Conquest Racing With Ferrari is returning to the West Coast for the fourth round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, as the team takes on WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for the renowned MOTUL Course de Monterey from May 10th to 12th. Teammates Manny Franco and Albert Costa Balboa will be tackling the sweeping hills of the California-based circuit in the #34 Corsa Horizon Ferrari 296 GT3 as they continue to carry strong momentum through their championship campaign.
Nestled in the hills of central California, the 2.238 mile, 11-turn road course is known for its plunging corners and elevation changes, and has stood the test of time as one of the most thrilling circuits in North America since 1957. The first-ever race at the track was won by a Ferrari, and Conquest Racing is seeking to add themselves to the list of the circuit’s rich history of victors.
The team has had a strong start to the 2024 season, and after three rounds they currently sit third in the GTD Class standings with 765 points. Their consistency and ability to deliver top results across Qualifying sessions and race finishes has solidified them as championship title contenders.
“I have been looking forward to competing at Laguna Seca with Conquest Racing all season,” said Manny Franco. “This track is so special for so many reasons, and we as a team have proven that we have the ability to challenge for top results at each round, no matter the setting, and I think this race will be no different.”
“The previous result at Long Beach wasn’t a full reflection of our abilities,” he explained. “Things didn’t quite go our way, but our performance overall throughout the weekend was strong, and we know we can carry over that speed and competitiveness into this round and improve upon it.”
“I’m excited to be checking this track off my list” added Albert Costa Balboa. “It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to race at Laguna Seca. I’ve always enjoyed watching the Moto GP events there, and I can’t wait to experience the famous Corkscrew corner for myself this time.”
“The target is simple,” he continued. “We are going into this round with the same mentality we have been working with throughout the season so far. Our aim is to keep showing the speed we have. There was a lot of potential for a strong result in the previous race at Long Beach, and although luck wasn’t on our side, we know we have what it takes to get a better result this time around. I’m ready, the team and Manny are ready, we’re going to go for it and the best is still to come.”
The team will take to the track for Practice 1 on Friday, May 10th, at 1:15 PM PDT, with Practice 2 taking place the following day on Saturday, May 11th at 9:15 AM PDT. The Qualifying session will occur later that same day at 4:35 PM local time. The green flag for the MOTUL Course de Monterey will wave at 12:10 PM PDT on Sunday, May 12th to start the 2h40min race.