JDC-Miller MotorSports Unveils Driver Line-Up for 28th Annual Motul Petit Le Mans
JDC-Miller MotorSports has confirmed its driver line-up for the 28th edition of the Motul Petit Le Mans, featuring notable additions Neel Jani and Max Esterson alongside Tijmen van der Helm in the No. 85 ‘Banana Boat’ Porsche 963. This strategic shift follows the absence of Porsche factory driver Nico Müller, who will not participate in Petit Le Mans as previously scheduled.
Neel Jani, a veteran driver and 2016 FIA World Endurance Champion, brings a wealth of experience to the team. Jani is a two-time overall winner at Petit Le Mans (2012, 2013) and recently secured a podium finish in Proton Competition’s Porsche 963 at the same event in 2023. “I’m very excited to join JDC-Miller MotorSports at Petit Le Mans… I’ve had great experiences there,” Jani remarked, indicating confidence in the team’s recent successful testing at Road Atlanta.
Max Esterson, making his major sports car racing debut at Petit Le Mans, will have the opportunity to showcase his skills after transitioning from sim racing and successful runs in Formula Ford competitions. Despite recent challenges in FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2, Esterson expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I’m really looking forward to my first endurance race… It’s an honor to share a Porsche 963 with drivers like Tijmen and Neel.”
Regarding the team’s strategy for the upcoming race, JDC-Miller Managing Partner John Church highlighted the mix of youth and experience among the drivers: “Neel has a couple of wins at Petit Le Mans and a wealth of experience with the complex Porsche 963… We approach Petit with a lot of confidence.”
The full entry list for the 28th annual Motul Petit Le Mans is set to be released by IMSA later this week, building anticipation for the season’s IMSA finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
