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. 

ROLEX 24: GTD Pro Grid preview

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

 

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

 

GTD Pro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

ROLEX 24: Overflowing GT Daytona Grid preview Wrap-up

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

 

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

 

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

 

GT Daytona (GTD)

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

 

Ford

Teams: 1

Model: Ford Mustang GT3

Gradient Racing, No. 66

 

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

 

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

 

Chevrolet

Teams: 2

Model: Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R

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

 

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

 

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

 

Aston Martin

Teams: 3

Model: Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo

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

 

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

 

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

 

BMW

Teams: 1

Model: BMW M4 GT3 Evo

Turner Motorsport, No. 96

 

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

 

Lexus

Teams: 1

Model: Lexus RF C GT3

Vasser Sullivan Racing, No. 12

 

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

 

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

Time for another Rolex 24: GTD Preview

As “Drivers, Start your Engines!”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

GT Daytona (GTD)

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

 

Porsche

Teams: 2

Model: Porsche 911 GT3 R

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Ferrari

Teams: 5

Model: Ferrari 296 GT3

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Lamborghini

Teams: 2

Model: Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo 2

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

 

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

 

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

 

Mercedes

Teams: 3

Model: Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo

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

 

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

 

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