– Surprising US appearance by DTM surprise rookie Finn Wiebelhaus: The 20-year-old Ford junior, who secured the first Ford Mustang GT3 podium in the DTM at the Lausitzring, is making a last-minute entry into the IMSA Pilot Challenge held as part of the American IMSA sports car series.
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The task for the Obertshausen native, who was nominated by Ford for the assignment: to compete together with Robert Noaker in the last three season weekends in Virginia, Indianapolis, and Road Atlanta and to secure the title for the McCumbee-McAleer team. Because regular driver Nate Cicero withdrew unexpectedly during the season and is no longer part of the Ford squad.
There is a lot at stake, as the team leads the overall standings in the US series. For Wiebelhaus, who will sit in the Ford Mustang GT4 for the first time next weekend in Virginia, it is a huge challenge since he neither knows the US tracks nor has ever driven a GT4 car.
Wiebelhaus skips DTM test for US program
The HRT driver has already proven how quickly he learns with his second DTM podium at the Norisring, as the tricky street circuit is challenging despite having only four corners – and Wiebelhaus arrived without any prior experience.
A downside for Wiebelhaus: he will miss the official DTM test at the Sachsenring next Sunday, where HRT will now participate with only one car and Arjun Maini.
This is a track the youngster does not know – and which, due to high tire wear, is considered the second fear track of the season for the Mustang GT3 Evo alongside Zandvoort.
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IMSA guest appearance a big opportunity for Wiebelhaus
The US appearance is also a great opportunity beyond the chance to get to know the tracks for potential future IMSA entries, as Ford decision-makers are also on site. He thus has the chance to attract attention with strong performances in Ford’s home country and recommend himself for future assignments.
Wiebelhaus looks forward to his US debut with great anticipation. “The American race tracks are a completely new challenge for me,” he says. “At the same time, I am joining a team fighting for the championship. Together with Robert and the entire crew, I want to do my part to win the title.”
And team co-owner Chad McCumbee is also looking forward to the newcomer. “He has already proven himself as a top driver in Europe – and with his experience within the Ford racing environment, he is the perfect choice for our program.
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Wiebelhaus’ second IMSA weekend takes place from September 18 to 20 – one week after the DTM weekend at the Sachsenring. And the season finale, also known as Petit Le Mans, takes place from September 30 to October 2 at the Road Atlanta circuit – one week before the DTM season finale in Hockenheim.
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