Eversley, Bechtolsheimer in Gradient Acura for COTA

Photo: Gradient Racing

Ryan Eversley and Till Bechtolsheimer will drive an Acura NSX GT3 Evo entered by new Austin, TX-based squad Gradient Racing at the Blancpain GT World Challenge America opener next weekend.

The pair have been entered in the Pro-Am class for the opening round at Circuit of The Americas, although the team’s lineup for the rest of the season is yet to be confirmed.

Gradient has entered its 2019-spec Acura for the full Blancpain GT America season, and is exploring potential entries in “further North American endurance races” later in the year.

The team was formed by former CJ Wilson Racing team manager Andris Laivins late last year and made its debut in the 24H Series event at COTA in November.

It conducted a two-day test at COTA earlier this week in preparation for the team’s home Blancpain GT America race.

“I started my racing career in 2003 in what was then the SPEED World Challenge series, and ran there for many years, so it will be fun to come back and see how it has evolved under the SRO,” Laivins said.

“Testing this week at COTA went great. There’s still a bit of work to do on the conversion to SRO spec, but we’ll be ready.

“It was super helpful to get Till and Ryan in the car this week and get acclimated to the Evo kit on Pirellis. It’s going to be a busy five days from here, but I’m excited!”

Marc Miller, Bechtolsheimer’s regular co-driver, is also part of the program and is set to drive the Acura later in the year, working around his existing Trans-Am commitments.

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.