FRESNO, Calif. – PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports has named Steven Thomas and Jonathan Bomarito as the drivers of its No. 11 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca 07 LMP2 that will run the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship.
The entry of the No. 11 car marks the first time that the team will run two full time LMP2 entries in IMSA.
“I and WIN Autosport joined PR1 to win the championship. Bobby O’s proven record of winning in LMP2 is unmatched,” Thomas said. “It’s been a rocketship ride since my first time driving a race car three years ago, and last year’s poles and podiums made me believe we could achieve even more with PR1.
“Jonathan Bomarito as my co-driver for the season brings elite speed and experience, and I am excited to see Josh Pierson’s talent prevail in the endurance races. Because I try to drive with all the former Mazda factory drivers, we have lightening quick Harry Tincknell for Daytona too.”\
Bomarito added to the excitement of the news release.
“This is definitely a coming home for me since I’ve raced for both PR1 and Mathiasen Motorsports in the past,” he said. “There are so many great people involved with this program and I am really looking forward to getting to the race track. Steven and Josh have been really fast and easy to work with, which makes for a great working environment.
“The three of us will be a strong lineup for the endurance races. With Harry joining us for Daytona, this will make us even stronger and I’m excited to be racing with him again. We have all the pieces in place to compete for wins this year.”
American rising star Josh Pierson will join the team for the endurance races, competing in the Rolex 24 t Daytona, the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring Presented By Advance Auto Parts, the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen and Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
“I’m very humbled and excited to be Joining PR1 Motorsports for the IMSA season,” Pierson said. “Excited to be participating in the long races with Jonathan Bomarito, and Stephen Thomas for the 24 hours of Daytona.”
Thomas, Bomarito and Pierson will hit the track for the first time as new teammates at the Roar Before the 24, in preparation for the Rolex 24 At Daytona, where they will be joined by the experienced two-time Le Mans winner, Harry Tincknell, who finished third in this year’s DPi points.
Tincknell also achieved victories at Sebring and Watkins Glen.
“We have assembled an outstanding group of new drivers for the No. 11 car to compete in the Rolex 24 hours of Daytona,” said team principal Ray Mathiasen. “They bring together the experience, youth and driving skill to compete successfully at this very difficult race. Jonathan and Harry have years of experience at this race most recently as teammates with the Mazda DPi program.
“Josh brings that youthful enthusiasm and energy in his first attempt at the 24 hour race. Steven was one, if not the, toughest competitor we had in our successful 2021 LMP2 championship season.
“I’m glad he is with us now. We have been waiting for a long time for the opportunity to bring Jonathan back to our team. The last time he drove for us was in 2008 when we almost won the Atlantic championship. I anticipate great things from this group.”
The 2022 season opens Jan. 21-23 with the Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona Int’l Speedway that includes testing and a qualifying race to set the Rolex 24 starting grid.
Rolex 24 practice starts Jan. 27, with the 24-hour race to start Saturday, Jan. 29 at 1:40 p.m. ET.
“It’s been a longtime coming for our small and tight knit team to become a two car program”, added team principal Bobby Oergel. “The last couple of seasons have been great with multiple championships and great programs within them. The opportunity to now grow and add the No. 11 Car into our program is very unique and exciting for us in these trying times around the world.”