Category: IMSA

IMSA’s Earliest Golden Eras to be Celebrated Annually at IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Daytona Opener

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (December 5, 2024) – The earliest golden eras of IMSA’s success will now share the spotlight at each year’s Rolex 24 At Daytona as IMSA celebrates its past while continuing to write the next and greatest chapter yet in the history of sports car racing in North America with the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Officials from IMSA and Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) announced today the IMSA Classic invitational race that will annually showcase the sanctioning body’s more than 50-year history beginning at next month’s 63rd running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 23 – 26. The inaugural IMSA Classic will feature cars from the first three decades of IMSA sports car racing from 1973 through 1993.

“For several years now, the rich history of the Rolex 24 has been celebrated with pre-race demonstration events, such as the 24 Minutes of Daytona and similar exhibitions, but this will be the first time an actual race featuring these great competition cars from IMSA’s past will be part of a Rolex 24 At Daytona weekend,” said IMSA President John Doonan. “We are proud of the pioneering and current era that we have all worked tirelessly on to bring IMSA to an unprecedented level of high-tech competition and entertainment, but what better time to take a moment to remember our past than just before our longest and season-opening race? The IMSA Classic will add to the grandeur of the Rolex 24, and we are grateful to both Daytona International Speedway (DIS) and HSR for the partnership and cooperation in making this vision a reality.”

Open only to a limited number of on-track competitors, invitations to apply for the inaugural HSR Classic

are presently being distributed to HSR member competitors and other notable teams and entrants in the vintage and historic sports car racing arena. All received applications will then be reviewed by a selection committee to determine the participants in the inaugural IMSA Classic.

“We often refer to HSR as a rolling time machine and a high-speed motorsports museum, and that will be perfectly personified by the IMSA Classic,” said HSR President Chris Ward. “To be able to join IMSA in annually featuring some of the greatest racing machines from their first half-century of competition is truly an honor. We look forward to welcoming a spectacular lineup of legendary IMSA race cars to the Rolex 24 At Daytona next month.”

A three-day race event on Rolex 24 weekend, the IMSA Classic starts with an opening practice session Thursday afternoon that will be followed by qualifying Friday morning and a qualifying race early that evening. The main event will be the 30-minute IMSA Classic feature race Saturday morning that will set the stage for the Rolex 24 as the last on-track activity prior to the twice-around-the-clock WeatherTech Championship season opener.

Competing IMSA Classic cars and competitors will be paddocked in a large tent open to the public in the DIS Rolex 24 Midway. Several non-competing IMSA cars of historical significance will also be under the tent in addition to an additional group on display in the DIS FanZone as they have been in the past.

Plans for future editions of the IMSA Classic call for each annual running to feature a specific period of IMSA era cars.

The introduction of the IMSA Classic is the latest in a series of new HSR racing series and major race event since IMSA purchased HSR in early 2022. The HSR Prototype Challenge presented by IMSA, for modern-day LMP3 cars retired from contemporary competition, debuted this year along with the HSR NASCAR Classic Presented by Petty’s Garage racing series for historic stock cars.

Just under three months ago, HSR announced what is now the HSR Classic Endurance Championship Presented by Mission Foods. Building on the success of the HSR Classic races at Daytona, Sebring and Watkins Glen, the Mission Foods Classic Endurance series will be a points-paying championship beginning next year for the season’s long-distance races, which also includes the new-for-2025 HSR Road Atlanta Classic 10 Hour Presented by Mission Foods.

For more information, please visit www.HSRRace.com.

Next up on the 2024 HSR schedule is this weekend’s season-ending Mission Foods HSR Classic 12 Hour Pistons & Props, Presented by Alan Jay Automotive Network, at Sebring International Raceway, December 5 – 8. The event also includes the Sebring Historics, which closes the curtain on HSR’s full-season racing series and points-paying championships.

More information on both the HSR Classic 12 and HSR Sebring Historics events, including entry lists, ticket purchases and the event schedule, can be found on the official event page by clicking here.

About HSR: An International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) property, Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) was formed in the mid-1970s with an event at Road Atlanta. There was one goal then and it remains true today: to celebrate the racing cars from the past. As a “time machine” of sights and sounds, HSR provides a venue for competitors and spectators alike to share in the wonderful history and excitement created by the cars that competed at race tracks around the world. HSR currently sanctions eight vintage and historic racing events at some of the world’s most renowned race tracks, including Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway, Daytona International Speedway and more. The complete schedule and full event information can be found on HSR’s website at www.HSRRace.com. Look for the HSR Channel on YouTube and follow HSR on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HSRrace/ and on Twitter X at @HSR_race and Instagram @HistoricSportscarRacing.

ST. CHARLES, Ill., (December 5, 2024) — AO Racing has officially confirmed its return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the 2025 season, bringing Rexy, the beloved Porsche 911 GT3 “Rawr,” back to the GTD PRO class. With an all-star lineup in place, the team is ready to defend its championship title. Laurin Heinrich, the 2024 Drivers’ Champion returns to continue building on the success of last season. Joining him for the full campaign is Klaus Bachler, with two-time European Le Mans Series champion Alessio Picariello rounding out the trio for endurance rounds.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Porsche in the GTD Pro category for 2025,” said Team Principal Gunnar Jeannette. “Winning the championship in our first year in such a highly competitive class still feels surreal, and we’re eager to carry that momentum into the new season. Laurin showcased his speed and competitiveness in Rexy throughout 2024, and with Klaus and Alessio joining him, we’re confident we have a strong lineup. The introduction of torque sensors is a new development for IMSA teams in GTD, but we’re optimistic that Porsche’s experience in 2024 will give us a strong foundation to stay competitive from the outset.”

AO Racing has become an immediate standout for Porsche success in a short time, proud to represent the German manufacturer in the highly competitive North American series. Their achievements included three victories (and three golden teeth for Rexy), along with the prestigious Michelin All Hands Award, recognizing the crew with the least time spent in pit lane.

The 2025 calendar will see the team’s GTD PRO squad return to the same 10 tracks as 2025, beginning with Daytona International Speedway for the Roar Before the 24 January 17-19. The Roar stands as the first official test of the new year before competitors dive into the Rolex 24 At Daytona January 13-16.

Laurin Heinrich

After clinching the 2024 title, I’m very happy to be back with AO Racing and Rexy. I enjoyed working with Klaus for one race last season, so I’m pleased to have him back, and with Alessio, we have another quick driver from the Porsche family. Personally, I’d love to accomplish my goal of winning one of “the big ones” such as Daytona, Sebring, and Petit. Thanks to AO Racing and Porsche for giving us such a strong package to come back and try to defend our title!

Klaus Bachler

I’m really excited to be back in IMSA, competing in the GTD Pro class. Partnering with AO is something I’m truly looking forward to. With Laurin and Alessio, I have two incredibly fast and smart teammates whom I respect and enjoy working with. A big thank you to Porsche Motorsport and AO for this amazing opportunity. I can’t wait for the new season to start!

Alessio Picariello

I am very happy to join AO Racing, Laurin, and Klaus as the third Driver for the long races in IMSA. I respect them both a lot and I’m sure we will form a strong trio together with the whole crew in order to fight for those big trophies. I am also looking forward to jumping into the now-iconic Rexy!

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.

• George Kurtz to drive CrowdStrike Racing by APR ORECA 07 LMP2 at Daytona
• Toby Sowery, Malthe Jakobsen, Colton Herta to join Kurtz in No. 04 prototype
• CrowdStrike Racing by APR seeks first win after consecutive runner-up finishes

AUSTIN, Texas (December 5, 2024) – CrowdStrike Racing by APR (Algarve Pro Racing) is returning to the high banks of Daytona International Speedway for the biggest prize in North American sports car racing – the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

For the third consecutive year, George Kurtz will be part of the LMP2 grid for the opening round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. He is teaming with Colton Herta, Toby Sowery and Malthe Jakobsen as the CrowdStrike by APR team aims for its first Rolex 24 victory.

CrowdStrike Racing by APR have finished as class runners-up by a combined 6.816 seconds the last two years at Daytona. Notably, in 2023, CrowdStrike by APR was part of the closest finish in the 61-year history of the Rolex 24, missing the win by a razor-thin 0.016 seconds.

This year’s race marks Kurtz’s fifth Rolex 24 appearance, with prior starts in the LMP2 and LMP3 prototype classes. Both Sowery and Jakobsen made their Rolex 24 debuts last year, delivering standout performances. Jakobsen was the second-fastest LMP2 driver in the race, trailing only then-teammate Colin Braun. Jakobsen carried that momentum into last month’s IMSA-sanctioned test at Daytona, where he topped the LMP2 field over two days.

CrowdStrike Racing by APR is continuing its preparations for the 2025 Rolex 24 At Daytona, scheduled for January 25-26. The team will participate in the three-day Roar Before the 24 on January 17-19.

For more information, visit CrowdStrikeRacing.com. Follow #CrowdStrikeRacing

on Facebook, X and Instagram for updates.

CrowdStrike by APR Team Quotes

George Kurtz, CrowdStrike by APR Driver: “Daytona is a benchmark for endurance racing, and I’m excited to return with CrowdStrike Racing by APR for another shot at the Rolex 24. Over the past two years, we’ve been incredibly close to victory, and that fuels our determination. The November test showed the power of our team, with Malthe and Toby delivering exceptional speed and consistency. I’m confident we’re ready to rise to the challenge and aim for the top.”

Stewart Cox, Team Principal, Algarve Pro Racing: “Nobody goes into a series like the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship or an individual race like the Rolex 24 At Daytona to finish second, and it’s demoralising when you miss out on the victory after 24 hours. Having finished runner-up the last two years, CrowdStrike Racing by APR has done even more preparation in readiness for the 2025 edition of the Rolex 24 and, from a team perspective, we feel we’re a little further down the road. We will once again be among some really strong team-driver combinations, but we have the car and line-up to win it and just have to join the dots. We’ve got a job to do!”

About CrowdStrike

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Powered by the CrowdStrike Security Cloud and world-class AI, the CrowdStrike Falcon® platform leverages real-time indicators of attack, threat intelligence, evolving adversary tradecraft and enriched telemetry from across the enterprise to deliver hyper-accurate detections, automated protection and remediation, elite threat hunting and prioritized observability of vulnerabilities. Purpose-built in the cloud with a single lightweight-agent architecture, the Falcon platform delivers rapid and scalable deployment, superior protection and performance, reduced complexity and immediate time-to-value.

CrowdStrike: We stop breaches.

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CÁDIZ, Spain (November 17, 2024) — The Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) Lamborghini Super Trofeo (LST) team officially capped off the 2024 season following the World Finals doubleheader from Jerez de la Frontera. The team departs Spain with a haul of trophies from the World Finals, including a World Finals AM Class win by Glenn McGee and Anthony McIntosh and two second place finishes by Nate Stacy and Nick Persing in the PRO|AM Class.

For Danny Formal and Ryan Norman, this weekend marked their first World Finals as co-drivers entering the doubleheader event. Coming off their PRO victory to end the LST North America rounds, Formal and Norman knew track position was going to be key in the PRO World Finals races, with over 25 entries from around the world. Formal qualified third for Race 1 while Norman grabbed the eighth spot on the grid for Race 2. Luck didn’t quite fall the way of the No. 101 Huracán LST team in Race 1. With a large and competitive PRO Class, Formal and Norman finished 13th on the day in Race 1 after a penalty shuffled them back in the running order. Eager to rebound from Saturday, Norman was riding steady before contact on an early restart sent the No. 101 back in the pack. Formal then took over in the No. 101, running on pace with the leader and challenged where he could for position and ultimately finished Race 2 in sixth. Although the results may not have been what Formal and Norman hoped for, they ended the World Finals in the top ten of the PRO class standings.

Nate Stacy and Nick Persing fared well in their PRO|AM competition at the World Finals as the pair stood on the podium in both races. In Saturday’s Race 1, Stacy started in the No. 108 Huracán LST, but mechanical issues at the beginning of the race saw the No. 108 fall to the rear of the field. However, Stacy didn’t bat an eye at those troubles, pushing his way forward up to sixth before handing the control over to Persing at their driver change pitstop. Persing then gave it his all, clawing his way from sixth to finish second on the podium. Carrying their momentum from Saturday, Persing and Stacy were ready to challenge again for a podium position after qualifying in the top five. Once again, the No. 108 duo found themselves in the hunt come closing laps. Stacy brought home the No. 108 in second place on the day in the PRO|AM field to claim another trophy and second in the World Finals class standings.

Fresh off their back-to-back LST North America AM Class Championship, Glenn McGee and Anthony McIntosh were ready to contend against their global competitors in the AM World Finals. The pair in the No. 169 Global Power Components Huracán LST qualified very well for the World Finals doubleheader, starting third for both races. McGee started off in Saturday’s Race 1 and held steady within the leaders then gave the reins to McIntosh to finish out the 50-minute event. On the final lap, McIntosh saw an opportunity to challenge for the lead and win of the race but contact with the leader closed the door and handed the No. 169 team a second-place result. Ready for redemption, Race 2 saw McIntosh off to a great start before trading driving duties with McGee to take it to the end, leaving pit lane with the lead following their mandatory pit stop. McGee continued to capitalize on the incredible pace inside the No. 169 that propelled them to take the victory in Sunday’s Race 2.

In their first World Finals together as a driver pairing, Ashton Harrison and Graham Doyle entered the weekend’s doubleheader keen to focus in on earning the best results possible. The AM Class was the one of the largest amongst the World Finals classes with over 20 entries. Knowing their strengths and speed, Harrison and Doyle kept their poise throughout Saturday’s first race and ended with a top ten finish, five spots forward on the grid from their starting position. For Sunday’s Race 2, Doyle and Harrison were ready to leave it all on the line to finish out the year. Harrison started off in the No. 110 DEX Imaging Huracán LST and capitalized on her familiarity with the Jerez de la Frontera circuit before changing driver’s seat with Doyle. Doyle took over from their mandatory pit stop and continued to fight for each spot on the track before a late race caution due to moisture on the track to end the race saw Doyle grab an impressive eighth-place finish. Harrison and Doyle’s pair of results in the top ten of each race saw them finish 10th in the World Finals standings.

On the year, Wayne Taylor Racing’s Lamborghini Super Trofeo stable tallied an impressive 2024 season with earning 2024 Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America AM Class, Team and Dealership titles, 14 wins and 23 total podiums finishes.

Ryan Norman No. 101 WTR LST (PRO): “Overall I’m very proud of everyone’s effort for the World Finals this year! We showed a lot of great pace, just things didn’t pan out the way we needed things to happen to come out with a better result. We are in a way better position leaving World Finals than we were last season, and I know we will all continue to build on that. Very thankful for this season and opportunity with WTR and my co-driver, Danny Formal, and we will see what the future holds.”

Danny Formal, No. 101 WTR LST (PRO): “It has been a difficult season, but we ended it P2 in the Championship. Ryan did a fantastic job and getting used to driving with a partner as he drove along last year. We had great pace this World Finals, one of the fastest cars in both races. We had a crazy Race 1, unfortunately ended up with a penalty that put us way back in the field. In Race 2, Ryan had a difficult restart, got hit and fell back to 14th and we were able to come back in my stint to P6. We had the same pace as the leader, and we were going toe-to-toe every lap. So grateful to the WTR team and really excited for 2025 and what’s going to happen.”

Nate Stacy, No. 108 WTR LST (PRO|AM): “Man, what a way to end off the season! We gave it all we had. Nick drove exceptionally. We gave it everything we had and managed a P2 in both races and in the World Finals championship! Thanks to the WTR team for a fantastic performance all season and to all my sponsors for supporting me throughout this amazing adventure.”

Nick Persing, No. 108 WTR LST (PRO|AM): “World Finals was awesome and I’m super happy with the result! It was a great way to cap off the season. The team gave us a great car and Nate and I just had to get in and drive it. We struggled with traffic in qualifying and fought our way to the front in the race. Super thankful to WTR and Sentinel Resource Group for making this happen, none of this would be possible without their support.”

Glenn McGee, No. 169 Global Power Components LST (AM): “To fight for it (World Finals championship) again this year was amazing. Where we lost it was in (qualifying). We didn’t have pole, we lost it just on that point, so I’ll take the ding on that one. (Renaud) Kuppens drove well, he was very clean.”

Anthony McIntosh, No. 169 Global Power Components LST (AM): “We knew where we were, we knew what we had to do. We didn’t want to push and have a mistake, and we certainly didn’t want to get a penalty. We just drove hard, fair, clean, kept it in a really good position.”

Graham Doyle, No. 110 DEX Imaging LST (AM): “Leaving World Finals, Ashton and I both feel happy with our performance. Two top 10 finishes in some of the most competitive races of our careers is something I look at with a real a sense of pride. The team did an outstanding job and World Finals was something I truly enjoyed every minute of. I can’t wait for what 2025 holds!”

Ashton Harrison, No. 110 DEX Imaging LST (AM): “It’s sad to see the season come to an end, but really excited for the 110 car with Graham for us to wrap up World Finals with a P8 and a P10. Mega job by everyone at WTR and the guys that have worked just endless hours to get our car ready because World Finals is always such a challenging weekend, especially on the drivers but also the crew and the cars and all the equipment. So, shout out to the team for always giving us their best and giving us a car that was able to compete like it did. Looking forward to what’s next. I’m super thankful for the opportunity that Graham, WTR and DEX Imaging has given me to be a part of this season and really happy with the outcome and looking forward to what’s to come.”

ABOUT WAYNE TAYLOR RACING DRIVER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Wayne Taylor Racing is a leader in sportscar racing, recognized worldwide for fielding championship winning racing efforts since 2007. Wayne Taylor Racing has run a stable of championship winning cars and drivers in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America series for over half a decade, forming the basis of its Driver Development Program. Since its inception in 2015, the team has clinched 14 North American Driver, Team and Dealer Championship titles, fielded the first woman World Finals race winner and became the overall 2017 Champions at the World Finals in Imola, Italy. In addition to its Lamborghini Super Trofeo stable, Wayne Taylor Racing fields a two-car GTP program with its championship winning No. 10 Cadillac V-Series.R and No. 40 Cadillac V-Series.R as well as a GTD program with the No. 45 DEX Imaging Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2.

For more information on Wayne Taylor Racing’s Driver Development Program and how to get involved, contact Travis Houge at info@waynetaylorracing.com.

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida. (November 16, 2024) – Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing completed two full days of testing at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. With the return to Cadillac Racing, the Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing stable took to the track for the first time with the two-car Cadillac V-Series.R factory effort. With over 17 hours of testing, the Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing team tallied 491 laps across the 3.56-mile, 12-turn road course.

Onsite at Daytona International Speedway included all four full-season drivers for Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing. Ricky Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque handled the No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R alongside their IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup co-driver, Will Stevens. The No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing team logged a best time of 01:36.367 on the time charts over the two days of testing. In the No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R, co-drivers Jordan Taylor and Louis Delétraz took helm for the testing sessions. The No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing duo posted their fastest lap time of 01:36.763 around Daytona International Speedway.

The Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing team will return to Daytona International Speedway with the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season kickoff – the Road Before the Rolex 24 – beginning on Friday, January 17th, 2025. The Roar Before the Rolex 24 will conclude on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, with qualifying for the Rolex 24 at DAYTONA. The green flag for the 63rd Running of the Rolex 24 at DAYTONA will fly on Saturday, January 25th.

Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Driver Quotes

Ricky Taylor, Full Season Co-Driver, No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R
“First impression of the car is that it gives you a lot of confidence. I think it follows what we expected that the car is forgiving to drive and seems to be good in all types of corners. I think there is a learning curve for us on how the systems work and how all the buttons and things work. We are all looking forward to comparing notes next week and seeing how all our different experiences between Will driving for a different manufacturer and from the other four of us and Alex Lynn who has experience in the Cadillac and also our new teammates at Action Express. All of us working together to hopefully create the best of our three different worlds throughout the year.”

Filipe Albuquerque, Full Season Co-Driver, No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R
“It is very interesting to drive the new Cadillac V-Series.R. It is very different from when I drove the DPi. For me, the Cadillac’s highlights are always the power, The throttle response is amazing and how it deploys the power to the wheel is very, very nice and natural. Our process is obviously ongoing, and I am looking forward to more time in the car.”

Will Stevens, IMEC Co-Driver, No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R
“This is my first time in the Cadillac V-Series.R and my first impression is very positive. I think our first day in the car was to get all the drivers through to make everyone feel comfortable. The promising thing is that everyone felt pretty comfortable pretty quickly. Always a good sign when you have a new car, and you can adapt quickly and get used to how the car feels. A big part to learn going forward is more about the systems and how they work and how they can help us manipulate car balance, so we can start to get a few driver preferences on what we like and don’t like. The car has great adjustments in the settings and the tools we have available to us to fine tune balance for what a driver wants. Overall, very productive weekend.”

Jordan Taylor, Full Season Co-Driver, No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R
“It has been great coming back to Cadillac and driving the new V-Series.R. It definitely has its own driving style wise: the way it feels, the way you attack corners, the setup changes are different, the terminology is all different. It has been a lot to learn but nice to get a head start here in November, before the year ends. We should get a good head start from this test and go into the off season with more ideas to come back to the ROAR with. We are all excited to start the season next year. I think there is a lot of expectation on big results. Obviously, last year, we had two wins, and the team would definitely like to increase that, and I think we will have a great chance to with Cadillac.”

Louis Delétraz, Full Season Co-Driver, No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R
“I really enjoyed my first laps in the Cadillac V-Series.R GTP. The first lap out of Turn 6, full throttle in the banking put a huge smile on my face. On every shift and down shift you can hear that incredible Cadillac engine noise. It is really cool. I am looking forward to more laps and getting more comfortable in the car. The car is very intuitive to drive and has high grip. Putting power down is definitely great. It feels like a race car! I am really excited to work with Wayne Taylor Racing, Cadillac and Dallara because I think together, we are a very strong group and can achieve great success – that will be our objective for the 40 car next season and to challenge for a title.”

ABOUT WAYNE TAYLOR RACING (WTR)
Wayne Taylor Racing’s global motorsports enterprise boasts two IMSA driver championships (2013 and 2017), and back-to-back IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Championships (2020, 2021) which contributed to nine IMSA manufacturer championships for Acura, Pontiac, Corvette and Cadillac. In its brief 18-year history, WTR has accumulated multiple victories in sportscar racing’s most iconic events: Rolex 24 At Daytona, Twelve Hours of Sebring, Petit Le Mans, Mid-Ohio, Road America and the Six Hours of The Glen. With its back-to-back PRO Class Championship wins (2022, 2023), WTR currently has 14 North America Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championship titles and a Lamborghini World Finals title.

New drivers impressed with the powerful Cadillac V-Series.R during Daytona test

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 16, 2024) – Louis Deletraz was duly impressed with the Cadillac V-Series.R during an introductory drive Friday.

“The first lap out of Turn 6, full throttle in the banking put a huge smile on my face,” Deletraz said. “On every shift and downshift you can hear that incredible Cadillac engine noise. It is really cool. The car is very intuitive to drive and has high grip. Putting power down is definitely great. It feels like a racecar.”

Nine drivers totaled 866 laps over the two days of running on the 3.56-mile, 12-turn Daytona International Speedway road course that incorporates the high-banked oval during the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship-sanctioned off-season test.

Initially, foremost for six new drivers was learning the intricacies of the Dallara chassis powered by the purpose-built 5.5-liter V8 engine and systems of the hybrid racecar followed by prescribed test plans over the course of five sessions. More than 16 hours of track time was also a refresher for Jack Aitken and Earl Bamber, who have driven the Cadillac LMDh platform since the inception of the GTP and FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar classifications, respectively, in 2023.

The Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Nos. 10 and 40 entries and Cadillac Whelen No. 31 racecars were running an updated control system electronics package that will be introduced for 2025 competition across the IMSA and WEC five-car fleet with the goal of improving cohesiveness in control areas for consistency and reliability, increasing data quality. The update is the first of five development “jokers” permitted for manufacturers through the initial homologation cycle.

“The whole program is stepping up every single year and it’s great that Cadillac continues to progress and develop and push the envelope. With this Evo joker, it will continue to help us be more successful,” said Bamber, an IMSA and WEC champion.

Cadillac Racing teams return to Daytona International Speedway January 17-19 for the Roar Before the 24, which culminates with qualifying for the twice-around-the-clock race the following weekend. The No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R earned the pole this year.

Drugovich returns to Action Express Racing

Felipe Drugovich, who co-drove the No. 311 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, will join Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber and Frederik Vesti for the Rolex 24 At Daytona in the Action Express Racing-run car.

The 2022 FIA Formula 2 Championship champion, who competed in LMP2 in the 2024 European Le Mans Series, will make his IMSA debut in the January race. Drugovich got seat time during the Daytona test.

“I am really delighted to be here in Daytona for the first time. AXR and Cadillac gave me the opportunity to do my first Le Mans 24 Hours and now they are putting me to do the other mythical 24 hours — the Daytona one in January 2025,” he said. “Hope to help the team and my fellow drivers in this exciting and unforgettable experience, starting with these tests. I feel privileged and happy to be here.”

Vesti added for Laguna Seca race

Action Express Racing confirmed that Vesti will sit in for Bamber for the IMSA race May 9-11 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca because of the overlap with the FIA World Endurance Championship race at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

Bamber is doing double duty in 2025 with full season programs in the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac GTP entry and with Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA for the eight-race WEC campaign.

Vesti, the 2023 FIA Formula 2 Championship vice-champion and reserve driver for Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team, will also contest the five endurance races in the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R.

What they’re saying

Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing (No. 10)

Ricky Taylor, full season driver: “First impression of the car is that it gives you a lot of confidence. I think it follows what we expected that the car is forgiving to drive and seems to be good in all types of corners. I think there is a learning curve for us on how the systems work and how all the buttons and things. We are all looking forward to comparing notes next week and seeing how all our different experiences between Will (Stevens) driving for a different manufacturer and from the other four of us and Alex Lynn who has experience in the Cadillac and also our new teammates at Action Express. All of us working together to hopefully create the best of our three different worlds throughout the year.”

Filipe Albuquerque, full season driver: “It is very interesting to drive the new Cadillac V-Series.R. It is very different from when I drove the DPi. For me, the Cadillac’s highlights are always the power. The throttle response is amazing and how it deploys the power to the wheel is very, very nice and natural. Our process is obviously ongoing, and I am looking forward to more time in the car.”

Will Stevens, IMEC driver: “This is my first time in the Cadillac V-Series.R. and my first impression is very positive. I think our first day in the car was to get all the drivers through to make everyone feel comfortable. The promising thing is that everyone felt pretty comfortable pretty quickly. Always a good sign when you have a new car and you can adapt quickly and get used to how the car feels. A big part to learn going forward is more about the systems and how they work and how they can help us manipulate car balance so we can start to get a few driver preferences on what we like and don’t like. The car has great adjustable in the settings and the tools we have available to us to fine tune balance for what a driver wants. Overall, very productive weekend.”

Cadillac Whelen (No. 31)

Earl Bamber, full season driver: “The whole program is stepping up every single year and it’s great that Cadillac continues to progress and develop and push the envelope. With this Evo joker, it will continue to help us be more successful. I think we’re on a good path and rate, so I’m excited to get out there and start racing.”

Jack Aitken, full season driver: “We have new drivers and they’re settling in well. This time of year it’s more about taking the simple steps, checking that the basics are working and covering our bases. It’s not going to be super relevant for the race weekend when we come back here in January because conditions will be different, but everyone is settling in really well and we’re working out the kinks.”

Frederik Vesti, IMEC driver: “I can’t stop smiling to be honest. Being with Cadillac for the first time in Bahrain was a good experience but to finally start working with Action Express Racing and the whole Cadillac family in the U.S. is really cool. I’ve been looking forward for a few months now to get going with this program and now we’re finally here. These first few days have been really positive. I feel confident and comfortable in the car, which is not a given when you jump into a new car. From Lap 1, I’ve been really confident in this car. Therefore, I’m looking forward to the future.”

Felipe Drugovich, Rolex 24 At Daytona driver: “It’s been a good test for me getting to know the track as well. I’ve never been on any type of banking like this so it’s quite cool. I’ve been getting used to this can again as it’s quite different from anything I drive. The sound is nice. We’re getting through test items that will help us when we come back here in January.”

Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing (No. 40)

Jordan Taylor, full season driver: “It has been great coming back to Cadillac and driving the new V-Series.R. It definitely has its own driving style-wise: the way it feels, the way you attack corners, the set-up changes are different, the terminology is all different. It has been a lot to learn but nice to get a head start here in November, before the year ends. We should get a good head start from this test and go into the off-season with more ideas to come back to the Roar with. We are all excited to start the season next year. I think there is a lot of expectation on big results. Obviously, last year, we had two wins and the team would definitely like to increase that and I think we will have a great chance to with Cadillac.”

Louis Deletraz, full season driver: “I really enjoyed my first laps in the Cadillac V-Series.R. The first lap out of Turn 6, full throttle in the banking put a huge smile on my face. On every shift and down shift you can hear that incredible Cadillac engine noise. It is really cool. I am looking forward to more laps and getting more comfortable in the car. The car is very intuitive to drive and has high grip. Putting power down is definitely great. It feels like a racecar. I am really excited to work with Wayne Taylor Racing, Cadillac and Dallara because I think together we are a very strong group and can achieve great success. That will be our objective for the 40 car next season and to challenge for a title.”

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.

NEW HUDSON (Nov. 15, 2024) – Pratt Miller Motorsports is proud to officially announce its return to prototype racing, marking a new chapter in its illustrious motorsports history. Starting in 2025, Pratt Miller Motorsports will compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in the highly competitive LMP2 category.

The team will field an Oreca 07, driven by Pietro Fittipaldi and James Roe, with additional drivers to be announced at a later date. This expansion comes as Pratt Miller continues to solidify its position as a leader in professional sports car racing. Alongside this new endeavor, Pratt Miller will continue to operate its world-renowned Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports GTD Pro team, maintaining its legacy of excellence and performance.

Pratt Miller Motorsports has a successful history in prototype racing that began over 30 years ago with the groundbreaking Intrepid GTP and later included the Corvette Daytona Prototype, further showcasing the team’s deep engineering capabilities and competitive spirit.

Driver Highlights:

Pietro Fittipaldi – Pietro brings exceptional experience to the Pratt Miller team as one of a select group of drivers worldwide to hold an FIA Super License. The grandson of two-time Formula One World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi, Pietro began his career in karting and quickly rose through the ranks, claiming the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Limited Late Model Championship in 2011. In 2014, he moved to Europe, competing and winning championships in Formula Renault and Formula V8, showcasing his adaptability and skill on an international level. Pietro made his IndyCar debut in 2018 and served as a reserve driver for the Haas F1 Team, making his Formula One debut at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix.

James Roe – Hailing from Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland, James Roe’s passion for racing emerged at the age of fifteen. As part of an automotive-centric family, James honed both the driving abilities and the business skills to support his racing career. In 2018, James ventured to the United States, where he quickly made his mark with multiple wins and lap records in his inaugural season. His determination and success propelled him up the American motorsports ladder, achieving victories and podium finishes on each step of North America’s ladder system. In 2024, James completed his second full season in the Indy NXT™ by Firestone Series for Andretti Global.

Quote Board:

Matt Carroll, CEO, Pratt Miller – “At Pratt Miller, we are driven by a legacy of innovation and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Our return to prototype racing exemplifies our commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges. This is more than just a race program; it’s a testament to the dedication and expertise that defines our entire organization.”

Brandon Widmer, Vice President, Pratt Miller Motorsports – “We’re excited to deepen our involvement in IMSA by launching an LMP2 program. This expansion reflects our commitment to innovation and performance. Over this past season, we have been laying the groundwork to build a comprehensive motorsports platform that maximizes our partners’ return on their investment with us. With Pietro Fittipaldi’s extensive experience and championships across multiple racing formats and James Roe’s ascension through the American open-wheel ranks, we’re confident these drivers bring the skill and determination needed to make our LMP2 debut a success. We expect to announce a bronze-rated driver and a fourth endurance driver in the very near future, further strengthening our team for the upcoming season.”

Pietro Fittipaldi – “Joining the winningest professional sports car team in the U.S. is an honor. I’m eager for the journey ahead and contributing to Pratt Miller Motorsports’ continued success.”

James Roe – “It’s a privilege to become part of the winning legacy at Pratt Miller Motorsports. I look forward to contributing to the team’s tradition of excellence, especially in this inaugural year for the LMP2 program.”

About Pratt Miller:

Founded in 1989, Pratt Miller, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), is a groundbreaking engineering and product development company. Our winning roots in motorsports enable us to deliver ingenious solutions to our clients’ most challenging problems — and wildest ideas. That history enables our team of highly adaptive innovators to apply speed, agility and engineering expertise to every project, swiftly transforming what’s possible in our clients’ industries — taking what they do to the next level and changing their world for the better.

About Oshkosh Corporation:

At Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK), we make innovative, mission-critical equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs over 18,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common purpose: to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG®, Pierce®, MAXIMETAL, Oshkosh® S-Series™, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™ Communications, Oshkosh® Airport Products, Oshkosh AeroTech™ and Pratt Miller. For more information, visit oshkoshcorp.com.

®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.

Next chapter begins at Daytona test days
Expanded Cadillac Racing GTP program kicks off 2025 prep with new, familiar faces

DETROIT (Nov. 12, 2024) – Five weeks after securing the pole and victory to close out the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season, Cadillac Racing begins a new chapter where 2024 Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) competition started.

Cadillac Racing returns this week to Daytona International Speedway with an expanded three-car lineup for IMSA-sanctioned test days that will introduce seven drivers to the racecar powered by the purpose-built 5.5-liter V8 engine and lay groundwork for the 2025 season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona.

Scheduled to participate Friday and Saturday on the 3.56-mile, 12-turn road course:

Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing

No. 10 – Ricky Taylor, Filip Albuquerque, Will Stevens
No. 40 – Jordan Taylor, Louis Deletraz, Alex Lynn

Cadillac Whelen

No. 31 – Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, Frederik Vesti

Brendon Hartley and Kamui Kobayashi, who will drive in the 63rd twice-around-the-clock race in January, are not available to join their teammates this week.

Wayne Taylor Racing returns under the GM umbrella with the goal of renewing the successful pairing that includes an unprecedented five-race IMSA winning streak in 2017 to start Cadillac Racing’s prototype era.

“It’s fantastic to return to driving for GM/Cadillac,” Albuquerque said. “Since I started racing in America in overall class, it was with the Chevy DP in 2016, then I did another four years with Cadillac DPi and now to be back is amazing.

“In the first two seasons of GTP class, I had many fights with Cadillac and saw how consistently strong they were. I just can’t wait to drive the car for the first time and feel what the car can do.”

Added Deletraz: “I can’t wait to start working together. I look forward to understanding how they work and make such fast cars. Since I joined IMSA, Cadillac Racing has always been extremely competitive and hard to beat. I can’t wait to drive the car for the first time and see what made Cadillac so strong.”

Bamber and Lynn, who last drove for Cadillac Racing full time in IMSA in 2022, bring insights of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Cadillac Racing Hypercar to the respective championship-winning teams.

“I’m looking forward to getting down to Daytona and starting the work to start the new year off on the right foot,” Bamber said.

The 2024 season started well for Cadillac Racing as Bamber’s new team, fielded by Action Express Racing, earned the pole with a track-record lap time and finished a close second in the race. The team concluded the nine-race campaign with a track-record, pole-winning lap and fifth-place finish in the Motul Petit Le Mans. Overall, the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R scored four of Cadillac Racing’s GTP class-high six poles.

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.

• Alex Koreiba and James French Pad HSR Prototype Challenge Championship Lead with Overall and Pro-Am Victory in the 90-Minute Race in the No. 25 Wolf Motorsports Ligier JS P320
• Fourth Different Am-Class Winner of the Season as Mirco Schultis and Lucas Lasserre Charge to the Class Victory and Fourth Overall in the No. 70 Mishumotors Ligier JS P320 in HSR PC Challenge Debut

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (November 3, 2024) – Winning teammates Alex Koreiba and James French drove the No. 25 Wolf Motorsports Ligier JS P320 to a series-leading third Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Prototype Challenge presented by IMSA overall and Pro-Am race win Friday night at Daytona International Speedway (DIS). The 90-minute race set the stage for the start of this weekend’s HSR Classic Daytona 24 Hour Presented by Mission Foods which is currently in its final hours of competition at DIS.

Round five of the Inaugural six-race HSR Prototype Challenge presented by IMSA season, Koreiba and French added the convincing victory at the “World Center of Racing” to earlier triumphs this season in the HSR Mitty at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and at the HSR Watkins Glen Classic 6 Hour weekend in June.

Koreiba started from the pole and lost some ground early with a balky shifter issue, but he rebounded to retake the lead. He joined French in taking control of the race for the final hour, although their nearest championship rivals, John Reisman and Eric Curran in the No. 74 Hudson Historics Ligier JS P320, typically kept the pressure on until the end. Curran was closing on French in the race’s final minutes, but the Wolf Motorsports driver withstood the pressure for a 2.536 seconds margin of victory.

Third in Pro-Am and overall went to the sister Hudson Historics No. 47 Ligier JS P320 of Bob Neapole and Guy Cosmo who matched their season-best finish after previously securing a third-place showing at The Glen in June.

While Koreiba, French and the Wolf team have won three of the year’s five Pro-Am races to date, PC Challenge parity has been the order in the Am division. The fourth different winner of the season emerged at Daytona with veteran and versatile road racing driver Mirco Schultis co-driving to the class win and fourth overall with Lucas Lasserre in the the No. 70 Mishumotors Ligier JS P320.

The victory came in the PC Challenge series debut for Schultis and his Mishumotors team while their teammate Lasserre had a successful first visit to Daytona in just his second career race in the United States. A native of France, Lasserre is a winning competitor in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series. His only previous racing appearance in the U.S. was 15 years ago when, as a multiple European stock car champion, he earned an invitation to compete in the Toyota All-Star Showdown stock car race at Irwindale Raceway in California.

Second in Am and completing the overall top five was the duo of Gary Ball and Nigel Greensall in the in the No. 73 Ligier JS P320. Greensall took the checkered flag one spot ahead of the No. 86 One Motorsports Ligier JS P3 of Dave House and Mikel Miller, who were sixth overall and third in Am.

Am championship leaders Tobias Lutke and Travis Hill in the No. 22 TWOth Autosport Ligier JS P3 finished fourth in class at Daytona but join only the Pro-Am leaders Wolf Motorsports as multiple race winners this season. Both class points leaders will go into next month’s season-ending race at Sebring International Raceway with “champion-elect” status after garnering enough points at Daytona to secure the titles in both divisions.

The Sebring three-hour season finale takes place Sunday, December 8 as a feature race that is part of the year-end Mission Foods HSR Classic 12 Hour Pistons & Props, Presented by Allen Jay Automotive Network.

Alex Koreiba, Driver – No. 25 Wolf Motorsports Ligier JS P320: “I was thinking at the start that we were going to have to go to Sebring to win a championship with our shifting issue. All confidence went out the window when I went into Turn 1 and I couldn’t get out of sixth gear. I just did everything I could in the car, was even doing heel-and-toeing at one point trying to make a downshift, but when we got some temperature in there the problem cleared itself in a way. The plan was to run as long as possible to give James the best car he could have at the end with fresh sticker tires and low fuel. Wolf Motorsports has given us an unbelievable car. It’s hard to believe it’s our first year in an LMP3 car. They have absolutely mastered this car. I can’t thank the team enough for all that they have done.”

James French, Driver – No. 25 Wolf Motorsports Ligier JS P320: “The main challenge we had was a little shifting issue at the start. Alex had the same issue on the out lap. It was stuck in sixth gear for about a half a lap, and that doesn’t really give you great exits out of the corners. They say problems don’t fix themselves, but this one miraculously kind of did! Once the shifting sorted itself, the car really came into a good balance. I felt some pressure from our closest rival in the championship at the end. Every time I didn’t get a shift, I would lose a couple of seconds here and there. As you go through Turn 3, you can see him in Turn 1, and I could see him closing. I definitely felt some pressure, but once it sorted itself out, we got rolling and the car balance was amazing.”

Eric Curran, Driver – No. 74 Hudson Historics Ligier JS P320: “This is a lot of fun. John Reisman said ‘hey, I am buying an LMP3 car, let’s go racing again,’ and he brought me out of retirement. It is the perfect environment, I love coming back to HSR – spent a lot of time here over the years – and obviously Daytona is wonderful. We are getting better and better. The Hudson Historics guys have been working hard all year on these things. I love this program and the whole concept. I thought we might have had something for them at the end, but I pushed a little too hard on the rear tires early on. Didn’t have quite enough grip at the end but I love it. IMSA supporting HSR, now let’s get a bigger field of these LMP3 cars. I’ll get back in this and do some more of these.”

Mirco Schultis, Driver – No. 70 Mishumotors Ligier JS P320: “This was our first time in Prototype Challenge and we just came here to have fun and to look into next season. It was a night race, here in Florida and we had to do it. I like the championship a lot. It’s a nice format.”

Lucas Lasserre, Driver – No. 70 Mishumotors Ligier JS P320: “It was a great time here to share this with Mirco. He is my friend, and we have done a lot of things in Europe together, but it was my dream to compete here at Daytona. It was just magical and my eyes are wide open!”

About HSR: An International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) property, Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) was formed in the mid-1970s with an event at Road Atlanta. There was one goal then and it remains true today: to celebrate the race cars from the past. As a “time machine” of sights and sounds, HSR provides a venue for competitors and spectators alike to share in the wonderful history and excitement created by the cars that competed at race tracks around the world. HSR currently sanctions eight vintage and historic racing events at some of the world’s most renowned race tracks, including Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway, Daytona International Speedway and more. The complete schedule and full event information can be found on HSR’s website at www.HSRRace.com. Look for the HSR Channel on YouTube and follow HSR on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HSRrace/ and on Twitter and Instagram at @HSR_race. A dedicated website for the Classic 24 Hour at Daytona presented by IMSA is available at www.Classic24hour.com.

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (Oct. 23, 2024) – The time has finally come for the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin to take on Martinsville Speedway. The Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 will see the series racing on an oval for the very first time, with more than $60,000 in prize money on the line at the historic NASCAR facility.

Saturday, October 26, is the culmination of months of planning to bring Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup racing to Martinsville Speedway. What started as a fun idea has officially morphed into reality and the Michelin rubber is about to meet the Paperclip.

A mix of Mazda MX-5 Cup regulars and some oval specialists make up the entry list for this first-of-its-kind event. This includes newly crowned Mazda MX-5 Cup champion Gresham Wagner (No. 5 McCumbee McAleer Racing) and two-time champion Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering), who had the chance to experience the track in the open test at Martinsville in August. Wagner did not but is still familiar with Martinsville.

“I wasn’t at the in-season test with all the other teams and drivers, but I was fortunate enough to be able to drive in the first feasibility test at Martinsville over a year ago,” Wagner said. “So, I know what to expect, and I’m very lucky to have Chad [McCumbee] and MMR, who obviously know what they’re doing when it comes to going quick at an oval. Between the team and my MMR teammates that were at the test, I know they’ll have everything sorted for me to be quick. I grew up around short track racing in Virginia and the first time I ever tested a racecar was at Langley Speedway. So, even though my firsthand experience is limited, it’s not too foreign to me.”

All three Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout Scholarship recipients will be on the grid at Martinsville. Both Nathan Nicholson (No. 56 Advanced Autosports) and Sally Mott (No. 15 Spark Performance) turned laps at the August test, but 2024 MX-5 Cup Rookie of the Year Westin Workman (No. 13 BSI Racing) did not.

Tom Long (No. 8 McCumbee McAleer Racing) who is usually in race control for MX-5 Cup events is putting his driving suit on at Martinsville. His professional racing resume is so vast that fans might not know Long was the 2005 Miata Cup Champion, the precursor to MX-5 Cup.

A name that’s been missing from the entry list for a while, Selin Rollan (No 87 Rollan Racing/BSI Racing) returns to take a crack at Martinsville. It’s something he’s had his eye on ever since it was announced.

“MX-5 Cup has been a huge portion of my life for the last seven years so I couldn’t miss the opportunity to do the biggest one-off event in series history,” said Rollan, who has moved his focus to his career in aviation. “Also being a NASCAR fan for my whole life, Martinsville has been a bucket list track for me. I cannot wait to make history and chase a clock!”

Of the new faces, several have Spec Miata experience, including Ruben Caceres Jr. (No. 01 Hendricks Motorsports), Bobby Gossett (No. 44 McCumbee McAleer Racing) and Martinsville local Capers Zentmeyer (No. 99 Spark Performance).

Will Mazda experience or oval experience be the winner at Martinsville? CARS Tour regulars Brandon Pierce (No. 02 McCumbee McAleer Racing) and Landen Lewis (No. 31 McCumbee McAleer Racing) are hoping their oval backgrounds are the key to winning on Saturday, as is ARCA and Whelen Modified driver Andy Jankowiak (No. 2 Hendricks Motorsports).

At stake is $25,000 and a Martinsville grandfather clock for the winner who will have to survive a 100-lap race with a stage break at lap 50. Yellow flag laps will not count until after the stage break, which means nobody can lose a lap during the first half of the race. Prize money will be paid out to the top three at the stage break, as well as to the top 10 finishers at the checkered flag.

All of it will be streamed live on IMSA’s YouTube channel, with the green flag slated for 6pm ET.

About: The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin is the signature spec series for Mazda Motorsports. The series has been operated by Andersen Promotions since 2017 and is currently sanctioned by IMSA. Mazda-powered grassroots champions can earn Mazda scholarships for this pro-level series. The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup awards more than $1 million in prizes and scholarships.

Find out more at http://www.mx-5cup.com.