Manthey Racing have announced the six drivers that will make up their GTD PRO and GTD entries in the 2026 IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup.
The #911 GTD PRO Porsche, which will carry the iconic 'Grello' livery, combines 2023 DTM Champion Thomas Preining with two-time Sebring 12H class winner Klaus Bachler and one of Porsche's hottest contracted drivers Riccardo Feller.
Bachler holds by far the most IMSA experience of the trio, with 32 race starts since 2014, including two full-season efforts with Pfaff Motorsports in 2023 and with AO Racing's 'Rexy' in 2025. Feller ran an Endurance Cup GTD programme in 2019 with Montaplast by Land-Motorsport, whilst Preining will make his third IMSA race appearance at the Rolex 24 in January.
The #912 Porsche sees a familiar livery return to the IMSA GTD ranks, with 1st Phorm as primary sponsor having featured on Wright Motorsport 911s from 2020-23.
Newly crowned WEC LMGT3 champions Ryan Hardwick and Riccardo Pera will continue their partnership and move into IMSA competition together for the first time.
Hardwick, a highly rated Bronze driver, was twice the GTD championship runner-up in Porsche machinery, tallying up class wins at Daytona and Sebring. Pera, who has raced Porsches extensively in his career, will make his debut in the North American series.
The lineup is completed by 2024 Le Mans LMGT3 class winner Morris Schuring, the 2025 DTM Rookie of the Year was recently announced as one of Porsche's 'Contracted Drivers.'
Fellow WEC LMGT3 champion Richard Lietz completes the quartet for the Daytona 24 Hours.
After the official Daytona pre-test, known as the ROAR, from 16 to 18 January, the IMSA season begins on the 24 January 2026 with the Rolex 24.