Heart of Racing Confirms Single Valkyrie; End of GTD Pro Effort

Heart of Racing Team will discontinue its GTD Pro effort in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship as its Valkyrie GTP program comes online in 2025, with a one-car prototype entry joined by a single car in GTD.

Confirmed on Tuesday, the Ian James-led stable will enter the No. 23 Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH as part of an expanded GTP class, while its No. 27 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo will remain active in the GTD category.

James previously told Sportscar365 that the team was set to continue its existing efforts in GT3 racing even as its highly anticipated Valkyrie program debuted, although it was unclear at the time in which class the team would compete.

The team has now outlined that its GTD Pro effort is set to be discontinued after three seasons, with GTD remaining as a “useful rung on the ladder” for the team.

During its three-year run, the Pro entry was spearheaded by Ross Gunn and Alex Riberas, resulting in a pair of class victories in the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen as well as further wins at Lime Rock Park, Road America and Long Beach.

“We are excited to see what the 2025 season holds,” said James.

“It’s a bit crazy to look back and see where we started versus where we are currently.

“We ultimately decided on a GTD entry as it compliments our all pro GTP program and serves as a useful rung on the ladder.

“This week though, we are set on chasing the GTD PRO championship with the No. 23 team. Once the season ends, we will put our full focus on 2025.”