LAT Images Credit: Stevan McAleer has been announced as the replacement for Katherine Legge for the remainder of the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season, as the female driver will be competing in the Indianapolis 500. In light of the recent news about Katherine Legge’s attempt to qualify for her fourth Indy 500, Gradient Racing has confirmed that McAleer will take over as a full-time driver, partnering with Sheena Monk. McAleer has already raced with the team at the season opener, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and will return for the next sprint round, the Grand Prix of Long Beach, on April 20. This race, lasting 1 hour and 40 minutes, is the shortest on the calendar.
A team statement reads: “Gradient Racing is pleased to announce that Stevan McAleer will rejoin the team as Sheena Monk’s teammate for the remainder of the 2024 season, starting at the Grand Prix of Long Beach.”
Gradient Racing had a challenging start to their season, finishing 19th in the GTD class at Daytona and retiring from the 12 Hours of Sebring with their Acura NSX GT3 Evo22 #66. In the last race, Legge’s performance was hampered by contact on the left side with Porsche Penske’s Frederic Makowiecki. Although no further action was taken, car #66 ended up being the eighth confirmed retirement in the demanding Sebring classic.
The Grand Prix of Long Beach will feature 10 GTPs and 17 GTD participants, and Gradient Racing aims to have a more successful performance at this exciting street circuit.
