The highly anticipated Daytona 24 Hours is set to feature an exciting collaboration of racing greats, with former Australian Supercars rivals Shane van Gisbergen and Scott McLaughlin teaming up in a one-off entry for the IMSA SportsCar Championship’s GTD Pro class. As they prepare to race a meticulously engineered Corvette Z06 GT3.R, the duo will embody the spirit of competition that has defined their careers. This partnership stems from a unique collaboration between Trackhouse Racing, a well-known name in NASCAR, and its associate team, TF Sport, renowned for their prowess in endurance racing.
Both van Gisbergen and McLaughlin have carved out remarkable careers in the Supercars arena, each clinching three championships. Their success has been largely attributed to their respective teams—Triple Eight for van Gisbergen and DJR Team Penske for McLaughlin—creating a fierce rivalry that energized fans and elevated the sport. Now, they must set aside their competitive instincts and collaborate to navigate the complexities of endurance racing, bringing their extensive driving experience to the challenging Daytona circuit.
Joining van Gisbergen and McLaughlin will be the promising Trackhouse protege Connor Zilisch and seasoned competitor Ben Keating. Zilisch, an 18-year-old NASCAR Xfinity driver, has already tasted success at Daytona this past year, triumphing in the LMP2 category. His youthful enthusiasm brings a fresh dynamic to the team. Meanwhile, Keating—a familiar face in endurance racing—has an impressive track record that includes a victory at the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours, adding depth and expertise to the quartet.
The Daytona 24 Hours is a prestigious event that attracts the brightest talent from around the globe. The diverse backgrounds of the four drivers make this entry particularly intriguing. Van Gisbergen and McLaughlin bring a wealth of Supercars experience, while Zilisch’s youthful prowess and Keating’s endurance accomplishments create an exciting blend of skill sets. This strategic alignment positions them well to compete against other talented racers in pursuit of the coveted Rolex watch awarded to race winners.
For team principal Tom Ferrier, the collaboration represents a significant opportunity. “We are immensely grateful for the support from GM and Corvette Racing, which has helped to weave this remarkable team together,” he expressed. Ferrier’s excitement about the talent on board is palpable, hinting at the collective ambition to secure victory at one of the most challenging endurance races on the calendar.
As they prepare for the grueling 24-hour race, the challenge remains substantial. Endurance racing tests not only the skill of individual drivers but also the chemistry and strategy of the crew. McLaughlin, who has transitioned to IndyCar, highlights his admiration for van Gisbergen, acknowledging him as “one of the best racers” he has encountered. This mutual respect can translate seamlessly into collaborative efforts on the track, enhancing their potential for success.
Looking ahead to 2024, van Gisbergen is gearing up for his inaugural full season in the NASCAR Cup Series with Trackhouse, adding another layer of intrigue to his participation in the Daytona race. Having not competed at Daytona since 2020, the stakes are high as he aims to make a memorable return. “Driving alongside Scotty, Connor, and Ben is truly a dream,” van Gisbergen shared, conveying the excitement of this unique opportunity.
The Daytona 24 Hours will not only serve as a testing ground for this eclectic team but also as a platform where legacies can be cemented. The combination of experienced champions and emerging talents lays a foundation ripe with potential, as they vie for victory in one of motorsport’s most grueling events. No matter the outcome, the compelling narrative of camaraderie and competition among these racing legends will undoubtedly captivate fans and leave a lasting imprint on the world of motorsport. As the countdown to the Daytona 24 Hours begins, all eyes will be on this dynamic quartet, eagerly anticipating the thrilling spectacle they are set to deliver.