Turner to Team With Newell in Heart of Racing Vantage GT3

Photo: Darren Turner Website

Aston Martin Racing star Darren Turner will join Gray Newell in Heart of Racing Team’s Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo entry in this year’s GT World Challenge America powered by AWS season.

The 50-year-old Brit, Aston’s most successful Le Mans driver, rejoins the Ian James-led operation after contesting selected IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship events with the team since its launch in 2020.

The three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner was part of Heart of Racing’s GTD class victory in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2023 and will spearhead the team’s step up to GTWC America competition.

Turner will join Newell, who will make his series debut following several seasons of success in Pirelli GT4 America and GT America powered by AWS.

“I can’t wait, it’s going to be a super exciting year,” said Turner. “To be racing back in America is amazing. I love the circuits, I love the racing environment and the atmosphere, so it’s going to be a whole load of fun.

“Having shared a car with Gray in Dubai at the start of last year, I’ve seen what he can do already and I know how quickly he is developing as a young talent rising through the GT racing world, so I am sure we are in for a good season.”

Additionally, the Phoenix-based operation has confirmed that Hannah Grisham and Hannah Greenemeier will continue in Pirelli GT4 America aboard an Aston Martin Vantage GT4 Evo.

Grisham is set for her third season with team, having first joined in 2022 after winning the team’s first all-female driver shootout, while Greenemeier has been called back after making her team and series debut in 2024.

The Hannah duo scored an Am class win in their first race together at Sonoma Raceway, while the pair went on to secure an additional four podium finishes – two of which came after the No. 26 team was forced to the Silver category.

It has not yet been disclosed which classes either entry will compete in this year.

“The team is really excited for the 2025 SRO season,” said James. “We have some great history together with Darren, and he will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team and I think Gray and both Hannahs can really learn a lot from him.

“Gray did a great job in GT4 and I’m excited to see what he and Darren can accomplish in GT3. Last season, Hannah Grisham and Hannah Greenemeier did such a great job as a team making positive progress every weekend, so we are looking forward to continuing to build on that in 2025.”

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