JDX Racing Set for Porsche GTD Effort in 2014

Photo: John Dagys

After three seasons with Porsche in the American Le Mans Series GTC category, JDX is set to continue with the German manufacturer into the new Tudor United SportsCar Championship next year.

Sportscar365 has learned the Jeremy Dale and Harrison Brix-owned operation plans to run at least one new Porsche 911 GT America in 2014. While a contract has yet to be finalized, Dale says one of the new GT Daytona contenders has already been earmarked for their team.

“I would say that it’s almost certainly going to be a Porsche,” Dale said. “Right now, if you look at the big picture in terms of how Porsche supports motorsport, both on the ground and away from the race track, it removes a lot of moving parts for any team, especially in year one [of a new class].

“The class has sort of been built around the [Porsche 911] GT America car in terms of its pace and performance. It’s just the sensible way to go right now. It doesn’t mean we’re not looking around and talking with other folks. But it just makes the most sense on a number of different levels.”

The Colorado-based team has been a regular contender in the GTC ranks since bursting onto the scene in 2011, with a class win at Mid-Ohio last year to its credit. Drivers Jan Heylen and Mike Hedlund currently sit fifth in the title race with two podiums to their credit.

While Hedlund is undecided on his 2014 plans, Dale said Heylen will be a part of the team’s program for next year as it takes on an increased field of competition from new and existing teams.

“In many ways, I see year one of GTD as a real opportunity because it’s new to everyone,” Dale said. “Some of the teams we’ll race against will not be used to racing Pro-Am drivers and things like that. Until the sporting regulations are done and are put into place, we don’t know some of those elements as well. But I see it as an opportunity.”

Dale said he’s unsure if the team will take part in the November pre-season tests at Sebring and Daytona, with a final decision likely to be made in the coming weeks.

Additionally, he has not ruled out fielding a second car, should the budget materialize.

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