2025 Motorsports Season Review: Achievements and Notable Drivers
Overview
The 2025 motorsports season underscored the significance of amateur drivers across various major series, including the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), IMSA, and the GT World Challenge. This year marked the rise of several standout competitors, particularly from the United States.
Noteworthy Performances
PJ Hyett of AO Racing spearheaded a remarkable season, clinching the LMP2 Pro/Am title at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, followed by consecutive IMSA victories at Mosport and Road America. He concluded the season with a European Le Mans Series LMP2 Pro/Am Championship win, amassing five podium finishes, including a victory at Imola.
In a competitive field, Dan Goldburg of United Autosports USA had a breakout year, highlighted by wins at the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the Six Hours of Watkins Glen. Despite falling short of the championship, Goldburg remains a strong contender for future drives.
Another American driver, Dom Bastien, made headlines for testing an LMP2 car at the age of 79, showcasing remarkable bravery in the sport.
In the GT ranks, Dustin Blattner earned the “Triple Crown” in the GT World Challenge Europe for Kessel Racing, securing titles across Sprint, Endurance, and Overall championships, complemented by class wins at Spa and Indianapolis.
Ryan Hardwick also excelled, driving his sponsored Manthey 911 GT3 Rs to victory at Le Mans and securing the WEC LMGT3 Endurance Trophy with consistent performance.
Blake McDonald, in his inaugural season of GT3 racing, made a strong bid for the GT World Challenge America Pro-Am title, setting him up for a transition to the ACO’s regional championships.
Anthony McIntosh attracted attention with a strong WEC LMGT3 debut at São Paulo, earning recognition that led to a full-time contract with Team WRT for the upcoming season.
Orey Fidani represented Canada seamlessly, winning the Daytona 24H GTD and securing an IMSA Bob Akin Award invitation.
In Asia, Bob Yuan solidified his status as a leading amateur driver, winning multiple races and completing the season with victories in both the Shanghai 8H and 12H Malaysia.
Hiroyuki Ogawa, known as Bankcy, clinched the Super Taikyu ST-X championship and faced challenges in the SRO Japan Cup.
Charles Dawson of 2 Seas Motorsport became a dual-class champion in British GT, demonstrating remarkable consistency.
Paul Lanchère anchored a successful European Le Mans Series LMP3 campaign, achieving five wins in six races. Concurrently, Giorgio Roda showcased his prowess in qualifying, claiming nine poles across various series.
Amateur Driver of the Year
The 2025 DSC Amateur Driver of the Year award was presented to PJ Hyett, reflecting his significant improvement since transitioning from GT to prototype racing in 2024. Hyett’s accolades include his first LMP2 victory at Le Mans, setting the stage for continued success in 2026.
Conclusion
The 2025 season has highlighted the critical contributions of amateur drivers to the realm of professional motorsports, paving the way for future talents while delivering competitive and thrilling performances across various series.
