TRG Hoping Revamped Roster Leads to GTC Title

After consecutive runner-up finishes in the GT Challenge championship of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón, TRG announced a new lineup for what it hopes is a run to the 2013 title.

Ben Keating and two-time ALMS race winner Damien Faulkner will drive a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup for Kevin Buckler’s team. Craig Stanton, another past ALMS race-winner in a Porsche, will join the pair at Sebring and Petit Le Mans.

"Ben and Damien are going to be a lethal combo here,” Buckler said, “but you add in a brand-new Porsche GT3, Craig Stanton as the third driver in the long races, some of the best crew in all of GT racing, and of course, TRG; and I believe we are going to have a solid run at a championship this year! I couldn't be happier to be leading the charge for this formidable effort."

Both Keating and Faulkner own previous experience with TRG. Keating’s history includes two Rolex 24 races with the team, and he is a two-time SRT Viper Cup champion.

“There is nothing much better than having the real opportunity to stand on the podium at the top level of sports car racing in North America," Keating (top at left) said. “I expect great competition and I love a challenge. Damien and I will have a great time this season. TRG knows how to win. We have a great team, a brand new car, a great driver lineup, and all the ingredients to win the championship. What else can you ask for?"

In Faulkner, TRG gets a two-time Porsche Supercup championship runner-up and two-time champion in Great Britain’s Porsche Carrera Cup. The Northern Irishman has 13 ALMS starts with GTC victories at Sebring and Long Beach. Five of his six class pole positions came in 2012, and he has four fastest race laps in his ALMS career.

“I am very happy and indeed excited to be joining TRG for the new season in GTC together with Ben," Faulkner (below at left) said. "TRG is one of the most successful American sports car teams and one of the stalwarts of the ALMS. Kevin knows how to win races and championships, and with Ben as my co-driver we are in a great position. Ben is the most competent non-professional in the business and his speed mixed with his determination makes me feel really confident for the season ahead.”

All three drivers are set to take part in the ALMS’ annual Winter Test on Feb. 7-8 at Sebring International Raceway. The season opens with the 61st Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida on Saturday, March 16.