Race, Race, Race around the Clock…
Not sure why, but after I scribbled that Oh, so
Clever title, Bill Haley and the Comets “rockabilly” song Rock Around the Clock
wailed loudly upon thoust internal Jukebox. Or was it the other way round?
Musing to Thyself how I’d bought the very song on a 45 record during my youth,
but I digress…
Once again, it’s time to go racing, even if its
just Sports Car at “The Beach”. With another capacity field of 61 entrant for
this year’s 64th running, comprised by 11 GTP, 14 LMP2, 15 GTD Pro and 21 GT
Daytona Contendahs on the provisional entry list, released Wayback’ on December
9th.
By my very unscientific research, there appear
to be a total of 9 IndyCar drivers competing this year. With 2 in GTP. 3 in
LMP2, and 4 in GTD Pro/GT Daytona. (GTD) Presuming Prema Racing answers the
“Bell”. While that doesn’t include Romain Grosjean, who we’re Ah-Waitin’ to be
confirmed at Dale Coyne Racing…
Yet that was before learning of ScottyMac’s,
ergo Scott McLauglin’s addition to the No. 36 DXDT Racing Corvette Z06 GT3.R GT
Daytona (GTD) category. Thus giving us 10 IndyCar drivers competing.
Then on January 7th, IMSA released a revised
entry list with the withdrawal of the No. 61 Team Tonis LMP2 entry. With the
field shrinking to 60 entries, and 13 LMP2 competitors. As the withdrawn entry
will not be replaced.
Although overshadowed by the top Banana GTP
machinery, the LMP2 category always provides stout competition.
On the top step of the podium for longest name
is the No. 52 Bryan Herta Autosport with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports, as try
saying that fast five times, Undelay! With Harry Tincknell, Parker Thompson,
Ben Keating and Misha Goikhberg at it’s controls.
Whilst thanks to Sportscar365, I also learned
that HMD Motorsports will run the No. 37 Intersport Racing entry in the LMP2
class. With 2022 Rolex 24 winner Oliver Jarvis, Jon Field, Seth Lucas and Job
van Uitert.
TDF Racing features an all new driver lineup.
As Bad Arses Hunter McElrea and Nikkel Jensen have moved over to the rival
United Autosport No. 2 entry. Whilst Steven Thomas retired from IMSA
competition after their second win in-a-row at Petit Le Mans last year.
Once again, Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) IndyCar
driver Christian Rasmussen will “Moonlight” in LMP2, driving alongside reigning
LMP2 Champions Dane Cameron and team owner PJ Hyett. With Johnny “Not Winter”
Edgar in the crowd favourite AO Racing’s No. 99 “Spike-the-Dragon”.
Tower Motorsports No. 8 entry features two
Sebastian’s behind the keyboard, led by le Hamburgular’, Sealmeister B’,
SeaBass, or simply Sebastien Bourdais. Plus Sebastian Alvarez , team owner John
Farano and Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) IndyCar driver Kyffin Simpson.
The #04 CrowdStrike by APR entry sees Rahal
Letterman Lanigan Racing reserve driver Toby Sowery as one of it’s chauffeurs,
including new minority Mercedes Grand Prix owner George Kurtz. Who’s just
bought a 15% stake from Herr Crying All the way to the Bank Wolff! Ergo Toto
Wolff.
Whilst the #73 Pratt Miller Motorsports entry
will feature the Brothers Fittipaldi, as in Pietro and Enzo, with the latter
having been confirmed as one of HMD Motorsports Indy NXT drivers this season.
Inter Europol Competition’s No. 343 (second)
entry features Nick, “Not David” Cassidy, Georgios Kolovos, Arrow McLaren
IndyCar driver Nolan Siegel and Jacub Smiechowski.
As that’s just a small flavour of this year’s LMP2 entrants…
