Aston Martin embarks on a landmark year in endurance racing as the 2025 season kicks off with the iconic Rolex 24 at Daytona. This year, the British ultra-luxury sports car brand is fielding four Vantage GT3s in the highly competitive GTD Pro and GTD classes, aiming for class supremacy in North America’s most prestigious endurance race.
The Vantage GT3, a powerhouse of engineering excellence, shares its mechanical foundation with the Vantage road car. Built around Aston Martin’s bonded aluminum chassis and powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, the Vantage GT3 is poised to deliver world-class performance. Following a successful 2024 season that included a class victory at the Spa 24 Hours, the car enters Daytona as a proven contender.
The Heart of Racing Team’s Dual Assault
Seattle-based The Heart of Racing (THOR) leads Aston Martin’s charge at Daytona with entries in both the GTD Pro and GTD categories. The GTD Pro class #007 Vantage will feature a stellar driver lineup, including Marco Sørensen, Roman De Angelis, Ross Gunn, and Alex Riberas. Meanwhile, the GTD entry, the #27 Vantage, will be piloted by a team of seasoned racers, including Zacharie Robichon, Tom Gamble, Casper Stevenson, and Mattia Drudi.
Magnus Racing and Van der Steur Racing Join the Grid
Magnus Racing, a two-time Rolex 24 class-winning team, returns with the Vantage GT3 after securing a podium finish in the 2023 GTD class. Their lineup includes team regulars John Potter, Andy Lally, Spencer Pumpelly, and Aston Martin works driver Nicki Thiim.
Making its IMSA GTD debut, Van der Steur Racing enters the fray with a strong driver roster, including Valentin Hasse Clot, Maxime Robin, Andrew McIntosh, and Rory van der Steur. The team aims to build on its success with the Vantage GT4 in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge last year.
Vantage GT4s Dominate the IMPC Opener
In addition to the Rolex 24, Aston Martin’s presence extends to the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. Four Vantage GT4s will compete in the season opener, including entries from Team TGM, Van der Steur Racing, and Rebel Rock Racing. These teams are bolstered by experienced drivers like Matt Plumb, Paul Holton, and Robin Liddell, ensuring a strong showing in the four-hour endurance race.
A Year of Milestones for Aston Martin
2025 marks a pivotal year for Aston Martin’s motorsport program. While the Vantage GT3 aims for success at Daytona, preparations are underway for the Valkyrie hypercar’s IMSA GTP debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring in March. The brand’s commitment to endurance racing underscores its pursuit of excellence and innovation on the global stage.
Summary and Key Specs
- Race: Rolex 24 at Daytona (25 January 2025)
- Cars Entered: 4 Vantage GT3s, 4 Vantage GT4s
- Engines: Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (GT3), naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 (GT4)
- Teams: The Heart of Racing, Magnus Racing, Van der Steur Racing, Team TGM, Rebel Rock Racing
Source: Aston Martin Racing
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
