Something Old and Something New for the Rolex 24

Performance Tech Motorsports is bringing a power-packed driver lineup for the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

Performance Tech Motorsports enters the 2021 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season with its signature red and black, No. 38 entry for the seventh year. However, much of the nostalgia ends there. The team welcomes a brand-new lineup featuring drivers Cameron Cassels, Rasmus Lindh, Mateo Llarena and Ayrton Ori to compete in the LMP3 classes debut season in a Ligier JS P320.

Introducing so many new factors on an endurance race weekend would shake up most teams, but Team Principal Brent O’Neill and the Performance Tech Motorsports crew welcome the challenge with open arms.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve had this many new faces and regulations and it won’t be the last,” O’Neill said. “One of the things that really set my crew apart is their adaptability. I would even go so far as to say that they excel under these conditions. I know all of the drivers are quick and are good teammates so there won’t be an issue there. What it really comes down to is getting to the track and treating each session like it is the race so by the time the green flag flies we are the most prepared guys on track. That’s how you win an endurance race.”

The LMP3 class joins the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship for an action-packed seven-race season with the Rolex 24 At Daytona serving as an optional season-opener. O’Neill is seizing the opportunity to add another accolade to the team's resume based on the team’s past success at Daytona International Speedway, a first and second-place finish in the Rolex 24 At Daytona.  

In pursuit of such success, the team welcomes back veteran driver Cassels, British Columbia, for his third Rolex 24. He piloted the No. 38 during its last trip to victory lane at Daytona International Speedway finishing in second place. With three additional seasons of LMP3 racing under his belt, Cassels will be a crucial piece in winning the twice-around-the-clock classic.

Driver Lindh, Gothenburg, Sweden, is back for his second season with Performance Tech Motorsports. This will be the 19-year old’s first endurance race and debut in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Lindh will get plenty of seat time at Daytona International Raceway as he runs double duty in the No. 6 Motel 6 Ligier JS P320 during the ROAR Before the 24 in IMSA Prototype Challenge.

The No. 38 hosts the two youngest drivers in the field with 16-year-olds Llarena, Guatemala, and Ori, Orlando, taking the reins. Llarena boasts a background in FIA Formula 4 and Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup making the youngster well equipped for the intensely competitive nature of the Rolex 24 At Daytona.  Ori’s resume includes open racing as well, primarily in the Cooper Tires USF2000 and F4 United States Championship; however, this will be his first time racing a closed cockpit prototype. The pair will look to teammates Cassels and Lindh for guidance as they learn both the series, track and car on the hunt for their first endurance race win.

The team moves into Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, Jan. 21 for Media Day. It’s full steam ahead from there with 10 practices and three races across six days. For ticket sales, schedule details, and broadcast times visit https://www.imsa.com/events/2021-roar-before-the-rolex-24/.