Gradient Sets Endurance Cup Lineup for Mustang GT3 Effort

Photo: Gradient Racing

Gradient Racing has set the driver lineup for the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup races this year, with Joey Hand, Till Bechtolsheimer and Tatiana Calderon joining forces in the team’s new Ford Mustang GT3.

Additionally, Multimatic-contracted driver Harry Tincknell will complete the lineup for this month’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona.

The Andris Laivins-led organization is set for a separate driver lineup for the sprint rounds, which has yet to be announced.

Both Hand and Tincknell served as full season drivers in the factory Ford Multimatic Motorsports GTD Pro effort last year, although have been replaced for the 2025 season, opening the door for their foray into the GTD ranks.

“I’m really looking forward to this new endeavor with Gradient Racing,” said Hand.

“I’ve felt right at home with them from the start, and can’t wait for this program to get underway and getting to know and work with my new teammates.

“It’s going to be fun to have my pal Harry Tincknell in the driver lineup with me as well.

“It’s exciting to come into the season with a new car for the team, but obviously I am extremely familiar with the Ford Mustang GT3 and I’ll be aiming to help with getting everyone up to speed quickly so we can all be comfortable driving it over the course of 24 hours.

“The first win for the Mustang is still up for grabs, and nothing would make me happier than to be able to achieve that feat.”

Tincknell added: “I’m really excited to get going at Daytona with Gradient Racing.

“I’ve been following their successes over the past few years while I’ve been competing in IMSA, and I know they are a tight knit team and I’m looking forward to racing with them.

“I also know Joey extremely well as we were a part of the Ford factory team last year, and I also raced with Tatiana in Formula 3 back in the day. I’m eager to work with Till for the first time, I know he has a lot of experience.”

Both Bechtolsheimer, the owner of Lola Cars, and Calderon, had previously been part of Gradient’s Acura NSX GT3 effort, with the Colombian resuming her role as third driver for the Endurance Cup races.

“I know we can continue to build on the experience gained with Gradient Racing in 2024, but this time driving the Ford Mustang GT3 beast,” said Calerdon.

“We have a fantastic driver lineup with Joey, Harry and Till, and although there is a lot to learn in what will be our debut with the Mustang, I’m confident we can deliver a strong start to the year.”

Bechtolsheimer added: “I’m thrilled to be back with Gradient Racing and Andris, whom I have a longstanding history with.

“We have a great group of drivers with an incredible amount of experience, and I believe that if we go into these next couple of weeks with the right mindset, we can come away with a top result.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John