LE MANS: Another Stout Saloons field prepares for Glory

But can anybody predict who’ll be this year’s winner?

 

Once again, this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans field sees the largest class being the LMGT3 category, with two dozen entrants headed by la Scuderia’s five Prancing Horses.

 

Corvette, Mercedes and Porsche have three entries apiece, with Aston Martin, BMW, Ford, Lexus and McLaren running two car squads.

 

In alphabetical order, here’s the nine manufacturers competing this year. With (2) Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo, (2) BMW M4  GT3 Evo, (3) Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, (5) Ferrari 296 GT3, (2) Ford Mustang GT3, (2) Lexus RC F GT3, (2) McLaren 720s GT3 Evo, (3) Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo and (3) Porsche 911 GT3R LMGT3 contestants.

 

Manthey EMA with Richard Lietz, Morris Schuring and Yasser Shahin at the controls of it’s No. 91 Porsche 911 GT3R (992) are the defending LMGT3 class winners. Are we really surprised that another legendous’ 911 won again at Le Mans?

 

Ladies first, as how can you not cheer for the Femme Fatales Iron Lynx trio of Michele Gatting, Rahel Frey and Celia Martin in the No. 85 Porsche 911.

 

While Manthey returns with the Nos. 90 and 92 Porsche’s this year. With Lietz joined by Ryan Hardwick and Riccardo Pera in the #92 Manthey 1st Phorm entry.

 

The No. 10 Racing Spirit of Leman features Eduardo Barrichello, son of Rubino, aka Rubens Barrichello. Partnered by Derek DeBoer and Valitin Hasse-clot.

 

Suppose I’ll always root for the Heart of Racing team, even if it’s not the Team Seattle entity that inspired me. As the No. 27 Aston Martin features team boss Ian James, IMSA competitor Zacharie Robichon and Mattia Drudi.

 

Team WRT’s No. 46 BMW M4 Evo features The Doctor, aka Valentino Rossi in the cockpit, along with Ahmad Al Harthy and Kelvin van der Linde, older brother of Werks’ BMW Hypercar pilote Sheldon.

 

Having just learned thanks to For the Love of Indy’s Raymond Hando, that the Brothers van der Linde’s, along with Agusto Thumper’ Farfus won this year’s Bathurst 12 Hours race.

 

While I suppose it shouldn’t be a surprise that United Autosport will campaign a brace of factory McLaren 720s Evo’s. As the No. 95’s Sean Gelael and Marino Sato are the only drivers I recognize; both being ex-Formula 2 racers.

 

Naturally, I’ve never heard of Ziggo Sport – Tempesta before. As the UK based team will run somebody named Eddie Cheever III, alongside Chris Frogga and Jonathan Hui in it’s No. 193 Ferrari 296 GT3 entry. As the team competes in the GT World Challenge Europe series.

 

And although it’s not a straight knife fight, with three Corvettes ganging up against the two Ford Darkhorse Mustang’s. Not sure which two Corvette teams I’m more inspired by?

 

As AWA Racing from Up North Eh! Represents IMSA with it’s No. 13 entry, winner of this year’s Rolex 24 GTD class. Whilst TF Sport runs a two car FIA World Endurance championship (WEC) entry, with it’s Nos. 33 and 81

 

Texan Ben Keating who returns to the #33, was part of the 2023 LMGTE AM class winning #33 Corvette Racing entry with Nicolas Varrone and Nicky Catsburg. The car being campaigned by TF Sport in the final year of that category, so we know that TF Sport is a winning organization.

 

Proton Competition runs the Werks’ Mustang operation, with the Nos. 77 and 88. Which naturally I’ll be hoping can continue their winning ways. Having just beaten Corvette on their home turf in Downtown Detroit, albeit the IMSA Ford Multimatic No. 64 Stang’. As it’s too bad that one of Multimatic’s factory Mustang’s couldn’t be granted entry…

 

The race will be carried live flag-to-flag this weekend on Motor Trend TV, also available via IMSA Radio’s RS1/RS2 channels. Check your local listings for times and places. 

IMSA Interlopers Flock to Le Mans

As nearly the entire IMSA GTP throng is schlepping across thoust Bloody Puddle…

 

Following the Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic race. According to IMSA Sports Car writer John Oreo’ Oreovicz, Thars’ a total of 18 out of 22 IMSA GTP drivers from the previous Detroit round contesting this year’s 93rd 24 Heurs du Mans. Which took awhile, but I did manage to find All of these IMSA GTP drivers

 

Hypercar

The No. 4 Porsche Penske Motorsport teams “third” Porsche 963 is comprised of Felipe Nasr, Nick Tandy and reigning Formula E Champion Pascal Wehrlein, making His Le Mans debut.

 

As Tandy and Nasr currently lead the IMSA GTP championship by some 70 markers over Porsche Penske Motorsport No. 6 IMSA teammates Mathieu Jaminet and Matt Campbell. With Jaminet joining Penske’s No. 5 Porsche 963 lineup, and Campbell in the No. 6 Porsche 963 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) entry. With Penske fielding three Werks’ 963 Panzwrwagens once again.

 

Cadillac WTR sees Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) running the No. 101 for the Taylor Brothers, i.e.; Jordan and Ricky, joined by longtime WTR driver Filipe Albuquerque aboard the Cadillac V-Series.r entry adorned in the classic Mobil 1 livery.

 

Action Express Racing’s (AXR) Whelen Engineering brings their Cadd-Oh-lac’ V-Series.R prototype to the Le Mans party. With Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken, Felipe Drugovich and Frederik Vesti at the controls of the No. 311 Caddy’.

 

Werks’ BMW Hotschues’ Dries Vanthorr and Sheldon van der Linde will be aboard the BMW M8 Hybrid Nos. 15 & 20 respectively.

 

Ross Gunn and Roman De Angelis, pilotes’ of the only current FIA WEC Hypercar competing in IMSA GTP. Sees Gunn and De Angelis in the Aston Martin Thor Team’s #007 and #009 Aston Martin Valkyrie’s respectively.

 

Earl Bamber who co-drives with Aitken in IMSA GTP, also races for Hertz Cadillac Team Jota in WEC. As the Kiwi’ will join le Hamburgular’, nee Sealmeister B’, aka SeaBass or simply Sebastien Bourdais and Bloody Jense’, ergo 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button behind the wheel of the team’s No. 38 entry.

 

LMP2

The United Autosport #22 entry sees former IndyCar driver Pietro Fittipaldi joined by IMSA’s Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) Acura prototype driver Renger van der Zande and David Heinemeier.

 

The No. 24 Nielsen Racing entry sees MSR Acura prototype driver Colin Brown joined by fellow Yank’ Maveen Rao and Turkey’s Cem Bolukbasi.

 

Inter Europol Competition’s No. 34 Oreca 07 Gibson IMSA entry features Nick Boulle, former Dale Coyne Racing IndyCar driver Luca ghiotto and Jean-Baptist Simmenauer.

 

With the Seester’ #43 entry seeing the third MSR Acura IMSA GTP Hotschue’ Nick Yelloly at it’s controls. Partnered by Tom dillman and Jakub Smiechowski.

 

Rounding out MSR’s quartet of Acura IMSA GTP pilotes, Tom “The Bomb” Blomqvist is entered in the No. 37 CLX – Pure Rxcing entry. With co-drivers Tristan Turbo’ Vautier and Alex Malykhin.

 

IMSA competitor’s Algarve Pro Racing’s No. 45 fields a strong Pro Am lineup with Nicky Catsburg, George Kurtz and Alex Quinn behind the keyboard.

 

Another strong Pro Am entry is the #199 AO by TF entry with Dane Cameron, Lous Deletraz and team owner P. J. Hyett.

 

As the Pro Am Cup is a race inside a race of LMP2 competitors. With the Pro Am (Professional Amateur) driver lineup consisting of one Bronze rated driver.

 

LMGT3

Oh Kanaduh’s AWA Racing IMSA Corvette Z06 GT3.R #13 entry sees Matt Bel, Orey Fidani and Lars Kern behind the wheel.

 

The NO. 33 TF Sport Corvette Z06 racecar sees longtime IMSA “Gentleman” driver Ben Keating at the controls, alongside Daniel Juncadella and Johny Edgar, not Winter, Hya!

 

“Union Jack” Hawksworth returns to the Akkodis ASP #78 Lexus RC F GT3 entry, teamed with Finn gehrsitz and Arnold Robin.

 

And that’s just what I found during my initial cursory look over this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans entry list, which naturally is subject to change.

 

But it’s good knowing that IMSA is so well represented once again, as you’ll definitely need a scorecard to keep track of everybody! 

Wickens Wait to race in IMSA finally ends

As it will be good to have thee plucky Kuhnuck’ back in a major racing series…

 

This weekend sees the long awaited debut of thee Young Wicky’, aka Robert Wickens in IMSA’s Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) competition, behind the keyboard of the No. 36 DXDT Corvette Z06 GT3.R.

 

Wickens alongside General Motors “Hired Gun” Tommy Milner tested the custom DXDT Vette’ at Sebring over two days back in March at Sebring International Raceway. With Wickens noting He was leaning heavily on Milner to learn the nuances of the Corvette, and wasn’t sure how long Milner would put up with His onslaught of questions? Saying He’d be using Milner as a sponge…

 

Arse-suming by now everybody knows of Wickens horrendous and life altering IndyCar crash at Pocono in August, 2018, leaving Him paralyzed from the waist-down.

 

As Wickens credits DXDT team owner David Askew for taking a risk upon Him and making the project happen. Along with General Motors getting onboard. As well as Pratt & Miller who fabricate the Z06 GT3.R racecars and Bosch who make His custom hand control driving ring work with it’s electronic ‘fly-by-Wire” braking system.

 

Robby said He’s been having to learn to readapt His driving style after racing the front wheel drive Hyundai Elantra in the Michelin Pilot Challenge Touring Car championship. Having won the TCR (Touring Car) title with co-driver Harry Gottsacker for Brian Herta Autosport (BHA) in 2023. The first major championship win for a Hand Controls adapted vehicle.

 

Wickens hasn’t competed at Long Beach since His rookie IndyCar season for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports in 2018. And hasn’t contested an IMSA race since driving in the LMP2 category during the 2017 rolex 24…

 

Back to driving a rear wheel drive Saloons’ vehicle for the first time in awhile, which naturally is a different Beast vs. the Dallara DW12 IndyCar He once piloted. Robby notes He was having to learn how to utilize traction control, which He’s never used before. As Wickens partnered with Bosch a year ago to design a bespoke hand control steering wheel system that can be adopted to multiple racing series and different racing makes. Allowing for Wickens and others, to not constantly have to relearn hand control systems every time they race a different vehicle.

 

Wasn’t aware that Milner, who most recently made waves by infamously giving BMW’s Agusto Farfus the universal “You’re No. 1” salute at Daytona, had raced for DXDT before. Winning an impressive eight races in the GT World Challenge America championship in 2024. Finishing “Vice Champion” George! Err runner-up in the Pro category with co-driver Alec Udell.

 

Robby and co-driver Milner are part of IMSA’s “Twin bill” with IndyCar this weekend at “the Beach”, nee Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach which is celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary.

 

The Long Beach weekend is covered on a menagerie ‘O TV Networks beginning this afternoon at 3PM Pacific on (Fox Sports) FS1, with IndyCar’s first practice.

 

Saturday sees IndyCa’s second practice on FS1 at 8:30AM. With Qualifying at 11:30AM on FS2. While IMSA’s 140mins race featuring just IMSA GTP and GTD competitors airs on USA Network at 2PM.

 

Sunday’s IndyCar’s morning warm-up is at 9:00AM on FS1, with the  race airing on the Flagship network FOX beginning at 1:30PM. While the command for Drivers, Start your Engines! Is listed for 1:15PM, according to the LBGPA schedule.

 

All times Pacific and subject to change; as Y’all try looking up this dearth ‘O information on your sometimes not updated Zap-2-It TV Guide! 

Chasing after A different Prancing Horse

As this one had a much Faster top speed vs. Seabiscuit!

 

So mucho for rest ‘n relaxation over Ye Gory Christmas Holidazes’ break! As I went down a mighty Wabbit’ Hole chasing this story…

 

Since thee Older I get, the more I’m amused over how skewed my memories are. With my mind playing tricks upon Mwah! Although Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary ellen exclaimed really Tomaso! You’re wondering why you cannot remember something from thirty-plus years ago, Seriously?

 

Yet having learned via that fantastic Laura Hillenbrand book Seabiscuit, which I scribbled labouriously about earlier this year, which Y’all can read in two part harmony below…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2025/01/when-horse-outweighed-horsepower.html

 

Learning that thee heralded crooner Bing Crosby was instrumental in the creation of the Del Mar Racetrack for four legged Horses, along with the adjoining Fairgrounds. This triggered my foggy memory of attending a lone IMSA GTP race Thar’, Wayback I thought in the early 1990’s, Stee-rike!

 

As the main things I recall now some thirty-five years later is my mode of transportation. As I rode Shotgun’ from Arizona to Del Mar and back in a “loaner” Jaguar XJS 12-cylinder road car, Sweet! And how a Fool in a Lincoln Mercury thought He could keep up with us on the Highway at an extended rate of high speed; Hey Batter-Batter…

 

Whilst I recalled that the Jaguar racecars turbochargers “Chirpped” quite audibly, making me have to search for what model they were, with the No. 60 Castrol Jaguar XJR-10 with Jan Lammers winning. With Price Cobb as the #61’s chauffeur.

 

Along with walking thru the paddock and taking a picture of the great looking Miller Beer Porsche 962C. Which John Andretti, Bob Wollek and Derek Bell drove to victory at that year’s Rolex 24.

 

Not to mention the blood red, rosso No. 60 Ferrari F40 LM Being solid red, devoid of any sponsor decals, other than perhaps Pirelli tyres adorning the front windshield? Having mistakenly thought it was Jean Alesi behind the wheel of said F40 that October weekend All these years…

 

Initially, I had one Helluva time finding any pertinent information upon the IMSA GT season finale on Del Mar Fairgrounds 1.6-mile 10 turn temporary circuit in its parking lot. Where apparently the Prototypes and Saloons’, or Sedans category as Tom Gloy called ‘em ran in separate “Sprint” races. Since I eventually found a complete classification for the 22 entry IMSA GTP and Lights race. And then finally found the complete 30-car results for the separate Sedans race. Which was split evenly between both categories.

 

Also bumped into a sliced ‘n diced 45mins race airing on Youtube of the One hour ESPN Sprint race with Bruce Flanders calling the action with Tom Gloy alongside as Colour commendatore. Uhm, Oops! I meant Commentator, as I’m getting ahead of thyself! While Chris Economaki, who’d just celebrated His 69th birthday one week earlier and Ralph Sheheen were the Pit reporters.

 

The thirty car field of IMSA GTO and GTU competizione saw Hans-Joachim Stuck on Pole in the Audi 90 Quattro All-wheel Drive Terror! Which had won the previous four races in-a-row. While Wally Dallenbach Jr. was alongside in the “Blown” Mercury XR-7 Cougar. Row-2 featured Steve Millen in the first Nissan 300ZX with Roushe Racing’s Pete Halsmer, the GTO points leader alongside. And the third row of All turbocharged entreis saw Hurley Haywood in the second Audi flanked by John Morton in the Seester’ Nissan 300ZX. As Flanders said we’ll talk about that Ferrari F40 shortly…

 

Before mentioning Jeremy Dale’s name, aboard the #07 Dodge as the Pole sitter for the GTU Class. With Bob Leitzinger becoming that year’s GTU Champion.

 

Loved the interview by Ralph “Keyboard warriors R-US” Sheheen with Ferrari France’s Jean Sage regarding the Ferrari F40 LM. With the Frenchman saying that basically everything’s bigger on the racecar vs. production street car. Noting the front spoiler’s bigger. The rear wing’s bigger, etcetera-etcetera-etcetera. Also noting that the engine’s intercoolers are bigger, along with the turbochargers you guessed it – being bigger!

 

Whilst Sheheen noted that all 300 of the production F40’s which retailed for $250,00 were sold; Uhm try like $400k Ralph! And now ranged in the neighbourhood of one million dollars price-wise, Aye Darumba!

 

Micelotto, a Ferrari Specialist  built two Ferrari F40 LM’s initially from three road cars for the 1989 racing debut, with Jean Alesi debuting the Prancing Horse at that year’s Laguna Seca race in the IMSA GTO category. With the third converted “Road Car” F40 LM being a spare chassis that was never utilized.

 

Alesi later told Racer’s Marshall Pruett in 2016, that the F40 had a tendancy for spinning its Pirelli tyres profusely! And that the engine’s turbo boost had to be turned down to try accommodating for this. As Alesi noted being a young racing driver, He was loathe to heed to not planting His right foot on the “Loud” pedal…

 

Alesi presumably stunned the IMSA grid with an excellent second place qualifying effort besides Hans Stuck’s Audi 90 Quattro, before ultimately finishing third.

 

For Del Mar one week later, the Ferrari France F40 LM was driven by “Jelly-Belly”, aka Jean-Pierre Jabouille. But retired after 18-laps with mechanical “maladies”. Although Sheheen noted during a race interview that the car was once again spinning its Pirelli tyres badly and had just been passed by one of the lower tier GTU entries, Zouza!

 

Meanwhile, Dallenbach Jr. led a Mercury Cougar 1-2 sweep with Halsmer winning the GTO Drivers title. While both of the Audi’s Done Blown Up!

 

The Ferrari returned to IMSA GTO competition the following year, with Jabouille, Jacques Laffite and Hurley Haywood as its drivers. Scoring a “treble” of second place finishes.

 

Reportedly a total of 19 Ferrari F40 LM and latter (GTE) Competition examples were built between 1989-96, with the car having moderate success. Including a lone victory at Vallenlunga in 1994. Followed by back-to-back wins at Anderstorp between 1995-96, before the car was ultimately retired.

 

A lone Ferrari F40 GTE “Competizione” racecar run by Obermaier Racing in conjunction withTeam Ennea competed in the ’94 24 Huers du Mans, albeit retiring. With Anders Olofsson, Sandro Angelastri and Max “the Ax” Angelelli at its controls.

 

For 1995, three F40 GTE racecars showed up at Circuit de la Sarthe. With a pair of Ennea Ferrari Club entries, including the Pole winning No. 41, which finished P18 overall. Whilst its Seester’ car (No. 40) Did Not Finish. (DNF) With the No. 34 Pilot Aldix Racing F40 finishing 12th overall.

 

For ’96, the Ferrari F40 made its Swan song at Le Mans with a quartet of GTE Competizione entrants. Yet all four Prancing Horses had retired by Dawn. With three Team Ennea entries and a single Pilot Racing entry competing.

 

Yet nearly ten years old now, the F40 was no longer a match for the superior McLaren F1 GTR, and simply faded from the racing landscape…

 

(Rosso Ferrari F40 image source: wallpaperflare.com) 

Rolex 24 Postscript

As the 63rd Rolex 24 once again, was another Barn Burner!

 

First off, very cool for Jamie Chadwick to be the race’s Grand Marshall! Although part of me feels like this is some sort of consolation prize for Her. As hope Chadwick’s Sports Car career blossoms like Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken’s has…

 

Tuned into IMSA Radio’s “Countdown to The Green”, and was super happy to hear the voice of my Numero Uno IndyCar Radio pit reporter Ryan Marin. Along with the return of Jamie Howe. With my apologies to Peter Mackay, as initially I thought that ‘Ol EO Speedwagon’ Dario Franchitti was in the announce Booth…

 

Even better yet, Marin got copious amounts of time in the announce Booth,  most notably alongside lead Announcer John Hindhaugh…

 

Ford Multimatic Motorsports Mustang GT3’s swept the front row of GTD Pro, with Rocky’, aka Mike Rockenfeller on pole in the #64, followed by it’s #65 stablemate. Being Rocy’s first pole position since March, 2006 at Homestead, Miami, Youza!

 

BMW Team RLL, ergo Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing bookended the GTP grid. With Dries Vanthoor taking Pole in the No. 24 BMW M Hybrid V-8. While the #25 started last, P12 due to hybrid electrical issues.

 

Meyer Shank Racing two Acura ARX-06’s were quick off the bat. With comment made about the No. 93 being a nod to Honda’s history in IMSA Sports Car racing. Although Nick Yelloly reported a vibration, and then slid off at the west Horseshoe, dripping to seventh…

 

Pfaff Motorsport, fondly known as the “Plaid” Lamborghini had a miserable first pitstop, unable to remove the front left wheel. Needing a chisel to take the wheel off, then suffering a speeding penalty. Before being involved in a six car pile-up in Hour Eight!

 

As Louie’ Deletraz spun out of control on a race restart in the No. 10 Waynte Taylor Racing Cadd-Oh-lac’ V-Series.R GTP machine, before ricocheting back onto track and ultimately causing six cars, including the No. 9 Pfaff Lamborghini to retire from the race!

 

Much noise was made over the weather conditions, most notable the thirteen hours and sixteen minutes duration of darkness. Along with expected very cold overnight temperatures. As Sunset set at 5:58PM and Sunrise was at 7:15AM. (Eastern) Leaving me wondering if we’d once again have reports of frozen Iguanas falling out of the Palm trees. Or was it Geckos?

 

The race ultimately was one of attrition, with somebody in the announce Booth mentioning that eventually 21 of the 61 starters failed to finish! Which I won’t even try attempting to recap these, or the entire race…

 

Other than taking note early of the #11 TDS Racing LMP2 entry, with Hunter McElrea at it’s keyboard when initially having trouble on-track. Having been in it’s garage for two hours with a gearbox issue, but hadn’t retired as of 3PM Pacific.

 

(2:50PM Pacific) The first of the IMSA GTP Contendahs’ suffered Heartbreak. As Alex Palou in the  #93 suffered a left rear suspension failure and had to return to the garage via Flatbed.

 

The race’s restart saw K-Squared Harem Scarem’ vs. Colin Brown! As John Hindhaugh says I want to have whatever Kamui Kobayashi had for dinner! As He pulls out 8.5 second lead vs. Brown!

 

Listened to the majority of the first ten hours via IMSA Radio before getting sleepy, but failed to record who was leading at that point? Although it didn’t really matter, since the race has a history of totally changing complexion overnight…

 

Then listened to Hour number 13? Tuning in as the Eighth full course yellow for Charlie Eastwood’s No. 36 DXDT Corvette catching on fire was thrown! Pulling into an orange fire zone expertly at Speedway Turn-2! Just past the halfway point of the race; listening for another hour before calling it quits for the night…

 

Awaking before the alarm clock went off, I listened to the final three and one-half hours, which I’d say had more drama then the race’s first 3.5 hours! Beginning with nobody apparently wishing to claim LMP2 class honours. As first the leading No. 88 AF Corse entry ground to a halt on-track with mechanical woes.

 

Then Spike-the-Dragon’, the #99 AO Racing entry which had inherited the lead, failed to restart following one of it’s final pitstops! As its battery had run out of charge and refused to refire the Gibson V-8 lump!

 

With just a half hour remaining? The leading #18 Era Motorsport got drilled in the Keister’ by the trailing #52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports entry! Both coming to the pits, with the #52 receiving a Drive-thru penalty. All the while seeing le Hamburgular’, nee Sebastien Bourdais who’d been watching the scrum ahead of Him steal another victory aboard the No. 8 Tower Motorsports entry…

 

The GTD Pro battle was even more chaotic! As the #4 Corvette of Tommy Milner was leading with the No. 1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 Evo hot on His tails when they came upon the second #48 Paul Miller Racing entry, being several laps down in 12th place. Yet the #48’s Agusto Farfas decided to play Blocking Back for the Seester’ No. 1 a little too aggressively! Slowing in the corners and essentially blocking the Vette’s progress. Before the No. 1 hit the left corner of the Vette’ when trying to overtake for the lead.

 

As a disgusted Milner said after climbing out of the damaged Corvette that it was just plain dirty pool and they should be embarrassed! Having given Farfas the you’re Number One salute who received a Drive-thru for His antics…

 

Thus I clapped estatically when in the closing minutes of the race, the No. 1 BMW M4 suddenly found itself the meat in a Pratt Miller Corvette sandwich! As the team’s #3 entry was hounding Dennis Olsen leading in the No. 65 Ford Mustang, who I had two sets ‘O fingers crossed for! As all of a sudden, WHAM! The #4 Vette’ tagged the BMW! Also receiving another Drive-thru. Yet All of this Argie-Bardgie allowed Olsen relief with a sudden 2.7-seconds lead, before taking the cheqered flag for Ford!

 

Being the Mustang’s maiden GT3victory, not to mention Sebastian Priaulx coming home third in the Seester’ No. 64, which gave Ford it’s first GTDPro pole position earlier…

 

The GT Daytona class was just as exciting, with the lucky No. 13 AWA Corvette Z06 GT3.R with Matt Bell at the wheel taking the win by 1.4 seconds. As Bell had also played the bump ‘n run game with one of the Aston’s, albeit the Aston Martin Vantage doing the bumping…

 

With 22mins remaining, Felipe Nasr said “Playing Thru” as He and Matt Campbell in the Seester No. 6 Porsche touched! Whilst the announcers had spent hours repeating how Porsched hadn’t finished 1-2 at Daytona since 1987. Which Tom “The Bomb” Blomqvist ensured didn’t happen again. As the MSR HotSchue’ passed Campbell with five minutes remaining to finish Vice Champion, Err runner-up…

 

Thus Nasr scored back-to-back wins aboard the No. 7 entry, the same Porsche 963 He’d won the year before aboard with Campbell, Dane Cameron and Josef Schlick’ Newgarden.

 

And there’s more I wanted to scribble about. But I’ll save it for another meandering No Fenders post… 

ROLEX 24: IndyCar Ringers’

But exactly how many current IndyCar drivers will take the Green flag?

 

This is just what I gleamed over the Christmas Holidazes’ initially, As Bloggers Never Sleep! With the remaining TBA Driver names drip-drip-dripping in like a thousand points of lights, or whatever…

 

Which obviously, I’ve attempted to update to the best of my Humble knowledge, prior to the green flag being waved tomorrow morning at 10:40AM Pacific.

 

Grand Touring Prototype (GTP)

As of New years, hopefully Y’all aren’t still holding your breath over Dale Coyne announcing His two IndyCar drivers, Are Yuhs? Since these two IndyCar seats were the only place that Romain Grosjean could possibly secure for this year.

As Grosjean’s current “Day Job” appears to be piloting the No. 63 Lamborghini SC63 now campaigned by Riley Motorsports during the five Michelin Endurance Cup rounds.

 

 As the Indianapolis Star’s Nathan Browne noted at Prema’s “launch” party. The announcement of Romain Grosjean as the team’s IndyCar reserve driver signals He won’t be racing in IndyCar this year…

 

Meanwhile, Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) will dip into its newly forged technical alliance with Chip Ganassi Racing by utilizing Cheeps’ top two IndyCar champions. As Scotty thee “Iceman 2.0” Dixon along with MSR IndyCar Ace Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) will race in the lead No. 60 Acura. Whilst Alex Palou will join the No. 93 MSR entry.

 

Le Mans Prototype (LMP2)

The LMP2 category is filled with current, former and hopeful IndyCar drivers. Beginning with Andretti Global’s Colton Herta racing in the CrowdStrike by APR Racing’s No. 04 with IndyCar hopeful Toby sowery. as part of its drivers lineup.

 

Aspiring IndyCar driver Hunter McElrea will once again drive for TDF Racing, in their #11 Oreca. As McElrea has been part of its winning crew the last two races, i.e.; Indianapolis’s Battle on The Bricks and Petit Le Mans.

 

Prema Racing’s Callum Ilott joins the brand new #73 Prat Miller Motorsports lineup. Moonlighting in former RLLR driver Pietro Fittipaldi’s new season ride.

 

Whilst I was  wonderin’ if Christian Rasmussen, who was part of the winning LMP2 Era Motorsport entry last year would return to the High Banks ‘O Daytona this January?

 

Learning on January 2nd that the Dane’ would now make up part of the most popular and colourful Spike-the-Dragon’s AO Racing No. 99 entry, with Dane Cameron, PJ Hyett and Johnny Edgar lobbing “fireballs” at the competitors, Hya!

 

GTD Pro/GT Daytona

Team Penske’s ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin joins NASCAR driver The Giz’, ergo Shane van Gisbergen. Along with Trackhouse Racing Development Driver Connor Vilisch, the reigning Rolex 24 and Sebring 12 Hours LMP2 winner. Plus perennial “Gentleman” racer Ben Keating in the No. 91 Trackhouse by TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R.

 

As the foursome will race in the GTD Pro category in a Trackhouse Racing and FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) TF Sport collabouration. With Keating also racing aboard the No. 52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports LMP2 entry.

 

Arse-sumin’ that Andretti Global’s (Kyle) Kirk’ Kirkwood will once again be Moonlighting aboard one of the Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 entries. Presumably the No. 14 entry?

 

Before the intravenous drip ‘O driver announcements confirmed on January 8th that Kirkwood would not only continue His endurance specialist role aboard the No. 14, contesting the Michelin Endurance Cup rounds. But would pull “Double Duty” between the team’s Nos 12 and 14 entries at Daytona.

 

Townsend Bell will be the No. 14’s fourth driver at Daytona

. Seeing T-Bell’ returning to the cockpit after a few years on the sidelines. Giving us the Battle of Colour commentators in GTD Pro between Bell and thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown, nee JamesHinchcliffe in the Pfaff Motorsports No. 9 Lamborghini Huracan. With T-Bell’ continuing His announcing duties with NBC at Daytona…

 

Whilst doing my yearly Rolex 24 previews Ad Nauseam, ahead of the full driver lineups being revealed. I noticed that Kenny Habul’s now 75 Express, previously SunEnergy1 Mercedes Benz-AMG GT3 Evo had one of its #75 drivers listed as TBA.

 

Naturally this made me wonder if Will Power, who was supposed to race with fellow Aussie’ Habul two years ago before His wife Liz got horribly sick. Would somehow be the mystery driver this January? Although doubtful, this is what us IndyCar Bloggers think of over the insidious Offseason. Having scribbled about Habul’s and Power’s Australian racing exploits previously…

 

Noting how Power, who’d recovered fully from His Broken Ribs Go Karting escapade during the previous Fall. Had mused about how He used to be competing against Team Boss Kenny Habul Wayback during His Formula ford days Down Under.

 

As Habul’s crowning moment in formula ford was finishing on the Podium with Will at the 1999 Australia Formula ford support race at Surfers Paradise. Where Kenny finished third in a Sprint Qualifying race for that year’s Gold Coast Indy 300 which Power won.

 

Although Kenny’s No slouch behind the wheel, having won the Bathurst 12 Hours in 2022 and outright in 2023. Along with being a multi-times Intercontinental GT Challenge Champion…

 

Yet my pipe dream was all for naught. With the announcement of Jules Gounon announced as the fourth driver for the #75 entry on the updated Rolex 24 entry list published on January 9th. But may be some year, DJ WillyP’ will finally make His Rolex 24 debut, Eh?

 

Meanwhile, Will Power has just hired His first Agent, A14 Management. Owned by some smarmy Spaniard Frederico Suave’, aka Fred Alonso. And its U.S. representative is none other than Oriel “Suitcase” Servia, current IndyCar Pace Car driver.

 

As Power says He just wants to focus upon driving this season, even though it’s a contract year. And Yeah, He’s heard the rumours about some fresh face Punk nearly half His age driving for Foyt wanting His seat next year. Saying the Kid’s only got a handful of top ten finishes, but whatever…

 

Power says He wants to race in IndyCar a further five years, along with Sports Car and perhaps even NASCAR someday. Along with presumably both the Rolex 24 and 24 Heurs du Mans.

 

As that’s All I’ve got for current IndyCar drivers participating this year. With eight drivers making up nearly one third of the 25, Err 26 confirmed IndyCar entries as of January 13^th. As what are you doing announcing a driver this early Dale Coyne? 

ROLEX 24: GTD Pro Grid preview

As How many licks does it take, Oh Never Mind!

 

Originally wasn’t planning on getting so carried away. But like I said, what does an Open Wheel Racing Blogger do in the dead ‘O winter, eh? When Thars’ nothing but Pigskin games dominating the Airwaves, Spew!

 

GTD Pro

(1) Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo: Heart of Racing, No. 007

(2) BMW M4 GT3 Evo: Paul Miller Racing, Nos 1 and 48

(3) Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsport, Nos 3 and 4; Trackhouse by TF Sport, No. 91

(1) Ferrari 296 GT3: DragonSpeed, No. 81

(2) Ford Mustang GT3: Ford Multimatic Motorsports, Nos 64 and 65

(1) Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo 2: Pfaff Motorsports, No. 9

(1) Lexus RC F GT3: Vasser Sullivan Racing, No. 14

(2) Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo: GetSpeed, No. 69; 75 Express, No. 75

(2) Porsche 911 GT3 R: Proton Competition, No. 20; AO Racing, No. 77

 

The Heart of Racing team is presumably using the Rolex 24 as a tune-up for the debut of its Bigger Brother GTP Valkyrie at Sebring. As Roman De Angelis, Ross Gunn, Alex Riberas and Marco Sorensen will pilot the “bond” mobile at Daytona. Whilst Arse-suming that De Angelis, Gunn and Riberas will become the Valkyrie’s chauffeurs beginning at Sebring.

 

Corvette is typically strong at Daytona, and returns with its typical solid, veteran lineups. As the No. 3 has Antonio Garcia, Daniel Juncadella and Alexander Sims in the cockpit. While the Seester’ No. 4 see’s Tommy Milner, Nicky Catsburg and Nico Varrone at its controls.

 

Pfaff Motorsports has dropped its Mclaren in favour of becoming Lamborghini’s new de facto Werks’ team. With Andrea Caldarelli, Marco Mapelli and Jordan Pepper at the keyboard. While thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown, aka James Hinchcliffe joins the team at Daytona, and perhaps the other endurance rounds a la last season?

 

Proton Competition has a stout lineup with Matteo Cressoni, Richard Lietz, Thomas Preining and Claudio Schiavoni. And the Porsche’s tried ‘n tested 911 Panzerwagens should never be counted out, Ja Volt!

 

Whilst defending GTD Pro Drivers Champion Laurin Heinrich returns to the#77 AO Racing Porsche 911, and obviously will be looking to defend His title. As will we see Rexi-the-Dragon joining Spike at Daytona?

 

Naturally I’ll be rootin’ for the Mustangs. With Rocky’, aka Mike Rockenfeller, Sebastian Priaulx and Ben Barker originally in the No. 64 Steed. With Christopher Mies, Dennis Olsen and Frederic Vervicsh in the No. 65 Stablemate.

 

 Before learning on January 7th that Barker’s been replaced by Day-Toner- 500 winner Austin Cindric. After Ben broke His collarbone during a skiing accident. Being ten years since Cindric made His debut at Daytona for Miltimatic in a Mustang in the Michelin Pilot Challenge…

 

DragonSpeed will partner with Risi Competizione for this year’s IMSA GTD season, while Risi isn’t expected to compete this year. But will provide technical support to DragonSpeed, with Risi Competizione’s #62 Ferrari 296 GT3 winning last year’s Rolex 24 GTD Pro category.

 

DragonSpeed’s drivers lineup is power-packed, featuring Miguel Molina, Thomas Neubauer, Albert Costa and Davide Rigon at the wheel.

 

Rigon is the only holdover from last year’s GTD Pro winning No. 62 Risi competizione entry. While Molina won the 24 Heurs du Mans outright last year in the #50 AF Corse Ferrari 499P. And Costa was part of the Petit Le Mans winning Conquest Racing #34 GT Daytona entry…

 

While the No. 91 Vette’ has an All Star lineup which many IndyCar and NASCAR Fans will be paying Attenzione to . Which I’ll cover in another of my never ending Rolex 24 previews… 

ROLEX 24: Overflowing GT Daytona Grid preview Wrap-up

As can Y’all hear the Sounds ‘O Racing from Daytona?

 

What does Yuhs do in the dead ‘O winter when All that’s on Ye Boob-tube is round the clock Pigskin games, Barf! You begin diving deep into the yearly upcoming 24 Hours of Daytona entry list.

 

Stealing ‘n Tweaking a well worn tag-line of Bob Varsha’s. Before you can go racing, first You must complete the Roar Before the Rolex 24! For which we’re currently in the middle of. Meaning the remaining TBA Drivers names should be announced by now…

 

GT Daytona (GTD)

Thus continuing in random splatter fashion, here’s a brief look at thee remaining five of nine manufacturers contesting the GT Daytona category.

 

Ford

Teams: 1

Model: Ford Mustang GT3

Gradient Racing, No. 66

 

Being a Died-in-the-Wool FoMoCo’ devotee, naturally I’d pick this “Darkhorse” first. As the longtime Acura NSX entrant has switched to the Blue Oval brand this year. With former Multimatic Werks’ Mustang Hotschue’ Joey Hand becoming Gradient’s lead driver. With the additions of ex-IndyCar driver Tatiana Calderon and Till Bechtolsheimer being announced on January 9th. Whilst waiting upon the final TBA to be divulged prior to the Roar. Although might it be Sports Car Ace Harry Tincknell?

 

As I’d spotted Tincknell’s name before reading the press release confirming this. As Hand and Lola Cars owner Bechtolsheimer will contest the entire Michelin Endurance Cup rounds, with Calderon and Tincknell joining them at Daytona. As Tincknell’s new “Day Job” is being an Aston Martin Valkyrie Hypercar driver in the FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC)

 

Chevrolet

Teams: 2

Model: Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R

AWA, No. 13, DXDT Racing, No. 36

 

Don’t know anything about the AWA Corvette team. While the DXDT squad is new to IMSA GTD competition this year, and will feature Robert Wickens in the upcoming Sprint races, which I previously scribbled about.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/12/santa-brings-wickens-shiny-new-corvette.html

 

Aston Martin

Teams: 3

Model: Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo

Heart of Racing Team, No. 27; Magnus Racing, No. 44 and Van der Steur Racing, No. 19

 

The Heart of Racing team will always be a sentimental favourite of mine, even if being based in Phoenix, AZ. With Zacharie Robichon, Tom Gamble, Mattia Drudi and Casper Stevenson at its controls.

 

While it  would be a Cinderella ending for Andy “The Enforcer” Lally to retire from driving as winner of this year’s Rolex 24. As the No. 44 sports its traditional stout lineup of Lally, John Potter, spencer Pumpelly and  a “Draft pick” to be named later…

 

BMW

Teams: 1

Model: BMW M4 GT3 Evo

Turner Motorsport, No. 96

 

The longtime BMW runner with familiar Robby Foley and co-driver Patrick Gallagher at its keyboard, joined by Jens Klingman and Jake Walker is steadily marching towards an amazing 600 starts, and Turner should never be counted out.

 

Lexus

Teams: 1

Model: Lexus RF C GT3

Vasser Sullivan Racing, No. 12

 

The familiar No. 12 will be the lone Japanese entry in this year’s GTD Grid. Whilst Top Jimmy’ (Vasser) and partner James Sully’ Sullivan have been holding their cards close to Thar Chests. As both of their Lexus’s driving quartets were listed as TBA ten days prior to the Roar, making it hard for Mwah to speculate upon the No. 12 entry…

 

Before learning on January 8th that the team has restructured its drivers lineups. With Jack Hawksworth joining Parker Thompson in the No. 12 for the full season. Being joined at Daytona with Frankie Montecalvo, who’ll just run the Endurance Cup rounds this year. Along with Kyle Kirkwood. 

Time for another Rolex 24: GTD Preview

As “Drivers, Start your Engines!”

 

This year’s 63rd running of the 24 Hours of Daytona, better known simply as the Rolex 24, commences on Saturday, January 25th.

 

Reportedly 61 entries will take the green flag presumably at 1:40PM Eastern, a la last year’s start time. As heaven’s forbid this information be available early, Frick!

 

Having learned on Jan 3rd that NBC’s Rolex 24 coverage is set to begin at 1:30PM Eastern, before switching to USA Network and Peacock coverage. Before returning to “big” NBC for the race’s final portion.

 

Once again the Tintops’, Err GT3 Saloons; Uhm, Sedans according toTom Gloy features a robust 37 entries, if I’ve done my ryth-muh-tickin’ correctly? Having counted 15 GTD Pro entries, leaving 22 GT Daytona runners making up over 50% of the field.

 

Whilst the 37 Gran Tourismo racers will share the limelight with Thar two dozen Bigger Brother Prototype brethren. With the top tier GTP category and LMP2 category being split evenly with twelve entries apiece.

 

Believe I read there’s a total of nine Prancing Horses entered in the GTD ranks, giving la Scuderia the biggest entry.

 

Although the number’s actually just eight Ferrari 296 GT3’s, but still the largest contingent of Sedans…

 

Yet the bigger news is the advent this year of All GT3 machinery running with torque sensors a la the FIA World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) LMGT3 category. Which enables closer monitoring of exactly how much horsepower’s being made at the rear wheels. As I believe this is intended to help with the dreaded BoP, nee Balance of Performance allowances…

 

GT Daytona (GTD)

Naturally, I’m not even going to try previewing all 22 GTD entries, instead just choosing some that Peaked’ my interest Danica, Hya! Previewing each of the nine manufacturers competing briefly…

 

Porsche

Teams: 2

Model: Porsche 911 GT3 R

Iron Dames, No. 83; Wright Motorsports, No. 120

 

Naturally I’ve gotta start off with the le Femmes Iron Dames entry. Having previously scribbled about Iron Lynx divorce from Lamborghini, which is now final. With the Iron Dames side of the equation moving back to Porsche in a new multi-year deal.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/12/racing-never-sleeps.html

 

The IMSA GTD driver quartet will be made up of regular’s Rahel Frey, Michelle Gatting and Sarah Bovy. With newcomer Karen Gaillard joining at selected rounds.

 

Ferrari

Teams: 5

Model: Ferrari 296 GT3

AF Corse, Nos 21 and 50; Cetilar Racing, No. 47; Conquest Racing, No. 34; Inception Racing, No. 70 and Triarsi Competizione, Nos 021 and 023

 

The GT Daytona field is stacked with a total of seven Prancing Horses. As I’m a Fan of Conquest Racing, run by former IndyCar driver and team owner Eric Bachelart.

 

But it’s the Cetilar Racing No. 47 entry that interests me. Featuring the father-son pairing of Roberto and Nicola Lacorte. Along with Lorenzo Patrese, son of ex-Formula 1 driver Ricardo, who played second fiddle to Nigel Mansell at Team Willy’. Rounded out by Le Mans winner “Anchorman” Antonio Fuoco.

 

While the driver announcements keep drip-drip-dripping out. With Triarsi Competizione announcing that Sheena Monk and Stevan McAleer, who raced together last year at Gradient Racing. Will contest the entire 2025 GTD season aboard the No. 021. With 24 Heurs du Mans winner James Calado and Mike Skeen joining them at Daytona.

 

Lamborghini

Teams: 2

Model: Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo 2

Forte Racing, No. 78; Wayne Taylor Racing, No. 45

 

Of these two Lambo’ runners. It’s the #78 Forte Racing  entry which grabs my Attenzione. As Bad Arse double IMSA GTD Champion Mario Farenbacher joins Misha Goikhberg for the full season. With RASCAR driver Parker Kligerman joining for Day-Toner’, along with Frank Perera.

 

Whilst “I Know Nothing” Herr Schultz! About the WTR Huracan entry. Other than Thars’ been a mighty Huracan at Andretti Global last year!

 

Mercedes

Teams: 3

Model: Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo

Korthoss Competition Motors, No. 32; Lone Star Racing, No. 80 and Winward Racing, No. 57

 

Don’t know anything about the Korthoss or Lone Star entries. Whilst Indy Dontje, Philip Ellis, Daniel Marad and Russell Ward are the defending race winners aboard the No. 57 Winward Racing Merc’, which always seems to be at the front of the pack.

 

With the driver lineup remaining intact with the exception of Lucas Auer returning to the cockpit in place of Daniel Marad. As Auer, nephew of Gerhard Berger broke His back during Thursday practice prior to the 2023 Rolex 24 race.