind the wheel of the V8-powered car. The three drivers previously raced together at the Rolex 24 at Daytona but retired with engine issues.
Much like Daytona, MacNeil will once again be pulling double duty at Sebring. The Illinois native will also be driving his full-season #79 Porsche 911 GT3 R, which he shares for the twelve-hour classic with Julien Andlauer and Alessio Picariello.
“We are coming into the event as the defending race winners from last year.” MacNeil said. “We had a solid run going in the No. 97 Mercedes at the Rolex 24 until we had the hose issue just after taking the overall lead in the GTD Pro Class. Sebring will have a few less cars, but the competition level will be just as high.
“Sebring is probably the track I have the most laps at besides Road America. It has a lot of history and to win there twice is huge. With Maro and Jules we have a great chance at getting a third win.”
Engel has contested the classic event multiple times, but has yet to take a podium finish there.
“I think it’s awesome that WeatherTech Racing and Cooper are having another go in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 at Sebring,” Engel said. “We had a very strong showing in Daytona, leading the race and then our unfortunate mechanical problem. Hopefully we can have another good go at Sebring and chase that victory.
“Sebring is an amazing track. I think it’s one of the best events on the calendar for sure. Having the WEC there makes it a special weekend. From a driver’s point of view, it’s one of the most amazing tracks to drive. It’s an old school circuit with a lot of flow.
“I’ve been there three times so far, but it hasn’t been kind. Hopefully the fourth time will be lucky for me. We have a good team with strong drivers, so maybe we can get that win.”
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