Team Sahlen to Field Porsche Caymans in ST Class

After withdrawing from Daytona Prototype competition, Team Sahlen has returned to its roots for 2014, announcing a two-car program for the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge.

The longtime GRAND-AM entrants, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in professional sports car racing next year, will enter a pair of Porsche Caymans in the ST class for drivers Joe Sahlen, Joe Nonnamaker, Wayne Nonnamaker and Will Nonnamaker.

“I am very excited for 2014," Sahlen said. “We had a very successful maiden season with the Prototypes last season. We were new to the class, going up against some very professional sports car teams with years of experience in the DPs. And to have had the success we did was very rewarding.

“I very much enjoyed our decade plus adventure in racing in the Rolex Series. Now a new chapter begins with our full time entry into the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge. The competition will be tough and we are excited to mix it up with the ST teams on track."

The majority of the team’s success has come in the ST class, having claimed five drivers’ championships and more than 40 class victories with a variety of machinery.

“I have truly enjoyed getting to race the many types of different classes and cars we have raced over the past decade, but my I have always had a fondness for the ST class," said three-time class champion Will Nonnamaker.

“To get to come back to the class and compete full time is very exciting. And to be coming back to the class with such a strong effort is a dream come true. The competition will be tough, but I think our team will be up to the challenge."

The Ohio-based organization has retained the entire crew from its DP program, including team manager Jay Chapman and lead engineer Katie Crawford, who will be celebrating her fifth season with the team. SportsCar 365