Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe winner Brendon Leitch has been confirmed to make his IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship debut at Indianapolis Motor Speedway next month.
Leitch will contest the Battle of the Bricks at the famed speedway on September 20-22 where he will join MDK Motorsports in a GTD class Porsche 911 GT3 R alongside Kerong Li (China) and Anders Fjordbach (Denmark).
The 28-year-old who hails from New Zealand will fill in for factory Porsche driver Klaus Bachler who will instead compete in Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS at Monza on the same weekend.
The opportunity to race in North America came through Li, who has raced with Leitch since 2022 when they contested the 24 Hours of Dubai. The pair have since contested multiple races together including the Paul Ricard 1000km and Spa 24.
Leitch has previous experience at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, having raced there in the F4 United States Championship in 2017. It will be the first time since 2021 that Leitch has raced in the United States. His last appearance came in the 24 Hours of Sebring as part of the 24H Series.
Coincidentally, Leitch will carry the #86 at Indianapolis, the same number that he grew up racing with in New Zealand in the Toyota Racing Series. Leitch said he is going to the United States with plans to turn heads.
“Last year was massive for me. Winning Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe with Leipert Motorsport ticked a massive box and since then I’ve been doing absolutely everything I can to make the next step up,” said Leitch.
“I know I’ve proven I’m capable in GT3 cars this year with Melbourne Performance Centre in GT World Challenge Australia beating some of the best Supercars drivers. Anyone who has watched me in Australia this year knows.
“These opportunities to race internationally don’t come around often and I’m keen to make the most of it and turn some heads. I’m looking forward to linking up with Kerong again and working with Anders too. I know Kerong has a lot of potential and with Anders I think we can be pushing for a result at the top end.
“The last time I drove a Porsche at Spa-Francorchamps was a bit of a revelation. It’s one of the best GT3 cars and is extremely rewarding as a driver. At a circuit like Indianapolis, I know it’s going to be fantastic.”
Leitch is competing full-time in Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS with Tim Miles in 2024. His season continues on August 23-25 at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit where Leitch and Miles scored their first win of 2024. The pair currently sit third in the standings and three points off the lead.
“When we raced at Phillip Island earlier this year, Tim and I stood on the top step of the podium, so we’re going back with the same plan. Tim’s defensive driving that day was second to none and he’ll know he can do it again if he needs to.”
YouTube will provide live and free coverage of the IMSA Battle of the Bricks for viewers in Australia and New Zealand.
Words & Images: Supplied
