Meyer Shank Announce Their Loud Return To IMSA By Adding van der Zande, Nick Yelloly

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Meyer Shank Racing is making their return to IMSA in 2025 and they are doing so with barrels fully loaded.

Announced Tuesday morning, MSR revealed that they've acquired the services of both Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly, two drivers who have just recently departed their former teams and who will now pilot the new No. 93 Acura ARX-06 on the GTP grid next season. 

In addition, MSR also announced that the duo of Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun will make their return and slot back behind the wheel of the same No. 60 that they drove to three race victories back in 2023, including the Rolex 24 Hour (we know, we know, more on that below).

 

The news serves as the first driver dominos to fall as teams get their lineups in order following the conclusion of the season this past weekend at Petit Le Mans. MSR wasted no time in securing their full-time drivers and in doing so let the rest of the grid know that they aren't taking a tentative approach as they return to the IMSA circuit. The fallout from the tire pressure scandal following the 2023 Rolex was a black eye for the team and the penalty levied against them ultimately killed their ability to win a championship, and it was the catalyst to MSR taking 2024 off entirely just to distance themselves from the scandal while also giving time to rebuild their relationship with Honda. 

However, the win from the Rolex 24 was not rescinded and MSR are still the victors on paper, which left a bad taste in the mouths of fans and others that felt the punishment from IMSA was too lenient - many wanted the win taken away in addition to the other penalties/fines. Wherever you stand on the matter, Meyer Shank and Co. certainly paid a steep price for fudging with the integrity of the game, and they'll have to compete at a high level and remain squeaky clean to earn themselves back into the trust of fans and their competitors. For some, no matter what they do, that cloud will always hang over their program, and people have the right to hold that opinion. But, they aren't the first team to try and gain an edge in sports, and they certainly won't be the last....wait what the hell?! 

Ferrari, BMW Stripped of GTD Pro, GTD Manufacturers’ Points


(photo via autoracing.com)

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