Random Vandals Racing will return to GT World Challenge America powered by AWS with a single-car, Pro-Am entry.
Derek DeBoer, coming off recent endeavours in the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series, will return to GT World America, joining reigning Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America (LSTNA) Pro champion Hampus Ericsson in the #99 BMW M4 GT3 EVO.
DeBoer last raced in the series in 2023 for The Racers Group before moving up to the European Le Mans Series where he finished third in the LMGT3 championship for Racing Spirit of Léman. He made his 24 Hours of Le Mans debut last year, competing in five WEC rounds for RSL and taking a best finish of sixth in the 6 Hours of Spa.
Hampus Ericsson, the younger brother of Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus, won last year’s LSTNA Pro championship alongside Danny Formal with six wins in the United States, and one victory in the World Final at Misano. He made his GT3 racing debut over the winter in the 24H Series’ 12 Hours of Sepang.
“We have been talking to Hampus on and off for the last year, we know how quick and composed he is. We now finally have him one of our cars,” said Paul Sparta, Team Principal of Random Vandals Racing. “Similarly, I have raced Derek in the past and I know how adept he has become with GT3 machinery. So, we are going into the season squarely aimed at the Pro-Am Championship.”
Random Vandals won last year’s GT World America Pro title via Kenton Koch and Connor De Phillippi, while also claiming Silver and Pro-Am class titles in Pirelli GT4 America.
While an entry into the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s GTD PRO class failed to materialise, the team will have full-time presences in both the IMSA and SRO America paddocks this year.
“SRO is where my professional career took shape, and everything I’ve accomplished since – from ELMS to WEC and the 24 hours of Le Mans, it all traces back to the foundation I built here,” said DeBoer. “Coming back feels right and like coming home! I’m energized by this new team, this new challenge, the opportunity and honestly, after racing against those BMWs for three years, I’m ready to see what Hampus and I can accomplish behind the wheel of one.”
“Super happy to announce my first ever GT3 championship campaign!” added Ericsson,. “To be racing in the Random Vandals Racing BMW is truly something special since we’ve been in touch for over a year. It truly feels like the right step in my career. I’ve only driven in America for one year, so there’s still lots to learn – new tracks, the American philosophy, and the whole circus around each racing event. But so far, I love it!
“Lucky for me, I have an experienced and fast teammate in Derek and a proven championship-winning team in RVR, which makes this an incredible opportunity. Can’t wait to hit the track and see what we can do! I haven’t ever looked forward to a season like this – all made possible by my sponsors, family, Derek and RVR welcoming me with open arms. Let’s go racing!”
Feature image © SRO
