Kiwi to make IMSA debut
Kiwi GT World Challenge Australia star Brendon Leitch will make his IMSA SportsCar Championship debut at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway next month.
Leitch will join the MDK Motorsports squad that competes in the GTD class at the Battle of the Bricks event on September 20-22.
He will drive a Porsche 911 GT3 R with China’s Kerong Li and Denmark’s Anders Fjordbach.
The 28-year-old has been called up to replace factory Porsche driver Klaus Bachler, who will be at Monza competing in GT World Challenge Europe.
The chance to race at Indianapolis came through Leitch’s connection with Li as the duo raced together in endurance races in Dubai, Paul Ricard and Spa in 2022.
Having enjoyed some success in the last 12 months, Leitch feels ready for the special IMSA opportunity.
“Last year was massive for me. Winning Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe with Leipert Motorsport ticked a massive box and since then I’ve been doing absolutely everything I can to make the next step up,” said Leitch.
“I know I’ve proven I’m capable in GT3 cars this year with Melbourne Performance Centre in GT World Challenge Australia beating some of the best Supercars drivers. Anyone who has watched me in Australia this year knows.
“These opportunities to race internationally don’t come around often and I’m keen to make the most of it and turn some heads. I’m looking forward to linking up with Kerong again and working with Anders too.
“I know Kerong has a lot of potential and with Anders I think we can be pushing for a result at the top end.
“The last time I drove a Porsche at Spa-Francorchamps was a bit of a revelation.
“It’s one of the best GT3 cars and is extremely rewarding as a driver.
“At a circuit like Indianapolis, I know it’s going to be fantastic.”
Leitch will be racing at Phillip Island this weekend alongside Tim Miles in their GT World Challenge Australia campaign, which included a memorable win at Phillip Island.
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