DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. – Starworks Motorsports has secured Mike Skeen to race alongside full season drivers Ryan Dalziel and Parker Chase in the No. 8 Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo this weekend at Watksin Glen Int’l.
Skeen replaces Ezequiel Companc, who competed in the Rolex 24 and the 12 Hours of Sebring with the team, but has been sidelined due to injury from an on track incident at Circuit Paul Ricard in the Blacpain GT Endurance Series.
“We’re wishing Zeke a speedy recovery, and are sad he won’t be able to return for this round,” said Starworks Motorsport team owner Peter Baron. “It was a challenge to find a silver that knew the Audi and Watkins Glen. Mike was our first call. He’s the best silver available.”
The Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen is IMSA’s third of four North American Endurance Cup races on the calendar. While speed an hour may not have been on the team’s side during the Rolex 24 at Daytona or the 12 Hours of Sebring, the team used strategy and expert driving to remain competitive before attrition took them out of podium contention. At the Detroit Grand Prix, the team had a season best finish of sixth place, at a street course circuit notoriously difficult for passing. The team again will be challenged on speed and power, but has strong hopes looking ahead to the six hour endurance event.
Starworks Motorsports has had previous success at the Six Hours of the Glen, most recently earning a win and double podium in 2016 with Renger van der Zande and Alex Popow taking top honors, following up on another Glen victory in 2015.