AO Racing Overview
AO Racing, established in 2022 and based in St. Charles, Illinois, is an American motorsports team competing primarily in the IMSA SportsCar Championship and the European Le Mans Series. Founded by GitHub co-founder P. J. Hyett and professional driver Gunnar Jeannette, the team has quickly risen to prominence by winning the 2024 championships in both the IMSA SportsCar Championship GTD Pro class and the European Le Mans Series LMP2 class. AO Racing is recognized for its distinctive brand identity featuring playful mascots and bold liveries, fielding Porsche and Oreca cars with a roster of notable drivers.
Founding and Organizational Origins
AO Racing was founded in 2022 by P. J. Hyett, a technology entrepreneur and co-founder of GitHub, alongside American race car driver Gunnar Jeannette. The two met through vintage racing and decided to create a professional racing team to compete in the IMSA SportsCar Championship. The team’s name, AO, is derived from Autumn Oaks, the name of Hyett’s car collection that served as the foundation for the racing operation. From its inception, AO Racing aimed to build a competitive and fan-engaging motorsports presence. The initial organizational structure combined Hyett’s business acumen with Jeannette’s racing expertise, establishing a solid leadership core.
Growth Into IMSA SportsCar Championship Competition
AO Racing made its competitive debut in the 2023 IMSA SportsCar Championship, entering a Porsche 911 GT3 R in the GTD class. The team’s early operations included fielding multiple car numbers and recruiting experienced drivers such as Sebastian Priaulx and Michael Christensen. AO Racing quickly developed a technical partnership with Porsche and expanded its presence by adding an LMP2 entry with Oreca chassis for the 2024 season. The team also forged alliances with other racing outfits, including a partnership with TF Sport for European Le Mans Series participation. These strategic moves facilitated AO Racing’s rapid ascent within top-tier sports car racing.
AO Racing Competitive Journey
AO Racing’s competitive journey has been marked by rapid development and success across multiple series. Beginning with their IMSA debut in 2023, the team steadily improved their performance, culminating in championship victories in 2024 in both IMSA’s GTD Pro class and the European Le Mans Series LMP2 class. Their progression reflects a blend of strong driver lineups, innovative branding, and technical partnerships.
Early Seasons and Development (2023)
AO Racing’s inaugural season in 2023 featured their debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona with a Porsche 911 GT3 R. Despite a challenging start, finishing well behind class leaders, the team gained valuable experience. They introduced their signature ‘Rexy’ green Tyrannosaurus rex livery at the 12 Hours of Sebring, which became central to their brand identity and fan engagement strategy. Throughout the season, AO Racing competed primarily in the GTD class, finishing 13th overall, while building a foundation for future success.
Breakthrough in IMSA SportsCar Championship and European Le Mans Series (2024)
In 2024, AO Racing expanded their operations by adding an LMP2 entry to the IMSA SportsCar Championship with an Oreca 07 chassis sporting the new ‘Spike’ dragon-themed livery. The team signed accomplished drivers including Matthew Brabham and Paul-Loup Chatin for LMP2, while their GTD Pro Porsche 911 GT3 R was driven by Michael Christensen, Laurin Heinrich, and Sebastian Priaulx. AO Racing secured their first organizational win at Laguna Seca in the GTD Pro class and went on to claim two additional victories at Detroit and Indianapolis. These successes culminated in winning the GTD Pro championship by a narrow margin. Concurrently, AO Racing partnered with TF Sport to enter the 2024 European Le Mans Series LMP2 class, signing drivers Louis Delétraz, Jonny Edgar, and former Formula One driver Robert Kubica. Sponsored by Polish oil company Orlen, the team won the LMP2 championship, underscoring their rapid competitive growth.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2025–Present)
For the 2025 season, AO Racing continues to compete in both the IMSA SportsCar Championship and European Le Mans Series, maintaining strong manufacturer relationships with Porsche and Oreca. The team fields multiple cars with updated driver lineups, including returning champion Laurin Heinrich and new additions Klaus Bachler and Alessio Picariello in IMSA’s GTD Pro class. In LMP2, Dane Cameron, Jonny Edgar, Christian Rasmussen, and owner P. J. Hyett himself compete, with Hyett classified as an FIA Bronze driver, placing the team in the Pro-Am category in European competition. AO Racing’s infrastructure and team shop have evolved to support their expanding operations, emphasizing technical excellence and fan engagement.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
AO Racing’s core identity centers on a playful and expressive brand personality that distinguishes them within motorsports. Their focus on fan engagement through unique mascots and liveries complements their competitive ambitions. Technically, the team excels in endurance racing strategy, vehicle setup, and driver development, particularly in the GTD Pro and LMP2 classes. Their adaptability and innovative branding have contributed to their rapid rise and sustained success.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
AO Racing’s first major milestone was their debut at the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona, followed by the introduction of the ‘Rexy’ livery that became a fan favorite. The team’s first race win came in 2024 at Laguna Seca in the GTD Pro class, followed by additional victories at Detroit and Indianapolis. The crowning achievement was securing the 2024 IMSA GTD Pro championship and the European Le Mans Series LMP2 title, marking AO Racing as a formidable competitor in international sports car racing.
AO Racing Achievements and Results
AO Racing has quickly established itself as a championship-winning team in top-level sports car racing. Their verified accomplishments include two major titles in 2024, reflecting their competitive strength and organizational growth.
IMSA SportsCar Championship Achievements
AO Racing claimed the 2024 IMSA SportsCar Championship GTD Pro class title, marking their first championship in the series. Their maiden victory occurred at Laguna Seca, setting the stage for a successful season with multiple wins and consistent podium finishes. The team’s strategic approach and strong driver lineup were key factors in securing the championship by a narrow margin.
European Le Mans Series Achievements
In their debut European Le Mans Series season in 2024, AO Racing partnered with TF Sport and competed in the LMP2 class. With drivers Louis Delétraz, Jonny Edgar, and Robert Kubica, the team won the LMP2 championship, outperforming established competitors. This achievement demonstrated AO Racing’s ability to compete and succeed on the European endurance racing stage.