By SEMA News Editors
Porsche 911 Models With Manthey Kit Set Benchmark Times at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
The 911 GT2 RS (991.2)––equipped with the optional Manthey Kit and road-legal, Porsche-approved Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R N0 tires––has set a benchmark lap time of 1:22.649 minutes at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, beating the previous production car lap record by 0.2 seconds.
Taking advantage of the upgrades to suspension and aerodynamics, the '19 911 GT2 RS made a 2.2-second improvement over the standard model, which was lapped at the same track on the same model of tire in 2019.
Porsche brand ambassador and former factory racer Joerg Bergmeister was at the wheel and reflected on the impressive performance.
"Even almost 10 years after its introduction, the power delivery of the twin-turbo flat-six engine is still thrilling. The enhancements to chassis and increased amount of downforce allowed me to carry speed deep into the corners and accelerate early, giving me great confidence, which is also a benefit for regular drivers who take to the track."
Watch on YouTube: Onboard the Porsche 911 GT2 RS with Manthey Kit lap at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta (via YouTube)
With up to 2,200 lbs. of downforce, the '25 911 GT3 RS (992.1) lapped Road Atlanta in just 1:23.932 minutes, becoming the fastest naturally-aspirated production car at the track.
"The downforce of this car is simply incredible," said racer Bergmeister. "Cornering speeds are on the level of GT-class race cars. The suspension soaks up curbs really well and helps to extract the maximum potential from this impressive package and the braking is on another level."
Watch on YouTube: Onboard the Porsche 911 GT3 RS with Manthey Kit lap at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
The latest 911 GT3 (992.2) with Manthey Kit also demonstrated its track-focused prowess, clocking a 1:24.639 time––making it 1.8 seconds faster than the 2022 911 GT3, which registered a time of 1:26.46 minutes several years ago.
Watch on YouTube: Onboard the Porsche 911 GT3 with Manthey Kit lap at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
All Manthey Kits are available via Manthey-certified Porsche Centers throughout the United States.
Bonnier Recruits New Leadership Team for Motorsports & Outdoor Group
Bonnier LLC has announced the appointments of Matt Hickman as managing director and Krystal Loy as marketing director of the company's Motorsports & Outdoor Group, which includes several of the industry's consumer event brands, including Sand Sports Super Show, Off-Road Expo, Street Machine Nationals and Open Season Sportsman's Expo.
In his new role, Hickman will oversee strategic direction, operations, revenue growth and long-term portfolio development across the group's live events and enthusiast brands.
Loy will lead audience development, digital marketing, event promotion and integrated marketing strategy across the portfolio.
"Matt and Krystal each bring deep experience in enthusiast-driven markets where community, experiential engagement and commercial execution all matter tremendously," said David Ritchie, Bonnier CEO. "Matt has a long track record of building and scaling event brands, including many of the same franchises within this portfolio, while Krystal brings a modern, highly accountable approach to experiential marketing and audience growth. Together, they position the group extremely well for its next phase of growth."
Hickman brings more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning consumer events, trade shows, enthusiast media and experiential marketing. Most recently, he served as executive vice president and managing director at THM Media, where he helped generate more than $8 million in new revenue while expanding the company's experiential events platform.
Previously, Hickman spent more than 15 years at Bonnier Corporation and World Publications, ultimately serving as senior vice president and managing director. During that time, he oversaw many of the same enthusiast brands now operating within the Motorsports & Outdoor Group, including Sand Sports Super Show, Off-Road Expo and Street Machine Nationals.
"I'm excited to return to a portfolio and industry I know extremely well," said Hickman. "These brands have passionate audiences, strong market positions and significant upside through experiential growth, sponsorship expansion and community engagement. I'm looking forward to working with the team to continue building on that momentum."
Loy joins Bonnier from Pro-Stat LLC, where she led marketing strategy and execution for major trade shows and industry activations. She previously served as marketing director for Phoenix Investment Group's Harley-Davidson dealership portfolio, overseeing experiential campaigns and event activations attracting more than 40,000 attendees.
The appointments come as Bonnier continues investing in the growth and modernization of its Motorsports & Outdoor Group, which serves highly engaged enthusiast audiences across off-road, powersports, automotive, hunting and outdoor recreation markets.
Background image (Bonnier) courtesy of Shutterstock
