Conquest Racing with Ferrari is pleased to confirm their driver lineup for the upcoming 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. The Indianapolis-based team will be led by Manny Franco as the outfit prepares for its next chapter in the GTD Class with the Ferrari 296 GT3. The American driver will be accompanied by Cédric Sbirrazzuoli as the Monesgasque joins the outfit for the Endurance Cup events. Alessandro Balzan will also be returning to the team as he joins the driver lineup for the famed Rolex 24 at Daytona. Franco’s full season teammate will be announced at a later date. 

Franco has seen a great deal of progression within the Conquest Racing team over the past few years, previously competing in both the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli and GT World Challenge America championships. This will be Franco’s first season competing at this level, but he is no stranger to winning races, having previously triumphed at some of the most challenging race tracks in the United States. As a proven race winner and fierce competitor, he is eager to get the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season underway.

“It feels remarkable to be taking this next step in my racing career,” Manny Franco expressed. “The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is one of the most competitive and coveted racing series in the world, and to be competing in the GTD Class this upcoming year is a true testament to all the hard work that has been put into the Conquest Racing program. I could not be more excited for what’s to come, and I cannot wait to go racing at some of the most prestigious events in the world in the Ferrari 296 GT3.” 

Cédric Sbirrazzuoli will be joining the team in the four endurance races throughout the 2024 season, with the likes of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, Sahlen’s Six Hours Of The Glen, The Battle on the Bricks and Petit Le Mans. 

“I’m extremely happy to be continuing with Conquest Racing for another year, and especially in IMSA,” added Cédric Sbirrazzuoli. “It’s the best championship in the United States, and we have everything it takes to be able to compete for top results with the likes of a great line up and a great car. I’m looking forward to returning to IMSA, as my last time competing in the series was in 2017. I can’t wait to be back racing in these iconic events again.” 

Italian driver Alessandro Balzan will be completing the driver lineup for the first event of the season, the famed Rolex 24 at Daytona. Balzan is no stranger to the team, having co-driven alongside Manny Franco the year prior, with the duo securing two wins and two podium finishes together in 2023.

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to race with Manny again,” echoed Alessandro Balzan. “It will be very special to be competing with him in his very first 24 hour endurance race, and as for myself, this will be my eighth attempt to go around the clock at the famous Daytona International Speedway. We have a strong car and a great lineup, and I’m very confident that Conquest Racing will be able to achieve great things.” 

Franco’s full-time teammate will be announced at a later date.