Following the news last week that James Hinchcliffe will compete with Pfaff Motorsports in three IMSA endurance rounds next season, the Canadian team has revealed the remaining three drivers that will make up its 2024 GTD Pro roster this afternoon.
For the full 2024 campaign, McLaren factory driver Marvin Kirchhoefer and former IMSA champion Oliver Jarvis will steer the team’s new McLaren 720S GT3 EVO. They will be joined by Hinchcliffe at Daytona, Sebring and Road Atlanta and by Indy 500 winner Alex Rossi for the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona in January.
The 2024 season marks Jarvis’ full-time return to IMSA after scoring the DPi class title in 2022. The Englishman also has victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the Twelve Hours of Sebring in North American competition, and international success with multiple manufacturers spanning across series such as the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series.
Say hello to our next full season driver! We’re ready to fight for a championship too, @ollyjarvis 👊
That’s 3/4 of our lineup for next season, any guesses on the final endurance driver? #IMSA | #FueledByDriveway pic.twitter.com/shrpbaUEMW
— pfaffmotorsports (@pfaffmotorsport) November 13, 2023
“I am really excited to be joining Pfaff Motorsports driving a McLaren 720S GT3 EVO,” commented Jarvis. “The opportunity to join a proven championship-winning team and to return to IMSA full-time after winning the championship in 2022 made it an easy decision.
“Whilst it will be my first full season competing in GT Pro in IMSA, I am relishing the opportunity together with my new teammates to fight for victories and ultimately the championship. A huge thanks to everyone at Pfaff Motorsports and McLaren for making this happen!”
Kirchhoefer – who has been a McLaren factory driver since 2021 – brings crucial experience behind the wheel of the 720S GT3 to the team in its first year as a McLaren GT3 customer. The German driver finished on the GTD class podium at this past year’s 24 Hours of Daytona. He has been a staple for the development of McLaren customer cars such as the Artura GT4, the Solus GT and the 720S GT3 Evo.
Kirchhoefer was also a winner at the 24 Hours of Spa in 2017, a podium finisher at Bathurst in 2019, and a winner with McLaren at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed Shootout.
Driver Announcement!
Joining us for the full 2024 season is McLaren Factory Driver, @officialmarvink! Out of all our drivers, he has the most experience in the @McLarenAuto 720S GT3 and will be a huge asset. Welcome to the team, Marvin!#IMSA | #FueledByDriveway pic.twitter.com/PTwHfKMsBj
— pfaffmotorsports (@pfaffmotorsport) November 11, 2023
“I’m super excited and I really can’t wait to get the season started,” he said. “I’m feeling very honoured that I’ll be part of the Pfaff Motorsports family. This is a big dream for me coming true and racing in the United States is something I’ve always wanted to do especially after my single-seater career in Europe.
“This year at Daytona was one of the most enjoyable races I’ve ever done – I love the atmosphere, I love the fans, and it’s just such a great environment to be in. Every driver I’ve talked to has the same opinion about racing in the States.
“It’s a big thing for me, especially being with Pfaff Motorsports because I’ve heard only good things and that it’s one of the best teams. I’m super motivated to have an amazing 2024 season.”
The third name revealed today, Alex Rossi, needs no introduction. The current McLaren IndyCar driver will be forever associated with the Indianapolis 500 after winning the 100th running of the historic American race back in 2016.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to compete once again at the Rolex 24 at Daytona,” Rossi commented. “While this year will be a first for me in a GTD Pro car, it is a race that I have come to truly enjoy over the years, and this will be no different. I look forward to getting to work with the guys and girls at Pfaff Motorsports, and helping them bring this new McLaren 720S GT3 EVO to the front of the grid.”
The 2024 season is set to be a memorable one for Pfaff, which revealed just last month that it would be switching from Porsche to McLaren’s customer racing stable in GTD.
The four drivers will kick off the 2024 WeatherTech Championship season with the 24 Hours of Daytona on January 25 – 28, with the annual Roar Before the Rolex 24 test taking place the weekend prior.
