In an electrifying development for motorsport enthusiasts, Jeremy Siffert, the grandson of the legendary Jo Siffert, is set to make his much-anticipated IMSA debut next month at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. The 22-year-old Swiss driver will be behind the wheel of a third Duqueine D08 Nissan, joining a formidable lineup that includes his seasoned teammates Oscar Tunjo and Danny Soufi, both of whom are gearing up for full-season campaigns with the esteemed German team.
The legacy of Jo Siffert, who tragically lost his life in a Formula 1 accident in 1971, looms large over this event. Siffert made a name for himself in American motorsport, notably clinching victory in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 1968 with his Porsche 907, as well as triumphing in that same year’s Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. The connection to his grandfather adds an emotional layer to Jeremy’s debut, as he steps into the racing world that his family has so passionately contributed to.
Fritz Gebhardt, the team principal, expressed his enthusiasm for having Jeremy on board, stating, “We are very pleased that Jeremy will continue to race for us after impressing with his speed in the 2025 Prototype Cup Germany.” This statement underscores the rising star’s potential, as Gebhardt highlighted the continuation of the Gebhardt Young Driver Academy, celebrating their recent successes with driver Valentino Catalano. He noted, “I am sure that we will have a lot of fun with him in the USA, where his grandfather achieved many successes,” hinting at the exciting journey ahead for Jeremy.
While Catalano, the reigning 2025 VP Racing Challenge LMP3 champion, will not return for the upcoming season, Tunjo is poised to make a strong comeback after securing two wins in a limited schedule last year. Soufi, the reigning champion of the Prototype Cup Germany, will take the wheel of the No. 11 car, bringing a wealth of experience and skill to the team.
Gebhardt expressed confidence in his drivers, remarking, “Oscar and Danny will compete for us in the IMSA VP SportsCar Challenge for the entire season. Both drivers have a wealth of experience in LMP3 racing and have established themselves as lightning-fast drivers in recent years.” This combination of youthful talent and seasoned expertise positions the team as a formidable contender in the upcoming season.
Interestingly, while the latest generation of LMP3 vehicles will be eligible for competition next year, Gebhardt has made the strategic decision to stick with their tried-and-true Nissan-powered prototypes. This decision comes in light of IMSA’s announcement that there will be no Balance of Performance adjustments between the two generations of machinery.
The VP Racing Challenge is set to expand its calendar, introducing endurance races that promise thrilling competition. American driver Jacob Williamson, fresh from European Radical racing, will join Soufi, while Siffert is slated to pair with Tunjo for the exciting two-hour races at renowned venues such as Sebring International Raceway, Circuit of The Americas, Virginia International Raceway, and Road America.
As the anticipation builds for Jeremy Siffert’s debut, motorsport fans are on the edge of their seats, eager to see if he can carve out his own legacy in a sport where his grandfather once shone brightly. The stage is set for an unforgettable season filled with speed, skill, and the rich history of the Siffert family that continues to inspire future generations.
