Scuderia Corsa to Add Second Entry for North American Endurance Cup
LOS ANGELES (December 15, 2017)- Returning to a pairing that netted the team 2015 IMSA GTD championship, Scuderia Corsa will add a second entry for the upcoming 2018 IMSA North American Endurance Cup, with Bill Sweedler and Townsend Bell joined by team newcomer Frankie Montecalvo, as well as Sam Bird for the 24 Hours at Daytona.
In addition to the full season No. 63, Scuderia Corsa will campaign the No. 64 488 GT3 with Bill Sweedler and Townsend Bell reuniting with the team’s IMSA program for the first time since winning the series championship in 2015. Since that time, the relationship has remained strong having competed in the 2015, 2016 and 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans together, including an incredible class victory in 2016. While new to the team, Frankie Montecalvo is no stranger to sportscar success, running in a number of series over the years including winning the 2015 Pirelli World Challenge GTA championship. Additionally, Sam Bird will return to the team for a one-off appearance at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, where he led for much of the race last year.
For team owner Giacomo Mattioli, the addition of such a strong second entry is welcome one.
“The return of Townsend and Bill to our organization is a testament to the quality of our relationship, and the addition of Frankie Montecalvo should be a great contribution,” stated Mattioli. “Combined with Sam Bird for Daytona and all of our resources, we’re very confident in a great showing and fighting for the best results possible.”
For Bill Sweedler, a chance to return to the team that has brought him some of his greatest successes is one he always looks forward to.
“I’m thrilled to be back with Scuderia Corsa, Ferrari, and my teammates from last year for the NAEC championship,” stated Sweedler. “We have had great success over the years with Giacomo and I look forward to renewing our combined competitive drive and spirit to win again. Scuderia Corsa has become a world class team and I am honored to be back. Forza Ferrari 2018!”
Townsend Bell, a similar sentiment is shared.
“It almost goes without saying that Scuderia Corsa is one of the best teams in the business,” stated Bell. “Our IMSA championship, our Le Mans victory, are all directly attributed to their program, and we hope to repeat the same success this year. It’s the most competitive era in the history of IMSA, but we’re confident we can be right in the mix.”
For Frankie Montecalvo, joining the team for the first time is an opportunity he relishes.
“I could not be happier to run with Bill and Townsend again this year,” stated Montecalvo. “With the addition of Scuderia Corsa, the entire package is even better. I believe that together we will be a very competitive team. I am very much looking forward to racing the entire NAEC.”
The North American Endurance Cup is a four-race campaign within the IMSA championship, spotlighting the four key endurance races of the season. Competing at the most legendary of events, the championship will begin with the Daytona 24 Hours, followed by 12 Hours of Sebring, Six Hours of Watkins Glen, and Petit Le Mans. The season will officially kick off on the weekend of January 27-28, competing at the Daytona 24.
About Scuderia Corsa
2017 IMSA GTD Champion, 2017 Le Mans podium, 2017 6H of Watkins Glen podium, 2017 12H of Sebring podium, 2016 IMSA GTD Champion, 2016 24Hours of Le Mans GTE-Am winner, 2016 6H of Watkins Glen Winner, 2016 12H of Sebring Winner, 2016 Pirelli World Challenge GTA Champion, 2015 24Hours of Le Mans Podium, 2015 IMSA GTD and 2013 Grand-AM GT championship-winning team Scuderia Corsa was founded in 2013 by Giacomo Mattioli and Art Zafiropoulo. Follow Scuderia Corsa on Twitter @Scuderia_Corsa, on Facebook at Scuderia Corsa, Instagram at @Scuderiacorsaferrari and ScuderiaCorsa.com
Team Sponsors:
Ferrari Beverly Hills / Westlake / Silicon Valley / South Bay - North America’s premiere Ferrari dealership group specializing in new and pre-owned sales, Classiche designation work, collision repair and factory trained service and original parts. Pacific Western Bank is a Los Angeles-based commercial bank with over $21 billion in assets. Pacific Western provides commercial banking services, including real estate, construction, and commercial loans, to small and medium-sized businesses through 80 full-service branches throughout the state of California. Its CapitalSource Division delivers cash flow, asset-based, equipment and real estate loans, as well as treasury management services to middle market businesses on a national basis. The Square 1 Bank Division, headquartered at Pacific Western’s Durham, North Carolina branch, offers a comprehensive suite of financial services focused on entrepreneurial businesses and their venture capital and private equity investors, with offices located in all key innovative hubs across the United States. Pacific Western Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PacWest Bancorp (NASDAQ: PACW). Ferrari Palm Beach - Providing the exclusive Palm Beach market with a premium inventory of new and pre-owned Ferraris, state-of-the-art facilities and technicians for expert maintenance and repair. Hublot - A champion of innovation, Hublot revolutionized the watch industry with the introduction of the Big Bang, a multiple award winning timepiece created using a combination of precious metals with rubber. Since then, the Swiss brand has become universally known for the concept, “Art of Fusion.” From in-house watch complications to world-class collaborations, Hublot is constantly evolving and looking to the future. PassTime - PassTime GPS has been in business for more than 25 years in the global transportation industry. Our wireless GPS products are available to auto dealers, auto finance companies, auto leasing companies, insurance companies and fleet transportation provider’s in the USA, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Asia Pacific.SONIC Tools - SONIC Tools is the North American subsidiary of Sonic Equipment, the world’s market leader in premium hand tools and tool box systems for both commercial and consumer use. The company’s mission is to elevate efficiency in the professional workshop through its premium hand tools and unique tool organization solutions. Sonic Tools’ precision-crafted tools, toolboxes and wall systems are found in the world’s most progressive automotive enterprises, and personal garages.
Technical Suppliers
Motegi Racing - through technical partnerships with leading professional racing teams, Motegi Racing Competition and High Performance Tuning wheels are designed and engineered for performance. Motegi Racing is a Wheel Pros brand. Wheel Pros products are sold worldwide in more than 20 countries on four continents and through a U.S. network of more than 10,000 active dealers. AERO Advanced Paint Technology is the world’s only ultra-durable, film-based paint appliqué. AERO is 50 percent lighter than traditional paint, has 100x superior durability, is strip-able, and has virtually zero carbon footprint. AERO the future of paint. Sabelt - leading manufacturer of seat belts and safety harnesses for production and racings cars, race suits, shoes and helmets, carbon seats for automobiles and child restraint systems worldwide. AllState - Allstate Roadside Services strives to provide the industry’s best roadside experience for our partners, their customers and our service providers.
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Picture Credit: Bob Chapman, Autosport Image
