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.
