Valkyrie Velocity is returning to the IMSA paddock with a multi-car team in Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America beginning with two cars this weekend at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for the season opener.
The Lamborghini Super Trofeo project came together for Valkyrie Velocity, who has previously competed in IMSA-sanctioned championships under the Hardpoint banner, through partnerships from Lamborghini Austin, Valkyrie, and Daxxon Gray Motorsports.
Raymond Davoudi will drive the team’s No. 11 El Chingon Bad Ass Mexican Restaurant Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 for the full 2023 season in the LB Cup class, while the No. 12 Valkyrie/Daxxon Gray Motorsports car will be co-driven by Dominic Starkweather and Cam Aliabadi at the season opener in the Am class this weekend.
Both Lamborghini Austin and Valkyrie are based in Austin, which provides a symbiotic relationship between the two partners. Lamborghini Austin and Valkyrie Velocity will jointly host various VIP and high-end events on-site at Lamborghini Austin, combing track event and racing customers along with street-car customers.
“From the formation, we have worked to build a platform that allows us to go racing while giving partners an opportunity to build their business and brands on the strengths of the sports car racing paddock,” Valkyrie Velocity owner Rob Ferriol said.
“I have to thank Bruce and the team at Lamborghini Austin for recognizing that in us. The synergies for an Austin-based company to work closely with the team at Valkyrie off the track are a benefit for all of us.
“Likewise, Raymond and his bad ass Mexican restaurant recognized the same features, and we’re looking forward to him serving as a cornerstone to a multi-car Lamborghini Super Trofeo team all season long.”
Davoudi and Starkweather will make their Super Trofeo debuts this weekend, while Aliabadi returns as the race’s defending Am class champion.
Davoudi turns his attention to the Italian marque following a successful season in Porsche Sprint Challenge. He is confirmed for the full season, and will drive solo in Am.
Super Trofeo drivers have the option for single or two-driver pairings, with single-driver cars required to spend slightly more time on pit-lane during the hour-long race’s mandatory pit stop.
Starkweather is new to Lamborghini Super Trofeo, but familiar with the team as a Valkyrie Velocity driver in Pirelli GT4 America.
His championship debut at Laguna Seca almost feels like destiny, as the 21-year-old made his professional racing debut at the track with a car carrying No. 12, which matched his baseball jersey as a youngster.
He’ll team with Aliabadi in the opener, who ran a partial series in the championship a year ago. In six races, he won round two at WeatherTech Raceway and scored runner-up finishes at NOLA Motorsports Park, twice, and at Watkins Glen International.
The No. 12 car carries the red and black from Daxxon Gray Motorsports, along with the familiar Valkyrie branding and the Lamborghini Austin support.
The Daxxon Gray Motorsport shop in Scottsdale, AZ, serves as an opportunity for Valkyrie Velocity team members to test on the west coast under the supervision and support of the Valkyrie Velocity crew.
Drivers for the remainder of the season will be announced following the season-opener at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.