Earl Bamber Eyes Redemption as Cadillac Racing Rebuilds Efforts for 2024
Earl Bamber, a two-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 2017 FIA World Endurance Champion, aims to rebound in 2024 after a disappointing season marred by significant accidents and missed podiums. Bamber’s challenges included a massive crash at the WEC 6 Hours of Spa, where he collided with Sean Gelael’s BMW M4 GT3 after misjudging a pass. Earlier, he faced friction with Parker Thompson at the 12 Hours of Sebring, further complicating his season, which saw him not finish on the podium in either WEC or IMSA events.
Reflecting on the past year, Bamber remarked, “You have those years where no matter what you do, nothing rolls your way. But…we know what not to do, and we’ve learned how to improve.” This determination accompanies a new season where he steps into a key role with Cadillac Racing’s full-season efforts in both IMSA and WEC.
Bamber replaces Pipo Derani in the Cadillac Whelen (Action Express Racing) team and will also represent the newly restructured Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA in WEC, which replaces the former Chip Ganassi Racing collaboration. This year features additional pressure, as Bamber will be balancing commitments across both racing series, missing only one race at Laguna Seca due to scheduling conflicts.
Cadillac has bolstered its driver lineup with Frederik Vesti, a newly signed talent from Formula 2 and a member of the F1 reserve driver pool, to support Bamber. Jack Aitken will also play a critical role as he steps into an expanded capacity within the team. Bamber expressed his confidence in both drivers, noting Vesti’s recent potential despite a tough incident at the Rolex 24 At Daytona and Aitken’s impressive speed demonstrated through multiple pole positions last year.
In an effort to unify team dynamics, Cadillac aims to foster a cooperative environment between its IMSA competitors, Action Express and Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR), focusing on collective success rather than operating as two separate entities. “There’s a different approach this year, to work as one team — and we’re already finding the benefits of that,” Bamber stated emphatically.
However, the 2024 season hasn’t started as hoped, with two Cadillac V-Series.Rs suffering crashes during early events. Bamber remains optimistic, asserting, “Cadillac was the inaugural GTP champions in IMSA. There are positives to take away, and everyone else is pushing forward too. We just have to keep raising our game.”
Bamber’s next opportunity for redemption at the WEC arrives in April at Imola, but this weekend offers his first test at the Sebring 12 Hours, where a victory would mark Cadillac’s sixth win in nine years and provide a meaningful boost to his and the team’s momentum moving forward.
