A STAR-STUDDED DRIVER LINEUP AND NEW PARTNERSHIPS TO LEAD MSR’S RETURN TO IMSA
As Acura Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) prepares for its highly anticipated return to IMSA competition in 2025, the team has announced a powerful driver lineup and plans to field two GTP entries, marking a significant expansion. MSR will reunite its successful 2023 duo, Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun, while introducing a second car driven by Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly. This move signifies MSR’s continued partnership with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) USA and a renewed focus on dominating the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
THE RETURN OF BLOMQVIST AND BRAUN
Blomqvist and Braun had a standout season in 2023, securing wins at prestigious events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona and Motul Petit Le Mans, along with a victory at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Their performances earned them a solid run at the IMSA championship, making their return a natural choice for MSR. Both drivers are eager to build on their prior success with the No. 60 Acura ARX-06.
“It’s like getting the band back together,” Braun said of reuniting with Blomqvist and the team. “Our 2023 season was incredible, and I’m confident we’ll be right back to form when we kick off the season.”
Blomqvist echoed the sentiment: “This team is like family to me, and we’ve achieved so much together in sports cars. I believe next year we’re going to be stronger and better than 2023.”
RACING TALENT JOINS IN NO. 9: RENGER VAN DER ZANDE AND NICK YELLOLY
Dutch driver Renger van der Zande joins MSR after a successful tenure with Chip Ganassi Racing, where he raced alongside Sebastien Bourdais and won the Motul Petit Le Mans in 2023. With Chip Ganassi Racing set to exit IMSA at the end of the season, van der Zande found a new home with MSR, where he will team up with British driver Nick Yelloly, who brings experience from competing in IMSA’s GTP class with BMW.
“I’m super excited to be joining a new team and a new brand,” van der Zande said. “Although it’s hard for me to leave Cadillac, I’m really looking forward to racing with Acura and tapping into their resources.”
Yelloly, who also has victories at the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring and in IMSA, added, “MSR is naturally a great racing team. I’ve competed against them, and I know how competitive they are. I’m excited to join this project.”
MSR EXPANDS WITH HRC US PARTNERSHIP
The 2025 IMSA season will see Acura MSR working closely with HRC USA to develop and field the ARX-06 in the highly competitive GTP category. The team’s first official IMSA-sanctioned test will take place in mid-November at Daytona International Speedway, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying season.
MSR’s expansion is a direct result of its strong relationship with HRC, formerly Honda Performance Development (HPD). The partnership between MSR and HRC began in 2017 and has since led to numerous victories, including seven wins and two championships with the Acura NSX GT3 program.
“Colin, Nick, Renger, and Tom all bring supreme skill to work with our engineers to develop the race car,” said David Salters, president of HRC US. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we’re clear in our goals and will support each other while remembering to have some fun!”
LOOKING AHEAD: THE FUTURE OF MSR IN IMSA
With this talented driver lineup and strengthened partnership with HRC, Acura Meyer Shank Racing is well-positioned to compete at the highest level in IMSA next season. The team is already laying the groundwork for a successful 2025 campaign, and the return of the ARX-06 signals their intent to fight for victory from the very first race.
MSR is set to announce additional drivers for endurance events later, with the possibility of drawing from its IndyCar Series program. Past endurance victories included standout performances from drivers like Helio Castroneves and Simon Pagenaud, both of whom have proven their worth in long-distance races.
As MSR gears up for its return to IMSA, fans can expect to see a formidable lineup of cars and drivers, all pushing for victory in the world’s top endurance racing events.
