Daytona Beach, Florida - Alegra Motorsports is making a statement as it starts a quest toward back-to-back championships in the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin.

 

The team just announced the addition of driver Spencer Pigot to its already impressive lineup for the series, growing to five drivers - team principal Carlos de Quesada, Tim Sanderson, Keith Bass, Chuck Harris and Pigot. The 2014 season opens with two rounds May 17-18 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.

 

Alegra is the largest team in the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge by Michelin paddock. This will provide more information for every driver on the team and also will give Alegra more chances to score championship points.

 

Tampa, Florida-based Alegra won the Platinum Cup Team Championship by one point and the Gold Cup team championship by four points last season.

 

"The goal is to win," said Darren Thompson, Alegra client services director. "Alegra has an eclectic group of determined winners in the drivers' seats, providing us with a competitive edge. We're planning on going up there, winning this again, and it's game on."

De Quesada, from Odessa, Florida, climbs to the Platinum Cup this season after winning the Gold Cup championship last season in the series. He is rejoined by Pigot in the Platinum Cup.

 

Pigot, 20, from Pasadena, California, opened the 2013 season with a pole, victory and runner-up finish at Canadian Tire Motorsort Park before focusing on his open-wheel pursuits for the rest of the season.

 

This year, Pigot and Alegra struck a deal that allows Pigot to compete in all 10 rounds of the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin and continue to race in Pro Mazda open-wheel competition. Pigot is unbeaten this season in four rounds of Pro Mazda.

 

"Spencer Pigot came about almost coincidentally," Alegra team manager Andy Greene said. "We were in talks with other drivers, but none were what we were looking for. Spencer called, said his schedule was clear, and here he is today. He is a fierce competitor, and we are hoping to help him secure a Driver Championship in the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin."

 

Sanderson, from Pickering, Ontario, will compete for Alegra in the Gold Cup in the No. 07 Porsche GT3 Cup car.

 

"He drives with smooth aggression," Greene said of Sanderson. "This style will add flair to our team, reflect on the other drivers and positively translate into wins."

 

Bass and Harris are new faces this season for Alegra in Silver Cup. Both are Tampa Bay-area residents who live near the team's shop. While they are new to the series, they boast solid racing resumes.

 

Alegra provided the opportunity for Bass and Harris to race in the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin after meeting at a Historic SportsCar Racing event at Sebring International Raceway.

 

"Chuck and Keith are both competitive and active in motorsports," Greene said. "It was a great match from day one. The have the willingness to compete. They are eager to learn and have the capabilities of going faster."

 

Alegra has had impressive support from various sponsors to enable expansion. Vitalz.com and iceresponse24.com provide strong support to de Quesada's Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car. Alegra also will continue its relationship with Buy Direct Telecom and Norcomm.net, as well as IDEAL Tridon and Tungco. The team also has added sponsorships with Huckinsyacht.com and IndependentTuning.ca.

 

"We have some great sponsors coming back for another season with us," Thompson said. "We are thankful for their continued support. We are also excited about our new partnerships and grateful that they are not only supporting us but the continued success of this series."

 

Alegra Motorsports races in multiple series but is focusing intensely on the defense of its Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin titles. More drivers translate into more learning and more opportunities to be at the top of the podium.

 

"Logistically, the Porsche GT3 Cup Canada is a perfect dream," Greene said. "The schedule is convenient and the season is fast and close, just like our drivers. Everyone has input, and everyone is just supportive of each other."