There has been no shortage of news, rumour and innuendo as the 3rd season of the GSREC draws draws near and drivers once again make the trip to Daytona Beach, FL to prepare for the 12 Hours of Daytona on February 11th.

The news began with the announcement of the return of 2016 Prototype Champions Samkel Racing in their familiar Audi R18. As defending champions they have opted to sport the much coveted #1 on their machine this season. The returning driver lineup of Samson & 2016 Prototype Driver's Champion Maverick will surely have a target on their back from all Prototype class challengers all season long. 

2016 GT Champion South East Coast Racing made a statement by not only announcing the return of their all Irish lineup of Copper & Marko (who were also Co-Driver's Champions in 2016), but expanding their operations by adding a 2nd full-time car for the 2017 campaign; enlisting the services of former MBI driver, Murphys Laaawl & 2014-2016 GT journeyman, MissionBullitt. Both drivers have shown great individual promise in past GSREC competition, but have been plagued with funding and fly-by-night team operation pitfalls. Signing with SECR will surely give them the tools needed to reach their full potential come Daytona, but will the chemistry be there? 

 

Around the Prototype Paddock--

Canadian owned and operated First Capital Autosport was quick to re-sign with Toyota at the end of the 2016 season. Their lineup will once again feature team owner Mr Blonde as the primary driver,
with Belleville, Ontario native, GRD joining him for the GSREC Triple-Crown (12 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Le Mans & 12 Hours of Spa). The pair will pilot the #8. "Honestly, the best part of
the 12 Hours of Daytona is it's simply an opportunity to get the hell away from the snow for a few days." joked Blonde. FCA proved to be a competitive program in 2016, finding the 2nd step of the podium twice (Daytona & Road Atlanta). Can they find that elusive win in 2017? 

The Illinois based team formerly known as K Motorsports has been the topic of many rumours. We know they have a deal secured with Toyota to again run a full-season effort, but the pairing of BCK & Dakinca are still in talks with potential 3rd drivers to join them. Rumours have been swirling as to who may round out their lineup. Fellow Illinoisans' TopSoCalledGear & Colton have been seen coming and going from KMS headquarters in northern Illinois in recent days, but little is known beyond that. In 2016, KMS delt with many early-season growing pains, but found some magic in the second half of the year, winning 2 of the final 3 races (6 Hours of Spa & 6 Hours of Road Atlanta). The pair are expected to have a strong follow up year, but who will join them? It could make or break their season.



In 2016, Quimera Motorsport burst onto the GSREC scene with a shocking victory at the 12 Hours of Le Mans. The Central/South American based (Costa Rica & Chile) outfit then went on to remain serious contenders for the rest of the season. They are back this year with a 2 car program and a brand new car lineup--the Porsche 919/RWDP30. Fresh off a 24 Hour Daytona preseason test, you can bet they will be ready for Daytona and will be aiming to own the LMP podium all season long. If they're successful, it will be anything but shocking this time around. 

The tiny team that could, Ardent Racing, which is operated out of an unassuming garage in London, England by Dead Arm made it's GSREC debut mid-way through the 2016 season. The solo entry was quick from the start but suffered endless mechanical issues. Sources close to Ardent say the issues have been resolved and owner/driver Dead Arm is looking to build upon a string of 5th place finishes. There are rumours developing in the past 24 hours that an established team has offered to help fund Ardent in 2017; though it's unclear who this is or what the conditions of the offer are. 

Around the GT Garage--

Shortly after class rivals SECR announced their 2 car program, 2014 GT Champions MBI Racing put out a press release announcing an extended partnership with Castrol to run a pair of BMW Z4s (#42 & #43). At this time no driver lineup has been made official; however widespread rumour pegged Nightmare & Insayne in the #42, with Blood & Hippie in the #43. With Insayne's departure from GSR this past Sunday, rumours are running rampant as to how this will impact MBI's GSREC operation. It is believed MBI will still field 2 cars, with Nightmare currently in discussions with multiple drivers from GSR past and present alike. What will MBI look like at Daytona? Records show MBI had booked a closed test session at DIS January 22nd. It is unknown who exactly was driving the brand new BMW's.



There are plenty of general rumours abound...here is a short summary...

- Quimera has been in discussions with an unknown team in Colombia and is interesed in co-funding a full time GT entry.

- Colton has been in talks with 2 drivers outside of GSR about a full time GT entry. 

- speedfreak may be looking for a GT ride after making his GSREC debut at Road Atlanta in December, scoring 3rd in class.

- Durham, England based Jay Racing (Throwaway & Colibrim) may be making their 2017 debut in April at the 6 Hours of Silverstone

- California based nSmokez is looking to return as a FM entry after an extremely competitive 2016 effort, falling just short of the GT victory last February at Daytona. 

- GSR newcomer LMP Basher has shown general interest

- GSREC vetern, Rieck is aiming for a return to competition in 2017, and is currently visiting various teams around the paddock in both LMP & GT classes.


Official open testing & practice for the 12 Hours of Daytona is expected to begin this week. Details will be announced soon.