Strong news out of the Heart of Racing camp ahead of IMSA 2026

The No. 27 Heart of Racing Vantage welcomes Eduardo “Dudu” Barrichello for his first full-season IMSA campaign, joining returning drivers Tom Gamble, Zacharie Robichon, and Mattia Drudi. While Barrichello has raced at many IMSA venues, the 2026 Rolex 24 will mark his debut at Daytona International Speedway. He enters the event alongside a proven trio that delivered a podium finish at last year’s Rolex 24.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to race in IMSA,” said Barrichello. “I’ve seen my dad compete in the series on multiple occasions, and since then, it has become a personal goal. To get to do it with such an iconic team is something I never thought possible. I’m extremely happy and grateful to be doing it with the great group at The Heart of Racing, and I can’t wait to get started. Bring on 2026!”

“I can’t wait to be returning to the IMSA championship in 2026 with the Heart of Racing Team,” said Gamble. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity. We had some great races last year, but didn’t quite secure the championship, which is definitely the goal for this year! We have the tools to do the job and I’m excited to see what myself and Dudu can achieve.”

The No. 23 Aston Martin THOR Team Valkyrie will field an unchanged lineup for the upcoming season, with Ross Gunn and Roman De Angelis returning as the full-season GTP drivers. Alex Riberas rejoins the program for the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, and Motul Petit Le Mans. Marco Sørensen will round out the four-driver roster for the 24-hour classic.

Gunn, De Angelis, Riberas, and Sørensen previously teamed up for the 2025 Rolex 24 in the GTD PRO category before an early mechanical issue forced a retirement. The trio of Gunn, De Angelis, and Riberas concluded the 2025 season by securing the Valkyrie’s first IMSA podium — a strong second-place finish that marked a breakthrough moment for Aston Martin’s prototype program.

“I’m very happy and excited to rejoin The Heart of Racing and Aston Martin for 2026,” said Gunn. “2025 was a year of learning, growth, and relentless improvement with the Valkyrie. I think 2026 is an opportunity to keep pushing forward and enjoy what we’re building together. I’m really looking forward to Daytona — it’s a race we missed in the Valkyrie last year, and I’m determined to get back there. Hopefully, we can continue the form we showed at the end of 2025 and fight for a win.”