PHOENIX, Ariz., (August 12, 2024) — Following a challenging season in the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS sports car racing championship and discontent with results, Elias Sabo will change manufacturers from racing his Aston Martin Vantage GT3 to the BMW M4 GT3 for the remainder of the 2024 race season.

“The beginning of the 2024 season has presented several unforeseen challenges,” said Sabo. “Despite our best efforts, certain circumstances beyond our control arose, which has led to my decision. For my personal development as a driver and to enhance the overall racing experience, I have decided that a change is necessary. I have long admired BMW for their exceptional products and their competitiveness on the global stage. I am enthusiastic about embarking on this new partnership and excited about the opportunities it holds for the future.”

This mid-season manufacturer swap makes every second critical as the team prepares for the remaining races of the 2024 race season. The BMW arrived last week at the team’s Phoenix-based shop at Apex Motor Club in Phoenix, Arizona, and the team immediately began preparing for a shakedown and on-track test.

“This transition marks a significant change for our program within a brief period,” stated Program Manager Darren Law. “Switching manufacturers mid-season is a complex task due to the numerous factors involved. While it is regrettable that Elias and Andy will not continue with the current platform, we are eager to embark on this new chapter with BMW. Their collaboration has been invaluable in facilitating this transition, and their vehicles demonstrate remarkable performance. We are enthusiastic about beginning and fostering a strong relationship with them.”

The Flying Lizard BMW M4 GT3 will make its debut at Road America on the weekend of August 16 to 18 in rounds nine and 10 of the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS.

“BMW M Motorsport is delighted to welcome Flying Lizard Motorsports to the BMW family,” said Adam McGregor, BMW NA Motorsport & Customer Racing Manager. “Well known to us as champions and fierce competitors, we look forward to seeing them line up in SRO competition this year with the BMW M4 GT3. BMW of North America’s Customer Racing program continues to go from strength to strength and it is very exciting that the Lizards will make the BMW M Sports Trophy a little tougher to win.”

On behalf of Sabo, Flying Lizard will sell the pair of Aston Martin Vantage GT3 race cars, and interested parties can contact the team directly.

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About Flying Lizard Motorsports
Based out of Sonoma, California, Flying Lizard Motorsports is one of the most iconic sports car teams in motorsports, having celebrated ten driver and team championships, as well as competed internationally at the 24 Hours of Le Mans eight times.

The Lizards burst on the American Le Mans Series scene in 2004, competing in the GT class until 2012. In 2013, the team moved to the GTC class, still competing in legendary events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona. In 2014, the team expanded its program to include running two Audi R8 LMS in the TUDOR Championship, and in 2015, again expanded the program to include two Porsches in Porsche Club racing. Flying Lizard closed out the season with a dominating win at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill with Toyo Tires, a win they repeated in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The 2020 season proved the team’s most successful to date, earning four titles in the GT4 America championship. Flying Lizard Motorsports has proven to be a championship contender no matter the race series or race car. For more information, visit lizardms.com.