Champion Porsche Returns to Racing: Partners with AO Racing and Rexy for 2026 IMSA Season

Champion Porsche joins AO Racing as sponsor of the championship-winning Porsche 911 GT3 Rawr, Rexy. See how our motorsport heritage continues at the 2026 Rolex 24 At Daytona.

A Full Circle Moment: Champion Porsche and AO Racing Unite

Some partnerships just make sense. The chemistry is instant. The history aligns. The future looks fast.

That’s exactly what happened when Champion Porsche joined AO Racing as the newest sponsor of Rexy, the championship-winning Porsche 911 GT3 Rawr that captured the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD Pro title in 2024.

The announcement, made January 23, 2026, marks Champion Porsche’s return to top-tier motorsport sponsorship—and reconnects our South Florida roots with one of the most exciting teams in sports car racing today.


From South Florida Teenager to Team Principal: Gunnar Jeannette’s Champion Connection

The story begins decades ago in South Florida, where a young Gunnar Jeannette—now AO Racing’s Team Principal—grew up watching Champion Porsche dominate tracks across America.

“Bringing Champion Porsche on board Rexy for the 2026 season is a full circle moment for me,” Jeannette explained. “I grew up in South Florida with Champion running their iconic Porsche 993 GT2’s and GT1 cars… For AO Racing to be partnering with one of the most iconic Porsche Dealerships seems like a match made in heaven.”

That teenager, learning the ropes in Champion’s paddock, would grow up to lead a championship-winning team. Now he’s bringing Champion Porsche back to the track—this time as a partner.


The Champion Motorsport Legacy: More Than a Name

Champion Porsche’s motorsport arm, Champion Motorsport, carries one of the most respected résumés in professional sports car racing. Our track record speaks in championships, podium finishes, and one historic moment that defines excellence:

🏆 2005 24 Hours of Le Mans Overall Victory

That win at Le Mans—arguably the world’s most demanding motorsport event—capped a Champion Racing era defined by multiple IMSA championships, relentless preparation, and an uncompromising commitment to Porsche performance.

But Champion Motorsport’s expertise extends beyond the checkered flag. The lessons learned at 200 mph on the Mulsanne Straight translate directly to high-performance aftermarket components for Porsche road cars. Every Champion Motorsport product carries racing DNA—precision-engineered, track-tested, and road-legal.

That same philosophy of heritage meeting innovation drives AO Racing’s program. It’s why this partnership works.


Meet Rexy: The Prehistoric Predator of GTD Pro

If you don’t know Rexy, you haven’t been watching IMSA.

This isn’t your typical race car sponsorship. Rexy is a personality—a fan-favorite Porsche 911 GT3 Rawr that combines top-tier performance with, well, a bit of prehistoric presence.

The No. 77 Porsche 911 GT3 Rawr captured the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD Pro title through consistency, execution, and what the team calls “determined grit.” Rexy brings character to the paddock. But the results are pure modern motorsport: championship-caliber engineering and driving.

For 2026, Rexy wears Champion Porsche branding—applied personally by the dinosaur himself (naturally). The partnership debuts at this weekend’s Rolex 24 At Daytona, one of sports car racing’s biggest stages and the opening round of the IMSA season.


Why This Matters: Champion Porsche’s Motorsport DNA

At Champion Porsche, we don’t just sell Porsches. We live them. We race them. We win with them.

Our 22-acre campus in Pompano Beach, Florida—America’s largest Porsche Center—stands as a destination for enthusiasts who understand that Porsche ownership extends beyond the purchase. It’s about community. Heritage. The pursuit of performance.

This AO Racing partnership reinforces that commitment. When you buy a Porsche from Champion, you’re not just getting a vehicle. You’re connecting to a lineage that includes:

  • Le Mans-winning engineering
  • IMSA championship experience
  • Development of track-proven aftermarket components
  • A team that understands Porsche motorsport from the inside

See Rexy in Action: Rolex 24 At Daytona

The 2026 Rolex 24 At Daytona kicks off this weekend, and Rexy makes his Champion Porsche debut on one of motorsport’s most prestigious stages.

The Rolex 24 tests everything—speed, strategy, durability, and teamwork. For 24 hours, the world’s best sports car teams battle on Daytona’s high banks and infield road course. It’s the perfect place for Champion Porsche to return to racing.

Watch for the No. 77 Porsche 911 GT3 Rawr carrying Champion Porsche colors. Follow AO Racing’s progress throughout the IMSA season as Rexy defends that 2024 championship with our support.


Bring Motorsport Heritage to Your Porsche

Champion Motorsport’s racing expertise isn’t just for the track. We apply those lessons to high-performance components for your Porsche road car:

  • Exhaust systems developed from racing acoustics
  • Suspension components tested at the limit
  • Engine tuning derived from championship powertrains
  • Aerodynamic enhancements proven in competition

Visit our Pompano Beach showroom to explore Champion Motorsport products, or discuss how our racing heritage informs every Porsche we sell and service.


About Champion Porsche

Founded in 1988, Champion Porsche has long set the benchmark for excellence as America’s #1 Porsche Center by sales volume for 33 consecutive years. Our continually evolving 22-acre campus in Pompano Beach, Florida stands as a true destination for all things Porsche, powered by a team of passionate enthusiasts dedicated to the brand.

Motorsport is deeply woven into our DNA, shaped by a long-standing history with IMSA and a legacy defined by multiple wins and podium finishes during our Champion Racing era, culminating in our historic overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2005.

Visit us at: www.championporsche.com
Follow us: @championporsche on all social platforms


Stay Connected

Follow Rexy’s 2026 IMSA season with Champion Porsche:

  • AO Racing: @aoracing on social media
  • IMSA: imsa.com for race schedules and results
  • Champion Porsche: @championporsche for behind-the-scenes content

The 2026 season starts now. Let’s go racing.


Champion Porsche—Where racing heritage meets road car excellence. Established 1988.

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