The No. 96 Turner Motorsports BMW GT4 during the BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona (Photo: Tyson Gifford)
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Turner Motorsports has confirmed their two car lineup for the 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Campaign, announcing a four-pack of former series champions to pilot their pair of BMW M4 GT4 EVOs.
The No. 95 car will see 2017 series champion Dillon Machavern be paired up with the defending GS class champion Luca Mars, who makes the move over from RS1 for 2026.
Mars, at just 19-years-old, has won in just about every level of the IMSA ladder he’s stepped into since 2023. A seven time GSX class winner in the VP Sportscar Challenge series which included sweeping the weekends at both Daytona International Speedway and Virginia International Raceway en route to the 2024 championship as well as three wins and 2025’s GS class championship alongside Jan Heylen for the aforementioned RS1.
Mars stated “I’m really looking forward to joining Turner Motorsport. They’ve been around for a while and have had success with the BMW so I’m looking forward to getting in the car at Daytona. I’ve raced against Dillon many times, and he’s a good competitor so I’m excited to be racing with him. The goal is obviously to win another championship, but also just being with the team and learning the car.”
As for his teammate Machavern, the 2017 GS class champion returns for his third straight season in the N0. 95 machine in a campaign to add on to his seven wins and 15 podiums in the class.
Machavern stated “This is my eight season competing with Turner Motorsport. Will always puts together an awesome line-up, and this season is no different. I’m excited to have Luca join the team. He knows what it takes to win, and is a welcomed addition.”
As for the sister No. 96 BMW it will be the 2023 championship winning pair of Vin Barletta and Robby Foley returning to the seat.
For Barletta, it sees a return to full time Michelin Pilot Challenge competition after a half campaign in 2025.
As for Foley, it is season number eight with the team as the BMW works driver will be competing in both Michelin Pilot Challenge and the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Series seasons. He stated “I’m really excited to be back racing in GS with Vin. I’m really passionate about this series, and we’ve had a lot of success in the past, so I’m hoping to pick up where we left off in 2023.”
The long time IMSA team owner Will Turner also stated “I’m excited to bring four GS champions together. It’s a strong line up and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do in 2026. My crew is the best and we have the talent behind the wheel so I’m hoping the two can get the job done. Daddy needs some al pastor!”
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