Michimi, Gounon Complete No. 86 MSR Acura Lineup

Photo: Bentley/Jamey Price/Lamborghini

Shinya Michimi and Jules Gounon have completed the lineup in the No. 86 Meyer Shank Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo for next month’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Tho duo will join full-season drivers Mario Farnbacher and Matt McMurry in the GT Daytona class championship-winning entry.

Former Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America champion Michimi has been confirmed for the Michelin Endurance Cup races, with Bentley factory driver Gounon in the car for Daytona only.

“I’ve been a long time fan of the team dating back to the iconic Orange and Blue Riley DP days, so I really can’t thank everyone enough for this amazing opportunity,” Michimi said.

“I competed in this year’s Motul Petit Le Mans, so I’m prepared to become a sponge and learn as much as I can from all the members of the team and drivers in order to be able to deliver the best performance I possibly can.”

While new to the the team, Gounon finished second in his Rolex 24 debut with Montaplast by Land Motorsport in 2017 before going on make his Acura NSX GT3 debut with RealTime Racing in the California 8 Hours later that year.

The Frenchman has since become a Bentley factory driver, although has competed for different teams and manufacturers, including a run in last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans with Risi Competizione.

“For me, MSR is one of the best teams in the U.S, so I am really proud that Mike Shank chose me and I’m really looking forward to putting all of my effort toward helping the team and to help Mario and Matt start the season off strong.

“I have unfinished business with Daytona, so that is why I am really excited to come back.”

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