CGR Confirms Second Cadillac; Bamber, Lynn, Bourdais Added

Photo: IMSA

Chip Ganassi Racing has confirmed a second full-season Cadillac DPi-V.R with Earl Bamber and Alex Lynn joining the team alongside Sebastien Bourdais, who completes the lineup that includes the returning Renger van der Zande.

As previously reported by Sportscar365, the team had been closing in on an expansion to two DPi entries in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for next year.

All three additions to the operation were also previously reported by this publication.

Ex-Porsche factory driver Bamber will make his DPi debut alongside former ABB Formula E World Championship driver Lynn, in a second V-Performance Academy backed entry,

The Kiwi, who was part of Porsche’s factory roster until this year, has recently moved to Nashville in anticipation of a full-season U.S.-based program.

“When you talk about legendary sports car racing teams you think of CGR,” Bamber said. “They’ve already won their class at Le Mans.

“It’s a world class team and it is amazing to see what they’ve done in their first year with the Cadillac DPi-V.R. I am also excited to race in the top class of the IMSA WeatherTech Championship.”

Lynn, meanwhile, has previous Cadillac DPi experience with Wayne Taylor Racing. 

“It’s been a while since I drove the Cadillac, but it left a lasting impression on me,” he said. “I raced it once and won at Sebring. I would like to reignite that emotion. I am excited to run a full season in the car.”

Bourdais returns to CGR after being part of the team’s endurance lineup with its four-year Ford GT factory program.

This time, the veteran Frenchman will race full-time with the organization.

“We have had our fair share of successes in the past and I can’t wait to start working with the drivers like Renger, Earl and Alex,” said Bourdais.

“This is obviously a bit of a turning point in my career, that will see me transitioning most of my attention to sports car racing, but I remain in the GM family.

“I can’t thank everyone involved enough for their trust and continued support.”

Van der Zande, who will be back for a second consecutive year with the team, said he’s believes all three drivers will be a “good fit” with the team.

Bourdais and Bamber are understood to have already gotten testing mileage in the car, during a driver evaluation test at Road America in August.

“Sebastien has done everything in the world, he has a lot of raw speed,” van der Zande said. “I know Earl very well from our junior series and he’s an LMP1 overall winner.

“Alex comes to us from Formula E and has a lot of sports car experience. I feel great about coming back with the Chip Ganassi Racing team. 

“I feel more at home than ever with them. They put a lot of responsibility on everyone. Chip and Mike Hull run a great operation, that is why they have been successful.”

Full-season driver pairings and endurance drivers will be announced prior to the Roar Before the Rolex 24.

Scott Dixon and potentially Peugeot-bound Kevin Magnussen, who drove for the team full-time this year, are in the frame for the endurance seats.

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