DragonSpeed Joins Corvette Racing for 2026 IMSA GTD Campaign
Date: [Insert Date]
Location: [Insert Location]
DragonSpeed has officially partnered with Corvette Racing for the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, marking a significant transition for the team following a successful 2025 campaign in the GTD PRO category with the Ferrari 296 GT3. The team will now field the #81 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R in the GTD class.
Longtime driver Henrik Hedman will return to full-time competition, aiming for the prestigious Bob Akin Award, which honors the top Bronze-graded driver in GTD and includes an automatic invitation to the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans. Joining him for the season is Giacomo Altoè, who contributed significantly last year with three pole positions, leading to a close second-place finish in the GTD PRO Championship alongside co-driver Albert Costa.
Former Heart of Racing Team driver Casper Stevenson will join DragonSpeed as the Silver-rated driver for the Michelin Endurance Cup, which comprises five marquee races.
This alliance with General Motors marks a reunion for DragonSpeed, who previously utilized Chevrolet engines in the Indianapolis 500 from 2018 to 2022.
Elton Julian, DragonSpeed Team Principal, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We’re proud to rejoin the GM Motorsports family with the launch of our Corvette campaign. The entire team is looking forward to working closely with Corvette Racing and tackling the competitive landscape of IMSA GTD.”
Corvette Racing Programme Manager Jessica Dane echoed this sentiment, indicating that the addition of DragonSpeed enhances their GTD efforts: “We’re looking forward to having Henrik, Elton, and crew bring that same level of competitiveness to an already strong GTD class.”
Hedman emphasized his motivation for the season, stating, “I’m back! …The proven strength of DragonSpeed and driver lineup gives us a strong foundation to take advantage of the amazing Corvette Z06 GT3.R platform.”
DragonSpeed’s first Corvette Z06 GT3.R chassis is set to arrive later this month, leading into private testing ahead of the iconic Rolex 24 At Daytona in January, where they will contend for GTD honors against a formidable field, including reigning class champions 13 Motorsports and DXDT Racing.
For more updates and insights into DragonSpeed’s upcoming season, stay tuned.
