Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Aston Martin Valkyrie Set To Compete In IMSA Detroit Street Race This Weekend
The Aston Martin THOR Team is gearing up for the Detroit street race, part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Drivers Roman De Angelis and Ross Gunn will pilot the Valkyrie hypercar, which is unique in competing in both IMSA and the FIA World Endurance Championship. The team aims for a fourth consecutive points finish before focusing on the Valkyrie's Le Mans debut in June.
The Valkyrie, developed from a road-legal hypercar, stands out as the only car in IMSA's GTP category with such origins. It made its debut at Qatar's 1812km race in February and has since achieved three points finishes, including an eighth-place result at Long Beach. This performance has boosted confidence for the upcoming Detroit race.
Aston Martin's Valkyrie is notable for being the first 'Le Mans Hypercar' (LMH) to compete in IMSA. It is also the sole hypercar participating in both IMSA and WEC simultaneously. The car combines a carbon fibre chassis with a modified V12 engine, producing over 1000bhp but adhering to a 680bhp power limit under hypercar regulations.
Ross Gunn expressed excitement about returning to Detroit, highlighting how moving into the city centre enhances the street race atmosphere. "Detroit is always a special place to visit," he said. "Having already done Long Beach we learnt some valuable lessons about how the car behaves on a street circuit."
Ian James, Aston Martin THOR team principal, noted significant progress with each race. "There is still so much to learn for the programme," he stated. "To have three points finishes in succession with a brand-new and unique car is an exceptional start to the season for us." The team hopes to continue this trend as they edge closer to achieving top results.
Roman De Angelis shared his enthusiasm for returning to Detroit after a few years away due to scheduling conflicts. He recalled past successes with Gunn, including their first IMSA victory together. "I feel like we’ve been improving well over the past few IMSA races," he remarked.
Challenges of Street Circuits
Adam Carter, Aston Martin Head of Endurance Motorsport, acknowledged that temporary street circuits present unique challenges for hypercars like Valkyrie. However, these races also provide valuable data for understanding the car's potential across different environments.
The Detroit Sports Car Classic will take place on 31 May 2025 at 1540 local time (+4 Hours GMT). Fans can watch it live globally on IMSA TV and YouTube or through selected national broadcasters.
Aston Martin Lagonda continues its legacy of crafting luxury performance cars since its founding in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. With plans for electric sports cars by 2030, Aston Martin remains committed to innovation while maintaining its iconic status worldwide.
Continue with Google