ROLEX 24: GTP preview, Can Porsche “Three-peat” this January?

As we’ll All find out in another 24 hours…

 

All of the IMSA GTP prototypes have been upgraded this year, most extensively the BMW, in hopes of dethroning Porsche. Which I’ll leave to Racer to do the “Heavy” lifting…

 

Manufacturers prepare revised GTP cars for IMSA Daytona test

 

The above article was posted on Racer.com, which refuses to update its website to comply with current Web Content Accessibility Guideline standards. Specifically WCAG 2.2 to enable ease of access for Blind or Visually Impaired readers.

 

BMW

BMW M Hybrid V-8

Engine: 4.0-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

Team: BMW M Team WRT

#24 Sheldon van der Linde, Dries Vanthoor, Robin Frijns and Rene Rast

#25 Philipp Eng, Marco Whittmann, Kevin Magnussen and Raffale Marciello

 

While the BMW team lineups remain unchanged, albeit with the drivers having been rotated between the two entries. The big news is that after 16 years, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLLR) was dropped as BMW’s service provider. With the Bavarian marque switching to WRT, who were running just the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) programme last year.

 

The Belgian W Racing Team, better known as WRT was founded in 2009 by former VW Motorsports Boss Rene Verbist, Vincent Vosse and Yves Veerts.

 

The team has won multiple championships and races, and is one of Europe’s premiere GT race teams. Competing also in the GT World Challenge Europe and the Intercontinental GT Challenge, series. Having won the title last year with Kelvin van der Linde and some Cat known as thee Doctor’, aka Valentino Rossi! While Rossi also competes for WRT in the GT World Challenge Europe series.

 

As could we see Rossi contesting the Rolex 24 one day in the future?

 

PORSCHE

Porsche 963

Engine: 4.6-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

Team: Porsche Penske Motorsport

#6 Kevin Estr, Laurens Vanthoor and Mat Campbell

#7 Felipe Nasr, Julien Andlauer and Laurin Heinrich

 

The big news for Porsche Penske Motorsports was the surprising decision to drop reigning IMSA Prototypes champion Mathieu Jaminet completely. While Matt Campbell gets shuffled to a supporting cast role, as the No. 6’s Michelin endurance cup rounds only. Meaning neither driver gets the chance to defend their championship.

 

And the Blood letting runs deeper, with Nick Tandy, winner of last’s year’s Rolex 24 being dropped from the team! Effectively being swapped with new “Endurance Specialist” Laurin Heinrich, who graduates from His 2024 GTD Pro Championship winning campaign with AO Racing, with Tandy taking over Heinrich’s seat in AO Racing’s “Rexi” Porsche 911.

 

All of this follows the “winding Up” of Porsche’s World Endurance Championship programme.

 

  Kevin Estr and Laurens Vanthoor continue together in the No. 6 entry, as the pair won the FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar title in 2024. While Mathieu Jaminet, who along with Campbell won the IMSA GTP Prototypes title last year in the same car, has joined the Genesis FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar team this season.

 

Julien Andlauer steps up to a full season drive alongside Felipe Nasr, the only holdover from last year’s full season IMSA Porsche drivers. As Andlauer is another of the Porsche WEC Werks’ drivers moving to IMSA this year.

 

Interestingly, both ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin and Josef Schlick’ Newgarden participated in the Daytona IMSA test last November behind the wheel of the team’s two Porsche 963’s, but won’t contest this year’s Rolex 24…

 

Although subsequently, I learned via DXDT Racing’s website that McLaughlin had joined their Michelin Endurance Cup effort, and will drive the team’s No. 36 Corvette Z06 GT3.R entry in the GT Daytona (GTD) class.

 

Meanwhile, the Porsche Penske Motorsports No. 7 and Nasr are the defending Rolex 24 winners, seeking a third consecutive w’ this weekend.

 

Team: JDC-Miller Motorsports

#85 Tijmen van der Helm, Bryce Aron and Nico Pino

 

Tijmen van der Helm and Bryce Aron return from last year’s campaign. Whilst Nico Pino who previously drove for Proton Competition moves over to JDC-Miller Motorsports this year. Whom I’m guessing will be the team’s “Endurance Specialist”.

 

As JDC-Miller Motorsports continues racing the only privateer Porsche 963 entry, albeit Proton Competition wishes to return to IMSA GTP competition in the near future… 

ROLEX 24: A trio of the GTP Grid’s Contendahs’

But we’ll have to wait a further 48 Hours to find out whose this year’s winner…

 

Without further Adu, here’s a triumvirate of IMSA GTP Class entrants. (In alphabetical order)

 

ACURA

Acura ARX-06

Engine: 2.4-litre V-6 Twin Turbo

Team: Meyer Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian

#60 Tom Blomqvist, Colin Brown, Scott Dixon and A.J. Allmendinger

#93 Renger van der Zande, Nick Yelloly, Alex Palou and Kakunoshin Ohta

 

Meyer Shank Racing continues as Acura’s GTP Factory entry, with one driver change amongst it’s eight Pilotes.

 

The “lead” No. 60 MSR entry again features Tom “The Bomb” Blomqvist and Colin Brown as it’s full season drivers.

 

Blomqvist and Brown were the 2023 IMSA GTP Prototypes champions, along with winning that year’s Rolex 24 for Acura. The team’s and Acura’s latest win, which surely must seem like a long time ago now, Eh?

 

Scotty thee Iceman 2.0’ Dixon returns as the No. 60’s Endurance “Specialist”. Whilst the Ohio based squad “Plug’s ‘n Play” with the return of the Dinger’, a la A.J. Allmendinger. Getting what I believe is His debut aboard the Acura ARX-06 GTP racecar, replacing Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) who raced last year.

 

As the No. 60 entry’s loaded for Bear, with a total of seven Rolex winner’s wristwatches behind it’s keyboard. As MSR aims for it’s fourth Rolex 24 win. Having won in 2012 and 2022-2023.

 

The “second” No. 93 entry remains unchanged with  Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly for the full season. Attacking Daytona’s High Banks with assistance again from Cheeps’ IndyCar multi-times Champions Alex Palou! Along with Kakunoshin Ohta.

 

As Ohta, who competes in Super GT and Super formula, drove for MSR at Daytona, Watkins Glen and Indianapolis last year.

 

Aston Martin

Aston Martin Valkyrie LMH

Engine: 6.5-litre normally aspirated V-12

Team: Aston Martin THOR Valkyrie

#23 Roman De Angelis, Ross Gunn and Alex Riberas

 

Aston Martin makes it’s Rolex 24 IMSA GTP prototypes debut with The Heart Of Racing. (THOR) As this shrieking, I said speak up sonny! Normally aspirated Cosworth V-12 lump’ is a definite Fan favourite!

 

As Racer’s Marshall Pruett “Dropped” this exclusive recording of an ‘Ol school 6.5-litre normally aspirated glorious sounding V-12 motor getting a proper workout on Daytona’s 3.56-mile road course during testing over a year ago…

 

MP1569: Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH In-Car at Daytona

 

Having made it’s competition debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring with a single entry. Aston Martin then ran two Valkyrie AMR-LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) entries at last year’s 24 Heurs du Mans, with both cars finishing P12 and P14.

 

Fast forward to last October’s Petit Le mans, where the No. 23 Valkyrie claimed it’s maiden podium, with an excellent second place finish, with the same three drivers. And who knows how the Valkyrie will fair in it’s maiden Rolex 24? Being the only LMH entry to contest IMSA GTP…

 

CADILLAC

Cadillac V-Series.R

Engine: 5.5-litre normally aspirated V-8

Team: Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing

#10 Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque and Will Stevens

#40 Jordan Taylor, Louis Deletraz and Colton Herta

 

As previously noted, Wayne Taylor has a long, successful relationship with Cadd-Oh-lac’. Having won multiple Rolex 24 and IMSA SportsCar Championship titles with them.

 

As Wayne Taylor Racing )WTR) has won the Rolex 24 with Cadillac machinery three times in the past decade, i.e.; 2017 and 2019-2020.

 

The driver roster remain largely intact from last year’s WTR lineups. Although K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi, who’s won two Rolex wristwatches with WTR. Along with Bad Arse Sports Car Ace Brendan Hartley have both been dropped from WTR this year.

 

The “Big” news is that Cadillac F1 Development Driver and Formula 2 racer Colton Herta becomes the No. 40’s “Endurance Specialist”, slated to race at Daytona, Sebring and Petit le Mans, when not busy with His “Day Jobs” across thoust gory Puddle.

 

As both WRT entries will slim down to just three drivers rotation this January. While WTR seeks it’s fifth outright victory since 2017. Having “Three-peated” between 2019-2021 with Cadillac and Acura, before returning to General Motors luxury brand last year.

 

Team: Cadillac Whelen Action Express Racing

#31 Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, Frederik Vesti and Connor Zilisch

 

Although officially known as Whelen Cadillac, it’s run by Action Express Racing. (AXR)

 

Earl Bamber and Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken continue their fulltime season IMSA GTP campaign. Along with Frederik Vesti running the endurance rounds, for a second, straight year.

 

The trio’s joined by rising NASCAR Star Connor Zilisch, making His Rolex 24 debut. As Zilisch, who finished runner-up in the Xfinity series last year with 10 wins. Replaces Aston Martin F1 reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, who raced at Daytona last year.

 

As AXR’s latest Rolex 24 win came Wayback in 2018! With the team having three Rolex 24 victories overall, i.e.; 2010, 2014 and 2018. Whilst Cadillac hasn’t won since 2020, which is a very long time ago… 

IndyCar Drivers, Team joins Rolex 24 Tintops’ ranks

But will Any of them win their respective Classes?

 

Just days, or the following day after Romain Grosjean had left the employment of Lamborghini’s Squadra Corse. Saying He didn’t want to drive GT3 machinery, but prototypes instead, Chuh-Ching!

 

Grosjean announced He was very excited to be joining Myers Riley Racing for Daytona, behind the wheel of their No. 16 Ford Mustang GT3 Evo. Joining Jenson Altznan, Sheena Monk and Felipe Fraga.

 

With the “pausing” of Lamborghini’s SC63 programme, Riley Motorsports has also shut down it’s LMP2 effort with the retirement of Gar Robinson. Thus seeing Riley embark upon it’s latest project, in conjunction with Ross Myers.

 

As the press release casually noted that Myers was the proprietor of 3 Dog Garage, a vintage Automotive museum in Pennsylvania.

 

3 Dog Garage museum

 

As Ross’s early passion for automobiles began when piecing together His first Hot rod at age 8! And much later taking up racing…

 

Yet 3 Dog Garage surely, couldn’t be what funds the new race team could it? Before finding serendipitously on Ye Intrawoods’ an article from Virginia Tech’s Engineering department for A. Ross Myres, Class of 1972. Graduating with a BS in Civil Engineering.

 

As the family construction business has grown into the colossus known as American Infrastructure today, which Ross is the President and CEO of. A leading Civil Engineering company ranked in the Top 50 of Heavy and Highway Contractors.

 

Ross Myres – Virginia Tech Alumni

 

As the #16 Dark Horse represents one half of Ford’s GTD entries; with the Gradient Racing No. 66 the other half.

 

Next, Callum Ilott announced a full season campaign driving the No. 120 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 R GT3 Evo with new team owner Adam Adelson. Noting His IMSA GTD campaign will “Dovetail” with His IndyCar programme. Having heard David Land say that both Ilott’s and Robert Shwartzman’s contracts for the 2026 IndyCar season had been taken up. As we’re just Ah-waitin’ to find out the details of Prema Racing or whomever it’ll be called? Arse-suming they show up on the grid this year…

 

Then Marcus Ericsson announced He would race at Daytona for Wayne Taylor Racing, (WTR) behind the keyboard of it’s No. 45 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo2, also in GTD.

 

And with Will Power’s engagement as part of the 75 Express Racing’s No. 75 Mercedes-AMG GT3; that gives us a total of at least three current IndyCar drivers, or is it four? Uhm, has Dale Coyne announced who His “lead” driver this year is?

 

As Power joins reigning Supercars Champion Chad Moster, team owner Kenny Habul and Mercedes-Benz Werks’ Hotschue’ Maro Engel; whose won the Rolex 24 twice, behind the No. 75 Mercs’ keyboard in the GTD Pro category…

 

Not to mention thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown’, nee James Hinchcliffe once again “Moonlighting” in the #9 Pfaff Motorsports Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo2. As the Kuhnaidiun’ race team’s shiny, new Lamborghini Temerario, the Huracan’s replacement won’t debut until the 12 Hours of Sebring…

 

Pfaff’s Lamborghini Temerario Headlines new line-up at IMS Daytona Test

 

The above article was posted on Racer.com, which refuses to update its website to comply with current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines standards. Specifically WCAG 2.2 to enable ease of access for Blind or Visually Impaired readers.

 

The “lowly” GT3 Saloon ranks should be quite entertaining to watch. Since this doesn’t even include the full season’s Usual suspects, i.e.; Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes, Porsche. As think I got ‘em All?

 

Along with the debuts of two famous racing name sons in GT Daytona. (GTD) With Eduardo Barrichello making His full season debut with Heart of Racing’s No. 27 Aston Martin Vantage. While Lorenzo Patrese makes another cameo appearance aboard the No. 34 Conquest Racing Ferrari 296 GT3, run by former IndyCar driver Eric Bachelart.

 

Lucas Auer, nephew of Gerhard Berger, continues His longtime association with Windward Racing aboard it’s No. 57 Mercedes-AMG, but I digress…

 

Speaking ‘O McLaren, Oopsadaisy! Like I Dunno, I sort of forgot. Since it just doesn’t sound right. Regarding the debut of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and it’s No. 59 McLaren 720S GT3 Evo in the DTD Pro category.

 

As RLL Team McLaren has listed Max Esterson, Juri Vips and Dean MacDonald initially in December, with a fourth driver as TBA. Hmm, will it be Graham Rahal or Mick Schumacher?

 

Nope! On January 13th, RLLR announced that Nikita Johnson was the fourth, and final driver for Daytona. With Johnson being named to a fulltime ride alongside Esterson. As Johnson, (Age 17) will also contest His rookie Indy NXT campaign driving for Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR.

 

Whilst I didn’t even know that Mclaren had established a GT Driver Academy, previously known as Mclaren GT Young Driver Academy, before “looking-up” Dean MacDonald’s background. As MacDonald has run a variety of GT race programs, including the GT World Challenge European Series.

 

Max Esterson was also totally unknown to Mwah. Having raced briefly in Formula 2, making His debut at the season finale in 2024 for Trident. Then continuing thru  the Monza weekend in September, before leaving the championship prior to Baku.

 

Esterson made His IMSA debut driving for JDC Miller Motorsport at Petit Le Mans aboard their Porsche 963 in the GTP category, before landing His ride with RLL Team McLaren this season.

 

Meanwhile, Andretti Global IndyCar driver “Kirk”, Err Kyle Kirkwood continues His “Endurance Specialist” role with Vasser Sullivan racing. Joining the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 GTD Pro entry, reuniting with regular chauffeurs Ben Barnicoat and Bloody “Union Jack” Hawksworth. As this trio has been victorious previously, having won the 2024 Sebring 12 Hours GTD Pro category.

 

Then on January 5th, I learned that ScottyMac’, nee Scott Mclaughlin has joined DXDT Racing’s No. 36 GTD Corvette Z06 GT3.R entry. Which Before the official press release on Jan 7th named McLaughlin joining Salih Yoluc and Charlie Eastwood, and DXDT newcomer Mason Filippi.

 

As ScottyMac’ contested last year’s Rolex 24 driving the Trackhouse by TF Sport’s All Star Corvette Z06 GT3.R for the first time.

 

Whilst I was totally unaware that McLaughlin had raced in last September’s Suzuka 1000KM race. Finishing third for Johor Motorsport’s alongside GM Factory drivers Alexander Simms and Nicky Catsburg aboard a Corvette Z06 GT3R.

 

Also learning that new Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) Indy NXT driver James Roe will co-drive the No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo in the GTD category.

 

Interestingly, Roe’s joined by Aussie’ Scott Anderws, Netherlands Lin Hodenius and Estonian Ralf Aron. The latter I’m wondering if related to Alpine F1 test and reserve driver Paul Aron?

 

Yes, Paul is Ralf’s brother, some six years younger… 

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: The GTP Grid’s Five Manufacturer Contendahs’

But we’ll have to wait a further 72 Hours to find out whose this year’s winner…

 

Without further Adu, here’s the other three IMSA GTP Class entrants in alphabetical order, Enjoy!

 

ACURA

Acura ARX-06

Engine: 2.4-litre V-6 Twin Turbo

Team: Meyer Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian

#60 Tom Blomqvist, Colin Brown, Scott Dixon and Felix Rosenqvist

#93 Renger van der Zande, Nick Yelloly, Alex Palou and Kakunoshin Ohta

 

After a one year hiatus, Meyer Shank Racing returns as the sole Acura GTP Factory entry, taking over the two previous Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti entries.

 

As the “lead” MSR entry sees the “Band” getting back together with Tom “The Bomb” Blomqvist and Colin Brown reuniting. Hopefully bringing them another IMSA GTP Championship title and Rolex 24 win, with a little Help from some Friends.

 

Blomqvist and Brown were the 2023 IMSA GTP Prototypes champions, along with winning that year’s Rolex 24 for Acura.

 

The “second” No. 93 entry features Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly for the full season. Ad van der Zande slides over from Cadillac, and Yelloly from BMW. And will attack the Daytona High Banks with assistance from one of Cheeps’ IndyCar champions! Along with the totally unknown Kakunoshin Ohta. As Ohta, who competes in Super GT and Super formula, will race for MSR at the Daytona, Watkins Glen and Indianapolis rounds.

 

Arse-sumedly Ohta’s Japanese championships conflict with some of the IMSA endurance rounds? But its nice knowing that at least one GTP entry will be running three drivers at Mother Speedway. Where IMSA could truly elevate the Battle on The Bricks six hours race by mandating three drivers. Which hopefully would lead to IndyCar drivers competing, since their done for the year before Labour Day, Spew!

 

BMW

BMW M Hybrid V-8

Engine: 4.0-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

Team: BMW M Team RLL

#24 Philipp Eng, Dries Vanthoor, Kevin Magnussen and Raffale Marciello

#25 Sheldon van der Linde, Marco Whittmann, Robin Frijns and Rene Rast

 

While the BMW team lineups are almost all new. As Phillip Eng is the only full season holdover from last year. Along with DriesVanthoor getting a fulltime nod after just contesting last year’s Rolex 24 for BMW. For Mwah, the big news is the signing of Kevin Bacon’ Magnussen. As the ex-Haas Formula 1 driver is now finished in F1, and this is a great signing for BMW.

 

As BMW will rotate its drivers between IMSA GTP and “Weckity Wec” (World Endurance Championship) competition this year.

 

CADILLAC

Cadillac V-Series.R

Engine: 5.5-litre normally aspirated V-8

Team: Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing

#10 Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque, Will Stevens and Brendon Hartley

#40 Jordan Taylor, Louis Deletraz and Kamui Kobayashi

 

Although part of the Andretti Global ownership restructuring. Wayne Taylor has a long, successful relationship with Cadd-Oh-lac’. Having won multiple Rolex 24 and IMSA SportsCar Championship titles with them, this switch from Chip Ganassi Racing really shouldn’t have been a surprise to anybody.

 

The driver lineups remain largely intact from last year’s Acura WTR with Andretti concern. While it's nice seeing K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi’s return. Who’ll be in search of His third Rolex wristwatch with WTR, whilst Hartley’s no slouch either…

 

Note

WTR announced on the Roar’s first day that Alex Lynn would not compete in this year’s Rolex 24 due to illness. And that the #40 would instead just race with its three remaining drivers.

Team: Cadillac Whelen Action Express Racing

#31 Earl Bamber, Jack Aitken, Frederik Vesti and Felipe Drugovich

 

This is the team with the longest name on the grid now, Chuh-Ching! As Earl Bamber will be pulling “Double Duty”, i.e.; IMSA and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) also for Cadillac Hertz Team Jota. Where Alex Lynn and Will Stevens also race.

 

With Bamber joining Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken fulltime in IMSA, where Aitken seems to have settled in as a Sports car racer. Along with Frederik Vesti running the endurance rounds. Plus the addition of Aston Martin F1 reserve driver Felipe Drugovich joining at Daytona.

 

After all, what’s Drugovich gonna due since He’s not been able to land a Formula 1 seat since winning the 2022 Formula 2 title. And waiting for Lance Stroll or Frederico Suave, aka Fernando Alonso to leave Aston Martin seems like a tall order… 

ROLEX 24: GTP preview, The Mighty and the Meek

Although I’ll leave it up to Y’all to decide which is which…

 

This has become another of my countless long form No Fenders two part harmony posts. Since I figured that nobody would still be reading after four pages. Or was if five, El Correctomundo?

 

Lamborghini

Lamborghini SC63

Engine: 3.8-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

Team: Lamborghini Riley Motorsports

#63 Mirko Bortolotti, Romain Grosjean, Daniil Kyvat and Edoardo Mortara

 

Lamborghini makes its Rolex 24 debut in the top Grand Touring Prototypes (GTP) class, albeit only contesting the five Michelin Endurance Cup rounds. Now under the direction of Riley Motorsports; so fingers crossed, since how can you not root for Bill Riley and company, Eh?

 

Know that Romain Grosjean’s running a full Michelin Endurance Cup campaign, and ergo for Mirko Bortolotti. But I don’t know what former Scuderia Tor Rosso and Red Bull Racing F1 driver Daniil Kyvat’s calendar looks like? And ditto for Edoardo Mortaro, who’s presumably the third driver?

 

PORSCHE

Porsche 963

Engine: 4.6-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

Team: Proton Competition

#5 Neel Jani, Tristan Vautier, Nico Pino and Julien Andlauer

 

Proton Competition was the only GTP squad with its partial drivers lineup listed as TBA initially prior to the Roar before Rolex 24. With much driver activity going on behind the scenes.

 

Gianmaria Bruni was the only driver to complete the full season for Proton last year. Yet the Italian tested for rival JDC-Miller Motorsports last November and was erroneously left on Proton’s Daytona entry list.

 

Neel Jani raced for Proton at Daytona last year, and was the only confirmed Proton Competition IMSA GTP and FIA World Endurance Championship driver currently listed just ten days prior to the Roar.

 

IMSA’s updated Rolex 24 entry list on January 9th revealed that former JDC-Miller Motorsports driver Tristan Turbo’ Vautier had returned to the cockpit, along with LMP2 graduate Nico Pino. With room for a fourth driver to be added later…

 

Then just five days prior to the Roar, Proton announced Julien Andlauer as the fourth pilot of their “Mach-5” Porsche 963 entry.

 

Andlauer is now a Porsche Penske Factory driver in the “Weckity Wec”, (WEC) having previously driven for Proton.

 

Meanwhile Proton also confirmed it will contest all five of the Michelin Endurance Cup rounds, after Porsche had previously announced that only JDC-Miller Motorsports would be its sole customer 963 team this season.

 

Team: Porsche Penske Motorsport

#6 Mathieu Jaminet, Mat Campbell and Kevin Estr

#7 Nick Tandy, Felipe Nasr and Laurens Vanthoor

 

The big news for Porsche Penske Motorsports was the surprising decision to drop reigning IMSA Prototypes champion Dane Cameron.

 

As Nick Tandy slides over from the No. 6 entry He drove fulltime last season. With Matt Campbell being elevated from just running the major endurance rounds aboard the No. 7 last year to fulltime status in the No. 6 entry.

 

Whilst Kevin Estr and Laurens Vanthoor continue in their limited season endurance round supporting roles.

 

Team: JDC-Miller Motorsports

#85 Tijmen van der Helm, Gianmaria Bruni, Pascal Wehrlein and Bryce Aron

 

Tijmen van der Helm is the only holdover from last season, after co-driver “Westie”, aka Richard Westbrook retired from racing. Making me wonder who His new full season co-driver would be?

 

With the mystery solved on January 7th with the announcement that Gianmaria Bruni would be Westbrook’s full season replacement, after having previously tested for JDC-Miller Motorsports.

 

Twenty-one year old Bryce Aron was a rookie in Indy NXT last year, racing for Andretti Global. Aron finished ninth overall, scoring a total of seven Top 10 finishes, including three top five’s, wit two third place finishes being His best result. And will contest the 2025 Indy NXT season for HMD Motorsports aboard its No. 39 entry.

 

Reigning Werks’ Porsche Formula E Champion Pascal Wehrlein will make His Daytona debut at this year’s Rolex 24. Being a “One-off” for now. Since Wehrlein’s “Day Job” is racing for Porsche in Formula E, having finished third at the Mexico City ePrix.

 

As Aron and Wehrlein are both making their IMSA debuts at this year’s 24 Hours of Daytona. 

ROLEX 24: LMP2 Grid preview

As who’ll be taking home the Rolex watches this year?

 

Continuing on with my never ending Rolex 24 previews, we’ve come to the lower tier “Kissing cousings” prototypes category…

 

Le Mans Prototypes (LMP2)

No. 04 CrowdStrike Racing by APR, Nos 2 and 22 United Autosport, No. 8 Tower Motorsports, No. 11 TDS Racing, No. 18 ERA Motorsport, No. 43 Inter Europol competition, No. 52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports, No. 73 Pratt Miller Motorsports, No. 74 Riley, No. 88 Pecon Racing, No. 99 AO Racing

 

The CrowdStrike by APR Racing has a stellar lineup led by George Kurtz, which many IndyCar “Eyes” will be watching. Which I’ll dive into in another No Fenders post, as we’re almost to thee end of the road Kiddoes!

 

Current Sports Car Ace known under several nom de plumes – including le Hamburgular’, Sealmeister B’, SeaBass or simply Sebastien Bourdais will moonlight aboard the No. 8 entry.

 

Whilst Bourdais’s “Day Job” will be piloting the #12 “Weckity Wec” FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Cadillac Hertz Team Jota entry, alongside somebody named Bloody Jense’. (Jenson Button) As Bourdais takes over the seat vacated by Callum Ilott, who returnes to IndyCar with Prema Racing.

 

Team owner John Farano, Job van Uiteret and Sebastian Elvarez join Bourdais in the cockpit.

 

Defending Rolex 24 (LMP2) Class winners ERA Motorsport returns with Ryan “Razzle Dazzle” Dalziel, Paul-Loup chatin, David Heinemeier Hansen and Tobais Lutke. Although Dalziel is the only returning driver from last year’s winning quartet.

 

The No. 11 features a former Indy NXT winner, and TDF Racing won the final two races of 2024.

 

Multiple Sports Car Championship winner Dane Cameron joins the most popular racecar on the grid, ergo “Spike-the-Dragon”. With Cameron joining PJ Hyett in the No. 99 distinctive purple and orange AO Racing entry.

 

As the pair will run the full IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar campaign, joined By Johnny Edgar and a Current Danish IndyCar driver to be named later…

 

As Cameron, a longtime Penske Sports Car driver was part of its winning entry in last year’s Rolex 24. Not to mention claiming His fourth IMSA Drivers title before being dropped by Penske at age 36, Youch!

 

Is a second Rolex wristwatch as LMP2 Class winner in Cameron’s future?

 

Lead driver of the No. 74 Gar Robinson is joined by the two Felipe’s from Brazil, i.e.; Felipe Fraga and Headliner Felipe Massa, ex-Formula 1 driver. With Aussie’ Josh Burdon the only unknown commodity of the Riley entry.

 

“Gentleman” racer Ben Keating will once again be doing double duty at Daytona. Splitting seat-time between the No 52 and No. 91 Trackhouse by TF Sport entries.

 

Whilst former IndyCar Fan “Favourite” Benjamin Pederson makes up part of the drivers quartet behind the keyboard of the No. 52 entry. Alongside Keating, Mathias Betche and Rodrigo Sales.

 

The brand new Pratt Miller Motorsports LMP2 operation features a former and current  IndyCar driver, along with current Indy NXT competitor James Roe and Chris Cumming.