Nunez Joins Action Express as Nasr Replacement for 2022

Photo: IMSA

Tristan Nunez will join Action Express Racing as Felipe Nasr’s replacement in the No. 31 Wheelen Engineering Cadillac DPi-V.R for 2022, it has been announced.

The former Mazda factory driver is set to team up with the returning Pipo Derani in the DPi contender, with Mike Conway again signed for the Michelin Endurance Cup races.

Nunez will return to the top-class ranks after contesting this year in a LMP2 car fielded by WIN Autosport following Mazda’s scaled back single-car DPi effort.

“Over my entire career, Cadillac has always been the car to beat,” Nunez said. “I’ve always admired Action Express Racing’s ability to produce well-earned victories and beautifully run races. This is a huge step in my career and I’m excited for the challenge.

“I couldn’t be happier to be paired with Pipo. Year-after-year, he’s proven to be one of the best.

“Off track, I feel we will have great camaraderie, which I feel is a key component to having success in this sport. Having Mike as a third [driver] solidifies the 31 Whelen Cadillac as a force to be reckoned with.”

Nasr, meanwhile, is believed to be off to Porsche for its LMDh operation that kicks off in 2023.

His fellow Brazilian will be back with the team for the fourth consecutive year.

“IMSA has proven to be one of the best and most competitive racing series in the world with some of the most amazing endurance races a driver can be a part of,” said Derani. “Coming back to fight for more wins and championships with AXR felt like a logical and easy decision to make.

“I am also very happy to welcome Tristan to the Whelen Engineering/AXR team. Tristan has had a fantastic stint with Mazda and I am sure, together, we will form a very strong partnership. [We] expect to win!”

Team director Gary Nelson added: “Tristan will be new to our team. But, with the experience we have on the pit box together with Pipo and Mike helping him with the nuances of the Cadillac DPi-V.R, he will fit right into the team.

“He has a lot of miles in the DPi category so the competition level will be familiar to him as well. We are looking forward to continuing to run up front and compete for the IMSA WeatherTech DPi Championship in 2022.”

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