Pfaff Motorsports steals second in hometown race

July 10, 2023

Toronto (July 10, 2023) – While not a victory, second place was nearly as sweet on Sunday as Pfaff Motorsports finished as runner-up in the team’s hometown race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP).

The No. 9 Porsche 911 GT3 R – with an exclusive livery featuring the Canadian Tire automotive owned brand, MotoMaster – started fifth in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD Pro class. The team was struggling with pace compared to other manufacturers, due to the series’ Balance of Performance.

After starting fifth, and enduring contact from a different class competitor early on, the team kept Klaus Bachler out on track for a lengthy first stint prior to turning the car over to Patrick Pilet. Incidents and penalties involving other GTD Pro cars allowed Pilet to cycle to the front of the class. The car’s lack of pace continued to be evident on the final restart with less than half an hour remaining, and Pilet was forced to relinquish the top spot.

However, the Frenchman’s fuel-saving tactics kept him in position for second place, and the team’s fourth podium of 2023. While still fourth in the GTD Pro championship standings, the team gained more than 30 points on the leaders with five rounds remaining in 2023.

The first GT-only event of the season is next on the calendar for Pfaff Motorsports, taking place at Lime Rock Park on July 21 – 22. Featuring the GTD Pro and GTD classes, the FCP Euro Northeast Grand Prix is scheduled for Saturday, July 22 at 12:10 p.m. ET.

For high-resolution imagery and video from Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and throughout the 2023 season, please click here with credit to Pfaff Motorsports/Lenssen Photo. Updates from Pfaff Motorsports can be followed on the team’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

Team Quotes:

Klaus Bachler: “It’s a great result. A big thanks to the team; they did a mega job in the pit stops and our strategy worked out. We didn’t have the pace to win today. I think if somebody told us we would finish P2, we would take it. Altogether, we worked really well and there were no mistakes from my side or Patrick. We just did a really great job, and in the end, we managed to get the P2 which is great for the championship. We want more, and hopefully in the future we will get a bit better from the Balance of Performance perspective, so we can fight and go for victories.”

Patrick Pilet: “First, we have to say thank you to the team. We are here in the position for victory because they had an amazing strategy. We optimized everything today, but like many races unfortunately, we had the pace for P5. We made no mistakes, and it was really hard on the last restart because I had to fight against others and lost the lead. But they are quicker and I think they would have gone around anyway. From our side, we did everything perfect, so that’s the key.

“It’s great for the team as well to get such a good result at home. It’s not a victory, and it feels like now we just need some external help. From our side, we are ready and we are on it. Klaus also did an amazing job at the beginning. He was stuck, but he stayed in long and kept the tires which was key. It was a great day – still not P1, but we will be back soon on the top of the podium.”

About Pfaff Motorsports

Pfaff Motorsports has established itself as one of the most successful sportscar racing programs in North America over the past decade. A professional team in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), it has established long-term partnerships with premium brands such as Lithia & Driveway, Motul, the Automotive Owned Brands of Canadian Tire Corporation, and Hagerty, and is one of the top-performing Porsche customer racing teams in the sport.

Pfaff Motorsports’ competition résumé includes historic victories and championships across multiple series. Since joining the top-tier IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2019, the team has won the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona and twice at the 12 Hours of Sebring, in addition to being crowned the 2022 WeatherTech Championship GTD Pro class and 2021 GTD class champions. It has also won the 2018 GT World Challenge America championship and is a three-time Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada champion. For more information, please visit www.pfaffmotorsports.com.

Pfaff Motorsports Contact: Jennifer Klein // jklein@pfaffmotorsports.com