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Category: Road Racing
Selected TCR/TCA Driver From 2025 SCCC presented by Michelin to Earn Exclusive Test in Hyundai Elantra N TCR.
By: FEL Motorsports
February 4, 2025

St. Catharines, Ontario — FEL Motorsports is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) that will provide a transformative opportunity for one talented driver competing in the 2025 Sports Car Championship Canada (SCCC) presented by Michelin. The collaboration underscores FEL Motorsports’ commitment to fostering the next generation of Canadian motorsport talent, specifically within the realm of sports car racing.

 

One standout TCR or TCA driver from the 2025 SCCC presented by Michelin will be selected to participate in a test with Bryan Herta Autosport, driving the championship-winning Hyundai Elantra N TCR. This test is a gateway to the international stage, showcasing how the SCCC presented by Michelin serves as a direct Canadian pathway to the IMSA paddock—a trajectory proven by Canadian drivers such as Dean Baker, Justin Di Benedetto, Gavin Sanders, LP Montour, Travis Hill, Nick Looijmans, Connor Attrell, Bob Attrell, Megan Tomlinson, Ron Tomlinson, and Ed Killeen, all of whom transitioned from the SCCC presented by Michelin to compete in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.

 

The selected driver will be chosen based on a range of criteria, including their on-track potential, professionalism, and overall development as a racing driver—not solely championship standings. This ensures that the opportunity highlights and supports a truly exceptional and deserving individual.

 

“This partnership with Bryan Herta Autosport is an incredible milestone for FEL Motorsports and the Sports Car Championship Canada presented by Michelin,” said Chris Bye, President of FEL Motorsports. “Our goal has always been to provide Canadian drivers with opportunities to advance their careers, and this collaboration is a clear example of how we’re delivering on that promise. We’re thrilled to work with Bryan Herta and his team to give a deserving driver the chance to showcase their talent on an IMSA level.”

 

Bryan Herta, founder and president of Bryan Herta Autosport, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership stating, “Canadian drivers have always played an important role in all forms of top-level auto racing, and we are proud to partner with FEL Motorsports to help identify and promote the next generation of talent coming from our neighbours to the North. I look forward to following this season’s TCR and TCA action closely in the 2025 SCCC presented by Michelin series as we strive to give one talented racer a helping hand towards the next level of their career.”

 

The test will enable the selected driver to experience the professionalism, pace, and pressure of an IMSA-caliber team, providing invaluable insight into what it takes to succeed on one of the most competitive stages in motorsport.

 

About Bryan Herta Autosport

Founded by two-time Indianapolis 500-winning team owner Bryan Herta, Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) has established itself as a dominant force in North American sports car racing. The team is the official factory partner for Hyundai Motorsport in the United States, fielding a fleet of Hyundai Elantra N TCR cars in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. Renowned for their commitment to driver development and technical excellence, BHA has secured multiple championships and continues to set the benchmark for success in North American TCR racing.

 

About FEL Motorsports

FEL Motorsports grew out of a deep base of automotive roots from FEL Automotive Learning and Promotion. FEL, the parent company of FEL Motorsports, has over three decades of experience in the automotive event industry working within Canada and the U.S by combining the expertise gained from working with luxury automotive brands with some of Canada’s most experienced motorsport personnel, FEL Motorsports executes premium race event weekends at tracks in Canada. FEL Motorsports is focused on growth and sustainability in the Canadian Motorsports landscape by giving back to its teams through prizing and prize money.

 

For further information on FEL Motorsports visit felmotorsports.com

 

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Category: Road Racing
Wayne Taylor Racing is looking for a podium in the strong GTD field in this year's Rolex. 
By: Wayne Taylor Racing
January 22, 2025
"It is our second year with GTD and Lamborghini, sponsored by DEX Imaging,” said Team Owner, Wayne Taylor. “We have a very strong driver line up with Danny (Formal), Trent (Hindman), Graham (Doyle) and Kyle (Marcelli). The car seemed to be really good at the test this past weekend, so we feel as though we have a top five car going into the race. As long as we keep it on the track, we should see the podium. I’m very excited about that.”
 
Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) kicks off the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for its second season of competing in the GTD class with the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Prior to the Rolex 24 At Daytona weekend, the No. 45 DEX Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 team tackled seven on track testing sessions at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. The stable of drivers including Formal, Hindman, Doyle and Marcelli all got up to speed in the No. 45 DEX Lamborghini during the Roar weekend. The team posted their quickest lap time 01:48.192 and turned a total of 184 laps.
 
“It is our second year with GTD and Lamborghini, sponsored by DEX Imaging,” said Team Owner, Wayne Taylor. “We have a very strong driver line up with Danny (Formal), Trent (Hindman), Graham (Doyle) and Kyle (Marcelli). The car seemed to be really good at the test this past weekend, so we feel as though we have a top five car going into the race. As long as we keep it on the track, we should see the podium. I’m very excited about that.”
 
The No. 45 DEX Lamborghini team will begin preparations with practice and the addition of qualifying this week starting on Thursday, January 23rd. Qualifying for the competitive GTD class will be a 15-minute session at 2:10 p.m. ET on Thursday. The 24-hour clock will start at 1:40 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 25, for the 63rd Running of the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA. NBC and its family of networks (USA and Peacock) along with IMSA Radio will broadcast the twice-around-the-clock endurance classic.
 
Danny Formal, Full Season Co-Driver
“The Roar 24 Before the 24 is officially over and we had a fantastic test. The torque sensors were definitely a steep learning curve for not only us but the whole team but we're pretty good. We're in a great window right now and the car feels fantastic. All four drivers feel comfortable with the new system, and we’re excited for the race. I think we showed good speed. We’re always working harder and harder for the goal of becoming champions next week. Super excited, super grateful to be part of this organization with WTR and the No. 45 DEX Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 is ready to attack the track next week. Excited to start 2025.”
 
Trent Hindman, Full Season Co-Driver
“Everything is still quite new to me: the team, the car and understanding what makes the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Eco2 go quick is a pretty steep learning curve relative to what I am used to in the past. The team and the support we receive from Lamborghini Squadra Corse has been nothing but supportive and open to giving me all of the information that I need to help me make this transition to this car with this organization. Can’t thank the WTR crew guys and my teammates, Danny, Kyle and Graham, enough for helping me with that. I like where we sit right now. You never really know where people are running until you start the race. All you can do is focus on yourself. We started working through some items and I think we are very happy with the package that we’ve got, and I think we will be plenty competitive.”
 
Graham Doyle, IMEC Co-Driver
“Heading into the Rolex after the Roar weekend, I believe the team and myself alike are feeling strongly about both our car’s performance and the performance of our driver lineup. Working over the six practice sessions we all put in the time to dial in the new torque sensor system and begin preparations for qualifying and the race. I feel with the race and qualifying both on the same weekend, the Roar was truly an immeasurable advantage to set us up for a successful race.”
 
Kyle Marcelli, Rolex 24 at DAYTONA Co-Driver
“It was a positive Roar Before the 24. I think we are all feeling quite good and encouraged as we look forward to the Rolex 24 this week. Lamborghini as a whole has been on it, they are really focused on maximizing the performance from the car, maximizing the torque sensor and the energy output and how we are managing that over the lap. It was all hands-on deck and really encouraging to see that. If you look at the results in GTD PRO and GTD, Lamborghini set the quickest time over the course of the past three days. On the No. 45 DEX, the drivers had a bit of learning to do on Day 1. Adapting driving style to the torque sensor and deploying energy, particularly on the infield section. We all made huge strides in our driving performance and with only a few setup tweaks, it’s been handling quite well. As we look forward to the Rolex 24, we just need to focus in a little more on our procedures, our pit stops, our driver changes, running spare parts on the car to be sure everything is functioning properly. All-in-all, I think we are in good shape and excited for the Rolex 24.”
 
About Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR)
Wayne Taylor Racing’s global motorsports enterprise boasts two IMSA driver championships (2013 and 2017), and back-to-back IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Championships (2020, 2021) which contributed to nine IMSA manufacturer championships for Acura, Pontiac, Corvette and Cadillac. In its brief 18-year history, WTR has accumulated multiple victories in sportscar racing’s most iconic events: Rolex 24 At Daytona, Twelve Hours of Sebring, Petit Le Mans, Mid-Ohio, Road America and the Six Hours of The Glen. With its back-to-back PRO Class Championship wins (2022, 2023), WTR currently has 14 North America Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championship titles and a Lamborghini World Finals title. 
 
Canadians In BOLD
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Category: Road Racing
Jonathan Woolridge heads to Daytona for the 2025 IMSA VP SportsCar Challenge opener. 
By: Jonathan Woolridge Racing
January 17, 2025
Jonathan Woolridge Racing is excited to announce our partnership with MLT Motorsports for the 2025 season of the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge  in LMP3. "After watching the exceptional program developed by Michael and Eric from the paddock, I am confident and determined as we head into the first round of the championship," said Jonathan Woolridge.
 
This year, the VP Challenge has introduced a new class, GTDX, featuring GT3 specification cars, expanding the series' diversity. However, LMP3 remains the front-running class, showcasing  fast and competitive prototype racing. Jonathan will drive the #54 JS P320 this weekend in the ROAR Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway to kick off the season. Last year, the team achieved great success at Daytona that continued throughout the season, leading to a championship. Jonathan is set on continuing this winning streak and and aims to defend the title, pushing both himself and the team to new heights.
 
JW’s Weekend Schedule
Friday January 17th 2025:
Practice One: 8:35-9:15am
Practice Two: 5:20-6:00pm
 
Saturday January 18th 2025:
Qualifying: 9:00-9:15am
Race One: 2:00-2:45pm
 
Sunday January 19th 2025:
Race Two: 1:20-2:05pm
 
“MLT has shown us many times in the past they have the fastest, and most consistent car in the IMSA paddock. Im extremely confident coming into this year with the new team. Daytona is always such an important race to start of the year and i’m excited for the chance of a championship this year.”
 
JWR would like to shoutout our incredible sponsors for making our start to this racing season possible! Thank you to Fortress Technology for your unwavering support, Dilley Bar Ranch for keeping us grounded and fueled, HIP Motorsports for invaluable sim practice sessions that get us race-ready, and Emzone for your continued backing throughout the years. Your contributions have been pivotal to our success, and we couldn't have done it without you.
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Category: Road Racing
ST Racing scored a double podium in their opening race in the VP SportsCar Challenge. 
By: ST Racing
January 21, 2025
Samantha Tan made a successful start to her maiden VP Sportscar Challenge campaign with back-to-back class podiums on the series’ opening weekend at Daytona. On her first run as part of an official IMSA program and her first visit to the esteemed Daytona International Speedway, the team co-owner took ST Racing’s BMW M4 GT3 to a pair of 2nd place finishes in the GTDX ‘Bronze’ class across both 45-minute races.
 
Two podiums and front-running pace marked an encouraging start to Samantha’s first full-season solo campaign since contesting the Pirelli World Challenge in 2017.
 
Samantha Tan, team co-owner/driver: “I’ve completed my IMSA debut weekend with two P2 finishes in the VP Racing Sportscar Challenge! It was my first time racing at the iconic Daytona International Speedway in the M4 GT3—definitely a pinch-me moment. Despite not having any winter testing, we maximized the two short practice sessions on Friday and showed strong pace right from the first session. Qualifying was challenging due to rain beforehand, which led to tricky track conditions, but I managed to secure pole position for both races and P3 overall in GTDx.
 
Race 1 was action-packed with plenty of close battles, and although I narrowly missed out on the win, it was super fun. In Race 2, a torrential downpour just before the start left the track fully wet. Having never driven Daytona in the rain, it was a challenging learning experience, but I still managed to bring the car home in second place. I believe with one more lap, I could have fought for the win.
 
Overall, it was a very successful and promising weekend in VPRC. I’m looking forward to the next event at COTA—one of my favorite tracks on the calendar!”
 
Eike Romer, head engineer: “With plenty of new challenges, ST Racing started the 2025 IMSA VP Racing Challenge. The team started spot on out of the box, tackling a new competiton format, new tire compound and a new track for us. The mechanics worked flawlessly all week long to provide us a fast car in all conditions.
 
After limited time in practice, Sam quickly adopted to the challenge of a new, unheated tire and was able to put the car on Pole Position in her class for both races. She showed great pace and racecraft on Saturday, achieving a second place finish.
 
After a storm on Sunday morning, we made the right decisions to prepare once more a car in which Sam was able to fight for the win on wet track conditions, gaining valuable data and learning for the oncoming events. Next up is COTA, where we have good memories from last year.”
 
Race One
 
After an impressive qualifying session earlier, during which she posted the 3rd fastest laptime in the GTDX field, Samantha lined up on pole for race one on Saturday morning. Despite having briefly dropped to 4th, the newly-re-liveried BMW M4 GT3 was soon back up to 3rd and harrying the GTDX leaders.
 
A little under 25 minutes in, the GTDX field was already into GSX-class traffic (nothing new to the experienced multi-class racer and overall endurance racing drivers’ champion, Samantha), and the ST Racing BMW had soon closed to within 0.3 seconds of her nearest rival, AF Corse. While a combative move for 2nd did not quite pan out, Samantha remained glued to the rear of the Ferrari 296 GT3 for the remainder of the event.
 
In a notable moment, and after positioning the car perfectly for a slingshot move out of turn six, BMW M Motorsport ambassador Samantha went side-by-side with the AF Corse Ferrari along Daytona’s famous oval at upwards of 250kph, eventually sliding through at the Bus Stop Chicane to move up a spot. Giving her rival room on the approach to turn one, the subsequent loss of momentum into the turn three Horseshoe meant Samantha was sadly jostled back behind her rivals.
 
Nevertheless, in an impressive opening run, the Canadian native gave chase all the way to chequered flag, eventually securing 5th in GTDX and falling just two-tenths shy of Bronze class victory first time out of the IMSA blocks.
 
Race two
Heavy rain threatened the second 45-minute race of the weekend at Daytona, but after a short delay, the 32-car grid eventually lined up for a very wet start on Sunday morning.
 
Fittingly, Samantha’s endurance racing experience in Europe quickly paid off, the #38 BMW picking its way through a sodden turn one to hold 4th in GTDX across the opening lap. Gaining confidence in the changeable conditions, Samantha resumed her battle the previous day with the AF Corse Ferrari, the pair continuing to swap 3rd place until a full-course caution was called just 15 minutes in. When the race resumed six minutes later, Samantha leapfrogged the Ferrari once again to retake 3rd in GTDX.
 
Regrettably, a full-wet setup meant the BMW was unable to keep pace with the Ferraris as the track continued drying across over the remaining 20 minutes. A fighting drive however meant Samantha nevertheless brought the M4 GT3 home unscathed in P2 for a second consecutive ‘Bronze’ class podium to sign off a strong opening weekend at Daytona.
 
ST Racing’s VP Sports Car Challenge season continues in just over one month’s time with round two at the Circuit of the Americas (traditionally a successful hunting ground for ST Racing) on 28 February – 1 March. After a short break, round three takes the Canadian team to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on 6-8 June.
 
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Category: Road Racing
Young Canadian Hady Mimassi will compete in the F4 CEZ Championship by FIA. 
By: HM Sports
January 17, 2025
Canada’s Hady Mimassi has signed on with the Formelaustria Young Driver Programme for the 2025 racing season. Austria’s first official junior driver academy will support the 16-year-old in competing with its Renauer Motorsport Team in the F4 Central European Zone Championship.
 
“After having extended our contract with Austrian talent Simon Schranz, we have been looking for a F4-proven driver and Hady fits our profile perfectly. Hence, we are delighted to have him on board,” programme director Harry Miltner said.
 
Until the end of 2023, Mimassi has been racing successfully in karting in his second home Great Britain, and last season joined the Indian Formula 4 for his formula racing debut. Without any knowledge of the circuits and the Mygale F4 car, the Cheltenham-based rookie scored two podiums in his first two official race weekends in a F4 car.
 
“Following the two rounds in India, I wanted to do a full season in F4 in 2025. With the full support of my partner Rally Replay, I am happy to start in the F4 CEZ Championship with Formelaustria and Renauer this year. The series is competitive, and the tracks are cool, so I am excited to get going,” Mimassi was all smiles.
 
Founded in June 2024, the Formelaustria Young Driver Programme, which is supported by F1 legends Riccardo Patrese, David Coulthard and Alex Wurz, is a springboard for young racing talents who dream of reaching F1.
 
Based at the Pannoniaring 120 kilometres southeast of Vienna, drivers with either a karting or a SimRacing background are trained in state-of-the-art Tatuus Formula 4 cars both on and off the track, but also enjoy physical training, mental preparation and media coaching by ex-F1 experts.
 
The F4 CEZ Championship commences on April 11-13 with the opening round at the notorious Red Bull Ring.
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