Heart of Racing has confirmed it will enter the IMSA SportsCar Championship’s GTP class in 2025 with a groundbreaking Aston Martin Valkyrie LMH, marking IMSA’s first LMH-specification car. This move signifies a major step for the team as they expand their lineup while continuing to run their #27 Vantage AMR GT3 in the GTD category.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie, designated as car #23, will join IMSA’s top-tier GTP class under the LMH ruleset. Unlike the LMDh category, which restricts teams to one of four approved chassis manufacturers, the LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) regulations offer more flexibility, allowing teams like Heart of Racing to explore unique and innovative designs. The convergence agreement between IMSA and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO)—organizers of the 24 Hours of Le Mans—permits LMH cars to compete in IMSA’s GTP class, further broadening the competition’s scope.
Team Principal Ian James expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, reflecting on the team’s growth since its inception in 2020. “We are excited to see what the 2025 season holds,” James stated. “It’s a bit crazy to look back and see where we started versus where we are currently. We ultimately decided on a GTD entry as it complements our all-pro GTP program and serves as a useful rung on the ladder. This week, though, we are set on chasing the GTD PRO championship with the No. 23 team. Once the season ends, we will put our full focus on 2025.”
The Valkyrie, featuring a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, will be the first hypercar of its kind in IMSA and only the second naturally aspirated powertrain in the GTP class, joining Cadillac’s LMC55R 5.5L V-Series.R. Following its initial test run at Silverstone in July, the Valkyrie is set to make its competitive debut at the iconic Daytona International Speedway Road Course in January 2025.
IMSA fans can look forward to the Valkyrie’s first official on-track appearance during the Roar Before the 24 testing and qualifying sessions, leading up to the 24 Hours of Daytona season opener scheduled for January 25-26. Heart of Racing’s ambitious program marks an exciting evolution for the team, and the introduction of the LMH-spec Valkyrie is expected to make waves in the GTP class.
