ANSA Motorsports announced it is fielding 3 Ligier JSP3 sportscars in the 2018 Michelin IMSA Sportscar Encore at Sebring. With a strong endurance-racing background, embellished by multiple race wins acquired over the years, the ANSA Motorsports team owners have decided to step up their racing program at the Encore race. ANSA Motorsports, ranked 4th in the 2018 IMSA Prototype Challenge Series, is committed towards the growth of their racing and driver development program.
“The Michelin IMSA Sportscar Encore race is the perfect opportunity to showcase the hard work of our drivers and crew. ANSA is making a monumental effort to prepare and run 3 Ligier JSP3 prototypes. Without the relentless effort of our team on and off the track, none of this would be possible,” stated Team Owner Patrick-Otto Madsen. The Michelin IMSA Sportscar Encore features the most technically advanced and consumer relevant race cars in North America. With its inaugural race Nov. 9th-11th, the 4-hour 3.74-mile circuit will showcase four classes (LMP3 / GT4 / TCR) with qualifying Saturday, November 10th and the race Sunday, November 11th. The Encore will be the first time all classes race together and on the Michelin tire.
ANSA Motorsports drivers will strive to attain the best results during this race weekend. Zach Robichon, Dean Baker, and Michal Chlumecky will pilot the No. 4 JSP3. Robichon comes off of a 2018 Porsche GT3 Canada Championship. “I’m looking forward to extending the season at the Michelin Encore. We had a strong season with several class victories and this is an opportunity for Dean, Michal, and I to get a hold on the new 2019 Michelin tire. Lots of track time, a 4-hour race, and a break from the cold…what more could I ask for!” said Robichon earlier this week. Dean Baker mentioned, “This racing season has been a lot of fun and a great learning experience working with such a fantastic group at ANSA Motorsports and Zach Robichon. I can’t thank them enough for all the hard work the guys have put into this program to make sure we have a competitive car out there for every race. I’m really looking forward to returning to Sebring for the Encore with Zach and Michal for another great result!”
Jon Brownson and Dakota Dickerson will pilot the No. 2 car. Brownson was the 2018 MPC class champion in the IMSA Prototype Challenge. Dickerson comes in after earning his 2018 F4 US Championship. “Working with Alain and the crew at ANSA back in 2017 was such an amazing experience. Having an opportunity to drive for them again is so exciting and I wouldn’t want my first experience in an JSP3 car to be with anyone else,” stated Dickerson.
Piloting the No. 13 car, 17 year old Roman De Angelis and 20 year old Kyle Kirkwood. De Angelis won the opening race of 2018 and is ranked 2nd in points for GT3 Canada and GT3 USA. In a recent interview De Angelis said, “I’m super excited not only to hop back into the amazing Ligier JSP3 at Sebring, but also back with ANSA Motorsports. We started the season with a win in the first round, and after a long season away, they gave me the opportunity to come back and hopefully end the season the way we started!” Kirkwood earned the Driver’s Championship in F3 Americas as well as the 2017 F4 US Championship. Kirkwood stated yesterday, “I am extremely excited to join ANSA Motorsports for this coming weekend. The line up between the team, Roman, and myself is very strong. I think we will definitely contest for a win.”
The focus of the entire ANSA Motorsports team in preparation for the Michelin IMSA Sportscar Encore is unprecedented. It is not only a logistical feat with more than 30 team members composed of drivers, engineers, and crew, but it is also a demonstration of the team’s determination to raise the stakes leading into the 2019 IMSA Prototype Race series. Special thanks to Eric VanBibber, Danny Duenas, Tom Brown, Michael McCoy, Ruben Gil, and Serafin Garcia. ANSA Motorsports would also like to extend a special thanks to the team and series sponsors making the Encore Race possible: IMSA Prototype Challenge, VP Racing Fuels, Michelin, Onroak Automotive, Crown America, CF Industrial, Fortis Group, AGGA Coffee, Contract Glaziers, and Custom Wrap Design.
