Rebel Rock Racing made its GT3 debut at the Apex One Endurance Sebring 10 Hour event last weekend with a new Aston Martin Vantage GT3.
Whilst that entry saw the team take something of an early bath, the pathway forward is clear.
Stepping up to the GT3 category has been a long-term ambition of the team, which was acquired by Frank DePew in 2016. While the full programme of races for 2026 has yet to be confirmed, Rebel Rock Racing is looking at a combination of IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge events along with selected endurance races.
“This is an idea that we’ve flirted with since 2020, so to finally have taken delivery of the car and be heading down to Sebring to test and race it for the very first time is super exciting,” explained Team Manager and DePew’s driving partner, Robin Liddell.
The Scotsman went on to explain how the graduation to GT3 represents a challenge for both the regular Rebel Rock Racing drivers. “It will be something of an unknown for all of us; it’s been eight years since I last drove a GT3 car so I’m not oblivious to the personal challenge in terms of getting comfortable with the increase in performance, let alone helping Frank get up to speed and making sure the team has everything that they need to do the job with such an advanced piece of kit such as the Vantage GT3 EVO. In terms of equipment, personnel and additional resources, there are a lot of new elements, but we are all thrilled to have a new opportunity and very much looking forward to the challenge.”
With a remarkable 11.6% winning percentage over the last seven years in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Series, Rebel Rock has built up a strong pedigree in the GT4 category. This includes giving the Aston Martin Vantage GT4 Evo its global maiden victory at Sebring in 2024. With multiple race-ready Aston Martin GT4 cars available, the team is keen to put all of that experience to good use by offering customer solutions for the first time.
Robin Liddell believes that the team has the ability to provide a race-winning turnkey solution for customers looking to compete for a title in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. “The team really came of age when we virtually won the championship in 2023; for 2024, we took delivery of the Astons and having won a race early on in the program, we hoped to capitalize on that momentum for 2025 and really have a go at the championship. For all kinds of reasons that didn’t materialise, but we had a fast car all season and with the knowledge, skills and experience within the Rebel Rock team stable, I really think we are perfectly positioned to offer that program to suitably qualified and funded drivers should they wish to become a part of our team. We are, of course, keen to stay in IMSA if at all possible, but would consider any other opportunities if they make sense.”
