AO Racing plans third GTP car to accompany Rexy and Spike

The recent successes of AO Racing on multiple fronts have opened doors for conversations with manufacturers about expanding their operations with a GTP program. As champions of the LMP2 category in the 2024 European Le Mans Series and IMSA GTD Pro champions the same year, the Illinois-based team is now evaluating options to add the top prototype category to their current portfolio.

Gunnar Jeannette, team principal, maintains active dialogues with multiple manufacturers without ruling out any possibilities. "We're evaluating everything from a full factory program to a complete customer program. We're talking with a lot of people," revealed the organization's co-founder alongside PJ Hyett in 2022.

Photo By IMSA

Spike and Rexy would continue with a third themed companion

The distinctive characteristic of AO Racing could define their future manufacturer. The popular 'Rexy' and 'Roxy' (Porsche dinosaurs in GTD Pro) and 'Spike' (Oreca dragon in LMP2) would continue their current programs, while the team would develop a third themed character for their GTP entry. "Certain manufacturers are more open to how we do things than others, because that's been very important," explained Jeannette. "How we do it is as important as doing it. We don't want to lose our identity by becoming a full factory program."

The strategy would keep intact the fanbase built around Spike and Rexy, while expanding the themed universe with a new GTP design. This philosophy differentiates AO Racing from traditional teams that focus solely on sporting results.

Photo By IMSA

Realistic timeline points to 2027

Entries for IMSA 2026 open in five days, but Jeannette practically rules out participation. "While I wouldn't say the chances are zero, they're very small," he admitted about adding GTP next year while maintaining LMP2 and GTD Pro. The most likely schedule includes a decision by late 2025, preparations during 2026, and debut in 2027. "None of us wanted to rush it. If we went to GTD Pro and couldn't even compete for top five finishes, there's no point spending more money to look like idiots in GTP."

Photo By IMSA

Expansion without sacrificing successful programs

AO Racing seeks a "true partnership" rather than being equipment buyers for their GTP entry. "We don't want to be just a 'here's your car, go race' customer. We want to have a valuable partnership we can build and expand through our racing platform," detailed the team principal. The expansion to GTP must happen without compromising competitiveness in LMP2 and GTD Pro. "We would definitely choose to continue the 'status quo' in our programs over moving up a class or category and being uncompetitive," emphasized Jeannette. The team plans to maintain Spike in their LMP2 operations (IMSA WeatherTech Championship and European Le Mans Series) and Rexy in IMSA GTD Pro, while developing a third themed character for GTP as a simultaneous additional program.

Porsche uncertainty opens opportunities

The uncertain situation of Porsche Penske Motorsport's 2026 IMSA GTP program could benefit teams like AO Racing. The German manufacturer might depend on customer or factory-supported organizations to maintain presence in the WeatherTech Championship. Jeannette didn't confirm specific talks with Porsche, but didn't rule them out either. "I wouldn't rule anything out, but it would be very difficult from where we are now to feel ready," he commented about setting up a 2026 program.