Sean Creech Finalizes Rolex 24 Lineup, VP Challenge Entry

Photo: Mike Levitt/IMSA

Sean Creech Motorsport has confirmed its full lineup for this month’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, alongside a debut in the new VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, fielding Ligier JS P320 Nissans in both IMSA-sanctioned series.

Lance Willsey and Joao Barbosa will return to the Florida-based team for the full WeatherTech SportsCar Championship LMP3 season, with Willsey set to pull double duty by also contesting the VP SportsCar Challenge, which will hold two 45-minute races on the Roar Before the Rolex 24 weekend.

Nico Pino and Danny Soufi, meanwhile, will complete the team’s lineup in its No. 33 Ligier for the Rolex 24 following a driver evaluation test last month.

“We had good pace at the test so I hope to be out there fighting for a podium or more in the VP series,” said Willsey. “From there, it’s about getting the drivers their laps and then getting all the little things that no one sees checked off the list.”

Barbosa added: “We have a very young lineup – not counting Lance and I, of course! They’re both very talented, and it’s great to showcase the up-and-coming drivers.

“Nico has a great deal of experience in these cars and he did a great job for us at Road Atlanta. Danny doesn’t have a lot of experience but he demonstrated a great deal of talent and maturity at the test last month – not just in lap times, but also in his approach.

“He’ll have plenty of guidance and time to get up to speed at the Roar.”

Team owner Sean Creech said its venture into the new LMP3/GT4 sprint series will help get extra seat time and experience for the team and Willsey.

“We tested in December and the car was good, but who knows when we roll out at the Roar – and it will change again between the Roar and the 24,” he said.

“But we have a good deal of experience at Daytona on this team, which will help both Danny and Nico.

“We’ll work on getting Danny up to speed – getting used to spotters, to pit entry and exit protocols. That’s what hurt us last year, two pit lane penalties, so the Roar weekend is the time to work on all those procedures.”

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