TGR StaffAs the engines roar to life this weekend at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, a new chapter begins for Aston Martin Vantage GT3 in the world of endurance racing. The iconic British brand has its sights set on glory as it unveils the all-new Aston Martin Vantage GT3, marking the start of the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. With an illustrious history and a fresh lineup of race-proven vehicles and elite drivers, the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 is gearing up for what promises to be a landmark year.
The Aston Martin Vantage GT3: A Proven Contender
The Aston Martin Vantage GT3 shares its DNA with the ultra-luxury Vantage road car, the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 is built on a bonded aluminum chassis and powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine. This formidable combination has already demonstrated its prowess on the track, clinching a class win at the 2024 Spa 24 Hours and other victories across global endurance series.
A Star-Studded Lineup
The Heart of Racing (THOR), Aston Martin’s Seattle-based partner team, leads the charge with entries in both the GTD Pro and GTD classes. Roman De Angelis and Marco Sørensen, who contributed to THOR’s 2023 Daytona GTD victory, will pilot the #007 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 in the GTD Pro category. They are joined by seasoned drivers Ross Gunn and Alex Riberas, making this a formidable team with a strong chance of clinching victory.
In the GTD category, THOR’s #27 entry will feature an equally impressive roster: Zacharie Robichon, Tom Gamble, Casper Stevenson, and Mattia Drudi. With a blend of IMSA experience and fresh talent making their series debuts, the team is well-positioned to make an impact.
Adam Carter, Aston Martin Head of Endurance Motorsport, said: “The Rolex 24 at Daytona is the most famous endurance race in North America and one of the most prestigious in the world so it’s extremely fitting that Vantage, a front-runner in leading series globally, is in fantastic shape to once again fight for victory in multiple categories this weekend. The strength of our line-ups – including many championship-winning AMR works drivers – coupled with the depth of the engineering support we provide to our partner teams in North America is a source of immense pride and sends a clear message as to how important adding more successes on this continent is to Aston Martin. Daytona is set to produce a thrilling event and we intend to finish it with something to celebrate as we look forward to the advent of the Valkyrie’s IMSA debut at Sebring in March.”
Magnus Racing and van der Steur Racing Join the Fray
Magnus Racing, a two-time Rolex 24 class-winning team, adds another layer of excitement. The team’s regular drivers, John Potter, Andy Lally, and Spencer Pumpelly, are joined by Aston Martin Racing (AMR) works driver Nicki Thiim, a double FIA WEC GT world champion. After a second-place finish in 2023, Magnus Racing is eager to claim the top step of the podium this year.
Aston Martin Racing Works Driver Nicki Thiim
Making its IMSA GTD debut, van der Steur Racing brings the fourth Aston Martin Vantage GT3 to the Rolex 24 grid. Following a successful campaign with the GT4 variant in the Michelin Pilot Challenge, the team’s transition to GT3 racing is spearheaded by drivers Valentin Hasse Clot, Maxime Robin, Andrew McIntosh, and Rory van der Steur. With a blend of championship credentials and emerging talent, the team is poised to leave a mark on their endurance racing debut.
Expanding Aston Martin’s Presence in Endurance Racing
While the Rolex 24 takes center stage, the Aston Martin Vantage GT3’s ambitions stretch far beyond Daytona. The Heart of Racing is also preparing the revolutionary Valkyrie hypercar for its IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTP class debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring in March. This follows its global racing debut at the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Qatar 1812km round earlier in the year, marking Aston Martin’s entry into the highest echelons of endurance racing.
The GT4 Contingent
In addition to the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 entries, Aston Martin’s GT4 program continues to flourish. Four new Vantage GT4s will compete in the four-hour Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) opener at Daytona. Last year’s title-winning Team TGM returns, with Matt Plumb and Paul Holton sharing the #46 entry, while Ted Giovanis, Hugh Plumb, and Kris Hilton take the reins of the #64 car. Rebel Rock Racing and van der Steur Racing also join the fray, with the latter fielding Christine and Ben Sloss in their debut season with the Vantage GT4.
A Year of High Stakes and High Performance
For Aston Martin, 2025 represents a pivotal moment in their motorsport journey. From the iconic Aston Martin Vantage GT3 to the groundbreaking Valkyrie hypercar, the brand is leveraging its heritage and engineering expertise to redefine endurance racing. As the Rolex 24 at Daytona kicks off, the Aston Martin Vantage GT3’s sights are firmly set on delivering a season to remember. With a blend of proven technology, world-class drivers, and unwavering determination, the British automaker is poised to make history once again.
