The inaugural season of the C7.R produced six podiums and four wins. Antonio Garcia and Jan Magnussen finished runner-ups in the 2014 GTLM drivers standings with Chevrolet taking third in GTLM manufacturers championship. It was looking like the new C7.R was going to complete a championship sweep within its first year but fell short by minor reliability issues and bad luck.
For 2015 Pratt & Miller would come back with the championship as the target. Chassis C7RGT-002 was sold to Labre Competition at the end of 2014, leaving chassis C7RGT-001 to become the #4 car and C7RGT-003 to be used as the #3 car. Lessons were learnt from 2014, therefore the C7.R underwent improvements for the upcoming 2015 season. The engineers at Pratt & Miller were able to use the offseason to analyze the data collected throughout the previous season. This translated into optimized spring rates and damper settings that created a better baseline setup for the C7.R right off the trailer.
One of the issues the drivers most complained about the C7.R in 2014 was the brake pedal feel. The drivers reported a large deadzone within the application of the brake pedal making the judgement of accurate brake pressure difficult to measure. Race drivers apply in excess of 105 kg (231 lbs) of pressure to the brake pedal whilst attempting to brake as late and hard as possible without locking up. Race drivers use the trail braking technique, which allows for later braking with a gradual release of pressure to the apex to help unload the front wheels for steering. The trail braking technique can be hard to execute with poor brake pedal feel. Pratt & Miller would develop their own, entirely new brake system to resolve the deadzone issue. The drivers reported back the improvements made were huge and helped play a major role in the consistency for the longer endurance races.
Another improvement made to the C7.R for 2015 was within the rear cooling. The C7.R during its inaugural 2014 season suffered at some races due to reliability issues, typically related to cooling. Pratt & Miller were able to re-route some of the cooling passages within the rear of the C7.R that improved cooling to the rear transaxle and rear brakes. The improved cooling to the rear brakes made a significant difference to the braking balance as overheating rear brakes had previously caused problems for the drivers.
The 2015 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship season would start with the Rolex 24 at Daytona set between January 24th – 25th, 2015. The three day ‘Roar Before the 24’ test session would be moved back one week compared to the previous year to January 9th – 11th, 2015. Jan Magnussen in the #3 C7.R would set the fastest time for Corvette Racing during the ‘Roar Before the 24’, taking third fastest in the GTLM class. During race week, Oliver Gavin would set the pole lap time during qualifying in the GTLM class. The #3 C7.R would put up a slower time, that placed it on the third row of the GTLM grid in fifth place. Throughout the race the two C7.Rs ran spectacularly, creating a historic finish after 24 hours, with the #3 C7.R of Antonio Garcia, Jan Magnussen and Ryan Briscoe taking first in the GTLM class and fourth overall. The #4 C7.R of Oliver Gavin, Tommy Milner and Simon Pagenaud spent most of the first half of the race in the class lead but unfortunately just past the 12 hour mark suffered with a puncture dropping them down the order. The #4 C7.R was able to battle its way up to the front and was looking to create a Corvette 1 -2 finish until it was involved in a incident with a prototype car that caused damage. The #4 car required repair work in the pits that cost them some laps resulting in the #4 C7.R finishing third in the GTLM class, seven laps behind the sister car. Corvette Racing yet again were champions of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, with their last Daytona victory coming back in 2001 with their C5-R.
With the win at Daytona, Corvette Racing set their eyes on the triple crown of endurance racing, which included winning at Daytona, Sebring and Le Mans. The second round of the season took the team to central Florida for the Twelve Hours of Sebring. Antonio Garcia produced the best lap time to put the #3 C7.R third fastest in the GTLM class. Tommy Milner driving the #4 C7.R placed seventh fastest. Throughout the race the #3 crew ran into drama, when Ryan Briscoe spun early in his first stint, however Briscoe was able to recover by posting his fastest laps of the race. The quick work of the Corvette Racing pit crew and a great outlap by Jan Magnussen helped move the #3 C7.R up two positions. However, the race was won in the last hour. Corvette Racing strategically pitted the #3 C7.R for a fuel stop, whilst Garcia was behind the wheel. With 54 minutes remaining in the race, Garcia drove a perfect stint to take the class lead and win by almost a minute over the second placed Ferrari 458 Italia of Risi Competizione. The victory became the ninth class win at Sebring for Corvette Racing since 2002. The #4 C7.R was running well all race and was looking to join the #3 on the podium. However with less than two hours remaining in the race, the #4 suffered a mechanical issue that forced their retirement.
Round three of the 2015 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship (TUSCC) took place on the streets of Long Beach, California. Corvette Racing had a great history at Long Beach with five wins and seven podiums within eight starts. Looking to carry on the success, the two C7.Rs struggled during qualifying with the #3 starting from fourth and the #4 starting right behind in fifth. After a 100 minute race Garcia and Magnussen managed to get the #3 onto the podium to finish third in class. The #4 of Gavin and Milner struggled throughout the race and dropped down the order to finish seventh in class.
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca would host the fourth round of the TUSCC season for a two hour and 40 minute race. Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner had their best finish since their third-place result at Daytona. Starting from fifth, Milner was able to gain two positions at the start. Gavin would drive the final 57 minutes of the race with an uneventful stint besides a minor bump with a Prototype Challenge car to finish sixth in class. Two-time and defending Laguna Seca class winners Antonio Garcia and Jan Magnussen became victims of a frustrating race. After an overnight engine change, the #3 started from the back of the field. Garcia started the race and moved quickly through the slower GTD field but was involved in an incident between two prototype cars battling for the overall lead. The right-front bodywork of the C7.R was damaged resulting in Magnussen and Garcia to finish the race in seventh behind the #3 C7.R.
The fifth race on the 2015 Corvette Racing calendar took the team to France for the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours. The previous year Corvette Racing managed to finish second in class and displayed the outright pace. The team had high hopes going into the race, but unfortunately during qualifying the #63 C7.R driven by Jan Magnussen at the time crashed hard through the Porsche curves. A small piece of debris wedged its way into the pedal box, which caused a throttle malfunction sending Magnussen straight on at the second left of the fast sequences of turns. The #63 car made right front impact with the barriers, which spun the car backwards into the opposite wall. The damage was so extensive that chassis C7RGT-003 could not be repaired on site, leaving the #64 car as the only hope for Corvette Racing. During the race, Oliver Gavin performed tremendously in his first stint moving up three spots from seventh to fourth. After handing to Tommy Milner, the #64 was able to triple stint the Michelins to move from sixth into the class lead. The three Corvette drivers battled, swapping with competitors for the GTE Pro lead. Oliver Gavin with less than two hours remaining in the race, managed to catch and pass Toni Vilander to take the lead. Gavin drove smooth and consistent for the remainder of the race to collect an emotional comeback win for Corvette Racing. The win became the seventh class victory at Le Mans for Corvette Racing since their first time competing in 2000. With the wins at Daytona and Sebring, Corvette Racing became accomplished the triple crown making for a historic year.
Upon returning to the America to resume the TUSCC, chassis C7RGT-003 was undergoing repairs from the accident at Le Mans. Due to the amount of work required to get chassis C7RGT-003 back to race condition, Corvette Racing loaned chassis C7RGT-002 from Labre Competition for the next two rounds. The next race for the team was the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen for round six of the TUSCC. The previous year Corvette Racing collected the class win at Watkins Glen and was looking for a repeat. Throughout the race Garcia and Magnussen in the loaned C7.R as the #3 was looking to take a podium finish. A late caution period allowed the competitors to get ahead of the #3 to make it to the end of the race without a stop. The #3 C7.R finished fourth in class, which was enough to retain the lead in the championship fight. The race for Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner with an hour left saw the #4 C7.R crash following the restart at turn one that took them out of the race. Prior to the incident, the #4 was looking strong having led the GTLM class by as much as 12 seconds.
The championship moved to Canada for round seven at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Garcia and Magnussen were joint first in the championship with Dirk Werner and Bill Auberlen of BMW Team RLL. After starting from fifth the #3 C7.R dropped to seventh in class during the first half of the race. At the one-hour mark, Garcia passed Bill Auberlen in the #25 BMW Z4 GTE for third place where they would finish. The result broke the championship tie handing Garcia and Magnussen a two point lead in the standings. The #4 Corvette C7.R of Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner gained three spots from the start with a late-race push. The Corvette Racing pit crew gained multiple positions on the final stop with 55 minutes remaining. The #4 would finish fifth in class after starting from seventh.
The next race for Corvette Racing took place at Road America. The #3 Corvette would start from second on the grid but dropped down positions throughout the race. The team executed a clever late race strategy to gain four positions to finish in fourth place ahead of the #25 BMW once again. The result gave Garcia and Magnussen a four-point lead in the GTLM drivers championship. Chassis C7RGT-003 was back in action allowing chassis C7RGT-002 to be returned to Labre Competition. The #4 C7.R started from fifth on the grid. Whilst in the hands of Oliver Gavin, the #4 was able to gain multiple positions. Unfortunately late in the race another GTLM car forced Gavin off the track dropping them to seventh where they finished.
Only three rounds remained in the season, with Virginia International Raceway being next up on the calendar. Both Corvettes struggled throughout qualifying with the #3 starting from sixth on the grid and the #4 behind in seventh. At the start of the race, Magnussen got around championship rival Bill Auberlen. Oliver Gavin in the #4 car was able to use the draft and late braking to gain a position. At the 35-minute mark, Auberlen in the #25 BMW spun whilst trying to go down the inside of Magnussen at turn one. Garcia took over driving duties of the #3 C7.R and at the 65-minute mark, he briefly lost power heading onto the back straight. After a system reset, Garcia was able to return to full power, but lost time, which resulted in the #3 finishing the race in sixth place. Tommy Milner whilst in control of the #4 C7.R, drove a double stint to get upto fourth in class. Gavin and Milner were looking to make a push for the victory but a late pit stop for fuel dropped them down to finish in eighth. Bill Auberlen and Dirk Werner finished in fifth, which dropped Garcia and Magnussen to second in the GTLM drivers championship and Chevrolet third in the manufacturers standings.
The TUSCC headed to Austin, Texas for round 11 of the championship at the Circuit Of The Americas. The previous year, Pratt & Miller really struggled with the setup of the C7.R to make it match the pace of the competition. For the 2015 race, the engineers were able to squeeze more speed out of the C7.R resulting in lap times almost one second faster from the previous year. The #3 Corvette qualified fourth fastest with the #4 starting from seventh. Jan Magnussen started the race to drive a 90 minute double stint. Garcia drove the middle portion of the race leaving Magnussen to drive the #3 C7.R for the final hour of the race. However, Magnussen was forced to pit with two laps remaining for a splash of fuel placing the #3 in sixth at the finish line. Oliver Gavin took over from Milner to rejoin the GTLM field in second. Unfortunately from running on older tires, he was unable to hold back the competition and finished the race in eighth. Antonio Garcia and Jan Magnussen had dropped to third in the GTLM drivers championship with a 10 point defersit from the number one slot. Patrick Pilet sat in first with 279 points, with Bill Auberlen and Dirk Werner holding second with 276 points. Corvette Racing remained third in the teams standings. .
The twelfth and final round of the 2015 TUSCC championship was the 10 hour Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. Throughout the race Garcia and Magnussen challenged for the class lead with Magnussen leading for two laps after the #4 Corvette pitted at the four hour mark. However a couple of unscheduled pit stops with one within the last hour of the race destroyed the chances of the #3 winning with the trio of Garcia, Magnussen and Briscoe finishing in sixth. It was the pace of the #4 Corvette that proved to be a potential race winner. Oliver Gavin started the race and ran a double-stint, which including a minor off he recovered from. With Tommy Milner taking over, he was able to drive a double-stint to move into the class lead at the halfway point. After a pit stop, the race officials threw a red flag due to the bad weather conditions. The race resumed under a full-course caution, with two more yellows coming out within the final hour. The race officials decided to end the race early. The #4 C7.R was in third at the time, which became the official result.
Unfortunately the Petit Le Mans was not the result the #3 crew were looking for and the season ended with Antonio Garcia and Jan Magnussen taking third in the GTLM drivers championship. Corvette Racing finished third in the teams’ championship and Chevrolet took third in the manufacturers standings. There was some solace with Garcia and Magnussen winning the 2015 GTLM Tequila Patrón North American Endurance Cup. The competition consisted of the four endurance events within the TUSCC of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the Sahlen’s Six Hours at the Glen and the Petit Le Mans. With Garcia and Magnussen with Ryan Briscoe winning Daytona and Sebring, they were able to seal the cup.
Yet again the C7.R would come close to being a championship winner but fell short. Throughout 2015 Corvette Racing collected seven podiums, which included three wins at Daytona, Sebring and Le Mans to take the triple crown of endurance racing. For the upcoming 2016 season, new regulations were announced regarding the GTLM and GTE Pro class to make the cars faster. Pratt & Miller would construct two new chassis for 2016 that took full advantage of the new regulations.
Race | Race Date | Race Distance (time) | Track | Car Number | Class Position | Overall Position | Start Position | Drivers | Laps Completed | Fastest Lap | Series | Class |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rolex 24 at Daytona | January 24 – 25 2015 | 24 Hours | Daytona International Speedway | 3 | 1 | 4 | 5 | Antonio Garcia / Jan Magnussen / Ryan Briscoe | 725 | 1:43.942 | TUSCC | GTLM |
Rolex 24 at Daytona | January 24 – 25 2015 | 24 Hours | Daytona International Speedway | 4 | 3 | 7 | 1 | Oliver Gavin / Tommy Milner / Simon Pagenaud | 718 | 1:44.284 | TUSCC | GTLM |
63rd Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida | March 21 2015 | 12 Hours | Sebring International Raceway | 3 | 1 | 10 | 3 | Antonio Garcia / Jan Magnussen / Ryan Briscoe | 330 | 1:59.710 | TUSCC | GTLM |
63rd Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida | March 21 2015 | 12 Hours | Sebring International Raceway | 4 | 9, DNF | 32, DNF | 7 | Oliver Gavin / Tommy Milner / Simon Pagenaud | 264 | 1:59.979 | TUSCC | GTLM |
Tequila Patrón Sports Car Showcase at Long Beach | April 18 2015 | 100 Minutes | Long Beach Street Circuit | 3 | 3 | 9 | 4 | Antonio Garcia / Jan Magnussen | 75 | 1:18.615 | TUSCC | GTLM |
Tequila Patrón Sports Car Showcase at Long Beach | April 18 2015 | 100 Minutes | Long Beach Street Circuit | 4 | 7 | 14 | 5 | Oliver Gavin / Tommy Milner | 74 | 1:18.353 | TUSCC | GTLM |
Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prix Powered by Mazda | May 3 2015 | 2 Hours 40 Minutes | Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca | 4 | 6 | 15 | 5 | Oliver Gavin / Tommy Milner | 108 | 1:23.451 | TUSCC | GTLM |
Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prix Powered by Mazda | May 3 2015 | 2 Hours 40 Minutes | Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca | 3 | 7 | 17 | 7 | Antonio Garcia / Jan Magnussen | 108 | 1:23.442 | TUSCC | GTLM |
83rd Edition des 24 Heures du Mans | June 13 -14 2015 | 24 Hours | Circuit de la Sarthe | 64 | 1 | 17 | 7 | Oliver Gavin / Tommy Milner / Jordan Taylor | 337 | 3:54.823 | ACO | GTE Pro |
83rd Edition des 24 Heures du Mans | June 13 -14 2015 | 24 Hours | Circuit de la Sarthe | 63 | DNS, Accident in qualifying | DNS, Accident in qualifying | DNS, Accident in qualifying | Antonio Garcia / Jan Magnussen / Ryan Briscoe | DNS | DNS | ACO | GTE Pro |
Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen | June 28 2015 | 6 Hours | Watkins Glen International | 3 | 4 | 13 | 1 | Antonio Garcia / Jan Magnussen | 157 | 1:44.863 | TUSCC | GTLM |
Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen | June 28 2015 | 6 Hours | Watkins Glen International | 4 | 7, DNF | 29, DNF | 6 | Oliver Gavin / Tommy Milner | 136 | 1:45.351 | TUSCC | GTLM |
Mobil 1 SportsCar Grand Prix Presented by Hawk Performance | July 7 2015 | 2 Hours 40 Minutes | Canadian Tire Motorsport Park | 3 | 3 | 14 | 5 | Antonio Garcia / Jan Magnussen | 122 | 1:15.340 | TUSCC | GTLM |
Mobil 1 SportsCar Grand Prix Presented by Hawk Performance | July 7 2015 | 2 Hours 40 Minutes | Canadian Tire Motorsport Park | 4 | 5 | 17 | 7 | Oliver Gavin / Tommy Milner | 122 | 1:15.611 | TUSCC | GTLM |
Continental Tire Road Race Showcase Road America | August 9 2015 | 2 Hours 40 Minutes | Road America | 3 | 4 | 17 | 2 | Antonio Garcia / Jan Magnussen | 73 | 2:03.698 | TUSCC | GTLM |
Continental Tire Road Race Showcase Road America | August 9 2015 | 2 Hours 40 Minutes | Road America | 4 | 7 | 20 | 5 | Oliver Gavin / Tommy Milner | 73 | 2:04.549 | TUSCC | GTLM |
Oak Tree Grand Prix at VIR | August 23 2015 | 2 Hours 40 Minutes | Virgina International Raceway | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | Antonio Garcia / Jan Magnussen | 92 | 1:43.164 | TUSCC | GTLM |
Oak Tree Grand Prix at VIR | August 23 2015 | 2 Hours 40 Minutes | Virgina International Raceway | 4 | 8 | 8 | 7 | Oliver Gavin / Tommy Milner | 91 | 1:43.788 | TUSCC | GTLM |
Lone Star Le Mans | September 19 2015 | 2 Hours 40 Minutes | Circuit Of The Americas, Austin | 3 | 6 | 18 | 4 | Antonio Garcia / Jan Magnussen | 72 | 2:04.967 | TUSCC | GTLM |
Lone Star Le Mans | September 19 2015 | 2 Hours 40 Minutes | Circuit Of The Americas, Austin | 4 | 8 | 20 | 7 | Oliver Gavin / Tommy Milner | 72 | 2:05.338 | TUSCC | GTLM |
Petit Le Mans Powered by Mazda | October 3 2015 | 10 Hours | Road Atlanta | 4 | 3 | 6 | 3 | Oliver Gavin / Tommy Milner / Simon Pagenaud | 199 | 1:31.072 | TUSCC | GTLM |
Petit Le Mans Powered by Mazda | October 3 2015 | 10 Hours | Road Atlanta | 3 | 6 | 10 | 7 | Antonio Garcia / Jan Magnussen / Ryan Briscoe | 198 | 1:30.960 | TUSCC | GTLM |
#3 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R Drivers 2015 (#63 used for Le Mans)
Antonio Garcia
Antonio Garcia took over full time driving duties with Corvette Racing in 2012 after replacing Olivier Berretta. In his first full season with the team he helped Corvette Racing accomplish five class podium finishes, which played a major part in handing Corvette Racing their ninth ALMS Manufactures Championship.
In 2015, Garcia entered his fourth year with Corvette Racing as a full time driver and his sixth year overall with the team. After finishing runner-up in the GTLM drivers championship the previous year, Garcia was looking to take the title in 2015. The season started great with Garcia along with driving partners Jan Magnussen and Ryan Briscoe winning their class at the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. This was the first win at Daytona for Corvette Racing since 2001 when their C5-R won the race overall. The trio would go and win the second race of the season at the grueling Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Unfortunately this would be the last win for Garcia in 2015, with only two more podiums collected, resulting in Garcia finishing third in the 2015 GTLM drivers championship.
Garcia is regarded as one of the best GT drivers in the world. He has claimed multiple victories at the biggest endurance races in world such as Le Mans, Sebring and Daytona. Garcia won back-to-back IMSA titles in 2017 and 2018 and has never finished lower than third in points dating back to his first full season with Corvette Racing in 2012.
Vitals
- Birthdate: June 5th, 1980
- Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
- Residence: Barcelona, Spain
- Family: wife and two children
- Corvette Racing: 2009 – Present
Notable Career Highlights
- 2013 ALMS GT Champion
- 2017 and 2018 IMSA GTLM WeatherTech Champion
- 24 Hours of Le Mans winner – 2008-09 (GT1), 2011 (GTE Pro)
- Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona winner – 2009 (Overall), 2015 (GTLM)
- Sebring 12 Hours winner – 2009 (GT1), 2015 (GTLM), 2017 (GTLM)
Jan Magnussen
Jan Magnussen joined Corvette Racing in 2015 for his tenth year with the team. After finishing second in the 2014 GTLM drivers championship, Magnussen along with his driving partner Antonio Garcia were looking to make 2015 a big year. Magnussen was able to help Corvette Racing achieve a major milestone within endurance racing by winning the season opening; Rolex 24 at Daytona. Magnussen would carry the momentum to the second race of the season and win the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. With four podiums in 2015 including two wins, Magnussen with driving partner Antonio Garcia finished third in the GTLM drivers championship.
Magnussen started his racing career in 1990 racing single-seaters. In 1994 Magnussen won the British Formula 3 Championship with Paul Stewart Racing breaking Ayrton Senna’s record of most wins in a single season, capturing 14 wins out of 18 races.
Magnussen would become a Formula 1 test driver for McLaren before competing in DTM and International Touring Car Championship between 1995 and 1996, where he finished second in the 1996 ITC Championship. Magnussen would become a full time Formula 1 driver for the Stewart Grand Prix team in 1997, where he would accomplish a career best sixth place finish at the Montreal Grand Prix in 1998.
Magnussen joined Panoz Motorsports in 1999 to compete in the ALMS where he captured six wins. He would become part of the Corvette- Ferrari rivalry in 2003, driving the Prodrive Ferrari and would join Corvette Racing the following year.
A legend in Denmark, his aggressive racing style and take-no-prisoners mentality made him very popular with the fans. Magnussen became a full time driver with Corvette Racing in 2007 and throughout his time with the team, accomplished 35 wins. In 2008 Magnussen became the ALMS GT1 Driver Champion with teammate Johnny O’connell and would win the IMSA GT Drivers Championship with Antonio Garcia in 2013.
Vitals
- Birthdate: July 4th, 1973
- Birthplace: Roskilde, Denmark
- Residence: Roskilde, Denmark
- Family: Wife Christina, sons Kevin and Luca, daughter Millie
- Corvette Racing: 2004-2019
Notable Career Highlights
- Two time ALMS Driver Champion – 2008 (GT1), 2013 (GT)
- Two time IMSA WeatherTech GTLM Champion – 2017, 2018
- Four time 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner – 2004 (GTS), 2005, 2006, 2009 (GT1)
- Rolex 24 at Daytona GTLM class winner – 2015
- Five time 12 Hours of Sebring class winner – 2006, 2008, 2009 (GT1), 2015, 2017 (GTLM)
- ALMS “Most Popular Driver” – 2001, 2003, 2011, 2013
Ryan Briscoe (Daytona, Sebring, Le Mans and Petit Le Mans)
Ryan Briscoe joined Corvette Racing as a third driver for the second consecutive year. Briscoe would partake in all four endurance events during the 2015 season. With Antonio Garcia and Jan Magnussen, Briscoe won the GTLM class at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
Ryan Briscoe started his racing career in 1993 driving karts. In 2000, Briscoe moved to Formula Renault and would go on to win the Italian Formula Renault championship in 2001. Between 2002 and 2004, Briscoe would become the Toyota Formula 1 test driver whilst competing in Formula 3. Ryan Briscoe moved to America in 2005 to race for Chip Ganassi Racing in the Indycar series and was involved in a accident that resulted in him missing a large portion of the season. Briscoe accomplished his first victory in Indycar at the 2008 Milwaukee Mile and collected his second win only a few races later at Mid-Ohio. In the same year Briscoe became the first Australian to win at his home race during a non championship event at the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit.
After a career in Indycar, Ryan Briscoe made the transition to the American Le Mans Series with Level 5 Motorsports in 2013. He went on to win his class at the 2013 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Briscoe would find success with Corvette Racing in 2015, winning the GTLM class at the Twelve Hours of Sebring and the GTE Pro class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Between 2016 and 2019, Ryan Briscoe was part of the Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team driving the Ford GT. Along with driving partner Richard Westbrook, Briscoe finished as runner-up in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2016 and 2018. After the Ford works programme was shut down in 2019, Briscoe joined Wayne Taylor Racing in 2020 where he won the Rolex 24 at Daytona and Petit Le Mans.
Vitals
- Birthdate: September 24th, 1981
- Birthplace: Sydney, Australia
- Residence: Farmington, Connecticut
- Family: Wife Nicole, daughters Blake James and Finley Evers
- Corvette Racing: 2014-2015
Notable Career Highlights
- Three time Petit Le Mans winner – 2008, 2013 (LMP2), 2020 (DP)
- Two time Twelve Hours of Sebring winner – 2013 (LMP2), 2015 (GTLM)
- Le Mans 24 Hours winner – 2015 (GTE Pro)
- Rolex 24 at Daytona winner – 2015 (GTLM), 2020 (Overall)
#4 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R Drivers 2015 (#64 used for Le Mans)
Oliver Gavin
Oliver Gavin joined Corvette Racing for his thirteenth year with the team in 2015. Gavin won the 2012 ALMS GT Drivers Championship with driving partner Tommy Milner. In 2013 Gavin and Milner won the GT class at the Twelve Hours of Sebring breaking a three year drought for the team.
Gavin with driving partner Tommy Milner struggled throughout 2014 with the new Corvette C7.R accomplishing only one podium. In 2015, Oliver Gavin was able to accomplish three podiums including one win. After Magnussen crashed during Le Mans qualifying due to a throttle issue, the #64 C7.R became the solo effort for Corvette Racing in the GTE Pro class. Gavin along with driving partners Tommy Milner and Jordan Taylor were able to bring the #64 Corvette C7.R across the finish line as the GTE Pro class winner. This became the first Le Mans win for the C7.R along with the first victory for Corvette Racing at Le Mans since 2011. The win at Le Mans also helped Corvette Racing seal the triple crown after the team won at Daytona and Sebring earlier in the season.
Oliver Gavin would become the most successful and longest-serving driver in Corvette Racing history. With 51 victories and five championships as part of the program, Gavin ranks as one of the most accomplished drivers in IMSA history. His Corvette Racing record included wins at Le Mans, Sebring, Daytona and Petit Le Mans. Gavin would win two championships with co-driver Tommy Milner (2012 and 2016) and would become the longest-running driver pairing in IMSA history at the time of the start of the 2020 season.
Vitals
- Birthdate: September 29th, 1972
- Birthplace: Huntington, England
- Residence: Yardley Hastings, England
- Family: Wife Helen, children Lily, Isaac, Fergus
- Corvette Racing: 2002-2020
Notable Career Highlights
- 2016 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTLM Champion
- Four-time ALMS champion – 2005-07 (GTS/GT1), 2012 (GT)
- Five class wins in 24 Hours of Le Mans – 2002, 2004-06 (GTS/GT1), 2015 (GTLM Pro)
- Six class wins at 12 Hours of Sebring – 2001-02 (GTS), 2006-07 (GT1), 2013 (GT), 2016 (GTLM)
- Rolex 24 Hours At Daytona winner – 2016 (GTLM)
Tommy Milner
Tommy Milner joined Corvette Racing in 2015 for his fifth year with the team. Milner with driving partner Oliver Gavin won the 2012 ALMS GT Drivers Championship.
Milner was an integral contributor to the development of the C7.R. Gavin and Milner struggled throughout the 2014 season in the new C7.R picking up only one podium at Long Beach. After Tommy drove a different chassis of the C7.R at the 6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas race, he prefered the softer setup of the alternative chassis. This resulted in the decision to use the spare chassis for the final race of the 2014 season and the whole 2015 season.
Throughout 2015, Tommy Milner was able to pick up three podiums, which included a win at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. With the Le Mans victory, Corvette Racing were able to accomplish the triple crown with a win at Daytona and Sebring at the start of the year.
A second-generation racer, Milner is son of noted team owner Tom Milner. Tommy Milner’s passion for racing started at a young age watching his fathers race team. Following success in go-karts Milner was chosen as one of the six North American drivers in Formula BMW USA junior drivers program in 2004. Later in the same year Milner made his sports car racing debut in the Grand-Am series with his father’s team, which paired him with former Corvette Racing driver Kelly Collins.
In 2006 Tommy Milner joined the American Le Mans Series driving for the Panoz Team PTG program in the GT2 class. In 2009 Milner became a full time driver with Rahal-Letterman to drive the new BMW M3 E92 GT where he accomplished three runner-up finishes and again the following season before joining Corvette Racing.
Milner’s debut season with Corvette Racing started very strong with a GT class podium finish in his first race for the team at Sebring and then he collected the GTE Pro class win at the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours. Tommy was integral to the victory at Le Mans as he chased down the class leading Ferrari of Toni Vilander in final hours of the race to eventually pass for the lead with only two hours remaining.
Since joining the team in 2011, Milner has won Le Mans twice, claimed two Drivers Championships and taken victories at Daytona and Sebring. Milner has competed in Formula and sports car series with distinction for factory-affiliated teams such as BMW and Chevrolet. His partnership with Oliver Gavin covered nine years making them the longest-running teammates in IMSA up to date.
Vitals
- Birthdate: January 26th, 1986
- Birthplace: Washington D.C.
- Residence: Ashton, Virginia
- Family: Wife Lauren
- Corvette Racing: 2011 – Present
Notable Career Highlights
- Two-time class Driver’s Champion – 2012 (ALMS GT), 2016 (IMSA WeatherTech GTLM)
- Two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner – 2011 and 2015 (GTE Pro)
- Two-time 12 Hours of Sebring class winner – 2013 (GT) and 2016 (GTLM)
- Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona class winner – 2016 (GTLM)
Simon Pagenaud (Daytona, Sebring and Petit Le Mans)
Simon Pagenaud made his Corvette Racing debut in 2015 in the third driver role for three of the four endurance events. He joined Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner in the #4 Corvette C7.R to finish third in his first race with the team at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. At his second race with the team his car unfortunately was forced to retire during the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring due to a mechanical issue. Simon joined the team for the final race of the 2015 season at Road Atlanta for the Petit Le Mans. After multiple stints at the front of the GLTM field, the race was stopped due to poor weather conditions resulting in another third place finish.
Pagenaud started his career in Formula Renault in 2002 to later advance to the Formula Renault 3.5 Series in 2005. Simon won the Champ Car Atlantic with Team Australia in his rookie year in 2006. He joined Team Australia for 2007 to advance into the Champ Car Series where he finished eighth in the season standings. In 2008 he joined De Ferran Motorsports to drive the Acura ARX-01 in the LMP2 class of the American Le Mans Series. For the 2009 season De Ferran Motorsports moved to the LMP1 class in the ALMS. Pagenaud with co-driver Gil De Ferran won three races and finished second in the championship standings. Simon in 2009 would also get his first taste of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving for Pescarolo Sport in a Peugeot 908 FAP in the LMP1 class.
In 2010, Simon Pagenaud joined Highcroft Racing in the ALMS, winning three races and 91 points to win the 2010 LMP1 ALMS Drivers Championship. The factory Peugeot team also signed Pagenaud to a seat for the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Pedro Lamy and Sébastien Bordais. After starting from pole position, the Peugeot 908 was forced to retire due to suspension failure.
From 2014, Pagenaud joined the IndyCar Series starting with Schmidt Peterson Hamilton Motorsports and then Team Penske. Within his IndyCar career, Pagenaud has accomplished 13 wins and won the 2016 championship. Simon has also joined multiple teams from 2014 to compete at certain events in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship/WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Vitals
- Birthdate: May 18th, 1984
- Birthplace: Montmorillon, France
- Residence: Cornelius, North Carolina
- Family: Wife Hailey, Son Marley
- Corvette Racing: 2015
Notable Career Highlights
- Champ Car Atlantic Champion – 2006
- American Le Mans Series Champion – 2010 (LMP1)
- IndyCar Series Champion – 2016
- IndyCar Series Runner-up – 2017, 2019
Jordan Taylor (Le Mans)
Jordan Taylor joined Corvette Racing for a fourth consecutive year in the third driver role for endurance events. Due to driving full time with his father’s team (Wayne Taylor Racing), Jordan was unavailable for Daytona, Sebring and Petit Le Mans in 2015, limiting him to drive for Corvette Racing at only Le Mans.
During his first time racing the C7.R, Taylor was able to finish as the runner-up in the GTE Pro class at Le Mans in 2014. Jordan Taylor joined Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner at Le Mans for 2015 in the #64 Corvette. He was a major contributor to the emotional 2015 Le Mans win for Corvette Racing, which also became his first Le Mans victory.
Taylor progressed quickly through karting and made his Grand-Am debut in the Rolex series in 2008. By 2011, Jordan Taylor paired with Bill Lester, took the Autohaus Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro to a runner-up finish in the GT Championship by only two points shy of the title.
Jordan Taylor became a full time driver for Corvette Racing at the start of the 2020 season replacing long time driver Jan Magnussen. Taylor is a two-time IMSA Prototype Driver Champion, having won in 2013 (Rolex Series) and 2017 (WeatherTech Championship) for his fathers race team of Wayne Taylor Racing. His older brother Ricky Taylor drives in the same series for Acura Team Penske in the IMSA Prototype class.
Vitals
- Birthdate: May 10th, 1991
- Birthplace: Orlando, Florida
- Residence: Apopka, Florida
- Family: Single
- Corvette Racing: 2012 – 2017, 2020 – Present
Notable Career Highlights
- 24 Hours of Le Mans winner – 2015 (GTE Pro)
- Two-time IMSA Prototype Champion – 2013, 2017
- Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona winner – 2017, 2019
- Sebring 12 Hours winner – 2017 (Overall)