Tom Sargent is no longer just a substitute driver for Wright Motorsports. He gets the wheel for the full 2027 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. The 25-year-old Australian replaces Callum Ilott to partner with team owner Adam Adelson in the #120 Porsche 911 GT3 R. This shift marks a clear move toward stability and chemistry over a fresh roster. DailySportsCar confirmed the promotion on November 11, 2026, ending two years of Sargent as an endurance-only specialist.
Wright Motorsports has seen enough of Sargent to trust him with a full season. Following his contribution to podium finishes at Sebring and Watkins Glen in 2026, the team recognizes his worth. These results show he can handle the pressure of the biggest races. The team now wants that consistency across every single round of the championship.
A Calculated Move for the Title
The decision to keep the core together makes sense for a team chasing a crown. Adelson and Sargent have already shown they work well together on the track. A difficult opening at Daytona preceded their seventh-place result in the GTD standings last year. Watkins Glen saw a second-place finish while Sebring yielded third place as they rebounded. This bounce-back proves the pairing can handle adversity. Adelson sees this as a natural next step for a driver he has watched grow. “The growth of Wright Motorsports over the past few seasons has been incredibly rewarding, and I am excited about what lies ahead for us in 2027,” said Adelson. He added that having Sargent for the full season is something he is particularly looking forward to.
Sargent is ready to take the leap from part-time to full-time. He spent his first two years learning the series and the car. Now he has the experience to compete for wins every weekend. “I will be returning for my third year now with Wright Motorsports, but this time as their full-time IMSA driver. To say I’m excited is an understatement,” said Sargent. He noted that both he and Adelson have improved a lot. The pair aims to build on their past accomplishments and fight for the championship. This is not a gamble on a rookie. It is a promotion of a driver who has already earned his spot.
Why the Full-Time Role Matters Now
Full-time drives in IMSA are rare and hard to get. Most drivers jump between teams or sit out endurance rounds. Sargent staying with one team for the whole season gives Wright Motorsports a major edge. Continuity allows for better setup work and race strategy. The team has won five IMSA races and holds championships in multiple series. They need a driver who can deliver those results week in and week out. Sargent has the talent to do just that. He won the first and last races of 2026 and finished runner-up in the LMGT3 championship.
The team’s leadership sees this as a key step forward. The goal is to fight for wins and a championship in 2027. Adelson has high expectations for the team and himself. He believes the foundation is strong enough to handle the pressure. “We have built a strong foundation with a talented group of people who share the same commitment to competing at the highest level,” Adelson said. He has seen firsthand how much Sargent has grown as a driver.
The 2027 season kicks off with the Rolex 24 At Daytona. That race will be the first real test of this new full-time lineup. Sargent brings runner-up finishes from Daytona in previous years. He knows the track and the pressure of the season opener. The team hopes this experience translates into a victory.
