While MG1 expands into GT World Challenge America, Conquest Racing is refining its existing IMSA GTD program. For 2027, the Indianapolis squad confirmed that Manny Franco will resume a full-time role in the No. 34 Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO alongside Albert Costa, with Lorenzo Patrese shifting to a full-time endurance role. This is a massive jump from their single-car past. Team principal Bobby Golasinski told Sportscar365 that entering the series marks an exciting new chapter for the group. He believes the team has the people and resources to win right out of the gate. That kind of confidence is rare when a team expands its fleet so quickly.
The driver lineup shows exactly how serious this effort is. Michael Petramalo and Tyler McQuarrie are moving up from the Pirelli GT4 America series to lead the Pro-Am charge. Steve Check and Ken Dobson will handle the Am class duties. According to Sportscar365, McQuarrie described the 2027 SRO GT World Challenge season entry with MG1 as a remarkable milestone. He sees the team’s engineering as the exact foundation needed to fight at the front. Having two cars means double the data and faster development. That is a clear path to the championship.
A Fresh Start in the Pro-Am Class
Petramalo and McQuarrie bring recent experience from BimmerWorld, where they finished eighth in the Pro-Am class championship last year. They know the competition, but they also know they need better tools to win. The team already completed a two-day test at Thunderhill Raceway. They plan more testing before the season opens at Sonoma Raceway in early April. Golasinski said the move is rewarding because it keeps drivers who trust MG1 within the fold. He emphasized that the team prides itself on the relationships built over the years. That personal touch might be the secret weapon in a crowded field.
Conquest Racing Locks in Its Ferrari Duo
While MG1 expands, Conquest Racing is doubling down on its existing Ferrari program. For 2027, the Indianapolis squad confirmed that Manny Franco will resume a full-time role driving the #34 Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO. Albert Costa stays for his third season, and Lorenzo Patrese shifts to a full-time endurance role. Franco told Motorsport.com that he is excited to return for a full season after stepping away for some races in 2026. He feels the team has all the ingredients to push for results every weekend. Costa echoed that sentiment, calling the team family after four years together. This year on the Streets of Long Beach, the duo achieved their best result to date by taking a third-place podium. Costa finished eighth in the overall driver championship thanks to that outcome.
Both teams are betting on Ferrari 296 GT3 EVOs to dominate the grid. MG1’s GT World Challenge America season opens in early April at Sonoma Raceway. Conquest’s IMSA campaign begins with the Rolex 24 at Daytona in late January.
