DragonSpeed Aligns with Corvette Racing for 2026 IMSA Campaign
Date: [Insert Date]
Location: [Insert Location]
DragonSpeed has confirmed its partnership with Corvette Racing for the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, transitioning to the GTD category after a competitive 2025 GTD PRO season with the Ferrari 296 GT3, aided by technical partner Risi Competizione. The team will campaign the No. 81 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R.
Longtime driver Henrik Hedman is set to return to full-time competition in the IMSA series, aiming for the coveted Bob Akin Award, awarded to the top Bronze-graded driver in GTD and providing an invitation to the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans. He will be joined by Giacomo Altoè, who previously secured three pole positions in 2025 and narrowly missed the GTD PRO title alongside co-driver Albert Costa, finishing second.
Additionally, Casper Stevenson, formerly of Heart of Racing Team and third place in the last year’s GTD championship, will serve as the Silver-rated driver for the Michelin Endurance Cup’s five races.
This collaboration marks DragonSpeed’s return to General Motors after utilizing Chevrolet engines during its three participations in the Indianapolis 500 from 2018 to 2022.
Key Quotes:
-
Elton Julian, Team Principal, DragonSpeed:
“We’re proud to rejoin the GM Motorsports family with the launch of our Corvette campaign. The entire team looks forward to collaborating closely with the Corvette Racing group. Competing in the IMSA GTD class poses significant challenges, but we are ready to maximize the opportunities presented by the Z06 GT3.R.” -
Jessica Dane, Program Manager, Corvette Racing:
“This is an exciting time for Corvette Racing with the addition of DragonSpeed. We witnessed the team’s talent during the GTD PRO title chase, and we anticipate their competitiveness in the GTD class.”
Hedman expressed enthusiasm for his return, stating, “I’m back! The proven strength of DragonSpeed and our driver lineup provides a solid foundation to leverage the amazing Corvette Z06 GT3.R platform.”
DragonSpeed will take delivery of its Corvette Z06 GT3.R chassis later this month, with plans for private testing leading up to the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January, where they will contend for GTD honors alongside reigning class winners 13 Motorsports and DXDT Racing.
