Michael Shank Racing on Thursday announced that 17-year-old sports-car driver Matt McMurry will drive its HPD-powered Ligier JS P2 during each round of IMSA’s 2015 Tequila Patron North American Endurance Championship. McMurray will join full-time MSR drivers John Pew and Ozz Negri for the Patron Endurance Cup, which is comprised of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, Six Hours of Watkins Glen, and Petit Le Mans.
“I’m really excited about getting to make this step up this season and this opportunity with Mike Shank,” said McMurry. “I had a chance to compete against the Ligier at Le Mans and throughout the [European Le Mans Series] season last year. [The car] was very competitive right away and will only get stronger as it’s furthered developed. I can’t wait to drive it for the first time and to work with Mike [Shank] and the team. He has always had a strong program, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it this year.”
Last year McMurray became the youngest driver to compete and finish the 24 Hours of Le Mans, at just 16 years old. With this announcement, the now-17 year old is set to become the youngest driver to pilot a Prototype in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. A.J. Allmendinger will partner with McMurry, Pew and Negri for the race.
“I’m thrilled to add Matt to our driver lineup in 2015,” said Shank. “Thank you to the Dyson Racing junior development program for lending him to us for these four Patron Endurance Cup events. Matt has accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. He has shown his ability to run smart and fast in a wide variety of machinery, and his time in ELMS, [Prototype] Lites and with us will be a big benefit as he continues to advance in motorsport.”
All four drivers will have the opportunity to drive the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian Ligier JS P2 for the first time during testing Jan. 4-5, 2015, at Florida’s Palm Beach International Raceway.
