The AO Racing lineup for the #99 Oreca LMP2 07-Gibson has been completed with today’s announcement that Matthew Brabham and Alex Quinn have joined the team in 2024, accompanying the full-time pair of owner/driver PJ Hyett and Paul-Loup Chatin.
Brabham, a third-generation racer, will make his IMSA debut as he competes in the five Michelin Endurance Cup races – beginning this January with the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. A versatile and adaptable driver, Brabham has competed in everything from the Indianapolis 500 and Bathurst 1000 races, to Formula E, Trans-Am, and the Stadium Super Trucks Series (where he is a three-time series champion).
“I’ve actually had the pleasure of driving Rexy and also nearly drove Roxy once,” said Brabham. “So to be joining AO on the LMP2 program is an absolute honour and I can’t wait to see what they come up with in terms of the name and livery. I really want to thank PJ and Gunnar (Jeannette) so much for having me onboard, I’ve worked with most of the team members before and feel welcomed and at home already.”
It will also allow Brabham to follow in the footsteps of his father Geoff Brabham, and his uncle David Brabham, both of whom have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“I’ve always wanted to race in IMSA and follow in the footsteps of my Dad Geoff and Uncle David. To finally be given the opportunity to do so is something really special to me and I will be giving everything I have to try and add some history of my own. It’s going to be a challenge so I’m glad to be joining such a great group of people and some great teammates I can really lean on and learn from.”
For the Rolex 24, young Australian Quinn will complete the four-driver lineup. Quinn helped PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports secure the IMSA WeatherTech LMP2 Championship last season, and finished second in the Michelin Endurance Cup standings alongside Chatin and Ben Keating.
“I’m incredibly happy to be joining AO Racing at Daytona,” Quinn said. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of this team, the beginning of their LMP2 journey and that is special for me. I had a great season last year racing with Paul-Loup so it’s great to be back with him and then of course excited to get to work with PJ and Matt for the first time. Daytona is a special place and an incredible event, so I’m focused on doing a good job for the team.”
It will ensure that Quinn stays in IMSA, though not with the same plan as he’d intended after a strong 2023 season. Quinn was originally signed with United Autosports USA to be the Michelin Endurance Cup driver alongside Keating.
However, Quinn’s FIA Driver Categorisation was changed from Silver to Gold effective next year. IMSA’s Sporting Regulations only allow for LMP2 teams to field a maximum of one Gold or Platinum-rated driver in all events, except for the Daytona 24 Hours.
Images courtesy of AO Racing USA
