Factory Driver Alvaro Parente will return to racing in the USA during 2017 to defend the Pirelli World Challenge (PWC) title with customer team K-PAX Racing. Parente will be part of a three-car assault on the championship with the McLaren 650S GT3.
On his series debut, Parente stunned the PWC regulars winning six races of the 11 races during 2016, en route to a last-gasp title win at the final round at Laguna Seca. Outside of the overall race wins, Parente scored five pole positions and three further podiums throughout the season, showing off his talents and ability to adapt quickly to new surroundings. He also showcased the versatility of the 650S GT3, which boasted front-running pace ran on the wide variety of circuits, up against one of the most diverse and competitive GT3 fields throughout the year.
The Portguese driver will tackle the 2017 season with two new teammates as K-PAX Racing aims to help secure McLaren the Manufacturers’ Championship for the second year in a row. American sportscar veterans Bryan Sellers and Mike Hedlund will steer the #6 and #98 650S GT3s for the Californian team respectively, up against what is set to be yet another ultra-competitive GT and GTA field.
The 2017 Pirelli World Challenge season is set to start with a pair of 50-minute sprint races on the streets of St Petersburg, Florida on March 10-12, as part of its tough 11-round calendar that features multiple iconic venues including Long Beach, Lime Rock Park and Laguna Seca.
Commenting on his return to the Pirelli World Challenge in 2017, Factory Driver Alvaro Parente said: “I’m very happy to be back with K-PAX Racing for this season. I get along very well with everyone on the team, and feel we all have the same goals and will push hard to win further races. Now that I have experience of the tracks and a strong working relationship with the team, it’s time to attack and fight hard from the start of the season. There are some changes in the championship, and together with the team, I’m sure we will be working hard to have a great 2017! I’m really looking forward to start working with the guys soon and start fighting for those results!”
