JDX Racing has announced their return to the GT Challenge class of the American Le Mans Series with an all-new driver line-up.
Last year saw the team take their first ALMS win at Mid-Ohio in just their second season, and they hope to build on this success with the #11 JDX/Hertz Porsche GTC, driven by Mike Hedlund and Jan Heylen. Veteran driver Jon Fogarty will also support driving duties at Sebring and the Petit Le Mans.
Hedlund, a seasoned gentleman driver, has a strong foundation in endurance racing and is familiar with the car, having driven a Porsche GT3 Cup car in the past. This season will be his first run at the Sebring 12 Hours, though the American has competed in a number of Rolex Series 24-hour races in the past.
The pinnacle of these events was a podium finish in the GTC class at last year’s Petit Le Mans. Hedlund said: “I’m thrilled to be joining JDX for a full ALMS season this year. These guys have put together a strong program and have continued to strengthen their presence in the ALMS. I couldn’t ask for two better team-mates than Jan and Jon and I’m looking forward to showing what we can achieve in 2013.”
Jan Heylen also has an extensive racing background, including F3000, FIA GT3, Champ Car and GRAND-AM. He has driven at Sebring once before, and helped Conquest Racing to a podium finish in the LMP2 class last year. He said: “I want to thank JDX and Mike for giving me this opportunity and I am very excited to be part of the team. I have total confidence in JDX and know we will be competitive everywhere we go. Everybody is here for one thing only, and that’s to win!”
Meanwhile Fogarty is a two-time Rolex GRAND-AM Series Champion and a double Atlantic Series Champion. He most recently took pole position and the race win in the inaugural Rolex Series event at the new Circuit of the Americas in Texas.
Team co-owner, Harrison Brix, said: “We are excited to be back in the ALMS paddock this year and I believe that our new driver line-up is going to give our team plenty of time at the front of the GTC field.”
