Heart of Racing Team Expands and Sees Veteran Turner Return to Form
The Heart of Racing Team’s foray into prototype sports car racing is creating new opportunities for Aston Martin’s elite drivers. Notably, 51-year-old Darren Turner, regarded as one of Aston Martin Racing’s finest, is relishing a full season in the GT World Challenge America, while also making a notable return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Turner, a three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner and a two-decade Aston Martin veteran, is stepping in for Tom Gamble, who is engaged with the FIA WEC, partnering with Casper Stevenson in the No. 27 Aston Martin Vantage GT3. Reflecting on his return, Turner expressed enthusiasm: “It’s an extra race for the year, and I’m looking forward to joining Casper, who’s super fast.”
As Turner and teammate Gray Newell progress through their Pro-Am campaign in the GT World Challenge, they are optimistic after a strong performance at Circuit of The Americas. The 2025 season marks Turner’s first full professional racing schedule in two years, having focused on developing Aston Martin’s hybrid supercars while making sporadic racing appearances previously.
Turner’s experience is invaluable as he adapts to a younger, fiercely competitive GT3 field. He noted, “The next gen, they’re too bloody quick… 16 to 17-year-olds coming through are just great.”
This weekend also marks Turner’s first IMSA race since winning the GTD class at the Rolex 24 At Daytona in 2023. He lauded Heart of Racing’s rapid ascent under team principal Ian James, highlighting the team’s growing success across multiple racing series. "It’s just incredible to see that progression," he stated, indicating a reinvigorated passion for racing through his involvement with the team.
As Turner continues to integrate with younger talent like Stevenson and Newell, he aims to contribute significantly to Heart of Racing’s ambitions in North America’s competitive racing landscape, eyeing the podium in upcoming races.
