Rexy's Reign: The Remarkable Rise of AO Racing's Porsche Powerhouse

Two years ago, AO Racing was an obscure privateer sports car racing team, but today they stand as one of the brightest stories in the sport. Led by the dynamic duo of Gunnar Jeannette and PJ Hyett, AO Racing has transformed from a fledgling outfit to a championship-winning powerhouse, captivating fans with their unique approach and the beloved Rexy, their tyrannosaurus-themed Porsche GT3 racer.

Driving Passion and Innovative Spirit Propel AO Racing to the Top

From Humble Beginnings to Meteoric Rise

AO Racing's journey began with a simple one-off entry at the GT World Challenge America round at Watkins Glen, where Hyett and Jeannette, a seasoned driver, teamed up in a plain, dark green Porsche 911 GT3 R. Little did they know that this chance encounter would spark the creation of a team that would soon become a fan favorite and a force to be reckoned with in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.Formally established in 2023, AO Racing, named after Hyett's private car collection in suburban Chicago, quickly made its mark on the sport. With a fun-loving attitude and a relentless dedication to success, the team has amassed multiple victories, podiums, and now a set of championship titles in the highly competitive GTD Pro category.

Rexy's Rise to Stardom

At the heart of AO Racing's success is Rexy, the team's beloved tyrannosaurus-themed Porsche GT3 racer. Rexy's unique and captivating design has captured the hearts of sports car racing fans around the world, from his hatching at the 2023 12 Hours of Sebring to his European vacation at the Centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans.The Rexy story has become a phenomenon in its own right, with the team's dedication to engaging the next generation of fans through initiatives like autograph sessions and fan-signed cars. Rexy's popularity has skyrocketed, with the team struggling to keep up with the demand for Rexy-themed merchandise, from shirts and hats to plush toys and model cars.

Laurin Heinrich's Meteoric Rise

Alongside Rexy's rise to stardom, the team has also fostered the emergence of a young driving talent in Laurin Heinrich. The 23-year-old German driver, who was relatively unknown in the American racing scene, has become a prominent figure in his own right, capturing the GTD Pro Drivers' and Teams' Championships in his first year with the team.Heinrich's success has been a testament to the team's ability to nurture and develop young talent. His record-breaking pole position at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and his thrilling drive through torrential rain at Indianapolis to secure a crucial victory have cemented his status as a rising star in the sport.

Hyett's Dual Exploits in LMP2

While Rexy and Laurin Heinrich have been the focal points of AO Racing's success, the team's achievements extend beyond the GTD Pro category. PJ Hyett, the team's co-founder and owner, has also made a name for himself in the LMP2 class, winning four pole positions and two podiums in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.Hyett's exploits in the #99 "Spike, the LMP2 Dragon" ORECA 07 have further showcased the team's versatility and their ability to excel in multiple disciplines. The team's expansion into the Asian and European Le Mans Series, where they have achieved impressive results, including a victory at the ELMS race at Spa, has solidified their status as a true powerhouse in the world of endurance racing.

Overcoming Adversity at Petit Le Mans

The team's championship-winning season was not without its challenges, as they faced a gear selection problem caused by a faulty steering wheel connection at the Petit Le Mans race. This setback put Rexy six laps down from the leaders in GTD Pro, leaving Heinrich and the team vulnerable to attack from their rivals.However, the team's resilience and ability to make smart decisions under pressure proved to be the difference. Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds, Heinrich and the AO Racing team managed to minimize the loss and hold on to the championship lead, ultimately securing the GTD Pro Drivers' and Teams' titles by a narrow margin.

A Celebration of Achievements and Accolades

The team's success in 2024 was not limited to the racetrack, as they were also recognized for their exceptional marketing and fan engagement efforts. At the IMSA post-season awards banquet, AO Racing was honored with a new team marketing achievement award, acknowledging their one-of-a-kind approach to connecting with their passionate fanbase.From the team's mechanics being recognized as the fastest-working pit crew in GTD Pro to Hyett's class-leading performances in LMP2, AO Racing's accolades reflect the depth and breadth of their accomplishments. As the team looks ahead to the future, the demand for all things Rexy, Spike, and Roxy continues to grow, solidifying their status as a true fan favorite in the world of sports car racing.