Lizard Livery Returns to Pro Racing at Road America
For the first time in two years, the Flying Lizard Motorsports livery will return to a Porsche at a pro- racing event this weekend at Rounds 12 and 13 of the Pirelli World Challenge at Road America. As previously announced in February, Flying Lizard customer Andy Wilzoch would not only compete in the Porsche Club of America (PCA) race season, but also enter his Porsche 991 GT3 R in select Pirelli World Challenge events, competing in the GTA class.
After 15 years of racing at Road America with PCA, Wilzoch will make his Pirelli World Challenge debut this weekend in the GTA double header. To date, Wilzoch has eight overall wins at the 4.048-mile, 14 turn permanent road course.”
“I’m excited to be in a position to make this possible, and my expectations are for a podium finish,” said Wilzoch. “Pirelli World Challenge surely isn’t club racing, so I’ll need to adapt quickly to the rules and driver expectation in a pro racing.”
Wilzoch gained international attention in March when he made the decision to adorn his new Porsche in the traditional Lizard livery that debuted with the team in 2004, lasted through the team’s factory years and continued throughout its customer racing program.
“It was amazing. When we brought this car out, the fans went nuts,” said Law. “The Lizard brand is iconic in the sports car racing world and we have a very loyal following. We are proud of the championships we have won, and proud of our heritage. In 2014, we switched manufacturers and moved our branding to the Audi R8. Audi has been a great partner and we continue to work with them, but there is something special about our history with Porsche, so it’s nice to see the Lizard livery again in a professional race with Porsche.”
“I’ve been a Lizard fan since 2005, and I’ve always felt the livery belongs on a Porsche,” said Wilzoch. “I don’t have any commercial interest in racing, so it was fitting to show the proper colors on the car. The reaction has been overwhelming, but I didn’t realize the pressure it brings, as fans like the colors, but they also expect the car to win.”
Since joining Flying Lizard as a customer racer, Wilzoch also received coaching under former Lizard driver now Program Manager Darren Law. Law, with Crew Chief Tommy Sadler and Team Strategist took ownership from founder Seth Neiman in 2014, turning the brand into a successful customer racing program. In addition to overseeing the day to day of the team, Law also provides coaching to drivers in the customer program.
“I’ve raced in PCA for 18 years with quite a few teams for support and have finally found a home where the personalities, preparation, vast experience come together,” said Wilzoch. “I also never had a driver coach until I came to the Lizards, and Darren has been great getting me prepared for the next challenge.”
“It’s been great working with Andy as he continues to develop as a driver,” concluded Law. “This event is a big week for him, and to run our livery in a professional event is special for us as well. It really means a lot and we have to thank Andy for wanting to represent the brand in the upcoming races.”
For fans interested in representing the brand, Flying Lizard merchandise is still available via the team’s official website, as well as at IMSA WeatherTech Championship events.
The first official practice of the Pirelli World Challenge weekend at Road America begins Friday at 12:30PM CT. For full schedule information, visit world-challenge.com
