Heart of Racing Confirms Expansion to GTWC America

Photo: Jake Galstad/IMSA

Heart of Racing Team will step up to Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS competition next year, having confirmed an expansion of its efforts under the SRO America umbrella.

As previously reported by Sportscar365, the Ian James-led operation will field an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo in the organization’s top series, with Gray Newell expected to be part of the driver lineup.

Newell, who teamed with Roman De Angelis in Pirelli GT4 America competition over the last two years with success, was recently downgraded by the FIA from Silver to Bronze rating, which is understood to have helped pave the way for a Pro-Am class effort in Fanatec GT America.

The Arizona-based operation will also continue its GT4 America effort, with an expected single-car Aston Martin Vantage GT4 Evo effort for its female driver initiative.

Hannah Grisham and Hannah Greenemeier served as co-drivers in the most recent campaign, which was highlighted by an Am class win at Sonoma Raceway.

“We are excited to join the GT World Challenge America grid,” said James.

“This is a natural progression for us as we compete in other GT3 based categories, and growing to this championship helps us continue our ladder from GT4 racing to competing at the top level of sports car classes.

“We are embracing this new challenge and are also fully committed to delivering our best in both GT World Challenge America and Pirelli GT4 America.”

Heart of Racing’s full driver lineups will be announced at a later date.

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