Mercedes-AMG® Motorsport Customer Racing Teams Sweep Season-Opener at Sonoma Raceway

The 2024 SRO America season kickstarted in spectacular fashion at the iconic Sonoma Raceway, with Mercedes-AMG® Motorsport Customer Racing teams stealing the show. It was a weekend filled with speed, precision, and victories, as JMF Motorsports, Regulator Racing, and CrowdStrike by Riley claimed a trio of wins in highly competitive GT3 events. From first-time triumphs to nail-biting finishes, AMG® enthusiasts and motorsport fans were treated to unforgettable moments.

Three Wins, Six Podiums, One Dominant Weekend

Mercedes-AMG® Customer Racing teams accounted for half of the six podium appearances over the weekend, setting the stage for a strong championship season. Among the highlights was a historic debut win for JMF Motorsports in the Pro class, promising performances by Regulator Racing in Pro-Am, and a commanding victory led by CrowdStrike by Riley in the GT America series.

JMF Motorsports Shines in GT3 Debut

Stepping up to the GT3 category after successful GT4 campaigns, JMF Motorsports delivered an extraordinary performance. Drivers Mikael Grenier and Michai Stephens wasted no time making a mark, clinching a decisive win in Saturday’s GT World Challenge Pro class race.

Starting driver Stephens showcased exceptional skill, keeping the No. 34 Mercedes-AMG® GT3 competitive in a tightly packed field. Grenier took over mid-race, and thanks to flawless pitside coordination, he seized the lead and maintained a razor-thin 0.638-second margin to the checkered flag.

“It’s a testament to the hard work of our entire team,” said an elated Grenier. “From preparation to execution, everything came together for this milestone victory.”

Regulator Racing’s Risk Pays Off

Sunday’s GT World Challenge America race turned into another win for Mercedes-AMG® Motorsport, this time in the Pro-Am category. Regulator Racing’s No. 91 Mercedes-AMG® GT3, driven by Jeff Burton and Philip Ellis, executed a bold reverse-driver strategy that paid off magnificently.

Starting the race, Burton held his own against top-tier competitors. Ellis later brought his trademark aggression, climbing the leaderboards with a thrilling restart maneuver. Within minutes, Ellis overtook the Pro-Am leader and dominated to secure a 16-second margin of victory.

“Jeff set the stage, and a late yellow flag allowed us to maximize our strategy,” shared Ellis. “It’s a fantastic way to start the season!”

Crown for CrowdStrike by Riley

Before Regulator’s Sunday win, CrowdStrike by Riley got Mercedes-AMG®’s victorious weekend rolling with a dominant performance in the GT America powered by AWS race on Saturday. George Kurtz piloted the No. 04 Mercedes-AMG® GT3 to a perfect start, leading every lap from the pole position to claim a flawless victory.

Kurtz also performed brilliantly in the GT World Challenge America races, securing two Pro-Am second-place finishes with co-driver Colin Braun.

“It’s a great feeling to win and share such a strong weekend with AMG® and my team,” Kurtz stated. “The car felt amazing, and Sonoma always brings out the best in it.”

Milestones in Pirelli GT4 America

While the AMG® GT3 teams dominated the GT3 series, Dome Motorsport represented Mercedes-AMG® in the Pirelli GT4 America series. They made steady progress in a competitive field of over 30 entries. Drivers Marc Miller and Eddie Killeen not only gained valuable experience but also secured a respectable top-10 finish in Sunday’s rainswept race.

“It was an incredible weekend of learning and improving,” Killeen said. “Sonoma’s unique terrain tested us, but we’re leaving motivated and ready for the rest of the season.”

What’s Next for Mercedes-AMG® Motorsport?

The action continues with the next chapter of the SRO America series at the Grand Prix of Long Beach (April 11–13), followed by a full schedule of GT World Challenge America and GT America racing at Circuit of The Americas (April 25–27).

With a powerful start to the season, Mercedes-AMG® Motorsport Customer Racing teams have their sights firmly set on championship glory. Whether it’s Grenier’s precision driving, Ellis’s aggressive finishes, or Kurtz’s flawless execution, one thing is clear—AMG® is driving motorsport excellence to new heights.

Stay tuned for all the updates, and follow the latest achievements and stories from the racing community. Together, we’ll experience the thrill of motorsport like never before.