In a strategic move that promises to elevate the competitiveness of Meyer Shank Racing's Acura GTP program, the team has secured the services of several renowned Chip Ganassi Racing IndyCar drivers for the upcoming Daytona 24 Hours and subsequent IMSA SportsCar Championship endurance events. This cross-pollination of talent from the open-wheel world to the sports car arena is set to create a formidable lineup that could propel MSR to new heights in the highly anticipated GTP class.
Unleashing a Powerhouse Combination of IndyCar and Endurance Expertise
Reigning IndyCar Champion Joins the Fray
The headline-grabbing addition to the MSR roster is the reigning IndyCar champion, Alex Palou. The young Spanish driver, who has been a revelation in the open-wheel series, will bring his considerable skills and experience to the Michelin Endurance Cup races, partnering with Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly. Palou's proven ability to adapt to different racing disciplines, coupled with his recent success in the Ganassi-run Cadillac GTP program, makes him a valuable asset to the MSR team as they seek to conquer the highly competitive GTP category.Veteran Ace Scott Dixon Joins the Fray
Joining Palou in the MSR lineup is the legendary Scott Dixon, a five-time IndyCar champion and a three-time winner of the Daytona 24 Hours. Dixon's vast experience in endurance racing, combined with his unparalleled talent behind the wheel, will be a significant boost to the team's chances of success. The New Zealander will team up with Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun, who secured the first victory of the new GTP era at Daytona in 2023.Rosenqvist Brings Additional Firepower
Rounding out the impressive roster is Felix Rosenqvist, who will join the team for the Daytona 24 Hours. The Swedish driver, who has previously raced for Ganassi in IndyCar, brings a wealth of experience in both open-wheel and sports car competition. Rosenqvist's addition to the lineup, alongside the proven talents of Palou and Dixon, further strengthens MSR's chances of success in the season-opening endurance classic.A Homecoming for Acura and Meyer Shank Racing
The return of Meyer Shank Racing to the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2025, after a one-year hiatus, marks a significant moment for the team and its partnership with Acura. With the departure of Chip Ganassi Racing's Cadillac program and the subsequent switch of Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti to Cadillac, the door has opened for MSR to rekindle its successful relationship with the Acura brand.Seamless Transition from Ganassi to MSR
The inclusion of Palou and Dixon, both of whom utilize Honda engines in their IndyCar endeavors, further facilitates the transition from Ganassi's now-defunct Cadillac GTP program to the Acura ARX-06 platform. This familiarity with the Honda/Acura powertrain will undoubtedly aid the drivers in adapting to the new machinery and maximizing its performance potential.Proven Pedigree and Winning Mentality
Meyer Shank Racing's track record of success at the Daytona 24 Hours, with victories in 2012, 2022, and 2023, underscores the team's ability to deliver on the biggest stages. The addition of Palou, Dixon, and Rosenqvist, all of whom have demonstrated their prowess in high-stakes endurance events, further bolsters the team's chances of continuing its winning ways in the GTP class.As the anticipation builds for the 2025 IMSA SportsCar Championship season, the partnership between Meyer Shank Racing and Acura, coupled with the influx of Chip Ganassi Racing's IndyCar talent, promises to be a formidable combination that could rewrite the narrative in the highly competitive GTP category.