The VSCA paddock was left stunned on Wednesday as Vulture Motorsports announced it would cease all racing operations effective immediately. The Tampa, Florida-based team, a staple of the VSCA grid since 2024, has withdrawn all of its cars—the #64 and #65 Ford Mustang GT3 from the GT AM class and the #964 Porsche 963 from the GTP category—just ahead of the season-ending Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.
The timing of the announcement, on the eve of one of the biggest races of the year, sent shockwaves through the community. The #64 Mustang had been sitting second in the GT AM SportsCar Championship, a mere 52 points behind the leader, and just eight points shy of the Endurance Cup lead, giving the team a legitimate shot at both titles.
Their GTP program, though limited in appearances, had shown promise as well. The #964 Porsche 963 contested two rounds this season—at Watkins Glen and Road America—scoring a fourth and fifth place finish respectively, signaling steady progress for the fledgling prototype effort.
From Triumphs to Turmoil
Vulture Motorsports’ abrupt closure marks a heartbreaking end to what had been a remarkable two-year run in the VSCA SportsCar Championship. The team earned six victories and numerous podiums across two classes, establishing itself as one of the most successful privateer squads in the paddock.
Their journey began in the LMP2 class, where they secured two wins—including a commanding victory in this year’s 12 Hours of Sebring—before expanding into GT AM competition. That move paid off quickly, as the team added four more wins to its tally: three this season, plus one in last year’s Petit Le Mans.
Despite that success, cracks began to appear in recent months. The team narrowly missed out on the Sprint Cup title at Road America in September, when a late unforced spin dropped the #64 Mustang to seventh place, one lap down. The disappointment marked a symbolic turning point in what was becoming an increasingly difficult campaign behind the scenes.
Leadership Speaks Out
Team manager Erol Ureksoy, who guided the organization from its inception, issued a heartfelt statement reflecting on the decision and the team’s legacy.
“This is a heartbreaking end to an amazing two seasons of Vulture Motorsport in VSCA. With six wins during our time and even more podiums, we are all proud of what we put together as a team.”
He also addressed the factors that led to the team’s shutdown.
“We unfortunately ran into issues with not being able to put a team of drivers together for Petit Le Mans, which continued to be an issue for us organizationally, in the team, over the course of the year. I'll be happy to say though, that I'll be teaming up with Team Vortex and will join their #29 Acura team for Petit Le Mans.”
Ureksoy’s participation with Team Vortex will ensure his continued presence at the finale, even as the Vulture name leaves the grid.