Former Ford GT factory driver and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Joey Hand will return to IMSA competition at the Sebring 12 Hours, filling in for Alvaro Parente in the #57 Heinricher Racing w/ Meyer Shank Racing Acura NSX GT3.
Hand has been absent in the IMSA paddock since the Ford GT programme concluded. He has been busy, though, supporting his son Chase’s efforts in karting.
“I go way back with Mike (Shank),” said Hand. “We raced against each other in Formula Atlantics and have always talked about putting a deal together, and it finally happened.”
This will be the GT Daytona debut for Hand, who has not driven a car with ABS in over a decade.
“The last time I really ran ABS was back when I ran BMW with Tom Milner and PTG Racing,” said Hand. “I was able to work with some of the German guys that they brought over to the states who tuned the ABS for us. I always say that my third lap is my best lap so I’m not too worried about getting adapted quickly to all of the new factors. I’ve driven almost everything there is, so it shouldn’t be too big of a challenge for me,” Hand added.
The lineup in the #57 Acura for Sebring will be Misha Goikhberg, Trent Hindman, and Hand.
Parente will be racing at Paul Ricard in the finale of the GT World Challenge Europe season.
