With a new year comes change, new programs, and a new team to be present in the IMSA paddock. Set to debut at the Roar Before the 24 in January, Alianza – Gilbert Motorsports has been formed and will compete in the LMP3 division with Canadian driver Anthony Simone and Peruvian standout Rodrigo Pflucker.
“Everyone on the Alianza Motorsports side of the program is very excited to join Henry Gilbert in the newly formed Alianza – Gilbert Motorsports effort,” explained Lorne Kelly. “We have worked very hard to get to where we are today and this partnership fit together so well as we all have one common goal that we will work to achieve.”
“I believe that this partnership was a match made in heaven,” added Henry Gilbert. “Lorne and I met via Facebook and were instantly engaged. Our conversations were very easy and we both brought different strengths to the table. Whether it be equipment, drivers, partners or marketing, everything has gone smoothly to date and we can’t wait to get started at our first official event in January.”
Piloting the Alianza – Gilbert Motorsports entry at The Roar before the Rolex 24 will be Canadian pilot Anthony Simone and multi-time Peruvian champion Rodrigo Pflucker. The duo showed great speed and success in 2018 by claiming a podium result at Barber Motorsports Park in April. Simone and Pflucker also led the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring in March as well as at Road Atlanta in October before mechanical gremlins reared their ugly heads on both occasions. Looking forward to the 2019 season, the Alianza – Gilbert Motorsports entry should be in contention from the drop of the first green flag in January.
“I am very excited about this up coming season and what the future holds with our new partnership with Gilbert Motorsports,” explained Donald Williams of Alianza Motorsports. “I have spoken to Henry in length and can tell you that we have the same drive and passion for success of Alianza – Gilbert Motorsports. Our goal is to be the best in any championship and also the first choice for all young drivers to get their careers started with.”
Alianza Motorsports Partner Linda Le Breton mirrored Donald’s thoughts. “I am looking forward to the 2019 race season and teaming up with Henry Gilbert and the solid team that he has behind him. We will have the ability to work toward our common vision and to help each other cross the finish line both on and off the track.”
On and off track support will be provided by Speed Syndicate Motorsports of Saint Petersburg, Florida. Owner and Team Manager Chris Vallee is no stranger to prototype racing, having helped Core Autosport secure wins in the IMSA Prototype Lites class as Crew Chief in 2010, and most recently for Speed Syndicate’s numerous Norma M30 privateer customers. In 2018, Speed Syndicate supported the VOLT Racing Ford Mustang GT4 in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, garnering multiple points finishes and an overall win at Road America.
“Speed Syndicate is thrilled to be partnering with Alianza – Gilbert Motorsports,” said Vallee. “We’re looking forward to bringing our team’s diverse racing backgrounds together to start fighting for wins.”
While Alianza – Gilbert Motorsports will debut as a one-car team at the Daytona International Speedway, the hope is to add another team car before the second event weekend of the season in March.
Kelly continued, “We have already had drivers in the car for a shakedown run just after Thanksgiving and everything went very well. Running times comparable to the leaders at Michelin Encore event a few weeks prior, this was the first run on a brand new Norma M30 car. We have a few more upcoming tests planned but everything is on the fast track now to get ready for Daytona.”
Alianza Motorsports would like to extend an extra special thank you to Forty7 Motorsports in the collaboration that helped launch their program to where it is today. A huge amount of gratitude and respect is given to Garrett Kletjian and his team, and Alianza Motorsports wishes them the very best of luck in the future.
For more information on Alianza Motorsports, please contact Lorne Kelly via email to Lorne@AlianzaMotorsports.com or visit them on any of their social media pages. For media inquiries, please contact Media@AlianzaMotorsports.com.
About Alianza Motorsports
Alianza’s Motorsports team has over 40+ years in the motorsports world and they are driven by their passion for the team, competitive mindset and their ability to drive innovative branding for high-class marketing capabilities for their partners. With a vision to create strong alliances with partners who will help develop this into a formidable enterprise, founded from excellence, dedicated for championships and created for greatness. Best in class on the track, in the shop and amongst our stakeholders, Alianza is the right choice for those with the vision to see the future, with us.
Photos by: Alianza Motorsports