From fan-favorite liveries to increased presence, AO Racing gears up for its sophomore season in professional sports car racing.
AO Racing burst onto the scene in 2023, captivating fans with its unique liveries and passionate drive. As the team prepares for its second season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, AO Racing is evolving and expanding its presence in the highly competitive field. With a focus on both performance and fan engagement, AO Racing is set to make a mark in the upcoming season.
The Birth of AO Racing and its Memorable Liveries
Founded by PJ Hyett and Gunnar Jeannette, AO Racing entered the GTD class in 2023. Hyett, a passionate collector and docent of the sport’s history, teamed up with Sebastian Priaulx for the full season, while Jeannette joined for the endurance races. Additionally, the team partnered with Project 1 for a full season of WEC GTE-Am competition.
While AO Racing held its own on the track, it was the team’s liveries that truly captured the fans’ attention. Debuting at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the team rolled out a retro Swap Shop design, paying homage to the legendary 1983 Daytona-winning T-Bird Porsche 935. However, it was the Rexy dinosaur livery, transforming the Porsche 911 GT3 R into a GT3 “Rawr,” that became a fan favorite. The team’s paddock area also embraced the theme, resembling scenes from Jurassic Park during autograph sessions.
The Joy of Racing and the Pursuit of Victory
While winning is the ultimate goal in racing, AO Racing understands that success in their rookie season was a challenge in a highly competitive field like IMSA GTD. However, the lack of victories does not dampen the team’s pride in their accomplishments thus far.
Despite the struggles with the new 992-generation 911 GT3 R, AO Racing showed improvement as the season progressed. The team consistently finished in the top half of the field during the latter part of the season, narrowly missing a top-five finish at VIR. The combination of a new car and a new team presented its own set of challenges, but AO Racing’s dedicated staff and experienced hires worked tirelessly to overcome them.
Doubling Down for 2024: Moving to GTD Pro and LMP2
Undeterred by the challenges of their rookie season, AO Racing is doubling down for 2024. The GT3 Rawr livery will move to GTD Pro, with Priaulx and Laurin Heinrich at the wheel for the full season. Hyett, on the other hand, will transition to LMP2 alongside Paul-Loup Chatin, the French driver who clinched the LMP2 title in the previous season.
The decision to expand into two car programs is a massive undertaking, but AO Racing is confident in their ability to make it happen. The team’s success with the Rexy livery and the positive response from fans motivated them to continue pushing forward.
The Strength of AO Racing: People and Philosophy
AO Racing attributes its success and growth to the people behind the scenes. The team, led by Adam Wareing and Gunnar Jeannette, consists of dedicated individuals who share a passion for racing. Trust, enjoyment, and a strong work ethic are the foundations of AO Racing’s philosophy.
Conclusion: AO Racing’s freshman season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship has been a journey of challenges and triumphs. The team’s unique liveries and commitment to fan engagement have made them a fan favorite, while their dedication to performance and improvement on the track is unwavering. As AO Racing heads into its sophomore season, the team’s evolution and expansion promise an exciting future in professional sports car racing.
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