Mike Hedlund has pulled the plug on his Pirelli World Challenge program, resulting in a reduced two-car effort for K-PAX Racing in next weekend’s round at Mid-Ohio.

Hedlund, who currently sits sixth in the GTA standings, missed both Sprint races at Road America, citing a “personal matter.”

It’s understood the current Balance of Performance situation for the McLaren 650S GT3 in GTA, which gives allowances to other cars including the Porsche 911 GT3 R, is the leading reason for Hedlund’s withdrawal from the series.

The No. 98 McLaren has scored only one class podium finish in GTA Sprint competition this year.

“It is very unfortunate both for K-PAX and for Mike that we have to withdraw his entry for the remainder of the season,” said K-PAX Racing Program Manager Darren Law.

“He is great to work with, and it’s frustrating we could not achieve the results we both thought possible.

“I respect Mike and he does a great job in the car. We continue to work together with him and look forward to more programs in the future.”

K-PAX will head to Mid-Ohio with its two season-long GT class entries for Bryan Sellers and defending series champion Alvaro Parente, although the return of its third car is possible for later in the year, according to Law.

The team will also have a reduced two-car effort for the remaining SprintX rounds later in the year at Utah Motorsports Campus and Circuit of The Americas.

Michael Lewis, who partnered Hedlund so far, will join Bryan Sellers and replace Jonny Kane in the No. 6 McLaren.

“As for Michael Lewis, we are really happy to announce that he will continue with us and move over to the No. 6 car that Bryan Sellers drives full-time,” Law added.

“Michael is fast and is great to work with. We are pleased to keep him on and give him an opportunity to fight for the podium with Bryan in the final rounds of the PWC SprintX Championship.”