Heart of Racing has already cemented its place in the annals of sports car racing in North America. However, this team is on the verge of establishing a motorsports dynasty that will be recognized worldwide.
In 2020, Heart of Racing returned to compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with Aston Martin. They began with a single Vantage GT3 in the GTD class but have since expanded their presence. They now have a second car in IMSA running GTD PRO, and they also participate in SRO Pirelli GT4 America, GT America, the FIA World Endurance Championship, the 24h Series, drifting, and Fun Cup.
The team’s breakthrough into the top level of sports car racing is set to occur next year. They will be running Aston Martin Valkyrie Hypercars in the WEC and the WeatherTech Championship GTP class.
Team principal and driver Ian James expresses his excitement, stating, “I’m living my dream. Even when we started with just one GT car, it was an amazing accomplishment. It was a realization of getting a team up and running and competing. Now, with two cars, a presence in WEC, and our GT4 program, I’m incredibly proud of our team’s achievements. We consistently perform well against the established names in GT racing. Breaking into the top line is an incredible feeling, and I feel privileged to lead this effort.”
Over the past four years, Heart of Racing has achieved numerous victories in IMSA competition with Aston Martin. They have won double GTD PRO and GTD races at Watkins Glen in 2022 and Lime Rock Park in 2023. They have also triumphed in the season’s flagship races, the Rolex 24 At Daytona and Motul Petit Le Mans. In 2022, they secured the GTD team championship and the driver championship for Roman De Angelis.
In 2024, Heart of Racing introduced the Vantage GT3 Evo to competition. While the transition to the new car has had its challenges, the team managed to secure a victory in last month’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen through a strategic approach. Alex Riberas and Ross Gunn emerged as the winners. Gunn and the team are currently in contention for the GTD PRO championship, with Riberas also participating in WEC alongside his IMSA commitments.
Heart of Racing has also made its mark in other racing arenas. At Le Mans, Riberas, James, and Daniel Mancinelli were running second in LMGT3 when Mancinelli had to take evasive action to avoid contact, resulting in a slide off track and into a tire barrier. In Pirelli GT4 America, Hannah Grisham and Hannah Greenemeier achieved an Am victory in 2024. The team has also participated in the VW Fun Cup, where Grisham and Greenemeier recently competed in a four-hour race at Le Mans.
Throughout their journey, Heart of Racing has remained committed to raising funds for Seattle Children’s Hospital. The team has raised over $10 million to support this cause.
As Heart of Racing expands into GTP and Hypercar racing, the future holds many unknowns. However, in the short term, the team will be focused on preparing the Valkyrie for competition. On-track testing is set to begin this month, starting in Europe and later moving to the U.S.
Aston Martin’s commitment to sports car racing is unparalleled, with their presence spanning from GT4 to Hypercar. Heart of Racing takes great pride in representing Aston Martin on the global stage.
James expresses his gratitude, stating, “If you look at Aston’s commitment, they are one of the only manufacturers that has every tier of sports car racing covered when the Valkyrie comes online. It’s a small brand, but motorsport is a significant part of their identity. I’m thankful that their leadership recognizes this, and with Gabe’s help, we are able to race all around the world and represent them.”
