Riley Motorsports Returns to IMSA with New Ford Mustang GT3 Evo
Date: January 2026
Location: Daytona, FL
Riley Motorsports is poised for a revitalization as it re-enters the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, this time in the ultra-competitive GTD class, after its previous LMP2 campaign concluded in 2025. The team, led by Bill Riley, has partnered with Ross Myers of 3 Dog Garage to field the #16 Myers Riley Motorsports Ford Mustang GT3 Evo, marking a renewed alliance with Ford.
The new Mustang GT3 was unveiled at the Henry Ford Museum in October 2025 and debuted with a vintage livery reminiscent of the 1985 Roush/Protofab Ford Mustang GTO. More recently, the car has been repainted to honor Bud Moore Engineering’s iconic 1969 Mustang Boss 302 from the Trans-Am Series, underscoring the legacy of Bill’s father, Bob Riley. “My father did a lot of work with Bud Moore during his career, so it’s kind of nice to be able to do that,” Riley remarked.
The team has assembled a competitive driver lineup, featuring former Lamborghini SC63 pilot Romain Grosjean, who expressed enthusiasm for his new opportunity. “Bill said to me, ‘Do you want to be in Daytona?’ I said, ‘yes’, it was that simple,” Grosjean said. He will be joined by Brazilian veteran Felipe Fraga and Sheena Monk, who is notable as one of two women in the Rolex 24 field and the only full-time female driver this season. Monk’s participation also positions her for the Bob Akin Award, which could grant her an invitation to the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Jenson Altzman will participate in the Michelin Endurance Cup races after previously racing in sprints with Gradient Racing. Riley praised Fraga’s speed and Monk’s readiness, highlighting the team’s strong preparation for the season ahead.
During the recent Roar Before the 24 test, the #16 Mustang demonstrated promising speed, particularly in the hands of Grosjean and Fraga. In addition to pursuing a win at Daytona, Riley expressed a clear ambition: “It’s always my goal to get back to Le Mans. So it definitely was a big part of our discussions.”
As Riley Motorsports gears up for the upcoming season, the combination of a storied heritage and fresh talent suggests a competitive run in 2026. The team’s focus remains on both immediate success and a long-term return to the international stage.
