Winward Racing
The Winward #57 Mercedes-AMG GT3 won the GTD class at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2024 AND 2025 — back-to-back victories. In 2026, Russell Ward and Philip Ellis return chasing an extraordinarily rare third consecutive Sebring class win. Consecutive wins at the same track with the same team is a mark of mastery.
Race Entries
About Winward Racing
Winward Racing is an American motorsport team that has established itself as one of IMSA's most formidable GT operations through a partnership with Mercedes-AMG's North American motorsport program. The team fields two Mercedes-AMG GT3 cars simultaneously — one in GTD Pro and one in GTD — sharing engineering infrastructure, setup data, and strategic resources across both programs.
What makes Winward particularly compelling in 2026 is their track record at Sebring. The #57 GTD car won the class in 2024 and again in 2025, making Russell Ward and Philip Ellis genuine Sebring specialists. Track-specific mastery — knowing exactly where to push, where to save tires, how to manage the bumps, how to use the pit lane efficiently — is a real and significant competitive advantage at a circuit as demanding as Sebring International Raceway.
The Car: Mercedes-AMG GT3
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 is built by AMG — Mercedes-Benz's high-performance division — specifically for customer GT3 racing. It uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, developed from AMG's road car powertrains, producing significant power and strong torque delivery. The car has been one of the most consistently successful GT3 platforms globally, combining excellent aerodynamic balance, strong tire management characteristics, and well-developed technical support from AMG.
AMG's North American motorsport program works closely with US-based teams like Winward, providing factory engineers, development updates, and access to Luca Stolz — a top AMG factory driver in the GTD Pro entry.
Two Classes, One Garage
Running cars in both GTD Pro and GTD simultaneously gives Winward Racing a unique data advantage. Both cars run the same basic platform, so setup data from the #48 GTD Pro car — where the fastest professional drivers in the world are exploring the car's limits — can inform the #57 GTD setup and vice versa. The strategic intelligence gained from monitoring two cars through different phases of the same race is invaluable.
Scott Noble (USA) is an American GT professional competing at the top level of IMSA GT racing alongside factory driver Luca Stolz.
Jason Hart (USA) is an American GT professional who brings IMSA experience and consistency to the GTD Pro entry.
Luca Stolz (Germany) is a Mercedes-AMG Motorsport factory driver — one of AMG's top factory GT drivers globally. His speed and technical feedback are key to developing the car's setup, and his professional pedigree elevates the entire #48 program.
Russell Ward (USA) is one of IMSA's most exciting drivers and has proven himself at Sebring specifically. Two class victories at the same circuit in consecutive years marks him as one of the best at reading and managing this uniquely demanding track.
Philip Ellis (Switzerland) is Ward's co-driver and Sebring partner — their chemistry as a pairing has been a key ingredient in back-to-back victories. Ellis brings European GT experience and a complementary driving style.
Indy Dontje (Netherlands) is a Dutch professional driver who joins as the third driver for the 12-hour endurance format, sharing stints across the long event.
GTD Pro vs GTD
GTD Pro requires all-professional drivers. GTD allows gentleman drivers alongside professionals. Same cars — different competition levels. Learn more →