Gradient Racing ended 2023 on a major high, the team taking a hard fought victory in the GTD class at Petit Le Mans.
Behind the scenes though there was an even tougher battle underway as the team looked to break through with a first-time full-season IMSA programme for 2023.
Yesterday evening saw the announcement that finally, after the inevitable; the trials and tribulations along the road, they had got there, and they have got there with an eye-catching plan.
The JG Wentworth backed #66 Acura NSX GT3 Evo22 will be crewed for the full season by Katherine Legge and Sheena Monk, the latter in her first IMSA season in GT3. The pair will be joined at the Rolex 24 season opener at Daytona by Acura factory man Mario Farnbacher and Gradient regular Marc Miller.
Monk, as a Bronze-rated driver, is testing this week in Texas with systems orientation high on the agenda.
She’ll have support throughout the season from the hugely experienced Katherine Legge whose history with her full-season colleague goes back quite a way:
“I coached Sheena in GT4 back in ’17 and we’ve kept in touch since then,” Legge told DSC yesterday.
“I know she can’t wait to get started and I’m right there with her on this, it’s another tale of a deal that has taken a long time to come to fruition but then comes at you very quickly!”
That’s a point that Sheena Monk agrees with:
“My plans for 2023 were rather uncertain, which makes this feel like evenmore of a whirlwind. I randomly reached out to Katherine to discuss something unrelated – ideas started floating around and things began falling into place. JG Wentworth’s continued support, combined with Gradient’s commitment to furthering my development, has allowed me to reach my goal of IMSA WeatherTech competition.”
“Since I have limited experience in GT3 machinery, the goal is to build my comfort level both with the car and multi-class traffic during the ROAR. The pace will follow and I believe working with Katherine, Marc, Mario, and the folks at Gradient will ease the early butterflies. Heading into the Rolex 24, I understand what my responsibilities are and I am prepared to do whatever the team needs of me. I’m excited to begin this next chapter and grateful that Katherine and I will be contesting the full season.”
Legge meanwhile is delighted to have the season-long deal in place, and more delighted still at the re-acquaintance with Acura:
“I’m so excited to be back in the Acura family, my transition to GT racing came in the Acura NSX GT3 and I have some of my fondest memories from those years. I was involved in the platform’s development and I’m proud of what we achieved with HPD, especially giving the car its first global win at Detroit in 2017.”
In a Rolex 24 history that shows 10 previous starts, one in 2007 in a DP, and then nine consecutive participations, the NSX gave Katherine her best result yet there with second place in 2018 with Meyer Shank Racing:
“Second sucks at Daytona! because if you finish there you know you did everything right in a race that can throw anything at you.
“So much can happen (and almost always does!) and the depth of competition is now at an all-time high too – I can’t wait.
“The squad that Gradient has put together is just perfect. Sheena and I have a great relationship and Marc (Miller) with all of his coaching experience, and racing history at the Rolex will be great for Sheena too – And, of course, Mario is awesome.
Gradient Racing Team Principal, Andris Laivins: “This team is coming into 2023 with a great mix of new talent and old friends; we are ready to pick up where we left off in Atlanta. Sheena has been steadily making a name for herself in IMSA, and we are very proud to join her as she steps up to GTD with JG Wentworth.
“I hope we can reward their commitment to Sheena on the biggest stage in sportscar racing. Katherine and Mario have years of experience in the NSX at the factory level, and Marc has been developing this car at Gradient since day one, so our lineup at Daytona is really something special. The team’s energy is high, we have an incredible pit crew, and the momentum that comes from our big win at Petit Le Mans last October. I can’t wait to get this season started.”
“We’re very pleased that Gradient Racing has put together a strong full-season GTD program for the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship,” said John Whiteman, Commercial Manager for Honda Performance Development and Acura Motorsports.
“Katherine Legge, of course, has had a long affiliation with HPD; was part of our original Acura NSX GT3 driver lineup from 2017-19; and has scored multiple GTD victories and podiums for us. Sheena Monk has been extremely impressive in Michelin Pilot Challenge competition, and it is exciting to see her move up to the WeatherTech series and become part of the HPD/ Acura Motorsports family. Finally, having former series Champion, Mario Farnbacher aboard the Gradient Racing Acura for the Rolex 24 at Daytona adds race winning depth to this effort.”
“In just a few short years, Andris Lavins and Gradient Racing organization have developed into a race-winning and championship-contending team in IMSA competition, highlighted by their GTD victory last year at the season-ending Petit Le Mans,” Whiteman added. “We’re looking forward to seeing them fight for GTD race wins and the championship in 2023.”
