Pfaff Motorsports Overview
Pfaff Motorsports is a Canadian sports car racing team based in Toronto, competing in the GTD Pro class of the IMSA SportsCar Championship. Founded originally as H.J. Pfaff Motors in 1964, the team has a rich history in North American racing and is currently led by Chris Pfaff as president and CEO, with Steve Bortolotti serving as general manager. The team is recognized for its distinctive plaid livery and has campaigned manufacturers including Porsche, McLaren, and Lamborghini.
Founding and Organizational Origins
Pfaff Motorsports traces its origins to 1964 when Hans J. Pfaff founded H.J. Pfaff Motors, a Volkswagen dealership that added Porsche to its offerings in 1966. The team’s foundation was built on a passion for motorsports and automotive excellence, establishing a strong presence in Canadian racing circles. Chris Pfaff, son of the founder, took control of the business in 1986, guiding the team’s evolution into competitive motorsports under the Pfaff Motorsports banner.
Growth Into IMSA Competition
Pfaff Motorsports expanded its racing footprint over the decades, competing in various North American series such as the Sports Car Championship Canada and the Canadian Touring Car Championship. The team joined the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2019, marking a significant step into international sports car racing. With factory support from Porsche Motorsport North America and leadership from General Manager Steve Bortolotti, Pfaff established itself as a competitive force in the GTD Pro class.
Pfaff Motorsports Competitive Journey
Pfaff Motorsports has steadily progressed through multiple racing series, developing from regional Canadian competitions to prominent international events. Their journey includes success in one-make Porsche series, Pirelli World Challenge, and ultimately the IMSA SportsCar Championship, showcasing adaptability and growth.
Early Seasons and Development (1986–2018)
The team campaigned a Porsche 944 in the inaugural Rothmans Porsche Challenge in 1986, securing the championship with Scott Goodyear in 1988. Pfaff remained active in this series until its conclusion in 1990. In the 2010s, Pfaff competed in the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Canada series until 2019, building a strong foundation in Porsche racing. The team also entered the Pirelli World Challenge in 2018, supported by Porsche Motorsport NA and featuring drivers like Scott Hargrove.
Breakthrough in IMSA (2019–2023)
Pfaff Motorsports made its IMSA SportsCar Championship debut in 2019, campaigning a Porsche 911 GT3 R in the GTD Pro class. The team participated in marquee events such as the 24 Hours of Daytona, though the 2020 season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting their participation. Despite challenges, Pfaff maintained competitive presence and developed young talent, including coaching Zach Vanier to a Canadian Touring Car Championship title. The team became known for its unique plaid Porsche livery, a creative identity born from team culture. In 2023, Pfaff transitioned to McLaren, running a 720S GT3 Evo with a ghost plaid livery aligned with McLaren’s colors, marking a new chapter in their IMSA campaign.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2023–Present)
In 2023, Pfaff Motorsports switched manufacturers from Porsche to McLaren, competing officially in the GTD Pro class with the 720S GT3 Evo. The team’s leadership under Chris Pfaff and General Manager Steve Bortolotti continues to focus on competitive excellence and technical innovation. Looking ahead to 2025, Pfaff plans to compete with a Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo 2, returning to their full plaid livery and aiming to strengthen their position in IMSA. The team’s infrastructure and partnerships reflect a commitment to long-term success in North American sports car racing.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
Pfaff Motorsports emphasizes a blend of technical precision, driver development, and distinctive team identity. Their strategic approach leverages manufacturer support and experienced leadership to excel in endurance racing and sprint formats, with a particular strength in GTD Pro competition.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key moments include Scott Goodyear’s 1988 Rothmans Porsche Challenge championship, the team’s IMSA debut in 2019, and the creative adoption of the plaid livery that has become synonymous with Pfaff’s brand. The manufacturer switches to McLaren in 2023 and Lamborghini in 2025 highlight the team’s adaptive strategy and ambition.
Pfaff Motorsports Achievements and Results
Pfaff Motorsports has accumulated a respected record in North American sports car racing, with championship wins and strong performances across multiple series. Their achievements reflect steady growth and competitive resilience.
IMSA SportsCar Championship Achievements
Since joining IMSA in 2019, Pfaff has competed consistently in the GTD Pro class, participating in premier endurance events including the 24 Hours of Daytona and Petit Le Mans. While the team has yet to secure a championship in IMSA, their presence and performance have established them as a notable competitor.
Conference and Divisional Achievements
Pfaff’s history in Canadian and North American racing includes success in regional series such as the Canadian Touring Car Championship, where they supported young drivers to championship titles. Their development programs have contributed to the growth of Canadian motorsport talent.
Series Achievements
The team’s championship in the Rothmans Porsche Challenge in 1988 and strong showings in the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Canada series underscore their longstanding competitiveness in one-make and GT racing series. Pfaff’s adaptability to various racing formats and manufacturers has been a hallmark of their success.
