ST. CHARLES, Ill. — Just two races remain in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and AO Racing’s No. 77 Porsche 911 GT3 R is back from summer vacation, returning next weekend to resume its championship fight in the GTD PRO class.
Michelin Endurance Cup addition Michael Christensen is poised to return for the TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks, racing alongside full-season driver Lauren Heinrich in the six-hour endurance event at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sept. 22. Julien Andlauer will join the duo in the Porsche for Petit Le Mans, the 10-hour season finale at Road Atlanta.
“Our team is strong in the endurance races, and we feel good about our chances of fighting for the title,” said Team Principal Gunnar Jeannette. “Both Michael and Julien have been great additions to our lineup, and we’re excited to have them in for the end.”
Christensen has completed two races with AO Racing this season, coming in second place at the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January. With two wins in the GTD PRO class, the team and driver Laurin Heinrich lead the championship by 17 points with 385 points remaining up for grabs between the final two races.
“I’m looking very much forward to get back with AO Racing and Rexy,” said Christensen. “The team has performed very well over the season and is in a great position leading the championship! I’ll do my very best to support and strengthen the position further into the last round at Petit Le Mans.”
Andlauer previously raced with the team at Road America, where he, Laurin, and Roxy finished in fourth place in a race plagued with yellow flags.
“I’m looking forward to being back with the team,” said Andlauer. “We had a difficult, but successful, weekend at Road America, which was better than expected going into the event. I hope we can have better potential for the last two rounds. Teaming up with Laurin and Michael will be a strong lineup. I’m looking forward to working properly and giving our best for the best result possible, and to get the championship win for the team and Laurin.”