Rexy adapts to GTD category to compete at Long Beach

The famous dinosaur livery that characterizes the Porsche 911 GT3 R from AO Racing will temporarily leave its natural habitat in the GTD Pro class to compete in the GTD division during the upcoming Long Beach Grand Prix on April 11-12. This adaptation comes in response to the absence of the GTD Pro class in the California event's schedule.

From GTD Pro to GTD: A category switch requiring adjustments

This division change represents much more than a simple registration modification. The GTD category, unlike GTD Pro, operates under a Pro-Am system requiring at least one amateur driver alongside a professional. This explains the addition of Jonny Edgar as the amateur driver, thereby meeting the division's regulatory requirements.

New duo behind the wheel of the prehistoric beast

The visit to Long Beach streets brings a complete cockpit renewal for the No. 77 Porsche. The experienced Laurens Vanthoor will take the professional driver role, while young British racer Jonny Edgar will assume the amateur position, temporarily leaving his usual spot in the team's LMP2 "Spike the Dragon".

For Edgar, this weekend represents two firsts: his debut both on the Long Beach street circuit and at the wheel of a Porsche. "I've already done some private testing with the car, but racing officially alongside Laurens will be a completely different experience," commented the British driver, who maintains high expectations for the race.

A schedule adjustment to please the fans

Although AO Racing had originally planned their next appearance at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, fan pressure to see the charismatic "Rexy" on the historic Long Beach streets prompted this change of plans. Team principal Gunnar Jeannette explained the decision: