In an unexpected turn of events last year, General Motors announced a change in leadership for Cadillac’s sports car division, leaving many in the FIA WEC and IMSA paddocks surprised. The outgoing boss, Laura Wontrop Klauser, who served as the GM sports car racing program manager from 2021, was a charismatic figure known for her clear vision and garnering respect from her peers across the globe. Yet, in the fast-paced corporate world, the quest for efficiency can often demand quick changes to bring fresh energy and drive forward momentum.
This managerial shakeup came at a crucial time for GM in sports car racing, with Cadillac’s participation in both the FIA WEC and IMSA SportsCar Championship gaining increased attention. The company’s substantial investment is evident in the three V-Series.Rs competing in the full season in GTP for the first time, with the addition of Wayne Taylor Racing to Action Express Racing. In the Hypercar segment, Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA has stepped up, launching a two-car effort on the global stage. All of this is happening while Cadillac is gearing up for its Formula 1 debut next year.
The challenge now lies in delivering results that match the brand’s stellar performance from the 2023 IMSA season, where it swept clean the GTP titles with Action Express and Chip Ganassi Racing. Meeting this high bar is Keely Bosn, the new head of Cadillac’s sports car operations. Despite the pressure, Bosn exudes an air of calm confidence and is ready to leverage her diverse skill set to keep the ship on course.
While Bosn may be a fresh face to many in the industry, she comes with a rich background in racing and an impressive stint as a logistics officer in the U.S. Navy. Her passion for the auto industry and racing began in childhood, spending time at the drag strip with her father, a drag racer in the late ’80s, and later racing herself at the age of 12.
After dipping her toes in the waters of Corvette Racing and working on a thesis centered on the aerodynamic study of the ZR1, Bosn decided to pivot to the Navy for the unique challenge and leadership experience it offered. Seven years later, she returned to General Motors via several internships that eventually landed her a full-time role in product planning during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Bosn’s return to the sports side of GM’s business was timely, coinciding with Cadillac Racing’s decision to part ways with Chip Ganassi Racing. Now, she finds herself at the helm during a time of fresh beginnings for the brand and a surge in interest in sports car racing with record manufacturer participation in the FIA WEC and IMSA.
Having been thrust into the thick of things with visits to Daytona for the Rolex 24 Hours and the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar for the FIA WEC season opener, Bosn has had little time to prepare for the 2025 season. Despite some initial setbacks, including a less than stellar performance at Daytona and a collision between both of JOTA’s cars at Lusail, Bosn remains focused on building relationships and establishing a strong culture within the team.
Looking ahead, Bosn anticipates greater challenges as she navigates the GM Motorsports organization, builds relationships with other manufacturer heads, and liaises with rule-makers. Her military background, she believes, will be crucial in managing these challenges. She also carries a winner’s mentality, driven by a desire to always strive for the best.
As Cadillac Racing prepares for its Formula 1 debut while continuing its endeavours in the FIA WEC and IMSA, Bosn will undoubtedly have to advocate for the brand’s continued presence in sports cars. Questions around budget requirements, the sustainability of racing LMDh prototypes, and the added value of participating in two FIA Championships will come into play.
However, for now, Bosn is focused on the short to medium-term, building a roadmap for the next three to five years and developing a long-term vision. The ultimate goal, she asserts, is to win Le Mans, whether it’s this year, next year, or the one after. As she doubles down on her role, Bosn is poised to write a new chapter in Cadillac’s rich racing history while keeping her eyes firmly on the prize.
