Thaze Competition ramps up staff; plans testing program ahead of Sebring debut

Thaze Competition, Detroit’s home-grown race team, is ready to prove its worth in the 2023 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. After missing the first round at Daytona, the team is on track and determined to show what they’re made of with their brand new GS-class AMG GT4s.

IMSA and SportsCar veteran, Grant Barclay brings a wealth of experience to the team. With an extensive background in professional motorsport, including engineering the AMG GT4 platform for various teams since the car’s introduction in 2017. As the team’s Chief Engineer, he aims to make a lasting impression on Thaze’s performance and long term operations.

“Missing Daytona was a speed bump,” declared Barclay. “We’re using that time to fine-tune the team, get our cars dialed in, and show the competition what that Detroit attitude means. I’m excited to join the Thaze crew and unleash the full potential of our AMGs.”

Thaze has also formed a technical partnership with Dallas native Michael Conn of MC Squared Autosport, who are supporting the team in a wide range of roles. “After running the Aston Martin Vantage GT4 in 2022, we’re excited to return to IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge,” says Michael Conn. “This year, we’re not just revving our engines, we’re revving up the game. Thaze is here to make a statement in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, we’re not here just to make up the numbers, we intend this to be a front-running operation this season and for years to come.”

Noted race car designer, Andy Blackmore, has given the team’s cars a bold and aggressive new look, with a refined livery that showcases the team’s ambition and attitude. The result is a stunning visual that will be impossible to miss on track.

Thaze is giving its first AMG a shakedown in early February and celebrating with an invitation-only event at Out Of Office Garage in Birmingham, Michigan. The team’s second car is due to arrive from the factory later in February, and the team will be putting both cars to the test over two days at Sebring in early March, ahead of the 12 Hours of Sebring event.

The team from Detroit continues to look for funded drivers who match its drive and ambition. “The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge racing may be the most competitive series of its type in the World!” declared Team Principal, Brian Makse. “We are looking for drivers who share our desire to take on IMSA’s toughest competition and become a regular presence on the podium and in Victory Lane.”

“After a slow start to the season, our entire team embodies that Detroit can-do attitude and we’re ready to prove it on track,” said Makse. “We feel we now have the team in place to fully show the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge regulars what Detroit’s home team is made of.”