Heart of Racing Switches Aston Martin GT4 Effort to IMSA GS

Photo: Heart of Racing

Heart of Racing Team will make the switch from Pirelli GT4 America to IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge competition for its female-led Aston Martin Vantage GT4 Evo effort, confirming the end of its involvement in SRO America.

Announced on Thursday, the long-standing duo of Hannah Grisham and Hannah Greenemeier will pilot the team’s No. 26 Aston for a full season GS class program.

They’ll be joined by Aston Martin junior driver Mike David Ortmann for next month’s four-hour season-opener at Daytona International Speedway.

Grisham and Greenemeier have been paired up in GT4 America the previous two seasons, with the Ian James-led operation’s involvement in SRO America having dated back to 2021.

It was confirmed earlier this week that Gray Newell, who co-drove the team’s Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo alongside Darren Turner in GT World Challenge America powered by AWS this past season, will be graduating to the FIA World Endurance Championship as part of the team’s expanded two-car LMGT3 entry.

The new Pilot Challenge entry joins Heart of Racing’s single-car efforts with its Aston Martin Valkyrie (GTP) and Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo (GTD) in the WeatherTech Championship.

“We’re excited to expand our footprint within IMSA and welcome this talented lineup to the No. 26 program,” said James

“The Hannahs have proven themselves to be consistent, smart, and resilient racers, and Mike adds valuable experience to the team.

“IMPC is a highly competitive championship, and this entry represents our commitment to developing future talent while continuing to race with purpose.”

Grisham added: “Racing a full season in the 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge is a dream.

“I’m excited to kick off the season at Daytona and take on some iconic tracks that are new for me, like Watkins Glen and Canadian Tire Motorsports Park.

“I’m really looking forward to continuing to share the car with Hannah Greenemeier.

“The longer race format is a bit different than what we are used to, but I think it will play to our strengths. I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

“I’ve watched the series for many years, and it has a lot of talent in it,” added Greenemeier. “Being in the IMSA paddock is truly a privilege.

“It’s great to be back with Hannah for another year, and to have Mike Ortmann with us in Daytona is something I’m incredibly excited for.

“I’m ready for our first race in Daytona in January; it’s a track I have never driven on, but I know that we will get up to speed quickly.”

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