The 2022 Fanatec GT World Challenge America Pro-Am Champions Ashton Harrison and Mario Farnbacher reunite at Sonoma Raceway this weekend to kick off their 2023 campaign in the No. 93 Harrison Contracting Company Acura NSX GT3 Evo22. The duo, who will compete in the Pro class this season with Racers Edge Motorsports and Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport, scored their first full-season podium together at Sonoma Raceway, with a second-place finish at this same race last year.

As they start their second full season together, Harrison and Farnbacher have transitioned from their original coach-student role and solidified their partnership with four wins and multiple podiums in 2022, leading to their championship. This year will bring changes to that dynamic, despite the consistency of team and drivers, as the two navigate a competitive Pro class in their RELY on Red Acura NSX. The class designation represents another step in her career for Ashton Harrison, as she continues to grow her talent in the GT3 machinery.

The 2023 Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS season premiere at Sonoma Raceway kicks off with several days of testing before official practice sessions on Friday, March 31. The green flag flies at the 2.51 mile, 12 turn track on Saturday, April 1 at 3:05pm and Sunday, April 2, at 2:15pm, both Pacific Standard Time.

Ashton Harrison:

“I’m really excited to be back with Mario and Racers Edge Motorsports in GT World Challenge America. I’m ready to start the 2023 season at Sonoma and to see how far we’ve progressed in the last year, as we get ready to compete in the Pro class, which is a big step for me, but I feel that I’ve made big strides and I’m ready to take on the challenge. There’s no better person to do that with than Mario. I’m excited to really get to work and thankful for Racers Edge Motorsports and Honda/HPD Racing for providing the opportunities for myself and Mario, with the support from Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport and Harrison Contracting Company. I’m looking forward to success and continuing to grow and learn as a driver.”

Mario Farnbacher:

“I’m really looking forward to the GT World Challenge America kickoff in Sonoma. Hopefully we can start off this season the way we finished last year. We will have a different approach this season since we’re competing in the Pro class. That’s a game changer, but we’ll still prepare for the weekends the same way. We just need to do our thing, focus on the car and setup and get better every session. I’m really excited to be back with Racers Edge Motorsports and with Ashton in the No 93 Harrison Contracting Acura NSX GT3 Evo22. I’m grateful for the support of Honda/HPD Racing, WTRAndretti and Harrison Contracting. Our main goal is success, and we’re still focused on the podium.”

About Harrison Contracting Harrison Contracting Company, Inc. (HCC) is a commercial painting and facility maintenance contracting company headquartered in Villa Rica, GA with divisional offices in Florida and Texas. HCC provides repainting/reimaging and facility maintenance services nationwide, and new construction painting across the southeastern US. At HCC, red is more than the company color, its culture. RED stands for Reliable, Experienced, and Diligent, and is the cornerstone for all we do. We are more than just your painter; we are your partner.

About the HPD Driver Academy Program

The Honda Performance Development (HPD) Driver Academy Program was developed to enable qualified racers to accelerate their racing career via ‘on-track’ and ‘off-track’ training from experienced Acura/Honda professional drivers, HPD-supported teams, and HPD personnel. The program includes sessions in the championship winning Acura NSX GT3 Evo or Honda Civic Type R TCR teaching the special knowledge and various skills required for professional sports car racing. The program is available by application-only and is limited to eight students per year.

About Honda Performance Development

Honda Performance Development, Inc., (HPD) has a rich heritage creating, manufacturing, and supporting Honda Racing and Acura Motorsports customers since 1993 from pinnacle racing in INDYCAR and IMSA to commercial racing programs. HPD is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and leads all of Honda and Acura’s high-performance racing programs in North America, specializing in the design and development of race engines, chassis and performance parts, as well as technical and race support.