Adam Sinclair

Grand Marshal, Honorary Starter Named for Rolex 24 At DAYTONA

Thursday, Jan 14

For the 59^th annual Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, Pierre Fillon will serve as the Grand Marshal while Dano Davis has been named the Honorary Starter for North America’s most prestigious sports car race set for Jan. 30-31.

“Pierre Fillon and Dano Davis are important figures in the history of motorsports, so we are honored to welcome them to be a part of the 59^th running of the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA,” said Chip Wile, President of Daytona International Speedway. “Pierre has been pivotal to the continued growth of endurance racing through his leadership of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, and Dano has succeeded professionally from the boardroom to the race track throughout his storied career. We look forward to welcoming these two titans of motorsports to be a part of the historic legacy of the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA.”

Fillon, who will give the command for drivers to “Start Engines,” has been President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) since in 2012. As President, Fillon participated in the creation of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). He also a key to the partnership with IMSA to create the LMDh regulations, which will be able to compete for overall victories in both the WEC and IMSA. The ACO organizes world-renowned races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours Motos motorcycle race, Le Mans Classic and more. The organization is also behind the FIA World Endurance Championship, the European Le Mans Series and the Asian Le Mans Series. Originally from Le Mans, France, Fillon joined the ACO in 1995 and became a board member in 2003.

Davis, who will wave the green flag to get the race started, dedicated 36 years of his professional career to Winn-Dixie. He began his career as a part-time employee in 1968 and rose to president of the company in 1982 and retired as chairman in 2004. He grew up passionate about sports cars and racing. In 1984, a friendship with Bob Snodgrass led to the duo racing vintage and historic cars in HSR and SVRA until 2003. After purchasing the Brumos dealerships in 1990, he brought the team back to professional racing in the IMSA Supercar Series, winning the championships from 1991-1993. Brumos returned to full-time racing in 2000 in the GRAND-AM Daytona Prototype class. The team succeeded with first and third place finishes in the 2009 Rolex 24 At DAYTONA. In 2011, Brumos began competing in GT Racing and won the GT Championship the same year. Brumos officially retired from racing in 2013.

First staged in 1962, the iconic race will open the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. It will allow fans to witness THE IMSA event that pushes the boundaries of motorsports competition from both high atop the frontstretch seating area with a bird’s-eye view, as well as the infield to see the twists and turns of the 3.56-mile venue from a closer standpoint. Transportation services will be provided to get fans to and from both destinations.

Safety protocols will be implemented to aid in the wellbeing of the limited number of fans in attendance.

Two-day admissions to the storied, twice-around-the-clock Rolex 24 are just $68 with kids 12 and under free. Guests will safely experience a host of sights and sounds that include a fireworks show, the Ferris Wheel at the Boardwalk, entry into the infield UNOH Fanzone, and a host of fun exhibits and displays. Single-day tickets are also available on Thursday ($10 - includes on-track practices) and Friday ($30 - includes on-track practices and the BMW Endurance Challenge 4-hour race). To learn more on all Rolex 24 admission opportunities, including a limited number of RV camping spots, fans are urged to quickly call 1-800-PITSTOP or log onto www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

Continuing tradition, fans will also see world-famous drivers from across various racing disciplines who are gearing up for the ultimate test of man and machine that demands precision, speed, reliability and strategy while requiring the greatest of skill and focus. From the NASCAR ranks, reigning NASCAR Cup Series Champion Chase Elliott, who won the NASCAR Cup Series DAYTONA Road Course event last summer, will make his debut in the Rolex 24. He will be joined by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and two-time DAYTONA 500 winner Jimmie Johnson, who returns for his eighth start, along with Austin Dillon, the 2018 DAYTONA 500 Champion, also making his initial start in the coveted event.

Some of the world’s finest race car drivers who also are scheduled to compete include two-time Indy 500 champion Juan Pablo Montoya, Ryan Briscoe and Renger van der Zande, who were champions of the 2020 Rolex 24, along with former Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen and former Rolex 24 winner Richard Westbrook. Wayne Taylor Racing, which has won the last two Rolex 24 titles, will be back to attempt a trifecta, featuring three-time Indy 500 victor and 2020 WeatherTech Championship DPi champion Helio Castroneves, 2016 Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi, two-time WeatherTech Championship titlist Ricky Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque, a victor of the Rolex 24 in 2018.

All Rolex 24 At DAYTONA entries will return for the traditional Roar Before the Rolex 24 test session Jan. 22-24 that includes Saturday’s Scouts of America 145 IMSA Prototype Challenge as well as a new feature – Sunday’s Motul Pole Award 100 qualifying race. Results from that event will set the starting grid for the Rolex 24 the following week.

As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Rolex 24 will be conducted in accordance with enhanced safety protocols and procedures to provide a safe environment for guests, IMSA competitors, employees and the local community. All guests will be screened before entering the facility and will be required to wear face coverings while maintaining six feet social distancing throughout their visit.

For a schedule of on-track activities and protocols, logo onto www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

Racing News

Andretti Autosport retains decorated championship winner with DHL as primary sponsor

Thursday, Jan 14

After celebrating over 10 years with Andretti Autosport in 2020, Ryan Hunter-Reay will continue to call the team home. The 2012 series champion will continue to pilot the No. 28 DHL Honda into the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. This takes Hunter-Reay’s relationship with Andretti into a 12th season, and marks 11 years of continued DHL partnership.

“We’re really happy to welcome both DHL and Ryan back for the 2021 INDYCAR season,” said Andretti Autosport chairman and CEO Michael Andretti. “Over the past 10 years, DHL has become family to us, and Ryan has recorded some of the team’s greatest accomplishments. I’m looking forward to seeing what 2021 brings.”

Hunter-Reay’s Honda-powered machine will again be painted in DHL’s iconic yellow and red livery for the full 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule. DHL, headquartered in southern Florida, first appeared as a partner with the Andretti Autosport team in 2011 as a co-primary sponsor on the 28 car, growing to be the full primary starting in 2014.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Andretti Autosport into 2021, powered by our No. 28 champion, Ryan Hunter-Reay,” said Mike Parra, CEO of DHL Express Americas. “We’ve shared an incredible history with Ryan throughout his entire INDYCAR career, as he has been an amazing DHL brand ambassador. Ryan has helped to further elevate our brand and engage our employees while he continues to excite racing fans.”

Again joining DHL on the entry, will be long-time Hunter-Reay supporter AutoNation in their associate partnership role. Hunter-Reay, co-founder of Racing for Cancer, has served as an ambassador for AutoNation and their DRV PNK campaign, working to Drive Out Cancer since 2013.

During his tenure at Andretti Autosport, Hunter-Reay has collected 15 race wins with the team, for a total of 18 overall INDYCAR career victories. His most notable accolades including his 2012 championship title and 2014 Indianapolis 500 victory. The 2021 season will mark Hunter-Reay’s 15th season in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and his 12th as part of the Andretti Autosport stable.

“I’m eager to get to work and honored to represent both DHL and Andretti Autosport yet again,” said Hunter-Reay. “DHL has been one of the longest tenured primary sponsors in INDYCAR history and that yellow 28 car has become one of the iconic INDYCAR liveries; for that I am extremely grateful. I want nothing more than to add a second Indy 500 win to our accomplishments and earn the title of INDYCAR Champion for a second time as well. Coupled with the DHL partnership, AutoNation has also been vital to my career over the past nine years and I’m very proud for the opportunity to continue as a Drive Pink brand ambassador as well. 2020 was a pretty unconventional season, and we left the year with unfinished business. Overall, as a team, we’re focused on extracting the maximum potential from the speed we had in 2020.”

Hunter-Reay becomes the third driver announced to the Andretti Autosport 2021 INDYCAR stable, alongside Colton Herta (No. 26 Gainbridge Honda) and Alexander Rossi (No. 27 NAPA AUTO PARTS / AutoNation Honda). With few months remaining in the offseason, Hunter-Reay and his Andretti teammates have sights set on winter development. The 2021 INDYCAR season kicks off April 11 at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama.

For more information, visit AndrettiAutosport.com.

Racing News

Want to Race a Corvette? Yes, We Do!

Thursday, Jan 14

By Jeff Olson

IMSA Wire Service

Nick Tandy had been racing for Porsche’s factory team for seven years. When the program left the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s GT Le Mans (GTLM) class at the end of the 2020 season, he found himself out of work.

Fortunately, unemployment was only temporary. When Corvette Racing asked him to join their team, Tandy didn’t hesitate to say yes.

“It was an easy decision to make,” he said. “Yes, I loved my family at CORE (autosport) and Porsche, but at the end of the day there was no option to go racing in GTLM and IMSA, which has been my favorite race series and my favorite racing across the globe over the last 15 years.”

Tandy will team with Tommy Milner as full-time drivers of the No. 4 Corvette Racing Chevrolet Corvette C8.R. They’ll be joined by Alexander Sims for endurance races, including the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 30-31.

Milner, who has won 13 races in his nine years in the No. 4 Corvette, is enthused about the new lineup.

“I’m excited about it,” Milner said. “I’ve raced against those guys in GT for many years, and I know how tough they are as competitors. I’m happy I don’t have to race against them now and can race with them.”

Tandy, who won 15 races in his seven years with Porsche in GTLM competition, replaces Oliver Gavin, whose 19-year run with Corvette Racing ended with the 2020 season-ending Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Presented by Advance Auto Parts in November.

Gavin announced Tuesday that he’ll be joining Vasser Sullivan Racing's No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 for the Rolex 24 with full-season drivers Jack Hawksworth and Aaron Telitz.

Official preparations for the Rolex 24 begin Jan. 22 with testing during the Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. A recent test in the C8.R went smoothly, Tandy said.

“The thing that pleased me most is how natural the C8.R felt straightaway,” he said. “There are, of course, many nuances and bits and pieces on how to extract time and consistency out of the car and the tires on which Corvette Racing compete. It felt pretty comfortable and familiar after a day’s running. This was a big positive for me.”

Sims spent the past two seasons competing with BMW i Andretti Motorsport in Formula E and raced with BMW Team RLL in the GTLM class in the WeatherTech Championship in 2017 and 2018. In 2017, the team finished second in the final standings with wins at Watkins Glen International, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and in the Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

Like Tandy, Sims didn’t need much time to consider Corvette’s offer.

“Ever since my participation in IMSA ended and going off to do Formula E, it was the single championship I was most driven to get back involved with,” Sims said. “It absolutely was the top one that I’ve been involved in within GT racing that I’ve enjoyed. Competition-wise, the tracks, the format of racing, competitors – everything about it is just fantastic. The opportunity to drive with Corvette was something that took very little time to consider.”

It’s likely to be a competitive campaign. Tandy has won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Nurburgring and the 24 Hours of Spa. The 15 IMSA victories on his résumé include the Rolex 24, the Twelve Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans. He’s also won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The No. 4 Corvette finished third in the GTLM standings in 2020, with the team’s No. 3 car taking the championship with Antonio Garcia and Jordan Taylor, who return for 2021.

“We’re looking to equal that and getting some of the highlight race wins is a pretty big program goal – Daytona, Sebring and beyond that,” Milner said. “We’re looking forward to getting the season going again and seeing how it all shakes out.”

The Roar Before the Rolex 24 is scheduled for Jan 22-24 and concludes with the Motul Pole Award 100, a qualifying race to set the Rolex 24 starting order. Live coverage of the 59th Rolex 24 At Daytona begins on NBC at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Jan. 30.

Racing News

Toyota Yaris GR gets a big power upgrade by DTE System

Thursday, Jan 14

Dynamic driving fun in a small bundle of energy: The sport version of the Yaris amazes motorsport fans. With a remarkable 261 hp and a torque of 360 Nm, the Yaris GR has rightly made a name for itself as a small car. The Toyota WRC rally team has packed a lot of extra power under his hood. A great incentive for the tuning experts at DTE to elicit even more power from the power dwarf.

In order to get more out of the 1.6-liter turbo three-cylinder, DTE has also pimped up PowerControl X for the Yaris GR. The innovative chip tuning increases performance and driving dynamics for that extra racing feeling. The system uses multi-map technology to optimize the key engine parameters in real time. Overall, the small car with PowerControl X has 310 hp with a torque increase of + 45Nm. It can even outperform its competitor, the Honda Civic Type R.

Another advantage of PowerControl X is the app control, which enables the driver to conveniently switch between the Sport, Dynamic and Efficiency programs from the cockpit. Live instruments with the most important engine data such as boost pressure, intake manifold pressure and acceleration complete the package and turn the small athlete into a full-blown racing car.

DTE brings more driving fun into the car at the push of a button - even with the fast Yaris GR. In addition to PowerControl, DTE now also has the matching PedalBox: more dynamic acceleration, improved throttle response and the final touches for individually configurable sportiness for that extra kick when starting and overtaking.

And for everyone who wants maximum performance: If you combine PedalBox and PowerControl X, you get an unbeatable power duo for the perfect driving experience.

PowerControl X is available in the DTE Systems online shop or through certified resellers.

DTE Systems GmbH is a market-leading manufacturer of tuning products in Germany. Since 1996, the company based in Recklinghausen has been developing, producing and marketing high-performance chip tuning boxes for passenger cars, trucks and tractors. The accelerator tuning with the PedalBox continues the great success of the brand. DTE Systems is a member of the VDAT (German Association of Automotive Tuning Industry) and is certified by TÜV Austria. The DTE chip tuning modules PowerControl and accelerator tuning PedalBox are including a comprehensive guarantee. A TÜV part certificate is available for more than 3,900 vehicles.

Racing News

Multi-Time Motocross Champion Ryan Dungey’s RD Coffee Introduces HOLESHOT Espresso Blend

Thursday, Jan 14

Multi-time AMA Pro Motocross and AMA Supercross Champion Ryan Dungey and his budding specialty coffee company, RD Coffee, has introduced the newest addition to its growing lineup of roasts: HOLESHOT Espresso. As its name suggests, this unique small-batch blend of meticulously sourced Colombian and Guatemalan beans provides the kind of added intensity and complex flavors that will be sure to help anyone get an early jump on their day.

In addition to being the fifth roast from RD Coffee, the same number Ryan wore on his way to becoming one of the sport’s all-time greats, HOLESHOT is also the first espresso blend in the company’s flagship lineup of roasts. It features the highest grade of coffee beans available, sustainably sourced directly from farms in both Colombia and Guatemala, and is roasted to find the perfect balance to draw out the complex citrus and milk chocolate flavors. The end result is a rich brew anchored by a clean and smooth taste that’s more than enough to get someone off to a fast start and carry on to a strong finish.

“Sometimes you need that little extra to get going, and in the sport of motocross that added boost of energy and focus often results in a holeshot, putting you ahead of the pack. To me, that was the perfect way to symbolize an espresso roast, which carries a little bit more punch,” explained Dungey. “It’s been an amazing journey so far with this new endeavor and I’m so excited to welcome our fifth roast, a number that personally means a lot to me. I’ve learned a lot in a short amount of time and I’m fully committed to making RD Coffee relatable to everyone on their own journey.”

Over the course of a decorated racing career in which he captured an incredible eight national championships, two ESPY Awards, and became the first motocross athlete to be featured on a Wheaties box, Ryan fell in love with coffee during his travels across the U.S. and around the world. Soon enough, the same passion he shared for motocross also fueled his desire to learn more about this ancient miracle beverage. When he hung up his helmet and boots for good in 2017, Ryan dedicated his time to learning the intricacies of the coffee industry, from ethically sourcing the beans to the nuances of roasting and brewing. In March 2020, RD Coffee was born.

On the racetrack, Ryan’s success was a byproduct of an unwavering commitment to perfection and a determination that was often unmatched on the starting gate. Additionally, his selfless humility and endearing personality made him one of the sport’s most beloved and relatable figures. His integrity as a world-class athlete made Ryan a source of inspiration and encouragement for fans all over the world.

Each of those values combine to serve as the cornerstone of RD Coffee, which strives to provide the absolute best ingredients for anyone in search of a little more out of their cup of java. Like so many others, coffee has become an integral part of Ryan’s everyday life, giving him the daily boost to chase his passions. That’s why the company’s mantra is as relatable as Ryan himself - “Fuel Your Pursuit.” No matter the motivation, RD Coffee is here to serve great-tasting coffee and inspire others on their journey.

Racing News

TireRack.com Road to Indy eSeries Extends Ladder to WKA

Thursday, Jan 14

The newly announced TireRack.com Road to Indy iRacing eSeries Presented by Cooper Tires has formed an alliance with the renowned World Karting Association to create a virtual ladder system down to the karting ranks – a natural progression considering the number of drivers who began their path to the Road to Indy via kart racing.

Celebrating its 50^th year in 2021, the WKA is the largest sanctioning body for kart racing in the U.S. The member-owned, non-profit organization is headquartered in Concord, N.C., and hosts five national series in addition to a number of divisional and regional series.

The winner of each round of the WKA’s A-Maxx Racing eSports Series Presented by Summit Racing Equipment will advance to earn a spot on the TireRack.com eSeries grid to showcase their skills against drivers in Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires and the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship.

To take the first step, all drivers in the WKA’s eSeries will now compete onboard the virtual Tatuus USF-17 chassis, which launched on iRacing in June of last year. The TireRack.com eSeries will utilize the next level Tatuus PM-18 Indy Pro 2000 car.

To highlight the WKA’s eSeries winners, a specially designed WKA livery has been created.

"As the 'Foundation of Motorsport', the World Karting Association has always had a place for everyone in karting,” said WKA President Kevin Williams. “Exciting racing in eSports is no different, and we are thrilled to work with the Road to Indy TireRack.com eSeries as a first step for WKA karters to go from karts to cars; even virtually, to give back to the racers."

The WKA eSeries will take place weekly on Tuesday evenings at 8:00 p.m. EST beginning January 19 on iRacing. The first round will be held at the Daytona International Speedway road course. The first event of the TireRack.com eSeries will take place on February 3 at 7:00 p.m. EST at Road America.

"There's no arguing the fact that 90% of our Road to Indy racers come from karting, and to be able to develop a partnership program like this with the iconic World Karting Association is such a positive for our program and our eSeries,” said Rob Howden, Road to Indy Series Development Director. “With the WKA eSports Winter Series set to run our Tatuus USF-17 car on iRacing, each of their race winners will advance up our virtual ladder to compete against our RTI drivers in our PM-18. This is ideal. I'm really interested to see how the WKA winners will fare in our eSeries."

Competitors in the TireRack.com Road to Indy iRacing eSeries Presented by Cooper Tires will vie for cash prizes of over $3,500 – including a champion’s prize of $2,000 and one hour of sim time at every race on the 2021 schedule provided by SimMetric Driver Performance Labs, the Official Sim Partner of the Road to Indy – as well as special awards in each round such as the Sabelt Hard Charger Award, which provides a pair of Sabelt Hero racing gloves to the driver who gains the most positions.

“We are excited to embark on a new association with Kevin Williams and the WKA,” said Dan Andersen, Owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions. “Many of our drivers began their careers as part of the WKA family, so it is great to see the roots of our ladder system reach, at least virtually at the moment, even further to the grassroots levels. In addition to the WKA karters, we have several drivers in our eSeries who come from other junior open-wheel ranks with an interest in joining the Road to Indy. It is quickly becoming a virtual Chris Griffis test where drivers can display their racecraft in front of our team owners.”

The TireRack.com eSeries will be available on a variety of platforms including the Cooper Tire Facebook page, the Road to Indy TV website and App, ApexRacingTV’s YouTube channel, and the series’ respective Facebook pages. In addition, live coverage will be carried by REV TV Canada. The WKA eSeries coverage can be found on the WKA Facebook page, at ApexRacingTV’s YouTube channel and on the WKA Twitch account.

Racing News

What’s Up? The Car Count at The Roar Before the Rolex 24

Thursday, Jan 14

By Mark Robinson

IMSA Wire Service

The Roar has more in store in 2021. That’s for sure.

The Roar Before the Rolex 24 – the annual test session preceding the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona that tips off the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season – is witnessing an increase in the number of classes and number of entries participating from 2020. The three-day Roar from Jan. 22-24 takes on added significance as well since it will be climaxed for the first time by a 100-minute qualifying race to set the grid for the Rolex 24 that starts six days later.

A total of 50 cars are entered and expected to participate in the Roar. In all, four practices, a qualifying session and a warm-up will be available to WeatherTech Championship competitors prior to the Motul Pole Award 100. The race to determine the starting grid rolls off at 2:05 p.m. ET Sunday, Jan. 24 and will stream live on TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold, with a telecast airing on NBCSN at 4:30 p.m.

Roar Before the Rolex 24: Entry list

The Roar was moved this year to the week prior to the Rolex 24 to lessen travel demands on teams and personnel. The Roar schedule also includes the season-opening race for the IMSA Prototype Challenge and test sessions for the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.

Driver names are yet to be officially confirmed for the entry list, but here is a look at the cars and drivers who have been announced during the off-season.

In WeatherTech Championship action, the top-tier Daytona Prototype international (DPi) class appears wide open with seven entries following a number of off-season moves. Acura Team Penske disbanded its program after winning the past two season championships. Wayne Taylor Racing, which won the past two Rolex 24s running a Cadillac, has switched to an Acura for the No. 10 Konica Minolta entry and brought on three drivers – Ricky Taylor, Helio Castroneves and Alexander Rossi – who helped Penske win the 2020 championship title, as well as two-time Rolex 24 winner Filipe Albuquerque.

Chip Ganassi Racing returns to WeatherTech Championship action after sitting out a year, fielding a Cadillac DPi whose lineup includes two-time defending Rolex 24 DPi and overall winner Renger van der Zande and Formula 1 veteran Kevin Magnussen. Magnussen – who will co-drive the No. 01 machine for the full 2021 season alongside van der Zande – will make his public IMSA debut at the Roar.

Action Express Racing boasts a pair of star-studded DPi entries. Pipo Derani and Felipe Nasr are back in the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Racing Cadillac and will be joined by endurance race stalwart Mike Conway and reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott. The No. 48 Ally Cadillac Racing DPi features seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champ Jimmie Johnson, Indy 500 winner Simon Pagenaud, international sports car standout Mike Rockenfeller and Kamui Kobayashi who, like van der Zande, won the Rolex 24 the last two years with Wayne Taylor Racing.

The Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class has seen its Roar entry list swell to 10 this year, including two ORECA LMP2 07s for DragonSpeed USA, the two-time defending Rolex 24 class champion. Ben Hanley returns to the No. 81 DragonSpeed entry to defend his 2020 victory, with three new teammates surrounding him.

The No. 52 PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports ORECA is back on the LMP2 grid again after finishing second in last year’s Rolex 24 and going on to claim the season championship. Among the car’s drivers is endurance-race junkie Ben Keating, the Texan who will again pull double duty by also co-driving a TF Sport Aston Martin Vantage GT3 in the GT Daytona (GTD) class. And don’t forget about Austin Dillon, the 2018 NASCAR Daytona 500 winner who’s scheduled to co-drive the No. 51 RWR-Eurasia Ligier LMP2.

Reigning GT Le Mans (GTLM) season champions Antonio Garcia and Jordan Taylor return to drive the No. 3 Corvette Racing Corvette C8.R in the Roar, along with endurance add-on Nicky Catsburg. On the No. 4 side of the Corvette team, Tommy Milner returns with a new cast of co-drivers in former Porsche factory driver Nick Tandy and ex-BMW factory racer Alexander Sims. But a Corvette hasn’t won the Rolex 24 since 2016.

That honor has gone most recently to BMW Team RLL, which has won its class the past two years at the Rolex. Three of the drivers from the victorious No. 24 BMW M8 GTE – John Edwards, Jesse Krohn and Augusto Farfus – are back to defend their 2020 Rolex win and are joined by Marco Wittman. The No. 25 BMW was the class winner two years ago, with Connor De Phillippi and Philipp Eng still forming half the driving quartet along with Timo Glock and Bruno Spengler.

Porsche, meanwhile, is returning to the GTLM class after all in 2021 with last week’s announcement of the No. 79 WeatherTech Racing 911 RSR-19 for drivers Cooper MacNeil, Kevin Estre, Richard Lietz and Gianmaria Bruni.

Rounding out a solid GTLM field will be Risi Competizione, which returns at the Roar to prepare for Rolex 24 competition in the No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTE with a quartet of Ferrari factory pilots sharing the cockpit.

The GTD class is loaded this year, with 20 Roar entries encompassing nine manufacturers. Heading the list is Paul Miller Racing, which returns intact the driver lineup that won last year’s Rolex 24 (Bryan Sellers, Madison Snow, Corey Lewis and Andrea Caldarelli) – though the number on the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 has changed from 48 to 1.

John Potter, Andy Lally and Spencer Pumpelly finished second a year ago in the Rolex 24 in the No. 44, though the Magnus with Archangel entry is changing this season from running a Lamborghini to an Acura NSX GT3. The team added a not-so-secret weapon for the Roar and Rolex 24 in fourth driver Mario Farnbacher, the two-time reigning GTD season champion when he piloted an Acura for Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian.

The Roar GTD entry list also has seen an influx of talent that succeeded in other WeatherTech Championship classes recently. Among them are DPi and GTLM standout Ryan Briscoe (entered in the No. 63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 488 GTE), former Corvette Racing legend Oliver Gavin (No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3), past GTLM champions Laurens Vanthoor (No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3R), Earl Bamber (No. 88 Team Hardpoint EBM Porsche) and Patrick Pilet (No. 540 Black Swan Racing Porsche), and 2019 Rolex 24 GTLM winner Colton Herta (No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M6 GT3).

The Roar schedule finds WeatherTech Championship test sessions at 11:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. ET Friday, Jan. 22, as well as 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23. Live timing and scoring will be available for each session on IMSA.com.

Motul Pole Award 100 qualifying starts at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 and streams live on IMSA.com. Following a 10 a.m. warmup on Sunday, Jan. 24, the Motul Pole Award 100 wraps up the weekend starting at 2:05 p.m. that afternoon.

Racing News

SA1NT Enters North America

Thursday, Jan 14

SA1NT, a leading Australian motorcycle apparel company and innovators of the world’s strongest single-layer denim, is bringing its ‘UNBREAKABLE’ fabric technology to North America in 2021 with its own direct-to-market online and warehousing solution. To date, the brand has successfully entrenched itself with Australian riders as the outright innovators in protective motorcycle apparel, because it did something other riding apparel brands had not – made technical gear that didn’t look or feel technical. Now the innovative motorcycle apparel brand is looking to show North American riders why its apparel technology, offering an unparalleled and literally ‘UNBREAKABLE’ blend of safety, style and comfort, is unlike any other.

In 2015, SA1NT broke new ground with the world’s first single-layer, CE-approved motorcycle denim, featuring Dyneema®, a proprietary fabric technology 15-times stronger than steel and made from the same fiber that tethers space shuttles and armors helicopters. It’s here where SA1NT breaks the formula, stretching, spinning and blending ballistic, industrial and military application threads with wearables like merino and cotton. The result is the apparel that offers an unrivaled combination of the highest-grade abrasion and tear protection, and all-day comfort on and off the bike.

“We are all die-hard riders that were tired of wearing stiff and heavy materials to be safe. We wanted something that looked like regular fashion, but provided you protection if things went random out on the road,” said SA1NT Founder Aidan Clarke. “We were convinced that in today’s day and age, we could develop something better, lighter and more comfortable, and after much R&D we found that in blending space age Dyneema into single layer denim. We disrupted the industry and delivered a product that felt as light and flexible as your favorite denim jeans, but could slide down the road without ripping.”

Offering a complete line of men’s and women’s riding and casual wear, SA1NT has grown synonymous with its UNBREAKABLE stretch denim. Integrated across SA1NT’s robust line of jeans and jackets, SA1NT’s UNBREAKABLE denim features 66% Dyneema, which is 200 times stronger than regular denim and has a slide time of six seconds, or 246 feet. Additional cuts, colors, and levels of protection are available throughout the line – allowing riders to select their preferred style and maintain world-class protection.

From slide tests to strength tests (where SA1NT’s UNBREAKABLE denim lifted a 2.4-ton container), SA1NT has displayed the unrivaled durability and dependability of its UNBREAKABLE denim.

The brand has plans to expand its offering of men’s and women’s apparel in 2021. However, it’s most-immediate priority will be driving increased awareness within the core North American riding community about its game-changing fabric and its unrivaled promise of protection without sacrificing an ounce of style and comfort.

For more information, visit saint.cc, or follow along on Facebook (@saintridefastridefree), Instagram (@saint.cc) and YouTube.

eRacing News

ROUSH Performance to Host iRacing Off-Road Series

Thursday, Jan 14

ROUSH Performance iRacing returns with a three-race off-road series, featuring some of the most iconic short-course off-road tracks. Drivers will pilot 900-horsepower Pro4 trucks, reaching speeds of 100 mph as they slide through corners and fly over jumps, using the iRacing simulation platform. The series kicks off at Crandon International Raceway, which offers a unique side-by-side motocross-style start for an exciting start to the race. Each event consists of two fifteen-minute races with a field of 30 drivers competing for the win.

The ROUSH Performance Off-Road series includes a stacked list of drivers from various disciplines — professional racers such as stock car drivers Chris Buescher and David Levine, YouTuber SlapTrain, and many more. Registration is open to the public with limited availability. For a chance to race alongside some of the biggest names in racing, click here.

The first virtual race will occur at Crandon International Raceway, followed by round two at Wild West Motorsports Park, and the series final at Wild Horse Pass Motorsport Park. Racing can be watched live on the ROUSH Performance Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ROUSHESPORTS.

The series’ opening race takes place on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, at 8 p.m. ET. Round two of the series will be held on Feb. 3, 2021, followed by the final round on Feb. 24, 2021.

ROUSH Performance was founded in 1995 by motorsports legend Jack Roush, the winningest name in racing. Combining performance engineering with entrepreneurship, ROUSH began selling designs he had created for his own team to the wider world of motorsports. Based out of Plymouth Township, Michigan, ROUSH Performance, a division of Roush Enterprises, designs, engineers and manufactures completely assembled pre-titled vehicles, aftermarket performance parts, and superchargers for the global performance enthusiast market. For more on ROUSH please call 1.800.59.ROUSH or visit www.ROUSHperformance.com.

Racing News

Larsen Motorsports Announces Multi-Year Contract Renewal for Driver Dewayne Hill

Thursday, Jan 14

Larsen Motorsports (LMS) is excited to announce Jet Dragster Driver Dewayne Hill has been renewed as the Dominator Bed and Body Liner Kits by U.S. Chemical and Plastics Jet Dragster Driver in a multi-year contract.

Dewayne began his career at LMS as a crew member in 2011 and worked his way into a driver position in 2017. “Dewayne has been an awesome opponent for the past 4 years. I am looking forward to our 2021 season with my teammate.” says Elaine Larsen, co-owner and President of LMS.

Dewayne was a machine gunner in the U.S. Marines where he served for 8 years. He enjoys the adrenaline rush, passion, and teamwork of the LMS jet racing teams that reminds him of his time in the Marines. Dewayne says “It is an honor and a privilege to be representing U.S. Chemical and Plastics as well as Larsen Motorsports. Through the years our vision has made us a family and I’m excited to see where this bond takes us.”

To watch Dewayne and the Dominator Jet Racing Team blast down the track check out the 2021 Larsen Motorsports schedule at LMSjets.com. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to keep up to date @LMSjets.

Larsen Motorsports is based in Palm Bay, FL is embedded within the heart of Florida’s Space Coast manufacturing and technology corridor. Our 30,000 square foot facility reflects the ultimate blend of traditional manufacturing and cutting edge of advanced manufacturing technology; LMS is a leading research and development company with full concept, design, engineering, and operational capabilities in house.

For more information about Larsen Motorsports visit LMSjets.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information about Dominator Bed and Body Liner Kits by USC visit dominator.uschem.com