Canadian racing team AWA is setting its sights on a prestigious entry into the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans, fueled by an ambitious new program that will see them field Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs in the upcoming IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Andrew Wojteczko, head of AWA, expressed excitement about the team's strategic shift from the LMP3 category to the GTD class, aiming to secure the Bob Akin Bronze Cup championship next year. "Le Mans is the goal," Wojteczko stated. "If we can win the Bronze Cup next year then [we’d do] Le Mans in 2025. We’re going to try our best. We’ll see."
The transition to the GTD class represents a significant change for AWA, which has competed in the LMP3 realm since its debut in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge in 2018. The team successfully moved to an LMP3 program last year, featuring a single-car entry and expanding to two this season.
Wojteczko revealed that conversations with Chevrolet began during an event at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, indicating a proactive approach to the impending changes within the LMP3 class. "After what happened with P3 at Watkins, it was clear what IMSA’s direction would be," he explained, reflecting on the necessity to adapt quickly. "... we knew the writing was on the wall and we needed to start looking and understanding where the team could go and what made sense."
Looking ahead, AWA is committed to implementing a two-year program with the Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs, stating that their focus will be solely on this initiative in the 2024 WeatherTech Championship. "It’s always been a goal to get to this point for sure," Wojteczko noted, expressing his determination to align the team’s ambitions with the aspirations of their drivers.
Although AWA is yet to announce its driver lineup, one of their Corvettes will include a Bronze-rated driver to meet the requirements for the Bronze Cup. Currently, Orey Fidani and Anthony Mantella are notable contenders within the team, both of whom have proven experience from their participation in the Rolex 24 at Daytona earlier this year.
For AWA, the operational backbone of their GTD program will consist of the same dedicated crew managing their previously established LMP3 entries. Wojteczko emphasized the importance of continuity, stating, "We have a great core group of people here and that’s going to continue."
In terms of support and resources, Wojteczko highlighted the collaboration with Pratt Miller, which will provide crucial customer assistance for the Corvette program. "Their technical support, I’d say, is second-to-none," said Wojteczko. This partnership, he believes, will play an essential role in laying the groundwork for the team’s success in the competitive landscape of GTD racing.
As AWA prepares to transition into this new chapter of their racing journey, anticipation is high. Their commitment to excellence in the garage and on the track will be tested as they prepare for the challenges ahead. The path to the famed Le Mans race is fraught with obstacles, but AWA's strategic vision and dedication to success could see them among the elite on that hallowed circuit in 2025.