Hand Set for Comeback With Gradient at Road America

Photo: Wes Duenkel/Ford

Joey Hand will make his return to the wheel of Gradient Racing’s Ford Mustang GT3 EVO in this weekend’s Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix at Road America, following a recovery from a fractured pelvis due to a karting accident.

The veteran Ford driver will join Jake Walker and Till Bechtolsheimer in the GTD class entry for the six-hour race at the Wisconsin circuit.

It comes after Hand was forced to miss the most recent Endurance Cup round, which saw the team’s sprint driver Corey Lewis sub.

“I’m thrilled to be back in the race car with Gradient Racing, driving the Ford Mustang GT3 that I know and love so much,” said Hand. “I can’t think of a better place to make my return than Road America.

“It’s my favorite race track in the world, one of the greatest places to race, with incredible fans, great food and everything that makes Road America so special.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel and making something happen. I feel like we have something coming with this program.

“The team does all the right things so often, and it’s just a really fun program to be part of. I can’t wait to get back in the car and help deliver the great result this team deserves.

“I’d also like to thank Dr. Terry Trammell for all his help and advice in getting me back in the car as soon as possible.”

Walker added: “It’s great to have Joey back in the car, and I’m looking forward to racing alongside him and Till again this weekend.”

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