Lopez to Replace Johnson in AXR Cadillac at Sebring

Photo: Mike Levitt/IMSA

Jose Maria Lopez is set to get a second outing in the No. 48 Action Express Racing Cadillac DPi-V.R in next month’s Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring as a substitute for Jimmie Johnson.

Associated Press reporter Jenna Fryer has written that Johnson will miss the second round of the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup in order to prioritize his NTT IndyCar Series commitments at Texas Motor Speedway that weekend.

When reached by Sportscar365, an Action Express spokesperson declined comment.

The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion was originally slated to pull double duty between Sebring and Texas, as confirmed by Action Express team manager Gary Nelson last month, although those plans have changed in recent days due to what Sportscar365 understands has been a schedule adjustment by IndyCar.

Lopez will join fellow Toyota Le Mans Hypercar driver Kamui Kobayashi and ex-Audi factory driver Mike Rockenfeller in the Ally-sponsored Cadillac DPi.

All three drivers are set to also compete in the 1000-mile FIA World Endurance Championship race at Sebring, with Lopez and Kobayashi at Toyota Gazoo Racing and Rockenfeller having recently been confirmed as a substitute for Sebastien Bourdais at LMP2 outfit Vector Sport due to Chip Ganassi Racing electing to keep all of its drivers exclusive to its Cadillacs that weekend.

The change in schedule for IndyCar, which is believed to have eliminated a dedicated qualifying session for Sebring drivers on race day morning, has also affected Helio Castroneves and Kyle Kirkwood, who are both understood to be prioritizing Texas over Sebring as well.

Replacement drivers for the Rolex 24 at Daytona race-winning No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-05 and GTD Pro class No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus RC F GT3 have yet to be communicated.

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