By: J.J. O'Malley January 3, 2019 2:25 PM After winning championships in World Challenge and Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Yokohama, Pfaff Motorsports is ready to make a name for itself in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship as it readies for the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 26-27.“This is a really big honor for me, because this is my third season for Pfaff Motorsports and we won the Canadian GT3 Cup Challenge together in 2017, and won the Pirelli World Challenge GT Sprint championship in our first time there last year,” said Scott Hargrove, who will join Zacharie Robichon in contesting the complete 2019 GT Daytona schedule. “Now, here we are in IMSA, ready to take on the big show. We’ve got a great group of guys. It’s going to be a big learning curve, but I think we’re ready for it.”In addition to Robichon and Hargrove, Lars Kern and Dennis Olson are set to co-drive the No. 9 Pfaff Porsche/Castrol Porsche 911 GT3 R in the Daytona endurance classic.
One of the challenges for the team will be learning a brand-new Porsche.“The new Porsche GT3 R is going to be a big learning curve,” Hargrove said. “I think there only about three components that are the same from the old car; otherwise, it’s a completely new car, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.” Hargrove’s only Daytona experience was spectating at the Rolex 24 in 2011 and 2012.“I’ve definitely done my homework,” he said. “I’ve been here awhile ago, and have watched the races on TV since then. I think I’ve got a good grasp of what it’s going to be like, but you never know until you’re on the banks racing with the Prototypes and negotiating with all the different classes. It’s going to be new, but I think I’m well prepared and ready to learn as much as I can.”Robichon captured the 2018 Canadian Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, winning 11 of 12 events for Mark Motors Racing. In addition, he won seven races while contesting the final eight races of the season in the American series.“It’s a very special opportunity for me to be here at Daytona,” Robichon said. “We had a great year in 2018 in Porsche Cup, not only in Canada, but the U.S. as well. We won 18 of 20 of the races that we competed in. I will be looking to use the lessons I learned. But here, it’s such a different game. We’re stepping into endurance racing. And look at all the drivers around us. It’s going to be a completely new challenge, and I’m really looking forward to joining Pfaff Motorsports with the Porsche GT3 R, staying within the Porsche family and having a lot of fun.”