Coming off a competitive showing in January’s season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona, the No. 48 Paul Miller Racing Audi R8 LMS, and team drivers Bryce Miller, Christopher Haase and Matt Bell, head to Sebring International Raceway this weekend primed for another top performance in Saturday’s 12 Hours of Sebring.
The team’s debut with the proven Audi R8 LMS at Daytona saw Haase win the pole in his very first start with Paul Miller Racing. With Haase’s fellow German standout Rene Rast also joining the team alongside Miller and Bell, the No. 48 led the GT Daytona (GTD) field for the majority of the first half of the Rolex 24. Only early morning overheating issues knocked the team from winning contention but the No. 48 is once again expected to be among the pacesetters in this weekend’s 12-hour contest.
Audi has never won in GT at Sebring and Paul Miller Racing is looking for its first victory in the grueling half-day race as well.
“It would of course be a very big honor to give Audi its first GT win at Sebring but also for our team in our very first year campaigning the R8,” Bryce Miller said. “We have not won this race yet and it ranks at the top of the list for endurance sports car racing. Many teams will choose to bring their cars from around the world to compete in this race for a win. It also serves as the ultimate test for any package. The harsh nature in these track conditions is unlike anywhere else and tests the driver and car to its very limit. That would make a victory at Sebring unlike anywhere else in the world.”
Haase and Bell will each be making their Sebring race debuts after first testing at the track last month.
“The official test was my first time at Sebring last month and this track has a big tradition,” Haase said. “To win here would be something special and would rank high like the 24 hour Daytona or 24 hour of Nürburgring. It would be a pleasure for me set a hook on my winning list!”
Bell is from England and no relation to American sports car driver Matt Bell, but he is the younger brother of Rob Bell who is also racing in the 12 Hours of Sebring this weekend.
“Although the R8 LMS has never raced at Sebring, Audi has a rich and successful history at the 12 hour with several overall victories, so it would be fantastic to add to that,” Bell said. “Audi’s past success also means there will be some expectation to perform this year, but I like the extra pressure that comes with representing such a successful manufacturer.”
While his debuting teammates are more than up to the task, Bryce Miller – son of team owner Paul Miller – is a Sebring veteran. He was part of the team’s sixth-place GT finish last year at Sebring.
“Normally a 12-hour race would not be as hard as a 24 hour, but with the challenges presented at Sebring I would say yes for this particular event,” Bryce Miller said. “I am very much looking forward to this week. I have two strong co-drivers I am honored to be paired with an Audi R8 and the best team!”
Haase has won the 24 Hours of Nürburgring sports car race back home in Germany. “Races are here for us to win and our goal is to be at the end of the race in first position,” Haase said. “For sure it would be a great honor for Audi as well for our Paul Miller Racing team if we would able to win, but it is a long way to go.”
Bell would reach a milestone in his young career with a victory on Saturday.
“Personally, a victory on Saturday would be the highlight of my career to date,” Bell said. “This is one of the biggest race events in the world, so I want a trophy from Sebring to sit in the center of my trophy cabinet!”