Category: Other Series Racing

DAYTONA, Fla. (December 22, 2025) – AO Racing is proud to announce its official partnership with the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer for the 2025 racing season. Through this exciting collaboration, AO Racing will be partnering with the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Diversionary Therapy hospital visits across the nation, merchandise fundraising efforts, and a special focus on Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month in September.

The new partnership builds on a successful collaboration in 2024, which included fan-activated fundraising events where fans had the chance to donate and win prizes, and saw tremendous success. Fan support helped raise critical funds for the Austin Hatcher Foundation, directly benefiting children and families affected by pediatric cancer.

“Partnering with the Austin Hatcher Foundation for the 2025 season is an incredible opportunity,” said Gunnar Jeannette, Team Principal of AO Racing. “We’ve seen the direct impact the Foundation has on children and families facing cancer, and we are honored to continue supporting this vital cause. This year, we are committed to going even further, with a deeper involvement in their programs and initiatives, and we can’t wait to see the positive change we can make together.”

The partnership between AO Racing and the Austin Hatcher Foundation will include nationwide hospital visits, where AO Racing team members and drivers will meet with children and families in treatment, as well as the launch of new fundraising initiatives, such as exclusive merchandise designed to raise awareness and funds for AHF’s mission. A special focus on Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month will be notably impactful, highlighting the foundation’s dedication to improving the quality of life of those affected by childhood cancer.

“Through our partnership, we aim to make a lasting impact both on and off the track,” Jeannette added.

The Austin Hatcher Foundation

The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer provides free, integrative, evidence-based comprehensive care to children with cancer and every individual family member navigating the challenges of pediatric cancer. Through innovative mental, behavioral and social therapies, educational resources, and family-centered programs, the Foundation empowers families to succeed beyond a cancer diagnosis. Learn more at www.hatcherfoundation.org.

About AO Racing

Founded in 2022 by PJ Hyett and Gunnar Jeannette, AO Racing has swiftly risen to prominence in the world of professional sports car racing. With an unwavering commitment to on-track excellence and fan engagement, AO Racing commands attention with its fun liveries and fan-friendly presence, becoming a dynamic force in the sport. Central to AO Racing’s success is its unique blend of performance and personality. The iconic liveries of “Rexy” and “Roxy,” the T-Rex Porsche 911 GT3 Rawrs and “Spike” the LMP2 Dragon have captivated fans worldwide, earning AO Racing a dedicated following. With a focus on making racing accessible and enjoyable for enthusiasts of all ages, AO Racing has become a beloved favorite among motorsport lovers. The team has a global footprint, with strong efforts in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Asian Le Mans Series, European Le Mans Series, and the FIA World Endurance Championship. With passion, precision, and a touch of flair, AO Racing is writing the next chapter in the annals of motorsport history.

Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing Teams Persevere and Prepare at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 At Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida – Five Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams persevered through the annual Roar Before the 24 test event last weekend at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) in preparation for this weekend’s 63rd Rolex 24 At Daytona. America’s premier day-long endurance race once again opens the annual IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season that this year will see Mercedes-AMG and its customer racing team partners defend last year’s clean sweep of all six championships awarded in the GT Daytona (GTD) class. Returning team Winward Racing also won the GTD class in the 2024 edition of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the team’s second success in the race after scoring a victory in its debut attempt in 2021.

The first order of business, however, will be implementing the IMSA mandated torque sensors introduced as a mandatory component beginning this season in IMSA’s GTD classes. Mercedes-AMG is the only manufacturer in a large GTD and GTD Pro field that has never had the opportunity to compete with the sensors, but progress was made at the Roar in what was Mercedes-AMG’s first experience in official international competition with the driveshaft-mounted torque-detecting componentry.

Successfully overcoming a software data transfer issue on the first day of the Roar, Winward and the four other competing Mercedes-AMG GT3 teams were able to maximize their on-track performance on Saturday and Sunday.

The Rolex 24 At Daytona begins this Thursday, with GTD and GTD Pro qualifying sessions running in succession beginning at 2:10 p.m. EST.
The 63rd Rolex 24 At Daytona begins this Saturday, January 25th at 1:40 p.m. EST. An opening hour of live coverage begins at 1:30 p.m. EST on the flagship NBC network, which returns for a final two hours of coverage around the race finish Sunday, January 26th from Noon to 2 p.m. EST.

The balance of the race will be broadcast on the NBC family of networks, with USA taking over Saturday’s live coverage from 2:30 p.m. EST until 6:30 p.m. EST. The race can be seen in its entirety in live flag-to-flag coverage on NBC’s Peacock live streaming network.

Winward defends its Rolex 24 win and IMSA WeatherTech and IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup (IMEC) GTD championships with the returning full-season driver lineup of Russell Ward and AMG Performance Driver Philip Ellis. Indy Dontje is back as the third driver in the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the five-race IMEC while AMG Performance Driver Lucas “Luggi” Auer joins the team for this weekend’s Rolex 24.

The No. 32 Korthoff Competition Motors No. 32 Mercedes-AMG GT3 joins Winward as a returning GTD full-season team in 2025. The year-long driving duo of Seth Lucas and Kenton Koch will be joined by a pair of AMG Performance Drivers for the IMEC rounds. Returning team driver Maximilian Götz contests the full IMEC championship in the No. 32 while Daniel Morad – a co-driver on the victorious Winward team in 2024 – joins Korthoff Competition for this year’s Rolex 24.

The third GTD entry at the Rolex 24 is returning IMEC campaigners Lone Star Racing. The trio of Dan Knox, Scott Andrews and Eric Filgueiras will contest the five endurance races with AMG Performance Driver Ralf Aron in the No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the Daytona opener and his first Rolex 24 start.

A pair of one-off Rolex 24 entries in the GTD Pro class complete Mercedes-AMG Motorsport’s five-strong customer racing effort at Daytona. Team principal and driver Kenny Habul returns with the No. 75 Team 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3 and will be joined by the AMG Performance Driver trio of Maro Engel, Jules Gounon and Mikaël Grenier. Engel and Gounon were part of the WeatherTech Racing GTD Pro winning team in 2023, and Engel also co-drove with Winward in GTD in 2021 for the first Rolex 24 At Daytona Mercedes-AMG victory.

Bartone Bros. Racing with Team GetSpeed runs the first North American race for the successful collaboration with debuting Rolex 24 driver Anthony Bartone co-driving the No. 69 Bartone Bros. Racing with Team GetSpeed Mercedes-AMG GT3 in GTD Pro. Bartone competes alongside his AMG Performance Driver teammates Maxime Martin, Fabian Schiller and Luca Stolz. Recent AMG Performance Driver addition Martin will drive at Daytona in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the first time.

Stefan Wendl, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing: “As expected, the Roar weekend was very intensive. In the area of torque sensors, we had to solve a communication problem with individual control units at short notice. Compared to the manufacturers who started in the FIA WEC in 2024, we lack experience in dealing with the new sensors. As a result, I don’t initially see us as favorites despite our victory last year, but I have to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the people working on this project overnight in Germany and taking the load and developing new software. Also, the whole process here integrating our guys coming from HWA Germany to help the guys from HWA in the U.S in supporting our five customer teams has been great. And a special ‘thank you’ also to all our customer teams, which remained patient. It is difficult having minimal driving time due to the issues, which was not an easy one for all of us. However, as I can rely on the strengths of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 and the professionalism of our teams, I am very confident.”

Philip Ellis, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “We had a fantastic 2024 season with Winward Racing, and it will be difficult to top what we have achieved. As a team, we are approaching this very realistically, but also extremely motivated. Of course, the aim is to start with a win at Daytona and to defend the title. The fact that Indy, Russell and I are once again part of the line-up, supported this time by Luggi, is certainly an advantage as we have the same understanding and trust each other.”

Daniel Morad, Driver – No. 32 Korthoff Competition Motors Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Everyone has worked hard to get the new system up and running. It’s quite a change compared to what we’ve been driving so far, but the balance of the car is pretty good. Most of the teams have raced here in recent years, the tires are the same and the track feels very consistent, so it’s really just about getting the car’s performance on track in the race.”

Dan Knox, Driver – No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “The Lone Star Racing team has been working so hard to get the car ready. There was a lot waiting around that we’ve had with all the issues that have gone on with the torque sensors, but it was just good to get back in the car. In the last session Sunday, I got into a rhythm and had a chance to really understand the track and get around it. It’s really good and I’m looking forward to the race!”

Scott Andrews, Driver – No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Obviously it’s really tough for us as a manufacturer going up against everyone who’s done the World Endurance Championship for the last year. They pretty much have a head start, so we have basically a year’s plus worth of learning to do in two days. It started off not so smooth sailing, but we got there in the end. It’s fortunate that Lone Star Racing prepared such a good car because by the time all the systems were working, everything on the car was in such a good window. We’re really happy with it and I’m really happy with that pace and the car is good on the long run. The ultimate pace is good for the car too, and all the drivers are really happy with it. By the time we were able to sort the issues out with the torque sensors and run the car as it’s intended to run, we were right there. We’re pretty happy and it’s a pleasure to be back. I’m really enjoying also just driving for Lone Star Racing, and especially now that we’ve got a year under our belt. Everything is just sort of flowing a bit better, the people are great and it’s just a pleasure to be with this group.”

Ralf Aron, Driver – No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “It is my first time racing in Daytona, and I can’t wait for it. It was super cool to see so many fans already during the Roar. The weather has been challenging so far, but the race week looks to be dry. Lone Star Racing has a very quick Mercedes-AMG GT3 and obviously the expectations are pretty high. It is important to approach the race step by step. We have to make sure that we are in a good position to fight for victory right to the end.”

Kenny Habul, Driver – No. 75 Team 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Thanks to Mercedes-AMG, we made a big step Sunday. The car felt more like what we’re used to. Still a lot of work to do, but the car was pretty much in the window for me and was fun in the wet. We still have a lot to do just to figure out the power and spiking and different things, but we’ve come a long way from yesterday so I’m happy. We got all the superstars in the new car. We lead this race every year, and every year we come up short. I’m just hoping we stay out of trouble and the car stays together and we’re there at the end, but we have had more bad luck Daytona than we normally do, so we are hoping for that to change.”

Maro Engel, Driver – No. 75 Team 75 Express Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “The 24-hour race is an absolute highlight on the motorsport calendar. The atmosphere, the track layout, the field of drivers, the duels, the restarts – all of this is unique. I have a strong, competitive lineup at Team 75 Express. We did some very good groundwork at the Roar, first and foremost to gain valuable experience with the torque sensors. We will only see what the relative strength actually is in the race.”

Maxime Martin, Driver – No. 69 Bartone Bros. Racing with Team GetSpeed Mercedes-AMG GT3: “It’s quite nice to be able to drive the Mercedes-AMG GT3 finally for the first time, and I am looking forward to the race. I already feel that the base and the pace of the car are really good. There is still a lot to do until the weekend, but even with the experience of Mercedes-AMG and team GetSpeed I am pretty sure that we will have a competitive package for the race. My biggest challenge is to adapt perfectly to the new environment, but I know Daytona well, which is certainly an advantage.”

Drivers of the three Cadillac V-Series.Rs in final rehearsals for opening show

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2025) – Six test sessions at Daytona International Speedway are in the books with three remaining for the three Cadillac Racing teams and 11 drivers to prepare for the 63rd Rolex 24 At Daytona.

Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) qualifications are scheduled for 3:25 p.m. ET Thursday on the 3.56-mile, 12-turn course that incorporates sections of the famous high-banked oval. The No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R rode to the 2024 pole with a track-record lap time of 1 minute, 32.656 seconds, and the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R completed the front row lockout.

Cadillac Racing will seek its fifth victory since 2017 in the race with an expanded lineup featuring the Nos. 10 and 40 hybrid racecars run by Wayne Taylor Racing and the No. 31 campaigned by Action Express Racing.

“Overall, I think we are leaving the Roar excited but know we have a lot more work to do in the few days leading up to the Rolex,” said Jordan Taylor, co-driver of the No. 40 Cadillac V-Series.R.

”We are super excited to be back with Cadillac. I personally spent my entire career with them other than one year, which was last year, so I feel like I am back with family, a lot of familiar faces. It’s a brand-new car that I love and love to represent, especially being an American driver, so I am excited to get the week started.”

Cadillac Racing notes leading into the 15-minute qualifying:

• The driver roster represents 8 Rolex 24 At Daytona overall victories (6 with Cadillac Racing), 7 FIA WEC Hypercar/LM1 championships, 11 24 Hours of Le Mans overall/class victories, 6 Twelve Hours of Sebring victories (4 with Cadillac Racing), and 3 IMSA/Grand-Am prototype championships. * Four current Cadillac Racing drivers have won the Rolex 24 At Daytona with Cadillac Racing in DPi competition: Kamui Kobayashi (2018, 2019), Ricky Taylor (2017), Filipe Albuquerque (2018), and Jordan Taylor (2017, 2019).
• Cadillac Racing won the Rolex 24 At Daytona four consecutive years (2017-2020) and placed first and second in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
• Cadillac Racing’s victory in the 2017 Rolex 24 At Daytona was the first of five consecutive victories to start the season and led to the manufacturer, team and driver championships.
• The No. 10 Wayne Taylor Racing entry is running the Dallara chassis that won the 2024 Petit Le Mans. The No. 40 Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac V-Series.R is a new chassis, while the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R was also used in the season-concluding race at Road Atlanta.

See the exciting Cadillac production roster

Spectators will have the opportunity for an up-close look at the Cadillac V-Series vehicle lineup at the Cadillac display in the midway at Daytona International Speedway. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday.

What they’re saying

Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing (No. 10)

Ricky Taylor, full season driver: “It was nice to get Kamui and Brendon into the team and getting them used to the car. We all, us drivers, are new to the car and program and the team is new to the Cadillac V-Series.R. So, I think we are just learning what makes the car perform and what knobs we can turn for the setup, what performs well and what doesn’t. We tried all our big changes at the Roar, that way for this week we have an idea of scale of how things work and fine tune for the conditions of the weekend. So, it was overall good.”

Filipe Albuquerque, full season driver: “The Roar felt good. We have a lot to do on the car and we got to drive the car in the wet as well. It’s just been learning about the car and all the settings that we can play within this car; it’s a work in progress. Qualifying will be about putting the car in the window as best as possible. In terms of pace, we will have wait to see and we will give it our best.”

Will Stevens, IMEC driver: “Overall, the Roar was fairly productive for us. The main objective is to get all the drivers through the car and being comfortable, which I think we achieved. Even having the wet session at the end, I think was a nice bonus to having driven the car in the dry and the wet. I think everyone feels comfortable in all conditions. I’d say that is the biggest box to tick. From a performance point of view, we worked through what we needed to try and learn ahead of race week to make sure we understand more of the new car we have and what it wants and needs to be able to be quick.”

Brendon Hartley, Rolex 24 At Daytona driver: “We had a smooth Roar with little to no issues. The team and my teammates did a great job to give me all the info I needed to get up to speed. I’m feeling comfortable in the car and enjoying being back in Daytona. We have a little bit of lap time to find before the 24. We will all be working hard over the next days to see if we can squeeze some more time out of it and also make sure we are as prepared as possible for everything the next days might throw at us.”

Cadillac Whelen (No. 31)

Jack Aitken, full season driver: “This past week has gone OK for us. There are a few things on the car which we needed to prove out and we have a couple of guys that are new to the car as well. So, it’s been a lot of ticking boxes. I think Thursday and Friday will be more about finding the performance in the car. The qualifying run, we’ve got half an eye on it, but really our focus will be on the race. We’ve got an eye on the weather as well as it’s pretty hard to say if it’s going to be cold, wet or sunny and we’re having to prepare for all three at the moment.”

Earl Bamber, full season driver: “I think it’s been a good build-up from the November test. The cars are super reliable. It’s good to see everyone from GM working with the evo changes that were made. We’ve got a well-handling racecar, so we just have to see where we flush out in qualifying and the race.”

Frederik Vesti, IMEC driver: “Being four drivers with quite limited amount of running is something to get used to, but I definitely got some good laps in and I feel very prepared for the race for my first ever GTP race and my first ever race with Cadillac, which is something I’m extremely excited about. We’ve done a lot of work with the car, gone in different directions trying to explore different things ahead of the race. I think we know we have a very solid base with the Whelen Cadillac, and now we just need to sort of fine-tune it and get ready for the race. The conditions might be different to what we had this weekend. So, a bit of fine-tuning before the race will probably be needed, but that’s the same for everyone.”

Felipe Drugovich, Rolex 24 At Daytona driver: “The Cadillac car is a pleasure to drive. I think that track is changing every time and there is not much you can see or predict from this testing. It’s just doing our job and trying to improve ourselves. I think in terms of driving or at least the driver’s perspective it is just trying to enjoy the whole experience because it’s the first time for me. It’s a pleasure just to be driving here and driving the Cadillac with this team.”

Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing (No. 40)

Jordan Taylor, full season driver: “After the Roar, I feel relatively good. It’s hard to look at the timing sheets. I think everyone is working on their own programs and going through what they need to learn. For us, it was the first time doing proper laps in this car and with two cars ready to go in race prep. We checked off a lot of boxes, which was good. We leave the Roar in a good spot. All the drivers are relatively happy with the car and the balance. We have a new engineer on our car, so getting communication down has been a big part of the Roar. Overall, I think we are leaving the Roar excited but know we have a lot more work to do in the few days leading up to the Rolex. We are super excited to be back with Cadillac. I personally spent my entire career with them other than one year, which was last year, so I feel like I am back with family, a lot of familiar faces. It’s a brand-new car that I love and love to represent, especially being an American driver, so I am excited to get the week started.”

Louis Deletraz, full season driver: “The Roar was great. We learned every lap and a lot of conditions – cold, sun and even rain – so we discovered the Cadillac V-Series.R even more. I think in terms of performance it’s hard to see because everyone is having different run plans. It definitely seems like it is not easy for us, but we are great team and have great people with us. We are getting better every night and day, and we have a few more nights until the race, so I am sure we can work it out and be competitive for the race and actually be fighting for something good.”

Kamui Kobayashi, Rolex 24 At Daytona driver: “I think being back with WTR and joining the team, we have started working properly as a team here at the Roar. I think as a team we are starting to progressively improve and try to understand what the car needs. Of course, with WTR using the Cadillac for the first time in GTP as well, I think we are still learning it. So far, we need some more work to do on the car this week. I am really happy to be back in the Cadillac with Wayne Taylor Racing again here at Daytona. We have good memories of 2019 and 2020 to win the race and obviously, we have the chance to do it again.”

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

CORVETTE RACING BY THE NUMBERS AT DAYTONA

• 0.034: As in seconds – the winning margin of victory in Corvette Racing’s 1-2 finish at the 2016 Rolex 24. Up until the 2023 LMP2 finish, it was the closest finish in race history
• 1: Rolex 24 class win for AWA; the team won in LMP3 in 2023. Current Corvette factory driver Nico Varrone was part of that lineup
• 2: Number of the overall winning Corvette C5-R in the 2001 Rolex 24. Ron Fellows, Johnny O’Connell, Chris Kneifel and Franck Freon completed 656 laps for 2335.36 miles in the winning effort • 4: Rolex 24 wins for Corvette Racing as an entrant (run by Pratt Miller Motorsports): 2001 overall (Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell, Kelly Collins, Franck Freon), 2015 GTLM (Antonio Garcia/Jan Magnussen/Ryan Briscoe), 2016 GTLM (Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler) and 2021 GTLM (Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg)
• 5: Number of Corvette Z06 GT3.R entries for the 2024 Rolex 24 – two from Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports and one from Trackhouse by TF Sport (GTD PRO) and one each from AWA and DXDT Racing (GTD). It’s the highest number of GT-class Corvettes in the race since 2007
• 7: Corvette factory drivers piloting the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in this year’s race: Antonio Garcia, Alexander Sims, Dani Juncadella, Tommy Milner, Nicky Catsburg, Nico Varrone (Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller) plus Charlie Eastwood (DXDT Racing)
• 14: IMSA Manufacturer Championships for Chevrolet and Corvette Racing since 2001
• 27: Tracks at which Corvette Racing has won races – Baltimore, Charlotte Motor Speedway, COTA, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park/Mosport, Daytona, Detroit, Fuji Speedway, Houston, Laguna Seca, Le Mans, Lime Rock, Long Beach, Miami, Mid-Ohio, Monza, Portland, Road America, Road Atlanta, Sebring, Sonoma, St. Petersburg, Texas, Trois Rivieres, Utah, VIR, Washington DC and Watkins Glen
• 34: Drivers who have driven Corvette Racing entries at Daytona – Earl Bamber, Justin Bell, Matt Bell, Ryan Briscoe, Nicky Catsburg, Kelly Collins, Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Charlie Eastwood, Marcel Fässler, Ron Fellows, Orey Fidani, Franck Freon, Antonio Garcia, Oliver Gavin, John Heinricy, Daniel Juncadella, Lars Kern, Chris Kneifel, Robin Liddell, Alex Lynn, Jan Magnussen, Anthony Mantella, Thomas Merrill, Tommy Milner, Simon Pagenaud, John Paul Jr., Andy Pilgrim, Mike Rockenfeller, Scott Sharp, Alexander Sims, Marco Sorensen, Nick Tandy, Jordan Taylor and Nico Varrone
• 53: Number of drivers in Corvette Racing entries since 1999. DXDT Racing’s Patrick Liddy and Blake McDonald joined the list at Indianapolis in GT World Challenge America
• 72: Years since Corvette was introduced to the world on Jan. 17, 1953 in New York City. A total of 300 cars were produced that year
• 122: Chevrolet victories across IMSA and NASCAR’s three national series at Daytona International Speedway
• 138: Victories worldwide for Corvette Racing – 116 in IMSA, nine at Le Mans, three in the FIA WEC and 10 in GT World Challenge America
• 309: Event starts by Corvette Racing entries since 1999, starting with that year’s Rolex 24 At Daytona. No. 300 came in early August 2004 at Road America in IMSA
• 62,471: Total number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing entries at Daytona since 1999
• 398.781.86: Total number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing since its inception. The program will surpass the 400,000-mile mark at the 2025 Rolex 24 At Daytona by completed 1,218.14 miles – or 343 combined laps by the five Corvettes in the race

CORVETTE RACING HISTORY AT THE ROLEX 24

1999 – No. 2 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Chris Kneifel/John Paul Jr. – 3rd in GTS

No. 4 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Scott Sharp/John Heinricy – 12th in GTS

2000 – No. 3 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Chris Kneifel/Justin Bell – 2nd in GTS

No. 4 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 10th in GTS

2001 – No. 2 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Chris Kneifel/Franck Freon – 1st in GTS (overall win)

No. 3 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Dale Earnhardt/Dale Earnhardt Jr. – 2nd in GTS

2014 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ryan Briscoe – 10th in GTLM

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Robin Liddell – 5th in GTLM

2015 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ryan Briscoe – 1st in GTLM (Magnussen fastest race lap)

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Simon Pagenaud – 3rd in GTLM (Gavin pole)

2016 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 2nd in GTLM (Garcia fastest race lap)

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 1st in GTLM (Winner by 0.034 second)

2017 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 4th in GTLM

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 9th in GTLM

2018 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 3rd in GTLM (Magnussen pole)

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 4th in GTLM

2019 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 6th in GTLM

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 8th in GTLM

2020 – No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 4th in GTLM

No. 4 Corvette C8.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 7th in GTLM

2021 – No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 1st in GTLM

No. 4 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy/Alexander Sims – 2nd in GTLM

2022 – No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 6th in GTD PRO

No. 4 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy/Marco Sorensen – 10th in GTD PRO

2023 – No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Tommy Milner – 2nd in GTD PRO

2024 – No. 3 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Antonio Garcia/Alexander Sims/Daniel Juncadella – 5th in GTD PRO

No. 4 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Tommy Milner/Nicky Catsburg/Earl Bamber – 8th in GTD PRO

No. 13 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Matt Bell/Orey Fidani/Lars Kern/Alex Lynn – 21st in GTD

No. 17 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Nico Varrone/Anthony Mantella/Thomas Merrill/Charlie Eastwood – 18th in GTD

About General Motors
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

Behrman and Smith Will Co-Drive the No. 82 Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4 During Friday’s Four-Hour Endurance Challenge Race

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (January 21, 2024) – Brady Behrman returns to the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge paddock this weekend at Daytona International Speedway with 20-year-old NASCAR hot shoe Sammy Smith as a co-driver in the four-hour season opener at the “World Center of Racing.”

Behrman and Smith, who will drive the No. 8 Jr Motorsports car in this season’s NASCAR Xfinity Series championship for the second consecutive season, are teamed in the No. 82 Pilot/TMC Transportation Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4 prepared by van der Steur Racing for the Endurance Challenge on Friday afternoon in advance of the Rolex 24 At Daytona. The green flag for the race flies at 1:45 p.m. EST on Friday, January 24, with live streaming on the Peacock platform.

“I’m beyond excited for the four-hour IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge race at Daytona,” Behrman said. “It’s an incredible opportunity to team up with Sammy, whose talent and drive are going to be a huge asset to our team. This marks my third season with van der Steur Racing and looking back on everything we’ve accomplished together; I couldn’t be prouder. We’re definitely looking to build on that momentum as we head into 2025, and what better way to kick things off than at Daytona!”

Behrman’s last race at Daytona came in the 2024 VP Racing SportsCar Challenge season-opening doubleheader. Behrman drove his Aston Martin to a third-place finish among Bronze-rated drivers in the second of the pair of races, rebounding from a tough opener. Among his 2024 season highlights were a Bronze class win in the Pilot Challenge race at Watkins Glen, and leading overall on a restart at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Despite just three Pilot Challenge starts in 2024, he and then-teammate Scott Blind ran strong enough and earned enough points to finish second in the point standings amongst Bronze-rated drivers.

This season’s race at Daytona will lose the luxury of the Bronze category, teaming with 20-year-old, up-and-coming sensation Sammy Smith. Smith, who became the fourth-youngest Xfinity Series winner in history in a Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota at Phoenix in 2023, is coming off a playoff-level season for JR Motorsports where he captured a playoff victory at Talladega.

The race at Daytona is his IMSA and sports car racing debut following a test at the Speedway with Behrman and van der Steur Racing in December.

“I was able to test this car at Daytona in December and learned a lot,” Smith said. “These cars are very different than our NASCAR Xfinity cars. I appreciate van der Steur Racing and Brady giving me the opportunity. I’m looking forward to the race.”

The race week kicks off the season for Smith as well, who will return to the JR Motorsports’ No. 8 in 2025 beginning on the Daytona oval in February. But both Smith and Behrman have given appropriate attention to the 3.56-mile road course in the lead up to the race.

“Sammy and I and our team have spent a lot of time together going through data and having strategy discussions to maximize our weekend,” Behrman said. “We’ve spent a lot of time on iRacing to help mitigate the time we missed at the Roar last weekend. Sammy’s driver coach Johan Schwartz and his JR Motorsports crew chief, Philip Bell, have been invaluable in support and we’re optimistic that this adds up to a strong race this week.”

Behrman, Smith and the Pilot/TMC Transportation Aston Martin will be on track for the first time on Wednesday afternoon for Free Practice 1, followed by a morning practice and qualifying at 1:35 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 23. The Friday, January 24 race gets the green flag at 1:45 p.m. EST.

• Kyle Washington Drives the No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R to a GT Daytona X (GTDX) Bronze Class Victory in Sunday’s Rain-Soaked 45-Minute Sprint at Daytona International Speedway
• VP Racing Challenge Debut Begins Packed 2025 Sports Car Racing Season for the Race and Championship Winning GMG Racing Team

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (January 20, 2025) – Sports car racing champions GMG Racing and longtime team driver Kyle Washington came home race winners at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) Sunday with an IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge Bronze Class victory in the series debut of the new GT Daytona X (GTDX) class for GT3 cars. Stepping up in rainy conditions in Sunday’s second and final 45-minute sprint of the season-opening VP Racing Challenge doubleheader, Washington’s victory was his first in IMSA-sanctioned competition at the wheel of his No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R.

After a quiet run to fourth in the Bronze class in Saturday’s opening VP Racing Challenge race, Washington quickly put his rain-driving skills on display on Sunday from the drop of the green flag. Starting eighth in the GTDX field, Washington charged to third overall and the Bronze class lead on the first lap of the race.

Washington, who also has an extensive off-road racing background, was well clear of his Bronze competitors after the great start. He instead took the fight to the GTDX drivers and teams battling for the overall class race win. Washington nailed a Lap 8 restart to take the overall GTDX lead from eventual race winner and fellow Porsche pilot Adam Adelson, but the GMG driver later shifted focus to securing the Bronze win in the second half of the race. Washington didn’t resist passes for position by Adelson and two other GTDX-class contenders, and took the checkered flag for the win nearly a second clear of his closest Bronze competitor.

“I had a talk with Kyle before the race and kind of just said ‘hey, rain is all about being smooth, having good judgement and not overdriving,’ and he delivered just that,” said GMG Racing Founder and Team Principal James Sofronas. “He did an amazing job to get up front early with some daring passes, which we know he’s capable of, and then he settled in! On the restart, he got up to the lead and then he settled back and thought ‘hey, I’ll just find my spot here in first in class.’ We then just told him to bring it home and he drove like a true veteran under really tricky conditions. We all know Kyle has amazing hand control and car control, so we had no concerns at all. In the end, to have a P1 in class leaving Daytona on a high note is a great way to start the season.”

Washington joins Sofronas among GMG Racing’s IMSA race winners. Since sweeping the Pro-Am class in the 2023 IMSA Carrera Cup North America championship doubleheader finale at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), Sofronas has won five IMSA Carrera Cup races in just 12 career starts.

“I just stepped on it on the restart, when you can pass at the drop of the green flag, but nobody else went,” Washington said. “So, it was either hit them or get a run on them, which I did. I don’t know, it seems like a lot of good drivers were sleeping, but it was cool to lead overall for a little bit. It’s amazing to win at Daytona. This is racing hallowed ground, I even call it a motorsports church, and we sure were going to church on Sunday!”

In addition to knowing how to adapt to sketchy conditions from off-road competition, Canadian native Washington credits the damp conditions in the Western part of America’s neighbor to the North with helping his wet weather skills.

“I would honestly say that spending 25 years in Vancouver, B.C. Canada, where it rains every day, didn’t hurt my wet-weather training,” Washington said. “My car was great all day, but the temperatures got real high late as it was drying out. The track was getting a little greasy, but I held on for the win.”

Next up for GMG Racing and Washington is Rounds 3 and 4 of the IMSA VP Racing Challenge on the NASCAR race weekend at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) February 28 – March 1.

The full GMG Racing 2025 lineup of national sports car racing competition, which encompasses several sprint race and multiple-driver racing series, will be announced later in January.

About GMG Racing: Founded in 2001, GMG Racing quickly established itself as North America’s premier performance tuning facility. What began as a small 1,200 sq. ft. shop, maintaining two race cars, has grown into a state-of-the-art performance tuning, racing and service facility recently relocated to The Thermal Club and with a 28,000 sq. ft. trackside motorsports facility. The staff, attention to detail and passion are what make GMG the choice of professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. GMG, in its early years, was located directly across the street from Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA). This close proximity allowed GMG to build a strong relationship with the legendary racing brand which has helped the company support its customers to the highest level possible. From club racing to Sebring, Daytona, Montreal, COTA and The Thermal Club, GMG can take you as far as you want to go. More information can be found at www.gmgracing.com.

DAYTONA, FL (Monday, January 20, 2025) – The newly launched RAFA Racing Team pulled out a stunning debut performance at Daytona International Speedway – coming away with a clean sweep of victories and having all three drivers on the podium in Sunday’s IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge event.

Formed for the 2025 season by merging the Texas-based RAFA Racing Team and Smooge Racing organizations, the new team claimed a pair of victories with 21-year-old Brazilian driver Kiko Porto taking both GSX class wins aboard his Toyota GR Supra GT-4 EVO2.

Porto’s team-mate, 2024 Porsche Sprint Challenge Cayman champion Ian “Crimsix” Porter, completed a great fightback to join Porto on the podium in Sunday’s race and also take the Bronze class victory.

Completing the hat-trick of RAFA aces on the podium was Matthew Dicken aboard his Ligier JS P320 in the LMP3 class.

“It was an amazing debut for the RAFA Racing Team to be able to sweep the weekend in VP Challenge and for the second race – get all of the cars on the podium,” said RAFA Racing Team Principal Kevin Conway.

“It was an incredible weekend. It’s all we could ask for. Kiko did an amazing job winning both races, and Ian Porter really stepped up all weekend after a challenging race, one by rebounding to grab third overall and first in the bronze class.

“I’m very proud of the entire team to be able to have that debut for the GR Supra GT-4. The cars were very strong and I can’t think of a better place than here at Daytona.

Porto joined the RAFA Racing Team this year after finishing third last season in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America championship last year.

“It was a very good weekend. First weekend under RAFA Racing Team colors and first weekend aboard a Toyota Gazoo Racing car. I’m super happy with the opportunity,” Porto said.

“From the first time I sat in the car, we had a very good balance. Since the first practice, we managed to be P1 in every session.

“I was super happy with what the team gave me, and I also learned a lot. The Toyota is very different from anything that I have raced before.

“It was my first attempt at multi-class racing, so I knew it would be different. Our car would be stronger in some parts of the track, and some of the opposition would be better in other parts.

“My first time Daytona, first qual, and first race ever here. I’m super happy and ready to go to Circuit of The Americas in a little more than a month.”

The Roar Before the Rolex 24 weekend at Daytona not only featured the opening rounds of the IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge, but also the RAFA Racing Team’s IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge entry of RAFA Racing Club founder Rafael Martinez and Jim Jonsin was also on track at the Roar before the 24 test.

The team’s No.12 GR Supra GT-4 completed valuable testing miles with Jonsin recording the 13th fastest time out of a total of 56 GS-class drivers entered for Friday’s four-hour battle. Martinez and Jonsin will be joined by team boss Conway as the third driver for the opening round of the championship.

In addition to the team’s Michelin Pilot Challenge debut, RAFA Racing Team entries also will be on track in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup series across the Rolex 24 At Daytona weekend in collaboration with McCumbee McAleer Racing. Uruguayan racer Maite Caceres and last year’s Porsche Sprint Challenge star, Caroline Candas, will be on track for the first time with practice beginning on Wednesday.

“The last 60 days leading up to this weekend have been a blur. We’ve gone from one organization, merging two separate groups and doing a complete rebrand,” Conway said.

“New cars, new people, a whole new look – I couldn’t be more excited about the future.

“Everybody pulled together and worked extremely hard to make this happen and I’m very proud of all the guys and girls that are part of this that made it happen.”