Vesti to Make IMSA Debut in Tower LMP2 Entry at Petit

Photo: Julien Delfosse/DPPI

Frederik Vesti will make his IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship debut as part of a reshuffled lineup for Tower Motorsports for this weekend’s Motul Petit Le Mans.

The Formula 2 veteran and Mercedes-AMG F1 reserve driver will join the previously confirmed John Farano and Sebastian Alvarez in the team’s No. 8 Oreca 07 Gibson for the ten-hour season finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

Regular season-long driver Charlie Eastwood will miss the race due to a family matter.

“I am gutted to be missing Petit Le Mans,” said Eastwood. “I have dreamed of doing this race for years, but it’s not meant to be this time.

“Unfortunately, my dad is very unwell, and I want to prioritize being closer to my family.

“I want to thank John, Rick and everyone at Tower for their understanding. I wish this amazing team all the best of luck. They all deserve a great result to finish off a tricky year.”

Vesti has previous LMP2 experience in the European Le Mans Series, competing for Cool Racing.

“I am very happy to be making my IMSA debut with Tower Motorsports,” he said. “It gives me valuable experience in a tough championship.

“There will be many new things to learn early, such as the intense traffic at the Petit Le Mans. I’m up for the challenge, and I can’t wait to join the team for a ten-hour battle at Road Atlanta.”

Team manager Ricky Capone added: “We’ve worked hard all year, and though the results haven’t always been what we wanted, the spirit of this team remains strong.

“Frederik and Sebastian are incredible additions to our squad. We’re confident in putting on a great performance at Petit Le Mans. This race means a lot to us, and we’ll give it everything we’ve got to close out 2024 on a high.”

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