Dixon, Aitken Complete Cadillac GTP Lineups for Enduros

Photos: IMSA/MPS Agency

Scott Dixon and Jack Aitken will complete Cadillac Racing’s lineups for the Michelin Endurance Cup races in its two season-long IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTP class entries.

Dixon, a four-time Rolex 24 at Daytona winner, will join full season drivers Sebastien Bourdais and Renger van der Zande in one of two Chip Ganassi Racing-prepared Cadillac V-LMDh cars in the Florida endurance classic.

Williams F1 reserve driver Aitken, who starred in European Le Mans Series LMP2 competition with TF Sport, meanwhile, has been placed in the Action Express Racing-run Cadillac alongside Pipo Derani and Alexander Sims.

A third Cadillac will be fielded at Daytona by CGR with its FIA World Endurance Championship crew of Richard Westbrook, Earl Bamber and Alex Lynn.

“The Rolex 24 At Daytona is the most significant race of the IMSA schedule that happens to also be the first race of the year,” said CGR’s director of operations Mike O’Gara.

“Scott brings a level of stability since he’s been with us for 20-plus years.

“He’s the steady guy who provides a good perspective to hop in the race car and give us a fresh, reliable outlook. He’s not an extra driver to get us through the 24-hour race. He adding to the program even though he’s only driving the car a few times a year.”

The IndyCar legend got his first laps in the Dallara-chassied LMDh car during Cadillac’s recent 24-hour test at Sebring International Raceway.

“Being part of the endurance test with no real issues, it’s hit the ground well,” Dixon said. “Good power and the drivability is really nice, which is what you’d expect from what

“Cadillac has done before with a normally aspirated V8,” he said. “Honestly, the car seems really reliable and ready to go. There are a lot of new systems to get used to and it’s a big car, but fun to drive.”

In addition to his LMP2 exploits, Aitken has been a regular in GT3 racing in recent years with Lamborghini outfit Emil Frey Racing, with the 27-year-old British-South Korean driver set to make his WeatherTech Championship debut.

“The prospect of working with Action Express and Cadillac on the V-LMDh program had me gripped as soon as it became a possibility and working to make that a reality over the past weeks has only solidified my opinion that we’ll be taking on a fantastic calendar of events with an extremely motivated and top-level crew,” Aitken said.

“It will be a true pleasure to represent a brand like Cadillac at a time when the endurance world is entering what many are calling a golden era of sports car racing. I cannot wait to start work with everyone, including my teammates Pipo and Alex, who’ve been very welcoming already.”

Aitken effectively replaces Toyota Gazoo Racing driver Mike Conway, who has been the team’s third driver in past seasons but was ruled out of continuing in that capacity due to AXR’s elevation to factory status for 2023.

“All of us at Action Express Racing are thrilled to have Jack join our team as our endurance driver,” said AXR team manager Gary Nelson.

“We have won six IMSA Endurance Championships and five IMSA overall championships in the past nine years. Strong runs throughout the endurance events are critical for both championships.

“We are expecting great things in 2023 and with Jack’s help we can’t wait to get started on our sixth overall and seventh endurance championships.”

All nine drivers are scheduled to participate in next week’s IMSA-sanctioned test at Daytona International Speedway.

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