• Ryan Hardwick, Richard Lietz and Riccardo Pera secure maiden GTD win for Manthey 1st Phorm (#912)
• “Grello” Porsche (#911), competing in GTD PRO, forced to retire early while running in podium contention following contact with the barriers

Watkins Glen. Manthey 1st Phorm claimed its first GTD-class victory in the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup at the Six Hours of Watkins Glen, marking the team’s debut season in the championship in 2026. Ryan Hardwick (USA), Richard Lietz (Austria) and Riccardo Pera (Italy) secured the win despite challenging starting conditions: after the GTD qualifying session failed to meet the required minimum running time due to an incident, grid positions were set according to IMSA championship standings – a disadvantage for the team, which only competes in the endurance races of the series.The 912 crew was able to overcome this setback through error-free driver stints and a strategy carefully adapted to the chaotic race, which featured numerous interruptions and caution periods. Lietz and Pera continued the charge initiated by Ryan Hardwick, who started from 18th position, steadily gaining places throughout the six-hour race distance. A final strategic pit stop roughly one hour before the finish ultimately gave the team the decisive advantage over its rivals at the front: while many GTD competitors were forced to pit for a late splash of fuel, Riccardo Pera took the lead and held on to it until the chequered flag at the “Six Hours of the Glen.”

The starting number 911, which started from 11th on the grid, also showed strong pace in the GTD PRO class with Michael Christensen (Denmark) and Loek Hartog (Netherlands). Just two hours into the race, Hartog was running in fourth place and within striking distance of the leader. However, the Dutchman lost control of the “Grello” Porsche while attempting to overtake for third position; the resulting contact with the barriers forced the Manthey entry to retire prematurely.

“Our third race weekend in IMSA was once again characterized by a very turbulent race. The joy is all the greater that we were finally able to secure our first victory with the number 912 – especially after the bad luck we experienced in Daytona and Sebring, where we were already in very promising positions before unexpected setbacks cost us strong results. Starting from what has almost become a familiar position further back on the grid – this time due to unfortunate circumstances in qualifying – we worked our way forward and ultimately secured the win thanks to a very strong strategy. As is often the case in IMSA, a bit of luck also plays a role: there were two strategic options and we chose the one we believed to be more likely to succeed, which ultimately paid off. We are very proud of the team’s performance – Ryan, Richard and Riccardo brought the race home perfectly. For the 911, however, it was a more difficult race: we started well, executed our plan strongly and were already running in a promising fourth position during the second stint, less than a second behind the leader. Unfortunately, Loek lost the car while attempting an overtake and hit the barriers, which brought our race to an early end. This is not what we expect from ourselves, but we have once again shown that we are a force to be reckoned with – and we will come back fighting with both cars at Road America,” said Patrick Arkenau, Director Racing.

Manthey will return to IMSA competition in one month’s time at the Motul SportsCar Grand Prix (July 30 to August 2), the penultimate round of the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup ahead of the season finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in October.

Quotes on the Six Hours of the Glen:

Klaus Bachler, Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 R #911: „Watkins Glen is done, and it’s certainly a disappointing end to our race. The most important thing is that Loek is fine after the incident and the impact with the barriers. Still, it hurts, as I believe we had the pace to fight for a podium position. Nevertheless, congratulations to the sister car on winning the GTD class – it also shows the potential we had today. Great job by the crew, the 912 drivers and the entire team. Now I’m looking ahead to the next race at Road America in four weeks’ time, and I hope we can come back with a strong result there.”

Michael Christensen, Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 R #911: “It’s great to be back with Manthey, of course, even though it was an unfortunate end to the race for us. I didn’t have the best start, but we managed to save some fuel and gain a few positions during the pit stop when Loek got in the car. He made some great moves and showed strong pace, but unfortunately a mistake brought our race to an early end. These things happen – even though they shouldn’t – but that’s motorsport. I’m sorry for the whole team that we weren’t able to finish the race.Overall, it actually looked quite promising and we probably had a good chance. Even though our race ended early, it seemed like we had a strong package. Hopefully, there will be another opportunity soon.”

Loek Hartog, Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 R #911: “We were in the second hour of the race, and I still had around five laps to go in my stint when I went for a move for P3. Unfortunately, I lost the car in that moment – a needless mistake. At that stage of the race, it’s not something you should risk, and I feel really bad about it. So much energy, time and effort go into a race like this, and to throw it away in that manner is very hard to accept. For me, the disappointment clearly outweighs everything else. Nevertheless, it was something special to make my IMSA debut in the Grello and with Manthey, and I hope I can build on that in the future. A big thank you to the entire team.”

Ryan Hardwick, Manthey 1st Phorm Porsche 911 GT3 R #912: „What a crazy race. I don’t think I’ve ever been involved in a race with so many cautions and incidents, so I feel very fortunate to be standing on the top step of the podium. I couldn’t be happier or more proud of our team. There were many difficult strategic decisions for the engineers to make, and at the same time the mechanics delivered outstanding pit stops that were incredibly quick. Altogether, that’s what put us in a position to win. To achieve this together with Riccardo and Richie – two of my best friends and teammates with whom I’ve already shared some of the biggest wins of my career – makes it even more special. Securing this victory at Watkins Glen with them really means a lot. I’m especially glad that Richie was able to join us for this race and that we could create another incredible memory together. Thank you.”

Riccardo Pera, Manthey 1st Phorm Porsche 911 GT3 R #912: “My first win in the United States feels absolutely amazing, and I’m incredibly excited. The team did a really strong job, especially on the strategy side, and the car was fantastic throughout. Achieving my first IMSA victory here at Watkins Glen – a track that is very iconic to me – makes it even more special. I couldn’t ask for more. I’m also very happy to share the car again with Richie and Ryan. With the same line-up last year, we won Le Mans and the World Championship, so this makes it feel even more special. Now we’ll enjoy the moment and the momentum before focusing on the final two IMSA races.”

Richard Lietz, Manthey 1st Phorm Porsche 911 GT3 R #912: “It was an exciting race here at Watkins Glen. It’s a really demanding track, and from a driver’s perspective, the different classes and their hard battles make it both exciting and challenging. Manthey’s strategy was perfect, which allowed us to fight for the podium in the end. Riccardo and Ryan did a fantastic job – and with a bit of luck, it ultimately turned into a victory for us.”

Race Calendar IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup 2026:

16. - 18.01.2026 Roar before the Rolex 24 | Florida
21. - 25.01.2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona | Florida
18. - 21.03.2026 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring | Florida
25. - 28.06.2026 Watkins Glen International | New York
30.07. - 02.08.2026 Road America | Wisconsin
01.10. - 03.10.2026 Petit Le Mans | Georgia