Darren Turner Returns to IMSA Competition with The Heart of Racing Team at Laguna Seca
Aston Martin Racing veteran Darren Turner will make his return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship next weekend, driving the No. 27 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 in the GTD class for The Heart of Racing Team at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Turner’s participation comes as Tom Gamble, the team’s other full-time GTD driver, will be absent due to commitments at the WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.
Turner, a three-time class winner at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, reunites with Heart of Racing after contributing to their 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona GTD class victory. His experience in IMSA includes three previous outings with the team during its inaugural season in 2020. Currently, Turner competes full-time in the GT World Challenge America, where he recently achieved two top-ten finishes alongside co-driver Gray Newell at Circuit of the Americas.
“I’m excited to return to IMSA at Laguna, a circuit I enjoy,” said Turner. “It’s been a while since my last race here, and teaming up with Casper Stevenson, who is already doing exceptionally well this season, adds to my enthusiasm.”
Stevenson, third in the GTD Drivers’ Championship with podiums at Daytona and Sebring, will be a key asset for Turner as they aim for a strong performance on the iconic California track. Turner last raced at Laguna Seca in 2013 during the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series and has previous experience from the 2005 and 2006 American Le Mans Series events.
As Turner prepares for this pivotal race, the focus will be on harnessing both his experience and Stevenson’s current form to contend for a podium finish in what promises to be a competitive GTD field.
