Braun Completes MSR Acura GTP Lineup

Photo: Rick Dole/IMSA

Colin Braun will complete Meyer Shank Racing’s full-season lineup in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, having been named alongside newly crowned DPi champion Tom Blomqvist in the team’s new Acura ARX-06 LMDh car.

Braun, who won the 2022 LMP3 title with the now-defunct CORE autosport squad, is set to return to top-class prototype racing for the first time since 2019.

The 34-year-old was one of several drivers MSR tried out in recent tests with its GTP class entry to fill the vacant seat in its lineup that was occupied by Oliver Jarvis this year.

“Colin came out and tested for us and I think we all knew he would adjust well with the amount of experience he has,” said team co-owner Michael Shank.

“We were lucky enough to work together a while back at the Daytona 24 and we set a speed record at Daytona together as well, so we knew he would be a good fit. Him and Tom (Blomqvist) got along great and we have a solid lineup going into the 2023 season.”

Braun, a three-time WeatherTech Championship title-winner, contested the 2009 Rolex 24 at Daytona with the Ohio-based squad and was also the driver of the MSR-prepared Riley-Ford DP that took part in a speed record at Daytona International Speedway in 2013.

“MSR were tough competitors back in my Grand-Am days and setting the Daytona speed record with them was really special,” said Braun.

“Seeing what Mike has built from the outside has always been impressive. You can see the passion the entire team has for racing and their drive to win is really motivating.”

Braun said he’s “ready for the challenge” in aiming to deliver MSR back-to-back top class titles after the team won the final DPi championship this year.

“MSR had a terrific season in 2022 and I know expectations are high to deliver, but I am ready for the challenge,” he said.

“I’m also looking forward to co-driving with Tom. His experience on the electric side of racing will be a huge boost for us.

“I am ready to get to work and to once again compete in IMSA’s top class for wins and championships in the Acura GTP car.”

Blomqvist and Braun will be joined by Helio Castroneves for the Michelin Endurance Cup races, with Simon Pagenaud completing the lineup for the Rolex 24.

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