ROLEX 24: It’s Almost time to G-O Racing in 2024 at Daytona!

As motor racing commences with it’s first major, North American race outing…

 

Forgive Mwah for not scribblin’ my usual excessively long-winded Rolex 24 Class breakdowns this year. But I simply do not have the time to devote to such tasks this year, which will soon be revealed. Especially with 60 cars to compile!

 

Wayback’ on November 15th, IMSA released their preliminary 60-car entry list, which naturally has evolved since then. With the quick breakdown revealing 10 GTP entries, 12 LMP2, 12 GTD Pro and 26 GTD entries respectively. After one of the GTD Pro entries reverted back to GTD (Daytona) specification…

 

GTP

The ten top flight IMSA GTP Prototypes are comprised of a Noah’s Arc two-by-two Conga-line of Factory entries from Acura, BMW, Cadillac and Porsche. Wit a further two Privateer Porsche 963’s in the mix!

 

Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti’s Nos. 10 and 40 Acurahost impressive lineups includes one Indianapolis 500 Champion. Along with Bloody Jense’, aka Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Moonlighting aboard another.

 

Rahal LettermanLanigan Racing’s brace of BMW M8 Hybrid’s were still awaiting confirmation of their fourth Daytona drivers when I began scribblin’ this.

 

Whilst Cadillac will once again be represented by the #01 Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) and NO. 31 Action Express Racing (AXR) with one entry apiece. As Ganassi will leave it’s Seester’ #2 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) chassis in Europe this year.

 

Porsche Penske Motorsport’s Nos. 6-7 entries return, albeit with Dane Cameron swapping with Matt Campbell for a Full-season IMSA WeatherTech campaignaboard the #7.

 

While Proton Competition’s customer Porsche 963 is now the #5. With JDC Miller Motorsport’s 963 becoming the No. 85 instead…

 

LMP2

The biggest news for this supporting class is the inclusion of 2008 F1 Championship runner-up Felipe Massa joining the No. 74 Riley Motorsports entry! As Massa joins Gar Robinson, the reigning LMP3 Champion and company in His Rolex 24 debut.

 

The #04 CrowdStrike by APR features perennial Bad Arse Sports Car Ace Colin Brown who drove for Meyer shank Racing with tom “The Bomb” Blomqvist in IMSA GTP last year. And aspiring Indy NXT driver Toby Sowery.

 

United Autosport will campaign the entire WeatherTech SportsCar Championship this year with a brace of Oreca 07 entries, running the nos. 2 & 22, each having one current IndyCar driver competing. While Ben Keating, the reigning LMP2 Champion once again seeing “Double Duty”, racing the No. 2 in LMP2 and the No. 85 in GTP.

 

The #33 Shawn Creech Motorsport entry is the lone Ligier JS P217 in the field, with everyone else running the Oreca 07. All utilizing the mandated spec Gibson normally aspirated V-8 lump’.

 

Also spotted Indy NXT race winner Mattie’ Brabham’s name as part of the #99 Ao Racing entry.

 

GTD Pro

Interestingly, the reigning GTD Champion #1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3 entry has moved up to the Pro Class this year. While the biggest news for the category has to be the arrival of two new, iconic marque’s.

 

General Motors (GM) sees the debut of it’s brand new Corvette Z06 GT3.R entry running the familiar Nos. 3-4 now under the banner of Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports. Try saying that fast five times!

 

But it’s the other brand new Factory two car entity I’m more intrigued over. With GM’s arch Nemesis Ford debuting it’s Mustang GT3, Arse-sumedly Dark Horse derived variant? With the Multimatic Motorsports squad appropriately campaigning the Nos. 64-65 with a stout driver’s lineup!

 

Then there’s the #9 Pfaff Motorsports McLaren 720S GT3 with thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown’ as part of it’s four driver lineup. With other one car entries from the defending Class Champion Vasser Sullivan No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3. The #19 Iron Lynx Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo 2.

 

A solitary Aston Martin Vantage GT3 for my perennial Homeboyz’ #23 Heart of Racing Team, along with the #62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3. Plus the #75 SunEnergy1 Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 and the #77 Ao Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R.

 

GT Daytona (GTD)

As typical, the GT Daytona Class features the most entrants, for which I’m not gonna even try chronicling it’s 26 racecars!

 

There’s a total of ten Auto manufacturers competing, i.e.; Acura, Auston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes Benz and Porsche, all with GT3 spec machinery.

 

As the lone No. 66 Acura NSX of Gradient Racing features a trio of Femme Fatales anchored by Thy Leggy Juan’, aka Katherine Legge. With Sheena Monk and Tatiana Calderon being joined by Steven McAleer.

 

Other one car entries come from Vasser Sullivan with it’s No. 12 Lexus. Proton Competition’s “Double Nickel” #55 Ford Mustang, and the No. 96 Turner Motorsports BMW M4.

 

Oops! Almost forgot the No. 70 Inception Racing McLaren 720S entry…

 

There’s two customer Corvette Z06’s for AWA. Along with four Ferrari 296 GT3’s. With the #34 being campaigned by Conquest Racing. While the No. 47 Cetilar Racing includes Eddie Cheever III on it’s driver’s roll…

 

Aston Martin sees the other half of my Homeboyz’ duo’s No. 27 Heart of Racing Team along with Magnus Racing’s traditional #44.

 

The iconic Porsche 911 leads the category with most entries, a robust six if I did my counting correctly? As my sentimental favourite is the oddly numbered #120 of Wright Motorsport with Jan Van “Hagar” Heylen as part of it’s drivers quartet.

 

While Jered Andretti, Gabby Chaves and Scott Hargrove. Plus one TBA driver will share the iconic #43 entered by Andretti Motorsports.

 

Quattro Lamborghini Huracan’s represent the Italian marque. With the No. 85 Iron Dames featuring the History making trio of Sarah boby, Michele Gatting and Rahel Frey, with a fourth driver listed as TBA. Which I’ll hazard a guess will be the Uber impressive Dorian Pim.

 

Whilst the No. 78 Forte Racing Huracan sees former IndyCar driver Sparky’, aka Devlin De Francesco behind it’s keyboard. With Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti running the #45 Lambo’.

 

And I’ve almost forgotten the Merc’s, with three Mercedes-AMG entries also in the fray. And it that Don’t add up to 26, don’t Blame Me!

 

As typical, Y’all can catch the race on TV beginning this Saturday Arse-sumedly on Big NBC, USA Network and behind the Peacock Paywall! Or as I prefer, live on IMSA Radio via Zed Internets’… 

ROLEX 24: 2023 Saloons classes look to Show Off at Daytona

Especially with Thar three Brand New, Shiny Competitors…

 

Although they’ll definitely be overshadowed, a la All “supporting” Classes by the Headlining GTP Category.

 

But much excitement, like the Brand New GTP Class machinery has to be in the Tintops’ category. With initially two brand new, shiny Gran tourismo chassis, i.e.; Ferrari and Porsche.

 

Since I didn’t know who the third GT3 Manufacturer taking part in IMSA’s mandated test last December was? Where IMSA wanted to capture “Baseline” performance Data for it’s Dreaded BoP, aka Balance of Performance regulations.

 

Turns out Thars actually two new Italian marques vs. Germany’s lone entry. With Ferrari’s new 296 GT3 model. Lamborghini rolls out it’s new Huracan GT3 Evo2 model. While Porsche joins the party with it’s latest 911 GT3 R iteration, with All three debuting at Daytona.

 

(GTD) Grand Touring Daytona Saloons’

For which Y’all Arse-sumedly know is split into two classes, i.e.; GTD Pro an GTD. With All Competitors utilizing GT3 Spec’ racecars. And the easy difference is that GTD Pro consists of All Professional Drivers, Hence it’s Name vs. GTD running Amateur Drivers.

 

As once again, this will be the largest field overall at Day-toner’, with a total of 32 entries originally. Before IMSA granted an extra GTD entry on January 5th, bringing the total up to 33. Hmm, where have I heard that number 33 before, Eh?

 

The GTD Pro field comprises of eight cars, and GTD has more than triple that amount, i.e.; 25.

 

GTD Pro

From what I could tell originally in Mid-December, before IMSA announced it’s initial 60 Car lineup. Thar were supposedly going to be nine GTD Pro entries for this year’s Rolex 24. Although I’ve since learned that the class has shrunk to eight entries. With one of the new Lambo’s and a Acura NSX being scratched, with a second Aston being added, Cornfuzed?

 

But we’ll had to wait until January’s Rolex 24 Entry list being confirmed to figure out who All of the Drivers are. Not to mention what categories everyone’s competing in!

 

Thus the GTD Pro field is comprised of the following Car numbers: #3 Corvette Racing: Corvette C8.R, #9 Pfaff Motorsports: Porsche 911 GT3 R, #14 Vasser Sullivan Racing: Lexus  RC F GT3, #23 Heart of Racing: Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3, #62 Risi competizione: Ferrari 296 GT3, #63 Iron Lynx: Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo2, #64 Team TGM with TF Sport: Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 and #79 WeatherTech Racing: Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo.

 

Hand

Ironically, I heard Graham Doodwin pleading with both the FIA and IMSA to quit putting out a Kuhzillion Entry list Press Releases. Since this then entails a million more Press releases from each individual racing team and a never ending game of Wackam-ahmole!

 

Since on Friday the 13th, turner Motorsports announced that it was now fielding one of it’s two BMW M4 GT3 entries in GTD Pro for the Michelin Endurance Cup rounds. Being the team’s No. 95 entry. Giving us a new total of nine GTD Pro entries.

 

Obviously this field is Stacked! And I have Zero Clue who to pick for winner! Although I suppose I’d have to lean towards either the No. 3 Corvette with Antonio Garcia, Tommy Milner and Jordan Taylor. Or the Defending Rolex 24 Class winning No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports entry. Whilst the #14 Lexus could be a Sleeper, since it won the final round last year, the Petit Le Mans with presumably the same Driver lineup of Jack Hawksworth, Ben Barnicoat and Kyle Kirkwood. Yet strangely Kirkwood’s been shifted to the team’s No. 12 entry instead. With Mike “Ice Ice, Baby!” Conway being tabbed as the third driver at Daytona.

 

And while I’ll forever be a Fan of Prancing Horses, I’m wondering it the #62 Risi competizione will suffer from Brand New Car Gremlins?

 

Which Ditto could be said about the #63 Iron Lynx Lambo’, which I’m Arse-suming many IndyCar Fans Eyeballs will be focused upon. Since Thar’s some Frenchman named Romain Grosjean as part of it’s Drivers Quartet.

 

Oh Yeah, how could I leave out what will forever be considered my Homeboyz’ entry? The No. 23 Heart of Racing with Ross Gunn, Alex Riberas and newcomer David Pittar.

 

GTD

This category is simply too large to completely go thru All of it’s first 24, then 25 and now back to 24 entries! And Arguably will feature some of the fiercest competition. Thus Thar will be several cars of interest for Mwah.

 

Beginning with two new team entries this year, both being Porsche 911 GT3 R customers. As I just learned about Kelly Moss Racing thanks to Marshall Pruett’s interview with Female Team Owner Victoria Thomas last October.

 

As they’ve teamed up with Riley Technologies and will run a two car entry at Daytona, and All four Endurance events with the Nos. 91-92. While it’s the #91 entry’s Drivers I’m most curious about, since Kelly Moss is running a Femme Fatale Driver Full Season this year.

 

Although the team’s now finalized it’s two cars line-ups, along with upgrading the #92 to a Full season effort. The Femme Fatale in Question is Sabre Cook, who’ll be chauffeuring Kelly Moss’s 911 Panzerwagen in the North America Porsche Carrera Cup series this year instead…

 

https://www.imsa.com/news/2022/11/07/kelly-moss-steers-toward-more-diverse-future-with-female-driver-shootout/

 

The No. 53 MDK Motorsports Porsche 911 entry will be a fun one to keep track of. Specifically since Half of it’s Drivers are Magnussen’s. With Father Jan and Son Kevin teaming up again. This time joining Trenton Estep and Mark Kvamme.

 

Unfortunately, just a Fortnight prior to the race. Kevin announced He would be having surgery performed to His left wrist to remove a syst causing it to be painfully sore. And most likely would have to miss racing at Daytona in order to Heal 100% for His upcoming Formula 1 season with Haas F1…

 

Also before Christmas was Ah-waitin’ to find out which Femme Fatals would be piloting the All Female No. 83 Iron Dames Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo2?

 

As the team’s finally revealed that Rahel Frey, Michelle Gatting and Sarah bovy will be joined by Doriane Pim. As Pim Deputized for Bovy last May at the Six Hours of Spa, making Her FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) GTE Am Debut. And the 19yr Old Teenager Pim who Hails from Ivry-Sur-Seine, Paris (France) is the reigning Ferrari Challenge Europe series Champion. Whilst Frey, Gatting and Bovy have all raced together previously in WEC, including last season aboard the Iron Dames No. 85 Ferrari 488 GTE Evo…

 

As the Diversity of this class is wonderful! With nine different Manufacturers: Acura, Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes and Porsche.

 

Thus the three BMW M4 GT3’s shouldn’t be overlooked. With the No. 1 Paul Miller Racing and Turner Motorsport No. 96 entries in the GTD class. Having already mentioned the late news of Turner entering it’s #95 in the GTD Pro category above.

 

And Yuhs should never count out Magnus Racing. As it’s No. 44 Aston Martin is stacked with Andy “The Enforcer” Lally, Spencer Pumpelly and John Potter. Plus Nicki thiim for Daytona.

 

And since I’m running long here, just a few more quick Jots’. As I’ll expect SuperMarioII’ to be back in Gradient Racing’s 66 Acura NSX. As Mario Farnbacher, Kyffin Simpson and Till Hechtolsheimer won last year’s Petit Le Mans season finale aboard this Acura NSX GT3 Evo22. Although Kyffin Simpson’s moved up to the LMP2 Prototypes category this year.

 

As Gradient’s announced an All Femme Fatale regular season line-up with Thy Leggy Juan’, aka Katherine Legge being joined by IMSA GTD Rookie Sheena Monk. With the Duo being joined at Daytona by Mario Farnbacher and Marc Miller.

 

While the No. 93 WTR-Racers Edge Motorsports Acura NSX sees Former IndyCar Star Ryan Briscoe as part of the Quartet at it’s controls, as it’s Biggest “Name” Driver.

 

As Arse-sumedly both the #93 and #66 Acura NSX GT3 Evo22’s are the ex-Meyer Shank Racing Acura NSX’s…

 

And I always have a “Soft Spot” for former Champ Car racer Jan Van Hagar’ Heylen and the No. 16 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R.

 

And most definitely cannot forget the other Half of my perennial Homeboyz’ Squad Heart of Racing’s No. 27 Aston Martin. With GTD Champion Roman De Angelis at the wheel, along with new Full season Co-Pilot Marco Sorenson. With Team leader Ian James and Darren Turner joining at Daytona.

 

“As let’s Get Ready to Rumble!” 

IMSA: 2022 Petit le Mans Preview

As it’s time to bring thoust curtain Down upon the DPi era…

 

Author’s Note

Full disclosure, this No Fenders Yarn’ was scribbled several weeks prior to this year’s race, and therefore will most likely Not include the latest Driver/Team Chane Developments…

Tomaso

 

As noted, this is just a “Best” Guess at who you might See running at this year’s 25^th unning of the Motil Petit le Mans race this Saturday, October 1^st. Which Arse-sumedly you’ll be able to catch various portions of the ten Hour race on Big NBC, USA Network and Frick, Peacock! But I’ll leave it up to Y’all to figure out the How ‘N When to play Chase the TV Broadcast over multiple outlets…

 

Starting with the Big Boyz’, in what will be the series Swan Song for the Daytona Prototype International (DPi) racecars, which will be replaced next year by IMSA’s GTP Class, although currently known as LMDH, i.e.; Le Mans Daytona Hypercars,. Thar will be seven entries competing for the Overall win. With the two Acura’s fighting against five Cadillac’s.

 

Acura

The Championship leading #10 Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) entry features Ricky Taylor and Felipe Albuquerque, along with Endurance Specialist Will Stevens.

 

Whilst Meyer Shank Racing’s (MSR) #60 will be piloted by Tom “the Bomb” Blomquist, Oliver Jarvis and presumably MSR IndyCar Drivers Helio Castroneves and Simon Pagenaud will be on Hand?

 

Cadillac

The “Mach 5 Mustang Sally,” err Mustang Sampling No. 5 JDC Miller Motorsports features “Westie,” aka Richard Westbrook and Tristan Turbo’ Vautier at it’s controls, presumably with Loic Duvall once again as it’s Endurance specialist.

 

Whelen Engineering’s (AXR) #31 entry is comprised of Pico Derani, Olivier Pla and Mike “Ice Ice, Baby!” Conway. With the Seester Action Express Racing (AXR) Allied No. 48 entry seeing Jimmie Johnson and His All Stars, i.e.; K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi and Mike “rocy” Rockenfeller at it’s Keyboard.

 

Lastly, Chip Ganassi Racing’s (CGR) two car entry sees it’s #01 entry piloted by Renger Van der Zande and le Hamburgualr’, nee Sebastien Bourdais presumably paired with Scotty the Iceman 2.0’ Dixon.

 

While the #02 sees Earl Bamber and Alex Lynn paired with potentially Marcus Ericsson?

 

GTD Pro/GT Daytona

Thars’ simply Way too Many Gran Torismo entrants to attempt chronicling! As the GTD Pro and Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) entrants All competing in GT3 Saloons, albeit the Corvette C8.R’s have been “reversed Engineered” from Thar GT LM (Le Mans) Specs to comply. While the Pro designation stands for All Professional Driver lineups…

 

Some entries of Note include the No. 9, Number Nine, Numeral Nein? FAB Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R with it’s All Porsche Penske Motorsports trio of Matt Campbell, Mathieu Jaminet and Felipe Nasr.

 

Whilst former IndyCar Co-Owners Top Jimmy’ and Sully’s Vasser Sullivan Racing’s Lexus RC F GT3 Squad runs one Lexus in each category. With No Clue if (Townsend) T-Bell’ will be Moonlighting aboard the No. 12? While I’d expect to see IndyCar Driver Kyle Kirkwood once again in the #14 GTD Pro entry alongside Ben Barnicoat and Union’ Jack Hawksworth.

 

And then Thars’ for whatever will be my Homeboyz’ “Team Seattle’s” Heart of Racing Team now campaigning Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT’s, with it’s iconic No. 23 with Ross gunn, Alex riberas and Maxine Martin in the GTD Pro category. With it’s Seester’ NO. 27 entry of Roman De Angelis, Ian James and Darren Turner? In the “lower” tier GTD Ranks.

 

And you can never count out the No. 16 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R of Jan “Van Hagar” Heylen, Ryan Hardwick and Zach Rubichon.

 

And suppose I should also mention Good ‘Ol Bimmer Billy’, aka Bill Auberlen in Turner Motorsports Shiny, New BMW three litre inline six turbo M4 GT3 Chariot with Robby foley and Michael Vinan? At it’s Keyboard… 

ROLEX 24: 2022 GT Daytona Saloons Similar Ranks Spread Out over Two Classes

Although You’ll need Eyes Sharp as those Proverbial Rats to tell the two  GTD Classes apart…

 

As where’s Bloody ‘Ol Hobbo’, nee HobbsCapp’, aka David Hobbs when Yuhs needs Him for some Comic relief, Righto?

 

As this year’s 60^th edition of the Rolex 24 sees 35 GT3 tintops’ machinery spread across the two Gran Tourismo classes, i.e.; GTD Pro with 13 entries, and GTD (Daytona) having over a third of the field with it’s 22 entries. As the biggest news is the “robust” Debutante GTD Pro outing at Day-toner’, for which Y’all can read about the Sporting and Technical Regulations for the new Class in the link below…

 

https://www.imsa.com/news/2021/06/09/imsa-confirms-technical-sporting-details-for-new-gtd-pro-class-debuting-in-2022/#:~:text=Sporting%20Regulations%20GTD%20PRO%20will%20adopt%20current%20GTLM,will%20use%20red%20number%20panels%20and%20position-indicator%20LEDs

 

GTD Pro Class

Aston Martin #23, BMW Nos. 24-25, corvette Nos. 3-4, Ferrari #62, Lamborghini #63, Lexus #14, Mercedes AMG Nos. 15, 97 and Porsche Nos. 2, 9 and 79.

 

As mentioned, a robust 13 entries will take the Green Flag for the Debutante GTD Pro outing at Daytona International Speedway. With three Porsches, two BMW’s, Corvettes and Mercedes AMG’s apiece. Plus single car entries from Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Lexus.

 

As the easiest way to think about this class is that GTD Pro features All Professionaly ranked, i.e.; Factory racing drivers vs. the Amateur, or “Gentlemen” Drivers in the other portion of GTD…

 

Naturally I’m Not gonna try chronicling all of these entries, other than it’ll be interesting to See how the mighty Corvette C8.R’s do, having been converted from GT Le Mans Specification to GT3 Specs in order to compete in GTD Pro, which apparently included the conversion to ABS Brakes. As the No. 3 with Jordan Taylor, Antonio Garcia and Nicky Catsburg are the Defending GT LM class winners.

 

 

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing brings a brace of shiny new BMW M4 GT3 Coupes to the party, as it prepares for graduating to the IMSA LMDH Prototype ranks next year, as it’ll be the debut of the new M4 in competition.

 

Per typical, I’ll be rootin’ for my Homeboyz’ team Heart of Racing, who’ve split their efforts to include one Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 racecar apiece in GTD Pro and GTD. With the iconic #23 now racing in the Pro ranks with Ross gunn, Maxine Martin and Alex Riberas at it’s controls.

 

The No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus features current and former A.J. foyt Enterprises IndyCar Drivers at it’s keyboard, with Kyle Kirkwood and Jack Hawksworth joined by Ben Barnicoat.

 

The Weathertech boyz’ have an interesting three car Armada this year, with two different German Makes, i.e.; Mercedes and Porsche. As one driver of note in the #15 Mercedes 6.2-liter Normally Aspirated V-8 AMG GT3 Evo is a bloke by the name of Austin Cindric. As perhaps you’ve heard of him? As his Pappy’s none other than Tim cindric, President of Team Penske, with Austin making his Rookie Debut in NASCAR this season…

 

As obviously, I’d say this Class, plus it’s GT Daytona Kissing cousins “Amateur” category is Wide Open!

 

(GTD) GT Daytona Class

As noted, the GTD Class fields over one third of the entire Grid’s entries at 22 strong, so Ain’t even gonna try chronicling them, Zoinks! As Thars multiple manufacturers involved, with the likes of Acura, Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes and Porsche. As you’ll definitely need a Score Card to keep track of ‘em All. As I believe that the two McLaren 720s GT3’s are making McLaren’s 24 Hours of Daytona Debut? So here’s just a few tidbits I’ve gleamed after perusing the entry list…

 

Once again, Ladies First, El Correctomundo? Having just learned that past IndyCar Femme Fatale Thy Leggy Juan’, aka Katherine Legge will share the #99 Porsche 911 GT3 R Team Hardpoint EBM entry with part time IndyCar Driver Stefan Stork’ Wilson as part of it’s Drivers line-up.

 

The No. 57, Nah, No Heinz 57 Jokes Here, Hya! Winward Motorsport Mercedes AMG GT3 Evo returns as the Defending GTD Class winners, but presumably will be hard pressed to repeat as consecutive Class winners, Ja Ja!

 

 And I’ll be interested to See how the #96 Turner Motorsports Boyz’ do, since Turner will also be campaigning the brand new BMW M4 GT3, replacing it’s long in the tooth, faithful M6 predecessor.

 

As once again, it’s lead drivers features Bimmer billy’, aka Bill Auberlen who currently holds the record for most major career victories in IMSA Overall, now at 65  to date, Me Thinks? )Although it may be 63?) Whilst Auberlen’s team-mate Robby Foley will be on tap again, with Michael Dinan and Jens Klingman filling out the Rolex 24 roster.

 

Then a la Heart of Racing, Vasser Sullivan Racing’s (VSR) ‘Ol Top Jimmy’ Vasser and James Sully’ Sullivan have taken the Split GTD class strategy, seeing it’s #12 Lexus RC F GT3 Saloon featuring (Townsend) T-Bell’ making another rolex 24 Cameo. Alongside regular season Drivers Frankie Montecalvo and Aaron Telitz, plus Richard Heistand makes up the Driver Quartet at Day-Toner’.

 

Naturally I’ll be rootin’ as usual for who’ll always be my Homeboyz’, fondly known forever as Team Seattle, even if they’re just now the Heart of Racing in those Bitchin’ as No Fenders Moniker King Randal would say! Aston Martin Vantage GT3’s, since they’ve added a second car this season. With Roman DeAngelis sliding over to the No. 27 with is ”Boss” Ian James, Darren Turner and Tom Gamble.

 

While the #44 Magnus Racing has also joined the AMR Brigade, switching over to an Aston Martin Vantage after running a Nasty Acura NSX GT3 Evo last year. As Andy “the Enforcer” Lally, John Potter, Spencer Pumpelly and Jonathan Adam are definitely worth keeping an eye upon.

 

As Lally reputedly is still the current winningest driver at Daytona, with a Mega five Rolex 24 Class victories to his credit, which I’ve scribbled ‘bout previously…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2021/10/retro-rolexs-richard-milles-pardon-mwah.html

 

Meanwhile, paying semi close Attenzione during the Rolex 24 Motil 100 Qualifying race. I learned that The McLaren 720s GT3’s were the numbers 59 and 70, run by Crucial Motorsports and Inception Motorsports respectively, with the No. 59 finishing runner-up in the GTD Class’s One Hour 40mins Qualie’ race.

 

As reputedly these racecars list for a cool $564k! Which may be why so few are being raced? While reportedly 90% of the GT3 racecar is different from the 4.0-litre twin turbo V-8 road going McLaren 720s!

 

And that’s just a semi short ‘N Sweet review of the 22 Strong GTD entrants, with No Disrespect towards those I’ve left out, but my latest three part No Fenders Rolex 24 preview tome is simply getting too long in Ye proverbial Tooth. Not to mention I’m busy now listening to the gory Race!

 

Author’s Note

Please forgive me for inserting overly long Hyperlink addresses in this No Fenders Post. Unfortunately being blind, and Not being able to see the various Icons, etc. it’s currently the only way I know how to insert/use them in a story…

Tomaso 

Another Petit Le Mans Closes Sports Car Season on a High

As it was the typical Donnybrook, Firecracker fisticuffs Multi-class racing Us Sports Car Fans have come to Enjoy…

 

Gorged Thyself over thoust weekend, “Watching,” Whale’ actually listening to most of the Petit Le Mans, for which I partook All 10 Hours of, Zoinks!

 

Began by Tuning into the first two hours plus on Big NBC enjoying hearing Leigh Diffey with his Sports Cars Sidekicks Calvin Fish and Townsend Bell before switching over to ESPNews for another McQuackery’ Joker Quack-Quack F1 Sprint qualie’ race. Then spent the next six and three quarter Hours listening to John Hindhaugh and Company on IMSA Radio…

 

Yeah, I know that the Dreaded BoP (Balance of Performance) plays a large part in the close racing. Nevertheless, how can you not marvel over the IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship’s Season Finale coming down to the last 21mins of another epic 10 Hour race!

 

As I was Pullin’ for the little Mazda that could All race long, even when they went three laps down, Yikes! Since it would simply be a Fairy Tale ending to Mazda’s Prototype’s tenure running the smallest motor on the grid, i.e.; 2.0 litre Inline Four Banger’ (4 cylinder) turbo, which always makes me think of those All conquering IMSA GTP AAR Eagles of years past!

 

Yet with my Talking Keychain Clock chiming 6:49PM Pacific when Harry Tincknell put a brazen pass upon Felipe Nasr for the lead and eventual win, how could you not be Happy for Mazda in Thar Swan song, Eh? Especially since the Double Nickel #55 was adorned with scores of Fans John Hancock’s, including IMSA Radio’s Pit Reporter Shea Adam upon it.

 

Whilst it was apparent that Nasr in the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac was completely focused upon claiming the DPi Prototypes Championship title since he backed out of a few potential lunges for the lead whilst trailing Tincknell, instead keeping a fleeting, scant 1.8 second lead ahead of Ricky Taylor in the #10 Wayne Taylor Racing Acura. The two protagonists for the Prototypes title, with whichever car finished ahead being crowned Champion!

 

As I was Rootin’ for Nasr to hold off Taylor, who attempted Dive Bombing the Brazilian on the final lap to No avail! As Nasr leaes the team for Audi, and Co-Driver Pipo Derani who lost the title to Taylor and Hulio’ (Castroneves) last year were worthy Championship winners this season!

 

In the words of RASSCAR’, The big One occurred when seven GT Cars were ultimately taken out of competition upon one of the multiple restarts, being victums of what ‘Ol Hobbo’, aka HobbsCapp’, nee David Hobbs would call the Concertina effect, when the trailing pack sped up, slowed down and Whamoe! As the ensuing Full Yellow Caution would last for a Half hour-plus.

 

Very Happy over my Team Seattle Homeboyz’ Heart of Racing’s No. 23 Aston Martin being victorious in the GT Daytona class, with team leader and Endurance “Specialist” Ian James saying after the race that Ross Gunn was simply On Fire and No One was gonna Catch Him! Although obviously Roman DeAngelis did his part during the race.

 

The final GT Le Mans race seemed sorta Anti-climatic, especially with the leading #97 Weathertech Porsche 911 RSR-19 gifting the win to it’s Seester No. 79 full Season entry.

 

And I was Pullin’ for the #30 JR III Racing LMP3 entry after the #36 Andretti Autosport entry had multiple issues, but it was another ex-Indy Lights Driver atop the Class Podium instead, when Gar Robinson led the way aboard his #74 Robinson Ranch riley Motorsports entry.

 

And the Fireworks didn’t end there, since the leading #52 LMP2 entry was Docked a Post-race Drive-thru time penalty at the races end for Avoidable contact, seeing the No. 8 Tower Motorsports winning the class instead, with another obscure, forgotten ex-Indy Lights driver James French as part of the winning Driver’s trio.

 

As usual, it was a totally gripping race for ten solid hours, never knowing who would win the race outright, since many of the Big boyz DPi runners spent time leading, before deservably the ‘lil Car that Could won it’s final race! As not even could it’s suffering a broken Spark plug keep it out of Victory lane… 

IMSA: 2021 Petit Le Mans Season Finale

                 

As Class titles are on the line in what surely, No Don’t Call Me Shirley Jokes Here, Hya! Typical Fisticuffs, Donnybrook Firecracker racing will be Action Ah-Plenty at Road Atlanta!

 

This year’s 24th Motul Petit Le Mans has announced a robust 43 Car entry list, Hmm? Where have I heard that 43 number before, Psyche!

 

The race will Air live on both Big NBC and the fleeting NBC Sports TV channels this Saturday, Nov 13^th, beginning on NBC at 9AM Pacific before shifting to NBCSN for the final seven hours at Noon, but as Always, Check your local listings!

 

There will be a total of 22 Prototypes divided by three classes, with the Top flight DPi (Daytona Prototype International) class fielding it’s normal six entries, plus a second AXR Caddy’.

 

The LMP2 Class will have five runners, including a single entry from United Autosport, who’ll also bring a single LMP3 entry to the Petit party, where a total of ten entrants will take the Green Flag.

 

Former IndyCar Driver Spencer Pigot will Moonlight for JR III Racing in the Prototypes bottom rung, i.e.; LMP3 alongside the team’s Garett Grist and Ari Valogh in the #30.

 

While keep your eye upon that #36 Andretti Autosport entry with Jarett Andretti, Australia’s Josh Burton, No relation to those RASSCAR’ Roundy round burton’s Yeehaw! And Oliver Askew at it’s controls.

 

The Tintops’, Err Saloon Boys and Girls will see GT Le Mans going out in style with a 50% increase with a total of six entries, with Corvette leading a two-by-two Coomb by Yah…

 

As once again, the GT LM Championship will be decided between the two Corvette C8.R’s, most likely going to Jordan Taylor and Antonio Garcia, albeit Tommy Milner and Nick Tandy, who’ve won the last three races in-a-row have an outside chance.

 

Rahal Letterman Lanigan will run it’s brace ‘O BMW M8 GTE coupes for their final time, along with a second #97 Weatherteck Racing Porsche 911RSR-19 wit it’s Drivers to be announced (TBA) in the category.

 

Per usual, the largest Class will be the GT Daytona (GTD) field with 15 cars ready to Rock ‘N Roll.

 

And although I’ll be rootin’ for multiple cars in this category, naturally my ‘Ol Homeboyz’ (Team Seattle) Heart of Racing’s No. 23 Aston Martin Vantage, the reigning GTD Sprint Cup Champions, it’s another name from the Evergreen State that caught my Attenzione.

 

As the IMSA Pre-Entry list says that the #12 Vasser Sullivan Racing (VSR) Lexus RC F GT3 is sponsored by Bayside Recycling, Huh? Since I know the name well from the ‘Ol Bayside Disposal Racing days of Bruce Leven and his iconic #86 Porsche 962’s and later those sleek black #86 Texaco/Havoline IndyCar’s with Dominic Dobson and Jeff Andretti at their keyboards.

 

But I’ll be pullin’ more for the No. 14 VSR Seester Lexus since it’s got some reigning Indy Lights Champion named Kyle Kirkwood as part of it’s Driver’s lineup.

 

Yet I suppose Mucho noise will be being made over some Indy 500 winner named Helio Castroneves as Meyer Shank Racing’s (MSR) #60 Acura ARX-05 Daytona Prototypes (DPi) third Driver. Uhm, Check that, Hulio’s actually replacing Olivier Pla and the car’s third endurance driver will be somebody known here at No Fenders as Monty’, JPM or once upon a time Mac Montoya! As Juan Pablo will reunite with his IMSA Prototypes Championship winning Co-Driver Dane Cameron and ex-Team Penske teammate for MSR.

 

Jimmie Johnson and other members of his All Star Cast will be back aboard the No. 48 Action Express Racing’s (AXR) second Part-time (Endurance Rounds Only) Cadillac DPi VR entry. As K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi and “Simone,” Err Pageantry’, nee Simon Pagenaud will join Johnson once again.

 

While it’s Seester AXR entry the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadd-Oh-lacc’ will have Pipo Derani, Felipe Nasr and Mike “Ice Ice, Baby!” Conway as it’s Chauffeurs.

 

The Championship leading No. 10 Wayne Taylor Racing’s Acura ARX-05 of Ricky Taylor and Felipe Albuquerque will be joined by Alexander Rossi.

 

While Cadillac has the most entrants with four to choose from three teams. As Scott Dixon will Moonlight aboard the #01 Chip Ganassi Racing with Renger Van der Zande and the departing Kevin Magnussen.

 

JDC Miller Motorsports “Mach 5, Mustang Sally,” Err #5 Mustang Sampling will have it’s winning Sebring 12 Hours “Band” back together when Sebastien Bourdais rejoins Tristan Vautier and Loic Duvall.

 

Whilst the Sleeper of the DPi Class will be the “Double Nickel” #55 Mazda RT24P entry with Oliver Jarvis, Harry Tincknell and Jonathan Bomarito possibly giving Mazda a Fond Farewell with another victory?

 

Apparently (Townsend) T-Bell’ won’t be doing his usual Double Dipping, since the No. 12 GTD entry has Franky Montecalvo, Zach Veach and Robert Megennis listed as it’s drivers. While it’d would be nice to “See” Thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown’, aka James Hinchcliffe warming up with his potentially future GT Daytona team in this year’s field, although He’s always a great Addition to the Commentary Booth! Where may be A.J. Allmendinger will also be haunting, provided his RASSCAR Cup-lite’ duties Don’t get in the way?

 

And speaking of Haunting, I’ll probably primarily listen to the race via IMSA Radio and John Hindhaugh instead, since I haven’t Gory missed “Oh No Mr. Bill!” Err Kevin “The Wherewolf!” Lee for quite some time now, albeit I suppose I’ll wanna hear Keigh Diffey’s “Pipes” one last time this year.

 

Also, the Petit Le Mans season ending enduro’ serves as the fourth and final round of this year’s Michelin Endurance cup, where separate points will be awarded to All Classes at various points of the race; giving us another race inside the race…

LE MANS: 2021 Supporting classes Once Again represent Majority of the Grid

But it’s a good thing we’ve got ‘em, Otherwise we’d be watching only 13 Cars taking Ye Tricolour…

 

With  the Bulk of this weekend’s 89^th Edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans being comprised of it’s “lower tier” brethren,

i.e.; 25 LMP2 entries and 23 LM GTE Am entrants, which I believe Adds up to 48? Uhm, Too Bad that Jimmie Johnson Guy Ain’t here, Hya! Uhm, actually He’s got the weekend off after last week’s outing at Mother Speedway, with the IMS Road Course being his first repeat racetrack this year, with his best finish of the season coming Thar. (P19)

 

Thus with 48 outta 61 race entries, I’m simply not even gonna try chronicling ‘em All! But instead will just Highlight some of those who caught my eye when perusing this year’s “Entry list.” With No Disrespect intended towards the Garage 56 entry, which includes two Disabled Drivers on it’s three man #84 LMP2 roster. One a former GP500 Rider and the other an ex-Motorcross rider.

 

Le Mans Prototypes 2 (LMP2)

As Don’t Quote Me but, it appears that the entire LMP2 field is comprised of the Oreca 07 chassis mated to the mandatory Gibson 4.2-litre Normally Aspirated V-8 lump’ this year, albeit I didn’t initially check All 25 entries thoroughly. Since it appears the lone Ligier JS217/Gibson #74 Racing Team India EurAsia entry is the solitary interloper.

 

As they say, Ladies First! As the No. 1 Richard Mille Racing’s entry sports an All le femme lineup once again, with Tatiana Calderon, Sophia Florsch and Beitske Visser behind the steering wheel for a second year in-a-row. As it would be Fantastic if they won their Class this year.

 

But they’ll have to get past defending LMP2 winners United Autosport’s #22 entry with former Formula 1 Driver and current Sky Sports F1 Pundit Paul di Resta alongside Co-Drivers Phil Hansen and Filipe Albuquerque, the latter two who also won last year’s European Le Mans Series (ELMS) championship aboard United Autosport’s #22 ELMS entry. Di Resta has moved over to the team’s No. 23 entry and is replaced by Fabio Scherer this year in the lead #22.

 

As the team Co-owned by McLaren CEO Zak Brown with Richard Dean's once again enters three cars this year with it’s #22 defending Le Mans LMP2 Class champion entry alongside the #23 and it’s Seester’ #32.

 

As the #32 sports an interesting lineup consisting of former Indy Lights driver Nico Jammin, Jonathan Aberdein and Manuel Maldonado, the younger cousin   of former Williams F1 Grands Prix winner Pastor Maldonado, better known as “Crashtor,” Youch!

 

DragonSpeed’s No. 21 features Ben Hanley, Henrik “Max Headroom” Hedman and some guy named Juan Pablo Montoya as it’s drivers, once again begging thoust Questione. If Montoya wins the class, does that mean he claims Fredrico Suave’s Mythical Triple Crown before the Smarmy Spaniard does? Comprising of Monaco, Indy 500 and Le Mans victories? Or presumably does this only apply to outright wins in those three disciplines?

 

The second High Class Racing #49 entry features a well known Father-son duo, with MAGS’, aka Jan Magnussen joined by his son Kevin Bacon’ Magnussen and Anders Fjordbach at it’s Keyboard. As I’ve just learned that High Class Racing is based in Denmark, so it makes sense for the Magnussen pairing, Righto?

 

Bad Arse Patrick Kelly Headlines PR1/Mathiasen  Motorsports #24 entry, with Gabriel Aubry and Simon Trummer alongside, as one of the few IMSA Weathertech SportsCar championship entrants being invited to Circuit de la Sarthe this year. With another unlikely one being the No. 82 Risi Competizione, who used to run Ferrari 488 GTE Evo’s in the LM GTE Pro Class being the only two IMSA LMP2 entrants.

 

And you can never count out Messer di Resta’s Sky Sports F1 Pundit ANT’, aka Anthony Davidson, who’s piloting the #38 JOTA  entry alongside team-mates Antonio Felix da Costa and Roberto Gonzalez.

 

Whilst it would be nice to see Tristan Gommendy rebound from last year’s Monstrous Crash, who’ll be sharing France’s No. 30 Duqueine Team’s ELMS  entry with Rene Binder and Memo Rojas.

 

As Gommendy and Gonzalez are former Chump Carz’ (Champ Car World Series) competitors, who both ironically drove for PKV Racing, Gonzalez in 2004 and Gommendy in ’07. While Rojas won multiple Grand Am Championships with Scotty Scooter’ Pruett…

 

Not to mention IMSA Competitors Ricky Taylor and Renger Van der Zande, who’s “Day Jobs” are piloting IMSA Daytona Prototypes spending seat time in the Nos. 20 and 34 respectively. As the #20 is also a High Class Racing entry.

 

Interestingly, Chip Ganassi Racing IMSA DPi team-mates Kevin Magnussen and Van der Zande will be racing against each other for LMP2 Class Honours, with Renger part of the #34 Inter Europol Competition entry.

 

As Van der Zande’s “Turbo Bakers” co-Drivers are Alex Brundle, son of former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports F1 TV Pundit Martin billybob’ brundle and Jakub Smiechowski. As reputedly the Turbo Bakers nickname is in deference to the team’s main sponsor.

 

Whilst the No. 28 JOTA  entry’s  my Dark Horse pick due to it’s Uber Stout Driver Trio of Tom “the Bomb” Blomquist, Sean Gelael and Stoffel Vandoorne, whose Seester’ team car is the #38 JOTA Sport’s entry.

 

Le Mans GTE Am (LM GTE Amateur )

And like above, it’s Ladies First in the “Amateur” Saloons’ ranks also, with the return of Iron Links #85 Ferrari 488 GTE Evo sporting Rahel Frey and Michelle Gatting returning for a second year in-a-row, while Belgian Sarah Boby replaces Manuela Gostner.  . As Boby joined the team at Monza, where she made her FIA World Endurance Championship debut.

 

As this is just one of the Mega Stallion of Prancing Horses “Galloping” about Circuit de la Sarthe with a total of 11 Ferrari 488 GTE Evo’s competing, with the Iron Links Squadra having three entries alone, i.e.; No.s 60, 80 and 85.

 

Although I didn’t spot any IMSA Teams in the LM GTE Am category, I did notice that IMSA GT Daytona Bad Arse Robby Foley’s part of the #66 JMW Motorsport  Ferrari team.

 

NOTE

Robby Foley’s ride at JMW Motorsport fell thru prior to the IMSA Road America Sports Car round where the 25yr old New Jersey Native was contacted by Project 1 Motorsport for an Open Seat in the team’s #46 Porsche 911 RSR-19, for whom Foley made his 24 Heurs du Mans debut for instead…

And whilst I did correctly acknowledge Aston Martin’s withdrawal from the Top tier LM GTE Pro category, I mistakenly said they were also leaving the LM GTE Am ranks which was incorrect! Since Thars actually Quattro Aston Martin Vantage AMR’s contesting this year’s race led by the defending Class Champion TF Sport No. 95 and it’s Seester’ #33. Along with a lone Werks’ #98 entry and the Privateer “Triple Seven” (#777) entry.

 

Yet last year’s winner was the #90 TF Sport entry, as this year’s No. 95 sports an All New Driver lineup. As I recognize ross gunn’s name, who’s a Factory Aston Martin driver who’s competing for my Home team’s Heart of Racing’s No. 23 IMSA GTD Customer Aston Martin entry, having last spotted Gunn’s name when perusing this year’s Rolex 24 competitors. With gunn being joined by Ollie Hancock and John Hartshorne.

 

The second largest contingent of LM GTE Am participants are the eight Porsche 911 RSR-19 Panzerwagons, as Yuhs can Never count Porsche out at Le Mans! As that guy known Stateside as Dr. McDreamy, aka Patrick Dempsey’s Dempsey Proton Racing enters a Brace of Ye ubiquitous Porsches, the Nos. 77 and 88.

 

But I’ve got Zero clue who’s the favoured Contendahs’ or whom I think will win this class? So like Mwah, you’ll just have to stay tuned this weekend… 

ROLEX 24: 2021 Supporting Classes Highlights

 

Since Obviously without the other 43 Supporting Classes entrants, It would be a Gory boring race!

(LMP2) Le Mans Prototype 2 Class

Although I totally understand why IMSA has been loathe to enable these European "Second Tier" Prototypes having a legitimate shot at winning Overall vs. their Manufacturer backed top flight DPi Brethren, clearly it Ain’t Working!

Alas, the blending of Prototype categories ability to fight for Overall victory a la 'Ol Roger Penske's Porsche RS Spyder Days of Knocking Off the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) Big boyz' when ALMS was in a similar Dilemma, but I Digress...

As any Diehard sports Car afficinado knows, the LMP2 category is mandated to run the (WEC) European Spec Gibson GK428 Naturally Aspirated V-8 lump' with teams choosing between either the Uber’ dominant Oreca chassis or it’s Seester’s Ligier mount. Although Thar is a lone Dallara chassis in the mix.

So if my New & Improved, NOT! Schreen Reader “Zoey the Princess Warrior’s” reading me this right? The #20 High Class Racing entry features somebody I used to call “the Krakow Kid,” akak Robert Kubica, who last ran a one year campaign for Team willy’, aka Williams F1 in 2019, amongst his other racing exploits. And currently is a Alfa Romeo Racing Formula 1 Test/Reserve Driver along with racing in the Deutsch Touren Wagen Masters (DTM) series.

But once again, I'm most interested in how the DragonSpeed effort performs, most notably the lead #81 entry from it’s two car brace of Oreca’s, with former IndyCar Driver Ben Hanley and soon to be Sophomre IndyCar Driver at Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) Rinus VeeKay making up half of it’s driver roster. As I’m guessing it’s the Dutchmam’s Debut rolex 24 outing?

(LMP3) Le Mans Prototype 3 Class

According to the scant information gleamed, All LMP3 entries must compete with the Spec Nissan VK56VE 5.6-litre V-8 Normally Aspirated engine, which I find very Cornfuzing’ since this would be of larger cubic displacement than it’s Big Brother LMP2 entrants, Righto?

Although I did find somewhere on the Intrawods’, nee Internet that they’ll be effectively “Detuned” by the Dreaded BoP Balance of Performance measures to Slot-in slightly behind Thar LMP2 Brethren…

47 Motorsports, which is one of the two non-Ligier JS P320 chassis in the seven car LMP3 field, running a Norma Mk 30 features ex-IndyCar Driver Gabby Chaves at it’s controls. With Indy Lights driver Ryan Norman also on the Driver roll.

Riley Motorsports will enter a brace ‘O Ligier’s with it’s lead car the No. 74 featuring Arrow McLaren SP IndyCar Castoff Oliver Askew. Along with another IndyCar Refugee named Spencer Pigot, and Gar Robinson, son of former SCCA Trans Am racer George Robinson and his 74 Ranch Resort Camaroes.

(GT LM) GT Le Mans Class

According to Racer’s Marshall Pruett, this will most likely be the “Swansong” for the fiercem’ Factory backed Grand Torismo racecars, since the class has been steadily shrinking yearly. And Corvette with it’s two C8.R’s will be the only Fulltime entrant this season, along with a lone Privateer Porsche. As Booby Ruble’, nee Bobby Rahal & Co. Werks BMW M8 GTE Squad will only contest the four endurance rounds this year, while Risi Competizione will probably be doing likewise.

OPINION: Charting A New Direction for INSA GTs

(GTD) GT Daytona Class

Ladies First, El Correctomundo? Having just learned that past IndyCar Femme Fatale Thy Leggy Juan’, aka Katherine Legge, now recovered from her nasty testing accident last year will share the #88 Porsche 911 GT3 R with Female Bad Arse Christina Nielsen, giving the Team Hardpoint EBM entry a 50% Female Driver line-up.

While another former IndyCar Driver J.R. Hildebrand will join the No. 42 MTE Sport audi R8 LMS Evo line-up, returning to Day-toner’ for the first time in mearly a decade. And Nah, that Ain’t that MTV Y’all are thinking about, or was it just me falling afoul of Ye FauxNetics’ of my Screen Reader, Eh? Although J.R. might be wanting his MTV if things go sour for the Audi during the event, Hya!

Former IndyCar Drivers Ryan Briscoe and Ed Jones will make up half of the No. 63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 488 GTE Evo’s line-up.

And Arse-sumedly many IndyCar Fans will be watching the #96 Turner Motorsports BMW M6 GT3’s performance since one of it’s drivers behind the Keyboard will be Colton Big shot’ Herta, joining it’s lead drivers Bimmer billy’, aka Bill Auberlen who currently holds the record for most major career victories in IMSA Overall with 61 to date. Whilst Auberlen’s team-mate Robby Foley will be on tap along with an unknown Aussie’ making up the Driver Quartet, as Turner makes it’s “400^th Cap” (start) with a BMW at Daytona.

Then Thars’ the massive Shake-up at what’s now simply Vasser Sullivan Racing, (VSR) as ‘Ol Top Jimmy’, aka Jimmy Vasser and James Sully’ Sullivan have split with AIM Motorsport along with a more Open Wheel Racing “Friendly” Drivers line-up. As their newest recruit is Zach Veach, who’ll run the full season aboard the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 entry.

And the #12 will feature (Townsend) T-Bell’, now just running endurance events Me Thinks? With his longtime Co-driver Frankie Montecalvo as Veach’s season long partner. Whilst another Andretti Autosport Indy Lights driver named Robert Megennis, whom I’m guessing is making his Rolex 24 Debut makes up the Driver Quartet at Day-Toner’.

The No. 14 entry features “Union” Jack Hawksworth and Aaron Telitz as it’s regular season Pilotes. With the Coup of signing perinial Bowtie’ Corvette HotSchue’ Ollie’ Gavin for Daytona along with current Andretti Autosport Indy Lights and future IndyCar Driver Kyle Kirkwood. As guess Thar will be an Intra-squad Scrum for Bragging Rights between the two current Mikey A’ Indy Lights Pilotes’, Eh?

And that’s just a semi short ‘N Sweet review of the 20 Strong GT entrants, with No Disrespect towards those I’ve left out, but this No Fenders tome is simply getting too long in Ye proverbial Tooth!

Although I’ll be rootin’ as usual for who’ll always be my Homeboyz’, fondly known forever as Team Seattle, even if they’re just now the Heart of Racing in that Bitchin’ #23 Aston Martin!

While the #44 Magnus Racing with Arc Angel running a Nasty Acura NSX GT3 Evo with a Stacked Driver line-up including Super Mario’, aka Mario Farnbacher and Andy “the Enforcer” Lally amongst others is definitely worth keeping an eye upon.

As Lally reportedly is the current winningest driver at Daytona, with a Mega 8 Rolex 24 victories in many different classes over the years to his credit, which I think he told the Speed Freaks recently included one Overall victory?

Along with mentioning he actually had an insane 11 Rolex wrist watches since Grand Am used to also give it’s Class champions a Rolex at season’s end! Although Lally’s been very generous by giving his Rolex’s to people in his Family and Friends as rewards for their helping him achieve his racing career. Having only kept his initial Rolex time piece for himself, saying what are Yuhs gonna do with eight Rolex’s?