Manny Franco, Albert Costa, Lorenzo Patrese Return

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (November 9, 2026) – Entering the team’s 30th anniversary of competition, Conquest Racing is proud to confirm their full-season entry into the 2027 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Continuing in the No. 34 Corsa Horizon Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO, the team will compete in their fourth season of the GTD category with returning drivers Manny Franco and Albert Costa Balboa, as well as Lorenzo Patrese for the endurance rounds.

“I’m excited to return for a full season,” stated Franco. “Conquest Racing has been instrumental in ushering me into the sport, and I still feel as though we have unfinished business in this championship. Having stepped away for several races in 2026, I’ve enjoyed watching the team re-develop over the year, and it really seems that all the ingredients are there push for results every weekend.”

Despite a relatively late career start in motorsport, Manny has met motorsport with near immediate success. Debuting in the single-make Ferrari Challenge series in 2021, within two years the Wisconsin-native was already a proven winner in professional competition, taking multiple victories in GT World Challenge.

Making his IMSA debut in 2024, Franco and Conquest took a podium together on their first attempt at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, followed by a similar feat at Watkins Glen five months later. Bettering their efforts, Franco and Conquest would close the season with an incredible milestone victory at the season-ending Petit Le Mans. The following season would add three additional podiums to the tally, followed by an additional at this year’s Long Beach Grand Prix before stepping away due to scheduling concerns.

For 2027, the aim for Conquest and Franco is even higher, with additional victory and championship aspirations on target.”

For team owner Eric Bachelart, entering a seventh year of partnership is a great testament to the relationship between everyone.

“Having Manny back is something we’re all very excited about,” stated Eric. “From his debut with us it was clear that he had a lot of talent, and it is very rewarding to see him continue with us into our seventh year together. The level of competition in IMSA right now is as high as it’s ever been, and if we’re going to target the objectives we all have, we need to execute on every detail to maximize the program.”

With consistency considered a key part of the performance, Albert Costa will continue in his role as Manny’s full-season co-driver, while Lorenzo Patrese will continue in an endurance role.

Costa, who has partnered with Manny through four of his podiums, including victory, will continue in a leading role with the team. Also looking to the future with a championship focus, the Catalan is confident in the team.

“I’m extremely happy to be back with Conquest Racing for another year. After four years together, this is more than just a team to me—it’s family,” stated Albert. “After the bad luck we experienced last season, I’m grateful and excited to have another opportunity to show what we’re capable of. I truly believe this is the best group of mechanics and engineers I’ve ever worked with in my career. I’m also really excited to be sharing the car with Manny Franco again next season. I’ve always loved racing alongside him and we’ve already shared some incredible moments together. It’s time to show everyone what we’re capable of. It’s showtime!”

Also returning in 2027, Lorenzo Patrese will reclaim his role as an endurance specialist. At the beginning of 2026, Lorenzo had held the same role until receiving a call-up in May to step-in for Manny as a full-season driver. Since that time the young Italian has continued to gain laps in his career, not only netting a pole position and multiple front-row starts in the process, but earning a reputation as a consistent front-runner.

“I’m extremely happy and grateful to be returning to Conquest Racing for another season,” stated Patrese. “Even though it’s only been a few weeks since our last race, I’m already missing being behind the wheel and can’t wait to get back on track at Daytona. It’s also fantastic to have Manny Franco back alongside Albert and myself, bringing our driver lineup together again. I’m really looking forward to reuniting with both of them and continuing what we’ve started together. We have a strong team, a great group of people, and the determination to make next season a successful one.”

With the off-season well underway, all focus now goes toward January’s season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona. With high championship hopes, the current months will be anything but “off” for the Conquest Racing group, with a multitude of tests, team preparations and additional projects in the works as they seek to maximize every detail.

Official 2027 activities will begin on Friday, January 22 with the Roar Before the Rolex 24 pre-season test, followed by the season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona taking place from January 30-31.