Few circuits on the SRO America calendar hold as much meaning for Adam Adelson as the renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway. For the 2024 GT World Challenge America powered by AWS Pro class champion, the iconic Brickyard has been a source of both heartbreak and redemption, continuously serving as a place that has tested him in every way imaginable.
As he prepares to make his return for another shot at glory in this year’s rendition of the Indianapolis 8 Hour, he reflected on the turbulent relationship he has had with this venue.
“Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been a really up and down track for me,” Adelson recalled. “I've had really horrendous races there and thankfully, as of late, I've had a lot of success. I lost three separate championships in a row across 2022 and 2023 at Indianapolis—one in GT America, one in GT4 America, and one in GT World Challenge America Pro-Am—with every championship-ending occurrence being something out of our control. This is a track that has caused me so much turmoil in my racing career. So to have it turn into probably the track that I've had the most success at is a dream come true.”
That turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable. Last season, Adelson and his Wright Motorsports squad stormed to victory in the Indianapolis 8 Hour, clinching the Pro class win in one of the most competitive endurance events in North America. This weekend, Adelson returns to the Racing Capital of the World with the same trusted driver lineup of Elliott Skeer and Laurin Heinrich in the No. 120 Wright Motorsports Porsche 992 GT3 R.
“Having been on the podium multiple times here now, including wins, it kind of solidifies all of the hard work that has gone into improving myself as a driver, and all of the effort from my co-drivers and the team,” said Adelson. “The continued success now is starting to feel like we’re the team to beat whenever we race at Indianapolis. That’s a really cool feeling.”
Adelson’s collaboration with Skeer is one rooted in years of growth and mutual trust. The pair’s relationship began with Skeer as Adelson’s coach, and has evolved into one of genuine friendship, respect, and consistency.
“Elliott has been my longtime coach and co-driver,” Adelson added. “As much as he’s taught me, it’s also been really cool to watch him grow and evolve, and to start reaching his full potential as a racer.”
Alongside them is German driver Laurin Heinrich, whose energy and precision have certainly made a lasting impression on an international scale.
“Laurin is one of the very best GT drivers in the world,” Adelson continued. “He’s young, enthusiastic, and more motivated than anyone I know. We race in two different GT classes in another series, and we’re often sharing ideas and tips throughout the weekend. It’s an absolute pleasure getting to work with him and learn from him.”
The success of the program has not gone unnoticed. Now also serving as Team Owner at Wright Motorsports, he’s seen firsthand how the team’s results have turned them into a destination for top talent and ambitious drivers looking to compete at the highest level.
“I think the success that we’ve had at Indy over our past three outings has definitely made it so people who are coming to race at the Indy 8 Hour, who want to be in a Porsche, also want to race under the Wright Motorsports banner,” Adelson explained. “That’s just a testament to the success we’ve had and how amazing everyone on the team is in terms of development and constant improvement.”
That growth extends beyond domestic competition. Wright Motorsports has represented the United States on the world stage, taking on marquee events like the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa and the Nürburgring 3 Hour, experiences that have reaffirmed the team’s place among global GT racing’s elite.
“When we went to Spa and Nürburgring, we got to see how we stack up against the most competitive GT3 fields in the world,” Adelson stated. “We quickly realized that we can compete at any level of GT3 racing, anywhere. That was a huge morale boost for the team. We really feel at our core that we are one of the very best Porsche GT3 teams in the entire world.”
As Adelson and Wright Motorsports prepare to return to Indianapolis, there’s an unmistakable sense of momentum behind them. What was once a track of heartbreak has become a proving ground for one of SRO America’s most determined competitors and reigning champions.
“It’s just amazing to keep getting that validation for all of the hard work everyone on the team has put in,” Adelson concluded. “To be coming back to Indianapolis, as the defending Pro class winners, and to do it again with the same lineup, is really special. It’s where everything has come full circle.”
To watch Wright Motorsports in action from October 16th to 18th, buy your Indy 8 Hour tickets now!