Performance Tech Motorsports to Run No. 6 with Goldburg and Bitar
Performance Tech Motorsports is set to commence the 2022 IMSA Prototype Challenge season with Dan Goldburg and Oscar Bitar.
The new driver pairing comes ahead of the teams sixth season running with Ligier in IMSA Prototype Challenge. The duo will contest Round One at Daytona International Speedway in the No. 6 Ligier JSP320, one of the most dominant machines in the field. After testing and careful consideration Team Principal Brent O’Neill feels confident this is the pair that can guide the No. 6 in the new year.
“We are excited to get back to racing in Prototype Challenge, especially with Dan and Oscar behind the wheel,” O’Neill said. “We’ve been running these Ligier LMP3’s since the first season they were permitted in the series, so we’re really familiar with the car and know how to get the most out of it. That combined with off-season testing to get our new drivers up to speed leaves me feeling pretty good about Daytona and onwards.”
Hailing from Paraguay, Bitar will make his entrance into the IMSA paddock as well as his debut behind the wheel of the Ligier JSP320. With previous success in GT Sprint Race Brasil, he hopes to quickly acclimate to the closed cockpit prototype, a machine that features a higher degree of torque and downforce.
“Everything is new for me here,” Bitar said. “Thinking about how I’ll soon be racing at Daytona is crazy and is a big challenge in my racing career. We have been working hard on this project and I’m very proud of how it’s come together. I had one opportunity to test the car and I felt very good in it. The team made me feel very comfortable and was very nice. Working with Performance Tech Motorsports is fantastic and I’m very happy and grateful to Brent and his crew.”
“Daytona is my first step. I still have a lot to learn about the car and the category so I will focus, work hard and learn as fast as I can. Like I said earlier, everything is new to me so I have to learn in the minimum amount of time so I can have a great year. If I do well at the first event it will be the key to my future.”
Teammate Goldburg is no stranger to the No. 6 or IMSA Prototype Challenge. This will be the veterans' third year in the eye-catching red and blue machine. After scoring his first win as well as an additional two podium finishes in 2021 the Delray Beach native hopes to continue the positive momentum into this season.
“I love the IPC series, and I'm thrilled to team up with Oscar for the season-opening race at Daytona,” Goldburg said. “I've got two IPC seasons under my belt now and I feel comfortable with the car, the series, the race formats, the tracks, my role, and the other competitors.”
“My goal will be to qualify the car near the pointy end of the charts and hold or improve the position for my opening stint in the car, turning it over to Oscar in striking distance of the lead.
I'm confident going into the IPC season that I can play that role well and I really look forward to getting on track with Oscar.”
The pair will make its debut, Friday, January 21, with a full day of practice at Daytona International Speedway ending with Qualifying at 6:15 p.m. ET. Things heat up on Saturday, January 22, as the No. 6 takes the green flag for IPC Round One at 12:05 p.m. live on NBC Sports Gold TrackPass. For the full schedule, tune in details and ticket sales visit https://www.imsa.com/events/2022-roar-before-the-rolex-24/.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 21
- IPC Practice 1: 8:45-9:30 a.m. ET
- IPC Practice 2: 1:45-2:30 p.m.
- IPC Qualifying: 6:15-6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 22
- IPC Autograph Session: 10:15 a.m.
- IPC Fan Walk: 11:15-12:00 p.m.
- IPC Round One: 12:05-3:05