Winward Racing retains Ward and Ellis for 2027 IMSA campaign

Winward Racing has announced that it will retain Russell Ward and Philip Ellis for their 2027 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship campaign. This marks the sixth consecutive season with the same driver lineup for the Pasadena, Texas-based team. Since their debut in 2021, Ward and Ellis have achieved two GTD championships and 15 race victories, including three Rolex 24 At Daytona wins and two Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring triumphs.

The team has also expanded its presence in IMSA, with a second Mercedes-AMG entering GTD Pro races at Daytona and Sebring, and participation in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. Winward Racing's European division has become a leading GT operation, providing support to four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen's GT team in SRO competition.

The team clinched the overall victory at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and secured the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup title this year. Driver Maro Engel is currently second in the DTM standings. With Winward Racing leading the GTD standings entering the Motul Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, a victory would make the team the first to win three consecutive GTD titles with the same driver lineup.

The team's current championship lead follows a mid-season turnaround, as they rebounded from early setbacks at Sebring and Watkins Glen with three consecutive victories. Team co-owner Russell Ward expressed optimism about the upcoming 2027 season, stating that the team's focus will be on preparation following their return from Road Atlanta.