HITTING PAUSE: Magnus Racing Celebrates 15(ish) Years at Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (January 19, 2025) – With next weekend’s 63rd Running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Magnus Racing and the No. 44 will pay homage to a 15(ish)-year history at the famed IMSA WeatherTech event. This marks the team's only scheduled event for 2025, having previously announced their pause from IMSA competition following the event. The Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT3 EVO will be piloted by the familiar lineup of drivers John Potter, Andy Lally, Spencer Pumpelly, and Nicki Thiim. Driving in their third Rolex 24 together, the group will use the livery as a chance to look at the team's decorated past, with hopes of putting one more stamp on their storied history. Unique Patterns, Eras of Magnus Racing Honoring the team’s heritage starting in 2010, which included two wins and five podiums at Daytona, this year’s livery features a number of color patter4ns paying tribute to both the team’s collection of liveries through the years as well as, err, unique partners. With the formation of the team in 2010, Magnus Racing joined the sport with immediate fanfare, campaigning its one-of-a-kind green and white livery that would serve as the team’s trademark throughout the first two years. Looking for a change in luck after two winless seasons, the signature Porsche look switched to grey in 2012, creating immediate success for the team with their first victory at the 50th Running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, followed by a victory at the Inaugural Brickyard Grand Prix, clinching the inaugural North American Endurance Championship in the process.     Switching to Audi in 2016, the team traded their grey for a combination of green, black and grey throughout the Audi years, continuing their run of success at Daytona with their second victory upon debut.  From 2019 on, the team would enjoy a number of changes in both color and pattern as they switched to Lamborghini (2019, 2020), Acura (2021), and eventually the current era of Aston Martin vehicles (2022-present). With Team Owner John Potter having a personal love of blue, 2020 would see the team take on their first-ever all blue livery, opting for a big departure from the team’s traditional look, running their first out-of-house partnership with Grasser Racing. One year later, in partnership with Archangel Motorsports, the team’s switch to Acura would lead to the infamous “Mach Five” livery mimicking another Japanese icon, Speed Racer. From 2022 on, returning to an in-house program with Aston Martin, the team would opt for a more a classic livery celebrating the lines of their vehicle with a combination of classic colors. Remembering Our “Partners” Beyond the colorful series of patterns paying homage to the team’s history, previous team “partners” will also be on display throughout the car. Clay Street Winery was a team partner throughout multiple events in 2010 and 2011, enjoying a great success on the team’s Porsche as it celebrated its status as “The #2 motorsport-based winery based on false statements.” Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles joined the team for the Grand Prix of Long Beach in 2011. A staple of Southern California, the chicken-adornered car was so beloved that it was voted one of Porsche’s Top-10 liveries of all time by famed Porsche blog “Flat Sixes.” Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission in 2019, the team paid tribute to the July 20th landing during the Grand Prix of Lime Rock Park on the same date, trading their livery for a Saturn V rocket theme. Running with Acura in 2021, the team paid tribute to another Japanese icon, Speed Racer, with their celebrated Mach V-themed racing car, bearing the “Rolex Racer” logo throughout the year. Andy Lally’s Farewell While the team will take a pause for the time being, long-time driver Andy Lally will also pay farewell in his own right, as he retires from full-time competition with the year’s race. Having joined the team in 2012 and having been part of every IMSA victory and championship along the way, Andy has been a staple of the group and a big part of their fan engagement. While Andy may seek random opportunities for events in the future, the close of this year’s Rolex 24 will close a considerable chapter for the sport’s most successful active driver at Daytona. The 63rd Running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona will begin next Saturday, January 25 at 1:30PM ET on NBC. Full 24-hour coverage will be available throughout the event over NBC, USA, and Peacock. Full broadcast details, as well as another special team announcement, will come next week.  And Now… Videos  Of course, it wouldn’t be Magnus at Daytona if we didn’t take a final look at some of our favorite videos through the years… A look back at the first decade of Magnus competition Rolex Racer. Paying homage to the Mach V. The team’s welcoming of the new era of IMSA in 2014 https://youtu.be/d3hwjbTkmMM?feature=shared The year that Magnus Racing discovered explosions.

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (January 19, 2025) – With next weekend’s 63rd Running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Magnus Racing and the No. 44 will pay homage to a 15(ish)-year history at the famed IMSA WeatherTech event. This marks the team's only scheduled event for 2025, having previously announced their pause from IMSA competition following the event. The Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT3 EVO will be piloted by the familiar lineup of drivers John Potter, Andy Lally, Spencer Pumpelly, and Nicki Thiim. Driving in their third Rolex 24 together, the group will use the livery as a chance to look at the team's decorated past, with hopes of putting one more stamp on their storied history. Unique Patterns, Eras of Magnus Racing Honoring the team’s heritage starting in 2010, which included two wins and five podiums at Daytona, this year’s livery features a number of color patter4ns paying tribute to both the team’s collection of liveries through the years as well as, err, unique partners. With the formation of the team in 2010, Magnus Racing joined the sport with immediate fanfare, campaigning its one-of-a-kind green and white livery that would serve as the team’s trademark throughout the first two years. Looking for a change in luck after two winless seasons, the signature Porsche look switched to grey in 2012, creating immediate success for the team with their first victory at the 50th Running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, followed by a victory at the Inaugural Brickyard Grand Prix, clinching the inaugural North American Endurance Championship in the process.     Switching to Audi in 2016, the team traded their grey for a combination of green, black and grey throughout the Audi years, continuing their run of success at Daytona with their second victory upon debut.  From 2019 on, the team would enjoy a number of changes in both color and pattern as they switched to Lamborghini (2019, 2020), Acura (2021), and eventually the current era of Aston Martin vehicles (2022-present). With Team Owner John Potter having a personal love of blue, 2020 would see the team take on their first-ever all blue livery, opting for a big departure from the team’s traditional look, running their first out-of-house partnership with Grasser Racing. One year later, in partnership with Archangel Motorsports, the team’s switch to Acura would lead to the infamous “Mach Five” livery mimicking another Japanese icon, Speed Racer. From 2022 on, returning to an in-house program with Aston Martin, the team would opt for a more a classic livery celebrating the lines of their vehicle with a combination of classic colors. Remembering Our “Partners” Beyond the colorful series of patterns paying homage to the team’s history, previous team “partners” will also be on display throughout the car. Clay Street Winery was a team partner throughout multiple events in 2010 and 2011, enjoying a great success on the team’s Porsche as it celebrated its status as “The #2 motorsport-based winery based on false statements.” Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles joined the team for the Grand Prix of Long Beach in 2011. A staple of Southern California, the chicken-adornered car was so beloved that it was voted one of Porsche’s Top-10 liveries of all time by famed Porsche blog “Flat Sixes.” Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission in 2019, the team paid tribute to the July 20th landing during the Grand Prix of Lime Rock Park on the same date, trading their livery for a Saturn V rocket theme. Running with Acura in 2021, the team paid tribute to another Japanese icon, Speed Racer, with their celebrated Mach V-themed racing car, bearing the “Rolex Racer” logo throughout the year. Andy Lally’s Farewell While the team will take a pause for the time being, long-time driver Andy Lally will also pay farewell in his own right, as he retires from full-time competition with the year’s race. Having joined the team in 2012 and having been part of every IMSA victory and championship along the way, Andy has been a staple of the group and a big part of their fan engagement. While Andy may seek random opportunities for events in the future, the close of this year’s Rolex 24 will close a considerable chapter for the sport’s most successful active driver at Daytona. The 63rd Running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona will begin next Saturday, January 25 at 1:30PM ET on NBC. Full 24-hour coverage will be available throughout the event over NBC, USA, and Peacock. Full broadcast details, as well as another special team announcement, will come next week.  And Now… Videos  Of course, it wouldn’t be Magnus at Daytona if we didn’t take a final look at some of our favorite videos through the years… A look back at the first decade of Magnus competition Rolex Racer. Paying homage to the Mach V. The team’s welcoming of the new era of IMSA in 2014 https://youtu.be/d3hwjbTkmMM?feature=shared The year that Magnus Racing discovered explosions.

TUNE IN: Magnus Racing Rolls into the 'Brickyard' for Endurance Event

We know hearts all over the racing world are sad following our recent news of pausing our program after the 2025 Rolex 24 At Daytona. We appreciate all the love and witty posts you all have shared with us, and we’re determined to close out the 2024 race season on a high note! The legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway is hosting the first IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship endurance race at the Brickyard this weekend. Not on the oval (we’ve all seen that), but six glorious hours around the [clockwise] road course.

Magnus Racing is about to tackle the TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks with the trusty No. 44 Aston Martin Vantage GT3. Who better to drive it than the dream team: John Potter, Andy Lally, Spencer Pumpelly.

This not-so-little six-hour showdown on Sunday, September 22, will feature a massive 56-car grid across four classes. Expect plenty of door-to-door action, heroic overtakes, and, let’s be real, possibly some "What in the world just happened?!" moments. It’s endurance racing, after all.

The TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks goes green on Sunday, September 22 at 11:40 AM, and will conclude at 5:40 PM EDT. The race will air from start to finish on Peacock for our friends in the United States, and on imsa.com/tvlive for those outside the USA. The last three hours of the race will air on NBC if you’re inclined to just watch the second half. It's bound to be as iconic as a bottle of milk in Victory Lane… minus the milk, and definitely with more British horsepower. Join us and help us close out the year on a positive note!

MAGNUS RACING TO PAUSE AFTER ROLEX 24

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (September 16, 2024) – While evaluating a number of ways to point fingers normally found in such an announcement, Magnus Racing and team owner John Potter have decided to simply state the team will pause operations for 2025, following the upcoming 63rd Running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Breaking with a long-held sportscar tradition of blaming the BoP, series rules, or some randomly benign issue to skirt accountability, Potter will instead cite business commitments as his reason to shift focus; but he’s actually telling the truth.

Having operated in commercial real estate and hotel property development for over two decades, the two-time Rolex 24 winner will focus his 2025 energy on a one-of-a-kind opportunity in the upscale hotel sector.

“Beyond the fun of racing in IMSA, those who know my business side know that my specialty in hotel development and management has continued to build over the last 15 years,” stated Potter. “In 2025, a long-time dream project will, fingers crossed, finally be rolling forward and I simply need to concentrate my time and energy in that direction for the upcoming year. It’s been an agonizing decision, but one that ultimately seemed necessary.”

Coming off of a season-high podium at Watkins Glen, the team and their Aston Martin GT3, along with co-drivers Andy Lally and Spencer Pumpelly, will continue the 2024 IMSA endurance season as planned. Advancing on to this week’s Battle on the Bricks at Indianapolis, as well as the season-ending Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, the team will then carry into the 2025 season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona. Following Daytona, the team will pause for the year.

“Daytona is a special race for us and we’re thankful to IMSA for accepting our entry for the 2025 event” continued Potter. “Our intention is to then continue into 2026 or possibly select races in 2025, but the reason for the pause is to make sure my attention is less divided as business commitments ramp up, so I need to remain flexible for the time being.”

Campaigning their first full series campaign in 2010, and one of the original entrants in the re-united IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2014, the team has enjoyed a 15-season run that has accrued a number of accolades, including: two Rolex 24 at Daytona victories, two endurance championships, as well as victories at historic tracks including Sebring, Indianapolis, Laguna Seca, and Lime Rock. While the team will pause following the 2025 season-opener, the possibility for select events throughout the season or into the future remains an option.

“The commitment and effort of everyone on the team over recent years has been incredible,” closed Potter. “Only running the endurance rounds, many of our crew have had to balance work with our team against other commitments, leading to countless days aways from home. The loyalty from everyone to stick with the program says a lot about their character, and I hope we can close this current era with the results everyone has worked so hard for.”

Magnus Racing Strategy Secures Podium Finish at Six Hours of the Glen

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (June 27, 2024) – After a challenging 2024 season, Magnus Racing triumphantly returned to the podium in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The No. 44 Flex-Box Aston Martin Vantage GT3 team showcased exceptional race craft and strategic acumen, surmounting various obstacles to gain ten positions in Sunday’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen. Drivers John Potter, Andy Lally, and Spencer Pumpelly celebrated their achievement with champagne on the third step of the podium.

"The race had thrills, spills, and chills,” said Team Somebody John Potter. “The only thing more uncertain than the weather was the red flag officiating! The car ran great all day, and the Magnus crew did an excellent job on the stops. Andy and Spencer handled the weather uncertainty of their stints perfectly."

The team's performance on Sunday was a testament to learning from past challenges and applying those lessons to future races. In 2022, severe weather at Watkins Glen International led to a lengthy red flag period, causing the team to miss the minimum required drive time for Andy Lally. This year, with predicted storms once again threatening the race, Magnus Racing meticulously planned to ensure all three drivers met the required drive time, even in the event of a red flag.

John Potter began the race from 13th position and masterfully cracked into the top ten in the 21-deep GTD field before he concluded his driving duties. He handed off to Andy Lally for a single stint, setting the stage for their eventual podium finish. Spencer Pumpelly took over with just under two and a half hours of racing complete, clocking in his required drive time and skillfully navigating the Aston Martin through multiple cautions, incidents, and a brief squall. Lally returned to the driver’s seat for the final third of the race in fifth place, ensuring he met the drive time requirement despite a late red flag period. He crossed the finish line in fourth, but race control’s scrutiny of drive times altered the final results.

Magnus Racing's strategic foresight paid off when the No. 120 Porsche’s finishing driver failed to meet the drive time requirement, elevating Magnus Racing to third place.

TUNE IN: Magnus Racing Gearing up for Glory at Watkins Glen

The weekend we've all been waiting for is finally here: the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen! Your favorite team—Magnus Racing, of course--is back and ready to hit the track. This weekend at Watkins Glen International, a fun-filled couple of days of practice and qualifying will culminate with a thrilling six-hour endurance race in Upstate New York. John Potter, Andy Lally, and Spencer Pumpelly will be behind the wheel of the No. 44 Aston Martin Vantage GT3, ready to put up a fight for the top step in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s GTD class.

Expect a weekend of intense action and also challenging weather. With temperatures soaring to the mid-80s and humidity around 86%, our team will be battling not just the competition, but the elements too. Rain might make an appearance during practice and qualifying, adding another twist to the plot. No matter what Watkins Glen throws our way, we’re ready for race day.

Don’t miss a moment of the action! Tune in on Sunday at 11:10 AM Eastern, live on Peacock if you’re in the United States, or catch the live stream on the IMSA YouTube Channel if you're tuning in from abroad.