With the Pirelli World Challenge in full swing headed to this weekend’s double-header at Barber Motorsports Park, Global Motorsports Group’s Alec Udell will head to the scenic Birmingham, Alabama circuit with a new look and intensified focus on the GT-Cup category championship. Revising his No. 17 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup to carry the same signature colors as his GT category teammate James Sofronas, Alec’s all-new blue livery looks to re-energize the team as they head in to the busy mid-season. Sofronas, meanwhile, has a schedule conflict that will force him to sit out this weekend’s event.

“I absolutely love this new look,” stated the Woodlands, Texas native. “I’m very excited to fly the GMG colors on the Porsche Cup Car. It’s been a few weeks for our class, so I can’t wait to get back in the seat and race hard at Barber, a track that is a blast to drive. We should have a competitive package in store, and with the real championship swing in front of us, I want to show well for all of our partners at Euroworld Motorsports, M Performance, Panther Pipeline and Amsource Capital. The guys have been working very hard to get us prepared, and I’m confident we can deliver.”

Following the first four rounds, Udell has proven to be a constant challenger at every event. Boasting not only one victory, but podiums in every event so far in 2016, the 20-year old currently sits second in GT-Cup category standings, facing what looks to be a very tightly contested championship. Knowing that victories will be the key to ensuring his title challenge, all focus for this weekend’s events will be on taking the top step of the podium.

Last year’s event served as a bit of a comeback for the Clemson University engineering student. Having sat out the two previous rounds due to extensive car damage, Alec returned to Barber with a completely rebuilt car, unsure of what to expect as he headed in to the weekend. Making instant work of the 2.38-mile, 15-turn circuit, Udell was immediately on pace, scoring repeat podium finishes and proving that he was right back where he left off.

With the team continuing to find improvements and speed with every weekend, the crew at GMG is cautiously optimistic on the weekend’s potential, with a full understanding that victories will be vital to regain his championship lead.

Official practice begins tomorrow, April 22, with Race One taking place at 2:45PM ET on Saturday, April 23. Race Two will follow the next day at 10:15AM, with live coverage at world-challenge/streamvideo