TDS Signs Indy NXT Runner-Up McElrea for Enduros

Firestone Indy NXT Series runner-up Hunter McElrea will make his IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship LMP2 debut next year as TDS Racing’s Endurance Cup driver.

The New Zealander, who finished second to Christian Rasmussen in the IndyCar feeder series, will join the continuing full-season pairing of Mikkel Jensen and Steven Thomas.

FIA World Endurance Championship LMP2 driver Charles Milesi completes the lineup for the season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona in January.

McElrea, who is FIA Silver-rated, recently tested an Algarve Pro Racing Oreca 07 Gibson LMP2 shortly after the European Le Mans Series season finale at Portimao.

Daytona will mark his LMP2 race debut with the French TDS squad, which is embarking on its second full season in the WeatherTech Championship.

“Very happy to be joining this mega driver lineup and team,” McElrea posted on Instagram.

“I’ve had races like Daytona 24 Hours and Petit Le Mans on my bucket list so I can’t wait!

“Can’t thank these guys enough for the opportunity. Going to do everything I can to help Mikkel and Steven get the championship.”

Jensen and Thomas won at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Indianapolis Motor Speedway en route to finishing third in this year’s LMP2 standings.

They were joined for the long-distance events by Scott Huffaker while Rinus Veekay came on board for Daytona only.

Peugeot Hypercar driver Jensen faces a potential date clash between the round at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, which includes LMP2, and the WEC 6 Hours of Sao Paulo.

After fielding a pair of Orecas last year, TDS is scaling back to a single-car entry for 2024 based on what was confirmed in last month’s provisional full-season entry list.