Winward Racing Confirms Ward and Ellis for 2027 IMSA Season, Eyes Third Consecutive GTD Title

Winward Racing has officially confirmed its driver lineup for the 2027 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season, announcing the retention of team co-owner Russell Ward and Mercedes-AMG factory driver Philip Ellis. This decision ensures complete continuity for the #57 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO squad for an impressive sixth consecutive year, highlighting the team's commitment to a proven and highly successful partnership. The announcement comes as Winward Racing currently leads the GTD standings, poised to contend for a remarkable third consecutive championship title at the upcoming Motul Petit Le Mans event.

The team's success story extends beyond the IMSA GTD program, with significant expansion and achievements in other racing categories. Winward Racing's European division has also made a name for itself, providing support for Max Verstappen's GT team and securing major international victories. This multi-faceted approach to racing, combined with their strong performance in IMSA, underscores Winward Racing's growing prominence in the global motorsport landscape.

Winward Racing's Continued Dominance in IMSA GTD

Winward Racing is set to maintain its highly successful partnership with Russell Ward and Philip Ellis for the 2027 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. This will be their sixth year competing together in the #57 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO. Since their debut in 2021, the duo has played a pivotal role in establishing the Texas-based team as a powerhouse in the GTD class, securing two championships and an impressive 15 race victories. These wins include three triumphs at the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona and two at the challenging Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, showcasing their consistent performance and ability to excel in endurance events.

The team's current position at the top of the GTD standings heading into the season-ending Motul Petit Le Mans further emphasizes their sustained excellence. A victory at Road Atlanta would not only crown them champions for the third consecutive year but also make them the first team since Scuderia Corsa to achieve this feat, and the first ever to do so with the same driver lineup across all three championship seasons. This remarkable consistency and success highlight the strength of the Ward and Ellis partnership and Winward Racing's strategic stability.

Global Expansion and Championship Aspirations

Beyond its primary IMSA GTD commitments, Winward Racing has demonstrated significant growth and versatility by expanding its operations into other high-profile racing series. In the current year, the team successfully fielded a second Mercedes-AMG in the GTD Pro category at the Daytona and Sebring events, in addition to maintaining its presence in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. This expansion showcases the team's operational capabilities and its ambition to compete at the highest levels across multiple platforms.

Internationally, Winward Racing's European division has also flourished, establishing itself as a leading GT racing entity. Notably, it serves as the service provider for four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen's GT team in SRO competition. This collaboration has yielded significant results, including an overall victory at this year's grueling 24 Hours of Nürburgring and the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup title. With driver Maro Engel currently placed second in the DTM standings, Winward Racing's global footprint and competitive success continue to grow, solidifying its reputation as a formidable force in international motorsport.