Klein to Make Racing Return in CSM Aston Martin in 2027

Image: CSM

Former Indy NXT racer Jonathan Klein will make his racing return in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge next year, having been confirmed in one of Czabok-Simpson Motorsport’s Aston Martin Vantage GT4 Evo entries alongside sports car racing veteran Don Yount.

Klein, who got his start in Star Mazda before contesting the Indy Pro Series, which became Indy Lights in 2008, spent two-and-a-half seasons in the rung below the IndyCar Series, finishing runner-up in his rookie season in 2006 in an Andretti Green Racing-entered car.

The 39-year-old Long Grove, Ill. native had raced with now-CSM co-owner Stephen Simpson, where the connection was made for Klein to make his racing comeback after 19 years away from the cockpit.

“After almost two decades away from the sport, I am thrilled to return to racing in 2027 and join CSM,” said Klein. “My wife and I grew up at racetracks, and those are experiences we fondly look back on.

“I am deeply grateful to my parents for introducing me to racing at a young age, as it was foundational to all areas of my life. With two boys of our own, I cannot think of a better experience to share with them, or a better way to teach them what passion, focus, resilience, teamwork, and triumph look like.

“Stephen and I were teammates in Indy Lights in 2007, so returning to racing with his team feels like a full-circle moment and a very comfortable environment to restart my passion.

“Making lifelong memories with my family while doing what I truly love? It is an opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up.”

Simpson added: “Jonathan and I met in 2007 when we were teammates in Indy Lights, now known as Indy NXT, and we have stayed in touch ever since.

“I have also known Don for many years, having competed against him in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2015 and 2016. It’s great to bring everyone together for a strong, full-season program.”

Yount, meanwhile, returns to full-time IMSA competition after previous experience in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, LMP2, GTD and Prototype Challenge ranks.

“I’m really excited to be back racing full time in IMSA in 2027 and this time, in the Michelin Pilot Challenge series,” he said. “I’ve known Stephen for many years, and I’m looking forward to joining his team.

“The team has done a great job with its Aston Martin Vantage GT4 cars throughout the second half of the 2026 season, and I’m eager to get behind the wheel at Daytona in January. There’s plenty to build on, and I’m excited to work with everyone to carry that momentum into 2027.”

The duo will share the wheel of the No. 3 Aston Martin, with the driver lineup of its second Aston, the No. 2 entry, to be announced 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