Robillard Racing and Muehlner Motorsports America are pleased to announce they will be entering a full season in IMSA Prototype Challenge with two Norma M30 LMP3 prototypes.
Although the team name is new to the IMSA paddock everybody involved with the ambitious program has vast experience in professional racing including IMSA in particular. Driver and team owner Joe Robillard will again be joined by last year’s team mate in IMSA’s GS Class, Stevan McAleer, in a great combination of tenacity and enthusiasm.
McAleer’s excitement is clear: “What a cool step to take for 2019. It’s been a long time since I’ve driven a true downforce car but I am confident that I can adjust quickly and fight for the IMSA LMP3 championship out of the box. Ecstatic is an understatement and cannot wait to get going!!!”
Joe Robillard is equally excited: “Moving back to purpose-built, downforce car is very exciting. So far in testing, the Norma is amazing, and the first race can’t come soon enough.”
On the technical and managerial side of the effort will be seasoned engineer Marc Manning who has a vast resume in prototypes, sportscars, and formula cars. Bernhard Mühlner and his team from DeLand, FL are excited to bring a wealth of championship winning experience to the program.
“I am extremely pleased in so many aspects of this program.” said Manning. “The enthusiasm exhibited by Joe Robillard is contagious and has opened a new and different chapter in my career. It is rewarding to keep learning rather than stagnate with a notebook of old notes and keep trying more things more often”.
It was this reasoning that led Manning to call Bernhard Mühlner. He and Manning have worked together and learned to utilize each other’s strengths. At St. Pete earlier this year, they achieved two pole positions, two fastest laps, and two podiums the first time out.
Manning said, “Bernhard has a proven race winning organization, so there was a natural connection to Robillard Racing’s aspirations, and a home away from home for us in Europe in the future.”
IMSA Prototype Challenge consists of two 3-hour races and four 1-hour 45-minute races. The team will field a shared car for the two longer races, and two individually driven cars for the four shorter races. The team recently returned from the Michelin Test day at Daytona International Speedway and were thrilled with the performance of the Norma M30.
