AO Racing Maintains LMP2 Line-Up for 2026 IMSA Championship
AO Racing has confirmed its unchanged LMP2 driver roster for the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, aiming to defend its title following a commendable performance in 2025. The team will once again field the No. 99 ORECA 07-Gibson, dubbed “Spike the Dragon,” with the reigning champions PJ Hyett and Dane Cameron at the helm for all seven LMP2 events.
Significantly, Jonny Edgar returns as the designated Silver-rated driver for the five-race Michelin Endurance Cup after a successful appeal regarding his 2026 FIA driver classification. Additionally, Christian Rasmussen, an NTT IndyCar Series race winner, is set to join the team for the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona, targeting his second LMP2 class victory in three years.
Team principal Gunnar Jeannette emphasized the team’s strategy of continuity: “A wise man once said, ‘If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.’ Our LMP2 crew and Spike had such a great 2025 season that we want to repeat that success in 2026.”
Last season, Hyett and Cameron secured Spike’s first win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, followed by consecutive IMSA victories at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Road America, culminating in their championship triumph. Hyett achieved notable success by clinching three consecutive pole positions, setting a record for LMP2 Bronze drivers.
Reflecting on the upcoming season, Hyett stated, “Winning the LMP2 championship in 2025 was a dream come true, but we have unfinished business. The top step at all of IMSA’s endurance races has yet to be reached for our crew, and 2026 sounds like the right year to do it.”
Previously, AO Racing showed strong potential at Daytona but faced misfortune due to mechanical issues that hindered their chances midway through the race. Cameron, who celebrated his fifth IMSA championship across different classes this season, echoed enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge: “I’m super excited to be back with AO Racing to defend our championship. There is so much benefit to having continuity, and I believe we can start the year with a win at Daytona.”
The team looks to kick off the 2026 season with the November Daytona test, setting the stage for a highly competitive year ahead.
