Aitken to Replace Sims as Full-Season Action Express Driver

Photo: Mike Levitt/IMSA

Jack Aitken will replace Alexander Sims as Action Express Racing’s full-season co-driver alongside the returning Pipo Derani in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship next year.

It comes amid news of Sims’ move to Corvette Racing with Pratt Miller Motorsports next year, as the 35-year-old Englishman takes over the role vacated by Jordan Taylor, who returns to Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport in its new second Acura GTP car next year.

The game of musical chairs was made official Wednesday by all three teams.

Aitken has been AXR’s third driver in the No. 31 Cadillac V-Series.R for the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup races this year, having played a starring role in the team’s victory at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in March.

“Ever since I started this program with Cadillac Racing and Whelen Engineering, everybody has been incredibly kind and passionate in helping push me and the team forward,” Aitken said.

“This is one of the reasons I’m incredibly excited to become a full-time member of the team next year.

“The competitiveness of IMSA and the quality of the calendar are another couple of reasons, and I thoroughly enjoy the style of racing I’ve experienced already this year in my endurance outings.

“I have to say a big thank you to Cadillac and Whelen Engineering for their continued faith in me as well as both of my teammates, Pipo and Alex.”

The team’s new third driver for the Endurance Cup, which expands to five rounds next year, will be announced at a later date.

“Jack came to the top of all the categories late last year when we were researching the various drivers who would be available for our endurance role,” said team manager Gary Nelson.

“He has proven to be fast on the track, a fast learner of the GTP car and an asset to the team. We see Jack being a great pairing with Pipo in his expanded role next season.”

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