Heart of Racing Team Overview
The Heart of Racing Team is an American motorsports team founded in 2014 by Ian James, Gabe Newell, and Yahn Bernier. Based in Seattle, Washington, the team competes primarily in sports car racing with factory support from Aston Martin. They participate in various series including the IMSA SportsCar Championship, FIA World Endurance Championship, and GT4 America Series. The team is also known for its charitable support of Seattle Children’s Hospital through proceeds from racing events. Over the years, Heart of Racing has achieved multiple championships and class victories, including wins at IMSA events and the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona.
Founding and Organizational Origins
The Heart of Racing Team was established in 2014, building on a fundraising campaign started in 1997 by Team Seattle to benefit Seattle Children’s Hospital. The campaign evolved into a full racing team founded by British racing driver Ian James, American businessman Gabe Newell, and developer Yahn Bernier. The founders combined their passion for racing and philanthropy to create a competitive team with a strong community focus. The team’s base in Seattle, Washington, serves as the operational hub for its racing activities.
Growth Into IMSA SportsCar Championship Competition
Initially, the team competed with Porsche 911 GT3 cars in IMSA’s GT Daytona (GTD) class from 2014 to 2016, achieving consistent top-five finishes in two of those seasons. The team expanded its operations by supporting drivers in other series such as the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany. Over time, Heart of Racing developed technical alliances and expanded its driver lineup, which helped elevate its competitiveness in national and international sports car racing series.
Heart of Racing Team Competitive Journey
The Heart of Racing Team has progressed steadily through various sports car racing series, evolving from national competitions to prominent international endurance events. Their journey reflects growth in technical expertise, driver development, and strategic partnerships, culminating in multiple championship titles and notable race victories.
Early Seasons and Development (2014–2016)
During its first competitive years, Heart of Racing focused on the IMSA GTD class, fielding Porsche 911 GT3 cars. The team established a solid foundation with strong finishes and began building its reputation. Early sponsorships and partnerships supported the team’s growth, while drivers like Ian James contributed to its development. The team also ventured into supporting other racing programs, expanding its presence in the motorsports community.
Breakthrough in IMSA SportsCar Championship (2020–2023)
After a brief hiatus, Heart of Racing returned to IMSA competition in 2020 with factory support from Aston Martin. The driver lineup included Roman De Angelis, Alex Riberas, Ian James, Nicki Thiim, and Darren Turner. The team’s breakthrough came in 2021 with its first victory at the Detroit SportsCar Classic, followed by additional wins at the Northeast Grand Prix and Petit Le Mans. The No. 23 Aston Martin finished third in the GTD championship standings that year. In 2022, the team expanded to a two-car program in IMSA’s GTD Pro and GTD classes, securing multiple race wins including a double class victory at the Six Hours of The Glen. Roman De Angelis and the No. 27 car won the GTD class championship. In 2023, Heart of Racing achieved a landmark class victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona, with the No. 27 entry finishing ahead of the GTD Pro-winning car. The team also secured wins at Road America and Lime Rock Park, demonstrating competitive strength across events.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2023–Present)
The Heart of Racing Team currently operates under the ownership of Ian James, Gabe Newell, and Yahn Bernier, with Ian James serving as general manager and team principal. The team maintains a strong partnership with Aston Martin, fielding cars in IMSA, FIA World Endurance Championship, and GT4 America Series. In 2023, the team took over the NorthWest AMR entry in the FIA World Endurance Championship, delivering consistent top-seven finishes and a podium at the 8 Hours of Bahrain. Looking ahead, Heart of Racing leads Aston Martin’s revived Valkyrie AMR Pro program for the 2025 season, collaborating with Multimatic on technical and operational aspects. The team plans to field two Valkyrie prototypes in the Hypercar class for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
Heart of Racing’s core identity centers on a commitment to endurance racing excellence, technical innovation, and community engagement. The team excels in GT and endurance events, leveraging strong driver lineups, strategic race execution, and factory support from Aston Martin. Their approach balances competitive performance with a philanthropic mission supporting Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
The team’s first IMSA victory in 2021 marked a major turning point, followed by multiple wins and a GTD class championship in 2022. The 2023 class victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona stands as a historic achievement. Other milestones include double class wins at key endurance races and the transition to leading Aston Martin’s Valkyrie AMR Pro program, signaling a new era in top-tier endurance racing.
Heart of Racing Team Achievements and Results
Heart of Racing has secured four major championships across multiple series, including two D1NZ Cup titles (2019, 2021), the North Island Enduro Series Cup (2021), and the IMSA GTD Cup (2022). Their record includes multiple race wins, podium finishes, and class victories at prestigious endurance events.
IMSA SportsCar Championship Achievements
The team’s IMSA journey features several key highlights, including their first victory at the 2021 Detroit SportsCar Classic and a GTD class championship in 2022. They achieved a rare double class win at the 2022 Six Hours of The Glen and secured a landmark class victory at the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona. These successes underscore their competitive stature in North American sports car racing.
Other Series Achievements
Beyond IMSA, Heart of Racing has excelled in the D1NZ drifting series, winning titles in 2019 and 2021 with driver Darren Kelly. The team also claimed the 2021 North Island Enduro Series title in New Zealand. Their participation in GT4 America and FIA World Endurance Championship further demonstrates their versatility and commitment to high-level motorsports competition.
