Gradient Sets Rolex 24, Season-Long Lineups for Mustang GT3

Photo: Jake Galstad/IMSA

Gradient Racing has set its driver lineup for next month’s season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona, as well as the full season, Michelin Endurance Cup and sprint races of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season.

The Austin-based squad, now in is second year with Ford Racing, will have Jake Walker in its No. 66 Ford Mustang GT3 EVO for the full season, with Corey Lewis pairing up for the sprint rounds, as well as the Rolex 24 as the fourth driver.

Ford Racing ace Joey Hand and Till Bechtolsheimer, who both return for a second season, will complete the GTD entry’s lineup for the Endurance Cup races, including the Daytona season opener.

Walker, 19, moves over from a Endurance Cup-only program in Turner Motorsport’s BMW M4 GT3 EVO and is set for his full season WeatherTech Championship debut.

“Jake has been a standout young talent in GTD and VP Challenge over the last few years and we’re thrilled to welcome him for a full WeatherTech season as we bring the Mustang’s new EVO package online,” said team owner Andris Laivins.

“His fresh perspective will be invaluable as we continue developing the kit.

“Corey and I have also been trying for years to find a way to race together, so it’s exciting to finally see the stars align for 2026.

“His experience with the Ford platform will be a tremendous asset, and hopefully we can help him add a few more major wins to his resume.

“We also have a pair of fast, steady hands in Till and Joey. Both of them are rock solid in the car, and we had a fantastic time working together in the paddock this past year.

“With their experience, our incredible crew at the shop, and the exceptional engineering support we receive from Ford Racing and Multimatic, I’m confident we have something truly special heading into 2026.”

Walker added: “Teaming up with Corey Lewis for the sprint rounds, and with Joey Hand and Till Bechtolsheimer for the endurance races, makes this an incredible opportunity.

“I’m looking forward to kicking off the season at Daytona with all four of us together.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Andris Laivins for the opportunity and his confidence in me. Racing full-time in IMSA has been a major goal of mine, and I’m proud to take this next step while joining the Ford family, an iconic American brand.”

While new to the team, Lewis hold previous experience with the Mustang GT3 platform after a season in Proton Competition’s WeatherTech Championship GTD entry in 2024.

Hand, meanwhile, was one of the primary development drivers of the Multimatic-built car and was part of the factory squad’s GTD Pro squad for its inaugural season, before shifting over to Gradient alongside Bechtolsheimer for the Endurance Cup races this year.

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