SVG heads Kiwi Daytona 24 Hours contingent

Shane van Gisbergen will join a five strong New Zealand contingent to contest the Daytona 24 Hours later this month.

The Triple Eight V8 Supercars driver will team up with Alex Job Racing once again having driven for the American squad at the previous two editions of the annual endurance classic held from January 30-31.

Last year van Gisbergen helped the Alex Job Racing crew to 12th overall and second in the GTD class.

After impressing in both his Daytona visits, the Kiwi will pilot an all new Porsche 991 GT3R alongside David MacNeil, Cooper MacNeil, Leh Keen and new recruit Gunnar Jeannette.

The team completed a shakedown of its new car at Sebring last month prior to the Roar Before the 24 test held from January 8-10.

Reigning Le Mans 24 Hours winner Earl Bamber will be among the favourites to challenge for the GTLM class in the #912 Porsche North America entry he will share with Frederic Makowiecki and Daniel Christensen.

Meanwhile, Tauranga’s Richie Stanaway will rejoin the factory Aston Martin operation to compete in the GTD class.

Earlier this week, Chip Ganassi Racing confirmed that New Zealand’s four-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon will defend his Daytona 24 Hours crown, while FIA WEC champion Brendon Hartley will spearhead the squad’s second prototype entry.

Australia will be represented by Ryan Briscoe who will drive one of Chip Ganassi’s new GTLM Ford GTs alongside Richard Westbrook and Stefan Mucke.

All the drivers are expected to be present at next week’s official Daytona 24 Hours test.

Click here for the full Roar Before the 24 entry list.