Fassler, Rockenfeller Return to Corvette for Daytona, Sebring

Photos: Corvette Racing

Marcel Fassler and Mike Rockenfeller will return to Corvette Racing for the first two races of the Tequila Patron North American Cup as third drivers in the two Corvette C7.Rs.

The two Audi Sport factory drivers were added to Corvette’s lineups for three races in 2016, and the team announced on Monday that they would return for the Rolex 24 at Daytona and Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in January and March, respectively.

They will join the existing lineup of Jan Magnussen, Antonio Garcia, Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner in the Nos. 3 and 4 Corvette C7.Rs racing in the GT Le Mans category for the first two rounds of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and TPNAEC.

“Both Rocky and Marcel were valuable parts of our endurance program in IMSA last year,” said Mark Kent, Chevrolet Director of Motorsports Competition. “We are glad to welcome them back to Corvette Racing for the Rolex 24 At Daytona and Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

“Their experience, record of success and team-first mentality are ideal for Chevrolet and Corvette Racing as we attempt to repeat the 2016 victories in the two biggest endurance races in North America.”

In 2016, the No. 4 car driven by Fassler along with Gavin and Milner won both Daytona and Sebring, and so they will be looking to replicate this success in 2017.

“I’m very happy to [be] back with Corvette Racing for the Daytona and Sebring races in IMSA,” commented Fassler. “It will be my second attempt at Daytona and hopefully a second victory. Last year we were able to win both of those classic endurance races.

“Daytona last year was racing at its best. For sure I will give my maximum effort to repeat with my mates Olly and Tommy both at Daytona and Sebring. I’m really excited to get back into the Corvette C7.R and be back with the Corvette Racing team again.”

Added Rockenfeller: “I’m very happy to rejoin Corvette Racing for the North American endurance events. Last year was great fun for me getting back into a GT car, and the Corvette C7.R did not disappoint.

“I am eager to get back in the Corvette and prepare myself for Daytona and Sebring, where we were very competitive in 2016 with the No. 3 Corvette.”

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.