Archangel to Operate Circle H Aston GT4 for Hampton, Merrill

Photo: Mike Johnson

Archangel Motorsports will operate Circle H Racing’s Aston Martin Vantage GT4 Evo program in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge with the returning driving duo of David Hampton and Thomas Merrill.

The pairing, who took part in seven of the ten Pilot Challenge rounds last year in an AR Motorsports Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, have switched to the Mike Johnson-run team, which will be based out of Archangel’s shop in St. Louis.

Hampton and Merrill will be joined by Martin Sarukhanyan for next weekend’s season-opening BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway as well as the other four-hour endurance race at Mid-Ohio in June.

“I’m thrilled to be back in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge with David,” said Merrill. “2025 was a great learning experience for David and the crew. Everyone did well and showed a ton of potential.

“Now under the Archangel umbrella, we’ve got a massive upgrade that should help us have a great championship run.

“Our new Aston is going to look killer in the Circle H colors. I’m eager to get started at the Roar.”

Hampton added: “Last year was our maiden voyage with IMSA and we learned an enormous amount. Our team is motivated and our drivers are fast, so we are looking forward to a great season.”

The program marks Archangel’s full-time return to the Pilot Challenge paddock after a season away.

It most recently ran an Aston Martin Vantage GT4 in the series for Todd Coleman and Aaron Telitz, who claimed victory in the Mid-Ohioo round in 2024.

“I am very excited about having a full season entry in Michelin Pilot again this year,” said Johnson. “I joined David and Thomas for a few races last year towards the end of the season and now they are ready for a full season run.

“With 34 cars entered in GS for Daytona, it looks to be a very competitive year and I have no doubt our team, car and drivers are up to the challenge.”

In addition to the Circle H program, Johnson’s organization will continue its presence in SRO America, as well as operating Rukus Racing’s efforts in multiple series with driver Scott Blind, who had a record-breaking season in Porsche single-make series competition in 2025.

Johnson said further announcements on both programs will be made at a later date.

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