Get ready, racing fans! Darren Law, a name synonymous with speed and success, is making a triumphant return to IMSA-sanctioned competition at the upcoming Michelin Pilot Challenge season opener. This marks a thrilling comeback for the seasoned driver, adding a spark of excitement to the BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway.
Law, a former overall winner of the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona, will be behind the wheel of a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, representing Vintage Racing Company (VRC) in the GS class. He'll be joined by Owen Trinkler and Dan Ammann for the four-hour endurance race.
This event signifies Law's first competitive race since his participation in the 24H Dubai in 2024. In recent years, he's focused on his roles as team co-owner and program manager with Flying Lizard Motorsports. Law has a rich history with Porsche, having driven for Flying Lizard in the American Le Mans Series, as well as with Brumos Racing and Action Express Racing in Grand-Am.
Law expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I am looking forward to getting back in a Porsche and competing at Daytona. I have a great deal of history and success at this track, and Daytona is a special place for me. This is a great way to begin the season." He also highlighted the positive testing experience with the team, emphasizing his collaboration with Trinkler and Ammann.
But here's where it gets controversial... Trinkler and Ammann will be competing for the entire season. Ammann, who previously served as the CEO of General Motors' Cruise autonomous vehicle company and is now the president of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions, will also participate in the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. Both cars will proudly display the Mobil 1 sponsorship.
VRC team owner Michael Eberhardt, a prominent figure in HSR competition, is leading his team into IMSA-sanctioned competition for the first time. Eberhardt views this as a significant milestone, highlighting the team's dedication to preparation and driver support. He notes that the program represents years of hard work, aiming to compete at the highest level.
And this is the part most people miss... Trinkler is making a highly anticipated return to full-time racing after a challenging period. He was previously sidelined after sustaining burns in a testing fire at Daytona in late 2023. His recovery has inspired the creation of his 'Strength In Scars' foundation, which supports burn victims.
Trinkler's return to racing is a testament to his resilience. He is looking forward to the race with Dan and the VRC team. He added, "Daytona has always been one of my favorite tracks. The season kick-off endurance race is a special one where I’ve been able to earn several podium finishes.”
This article was written by John Dagys, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365.
What are your thoughts on Darren Law's return and Trinkler's comeback? Do you think the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport has what it takes to win? Share your opinions in the comments below!
