Cadillac Secures Endurance Racing Powerhouse Earl Bamber for 2023 IMSA Campaign

Cadillac has bolstered its IMSA SportsCar Championship lineup for the 2023 season, securing the services of two-time Le Mans winner Earl Bamber. The New Zealander will race for the brand's solo Action Express Racing entry, marking a significant addition to the team's roster as it aims to defend its GTP class title. Bamber's dual-program approach, straddling both IMSA and the World Endurance Championship (WEC), promises to bring a wealth of experience and continuity to Cadillac's efforts on both fronts.

Endurance Racing Veteran Joins Cadillac's IMSA Assault

Bamber's Proven Pedigree in Endurance Racing

Earl Bamber, the accomplished New Zealand driver, has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of endurance racing. His impressive resume boasts two Le Mans 24 Hours victories, secured in 2015 and 2017 while driving for Porsche. This experience and success at the pinnacle of the sport will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to Cadillac as it seeks to assert its dominance in the highly competitive IMSA GTP class.Bamber's transition to Cadillac comes after a successful stint with the Ganassi squad in the WEC, where he has raced for the past two seasons. This move aligns with the driver's long-standing desire to compete in both the IMSA and WEC championships, a dual-program approach that promises to bring a unique perspective and wealth of knowledge to the Cadillac team.

Cadillac's Expanded IMSA Lineup

Alongside Bamber, Cadillac has also announced the retention of Briton Jack Aitken as a full-season driver for the Action Express Racing team. This continuity in the driver lineup is expected to provide a solid foundation for the team's title defense in the IMSA GTP class.Furthermore, Cadillac has welcomed the addition of Frederik Vesti, the 2023 Formula 2 runner-up, who will join the team for selected long-distance races in the Michelin Endurance Cup segment of the IMSA series. This injection of young talent, combined with Bamber's extensive experience, creates a well-rounded and formidable driver lineup for Cadillac's IMSA campaign.

Navigating the Scheduling Challenges

One of the key challenges Bamber and Cadillac will face is the potential scheduling conflicts between the IMSA SportsCar Championship and the World Endurance Championship. With the Spa WEC round and the Laguna Seca IMSA event scheduled for the same weekend in May, as well as the possibility of Cadillac's return to the double-points Le Mans 24 Hours, the team will need to carefully manage Bamber's commitments to ensure optimal performance in both series.Bamber has alluded to the importance of leveraging the shared information and engineering expertise between the IMSA and WEC programs, stating that this "shared information from both platforms brings us forward." This collaborative approach will be crucial in navigating the scheduling challenges and ensuring Bamber's dual-program efforts contribute to Cadillac's success on both fronts.

Cadillac's Confidence in Bamber's Abilities

Cadillac's decision to bring Bamber on board as a full-season driver for the Action Express Racing entry is a clear testament to the team's confidence in the New Zealander's abilities. Bamber's proven track record, including his Le Mans victories and experience in both IMSA and WEC, make him an invaluable asset to the Cadillac program.Action Express team boss Gary Nelson expressed his excitement about the team's driver lineup, stating, "We are all very excited to have such an amazing group of talented drivers lined up for the 2025 season." This sentiment underscores Cadillac's belief that Bamber, alongside Aitken and Vesti, will form a formidable combination capable of defending the team's IMSA GTP title and potentially securing additional victories for the brand.As Cadillac prepares to unveil its full WEC lineup in the coming weeks, the anticipation surrounding Bamber's dual-program efforts with the brand continues to build. The endurance racing community eagerly awaits the opportunity to witness Bamber's expertise and leadership in action, as he aims to propel Cadillac to new heights in both the IMSA and WEC championships.