Joseph Alan Hand Bio
Joseph Alan Hand, born February 10, 1979, in Sacramento, California, is an American professional racing driver specializing in sports car racing. He is a Ford factory driver known for his success in endurance racing, including victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Hand has also competed in various international racing series, showcasing his versatility and skill behind the wheel.
Early Life and Background
Joseph Alan Hand was born and raised in Sacramento, California. He began his racing career at the age of twelve, starting in kart racing which laid the foundation for his future in motorsports. His early exposure to competitive racing helped him develop the skills necessary to progress through the ranks of professional racing.
Hand advanced to the Star Mazda Series in 1998, where he quickly made a name for himself by winning nine races. He earned the rookie of the year award in 1998 and went on to win the series championship in 1999. These formative years were crucial in establishing his reputation as a talented driver.
Path to Professional Sports Car Racing
After an injury in 2000 that sidelined him for much of the season, Hand moved to the Toyota Atlantic series in 2001. Over three years, he secured two wins and achieved a best championship finish of third in 2001. This period helped him gain valuable experience in open-wheel racing.
Transitioning to sports car racing, Hand began competing in the Grand American Road Racing Association’s Rolex Sports Car Series in 2004. He raced in both the Grand Touring and Daytona Prototype classes, earning five wins in the GT category driving BMW vehicles. His success in sports car racing led to opportunities with factory teams and participation in prestigious endurance events.
Joseph Alan Hand Career
Early Career (1998–2003)
Hand’s early career was marked by rapid progression through junior open-wheel series. His championship win in the Star Mazda Series in 1999 was a significant milestone. Following recovery from injury, his time in the Toyota Atlantic series further honed his competitive edge, with multiple race wins and strong championship performances.
These early years established Hand as a promising talent and set the stage for his move into sports car racing, where he would achieve his greatest successes.
Sports Car Racing Breakthrough (2004–2015)
Beginning in 2004, Hand competed in the Rolex Sports Car Series, driving BMW cars in the GT class. He accumulated five wins and became a respected competitor in endurance racing. A highlight came in 2011 when Hand co-won the 24 Hours of Daytona with Chip Ganassi Racing, overcoming setbacks including a pit road penalty to secure victory.
In 2012, Hand won the GT class at the 12 Hours of Sebring driving for BMW Team Rahal. He continued to compete in endurance events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing third in the GTE-Pro class in 2011. Hand also raced full-time in the Grand-Am Sports Car Challenge, finishing as runner-up in 2011.
Hand remained a key figure in sports car racing through 2015, achieving podium finishes in the American Le Mans Series and the United SportsCar Championship, including second place at the 24 Hours of Daytona and third at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2014.
BMW and Ford Factory Driver Era (2011–Present)
In December 2011, Hand was announced as one of BMW’s factory drivers for the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), becoming the first American with a full-season factory contract in the series since its inception. He competed in DTM from 2012 to 2014, with a best race finish of fifth and a best season standing of twelfth in 2013.
In 2016, Hand joined the Ford factory program for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Driving the Ford GT alongside teammates Dirk Müller and Sébastien Bourdais, Hand won the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMGTE Pro category, a career-defining achievement.
Hand currently races for BMW Team RBM, continuing his involvement at the highest levels of sports car racing. In NASCAR, he made his Cup Series debut in 2021 and has competed in multiple road course events, earning his first career stage win in 2024 at the Chicago Street Race driving for RFK Racing.
Driving Style and Strengths
Joseph Hand is known for his adaptability across various racing disciplines and vehicles. His endurance racing experience highlights his consistency, strategic racecraft, and ability to manage traffic and changing conditions. Hand’s technical feedback and collaboration with crew chiefs have contributed to his success in factory-supported programs.
Notable Races and Milestones
Hand’s signature victories include the 2011 24 Hours of Daytona, the 2012 12 Hours of Sebring GT class, and the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans LMGTE Pro class. His milestone as the first American full-season factory driver in DTM and his recent NASCAR stage win demonstrate his diverse racing portfolio and continued competitiveness.
Joseph Alan Hand Career Wins
Throughout his career, Joseph Hand has accumulated multiple wins across sports car racing series, including the Rolex Sports Car Series, American Le Mans Series, and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. His endurance racing victories at marquee events stand out as highlights of his racing résumé.
Sports Car Racing Highlights
Hand has five wins in the Rolex Sports Car Series GT category, including key endurance races. His first major endurance victory was the 2011 24 Hours of Daytona with Chip Ganassi Racing. He also secured class wins at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2011 and 2012. The pinnacle of his career came with the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans LMGTE Pro class win driving the Ford GT.
Other Wins & Performances
In addition to his sports car success, Hand has competed in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters and NASCAR Cup Series, achieving notable finishes and stage wins. His versatility across different racing formats underscores his broad skill set.
Joseph Alan Hand Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Joseph Hand’s family background and any racing lineage are not publicly documented.
Personal Life
Joseph Hand is married to his wife, Natalie. The couple has two children. Hand maintains an active presence on social media, engaging with fans and sharing insights into his racing career.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Joseph Hand is expected to continue competing at a high level in sports car racing with BMW Team RBM and in NASCAR events. His recent performances, including a stage win in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series, suggest strong momentum. Hand’s experience and adaptability position him well for continued success across multiple racing disciplines.
