Magnus Racing will return to IMSA competition with victory as the lone goal – Magnus Racing Photo
SALT LAKE CITY (June 17, 2026) – Six months after a controversial
runner-up finish during January’s 64th running of The Rolex 24 at
Daytona, Magnus Racing will return to IMSA competition with victory as
the lone goal. With the upcoming S_ahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen
_serving as the last missing major milestone victory for the team,
two-time series champion and team returnee Mario Farnbacher will return
for the event.
“Mario is a great asset and proven winner to the team,” stated
Magnus Racing team owner and driver John Potter. “Even though we’re
on a limited schedule, we come to every race with the intention of
winning, so when evaluating our options for Watkins Glen, Mario’s
success and experience made sense. We’re happy to have him back.”
After winning successive IMSA GTD-category championships in 2019 and
2020, Mario actually drove with the team in 2021, taking part in The
Rolex 24 at Daytona as the team’s fourth driver, where a series of
issues would take the team just out of the top-10. Beyond championships,
Mario has also won twice at Watkins Glen, including in an Aston Martin
in 2024.
Heading to the upcoming “Six Hour,” despite tackling endurance
victories at Daytona, Sebring, and twice winning the series endurance
championship, a victory at Watkins Glen remains elusive. Driving the No.
44 Virtual Energy Aston Martin Vantage GT3 EVO, Mario will be joined by
team regulars John Potter and Spencer Pumpelly. With both Farnbacher and
Pumpelly having previously taken Watkins Glen victories, the experience
is there to add to the team’s success.
“It’s great to be back with everyone at Magnus Racing,” stated
Farnbacher. “Our experience together in 2021 was a fun one, and I
really appreciate being back in such a family atmosphere. The Aston
Martin will hopefully be very competitive at Watkins Glen, just like it
was the last time I drove it, but obviously it’s a new year and a new
challenge. With John and Spencer we have great potential, we’ll see
how the weekend goes.”
For Spencer Pumpelly, a similar sentiment is shared.
“After Daytona we’re more motivated than ever,” stated Pumpelly.
“We obviously proved we’re still a competitive team with plenty of
potential to win, so we just need to perform exactly like we did there
and we’ll be in great shape.”
Official practice for this year’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen
begins on Friday, June 26, with the race taking place on Sunday, June
28. Live coverage begins at 12PM ET on Peacock.