DragonSpeed will make the switch from Ferrari to Corvette machinery next year, re-aligning its efforts in the GTD category of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The Elton Julian-led squad, which campaigned a Ferrari 296 GT3 with support from Risi Competizione in the GTD Pro class this year, will move back to the GTD ranks for a full season program with a new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R.
Longtime DragonSpeed pilot Henrik Hedman will share the wheel of the car with Giacomo Altoe for the full season, with Silver-rated Casper Stevenson joining the duo for the Michelin Endurance Cup races.

DragonSpeed finished runner-up to Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports in this year’s GTD Pro title fight, which went down to last month’s season-ending Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

“From a team perspective, there’s history with Pratt Miller, there’s history with GM with our foray into IndyCar,” Julian told Sportscar365.
“There was a connection there. When they said they would do customer racing, I went to them first before we looked at any other GT brand.
“At the time we were not selected. We continued with the P2 program and then came back with the Ferrari in GT.
“Ironically, [we were] battling them for a championship.

“With the change of regime and my growing relationship with Pratt Miller and what we have going on LMP2 side, I never stopped asking.
“I kept putting pressure and as the results kept coming this year, I kept saying, ‘C’mon, I want one.’
“Eventually by the time VIR came around, they decided they would pick DragonSpeed.”

The team, which has rented out its LMP2 equipment to Pratt Miller Motorsports for the last two WeatherTech Championship seasons, will become the third Corvette customer in the IMSA GTD ranks, joining DXDT Racing and the newly formed 13 Autosport, run by AWA.
“I’m obviously very honored to have a chance to represent the Bow-Tie,” said Julian. “Immediately I had to go find a buyer.
I was going to find one no matter what, but Henrik decided to go for it!”

Julian said the main focus of the program will be to secure the Bob Akin Award, which provides an automatic invite to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in LMGT3.
Hedman, a Bronze-rated driver, will have increased competition next year from the likes of Orey Fidani, Brendan Iribe, Sheena Monk, as well as Ryan Hardwick, who is confirmed for the Michelin Endurance Cup races in a Manthey Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R Evo.
“After a year out, I’m as motivated as ever and eager to take on the new challenge of racing against IMSA’s best GT teams and drivers,” said Hedman.

“The proven strength of DragonSpeed and driver lineup gives us a strong foundation to take advantage of the amazing Corvette Z06 GT3.R platform.
“We’re exceptionally grateful to Chevy for their support and giving us the chance to run the Corvette in our quest for the Akin Award and what would be our sixth Le Mans entry.”
Altoe added: “It’s an honor to continue my journey with DragonSpeed for another year in IMSA, building on our great run in 2025.
“I can’t wait to get to work with Henrik and Casper for the season ahead in our new Corvette. I’m confident we have the pace, experience, and car to achieve our goals.”

Julian expects to take delivery of the car this month and begin private testing in December, ahead of January’s season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona.
“This continues to be an exciting time for Corvette Racing with the addition of DragonSpeed’s Corvette Z06 GT3.R for the 2026 IMSA GTD championship,” said Corvette Racing program manager Jess Dane.

“Everyone in our organization saw up close the talent and fight within the team during the GTD Pro title chase in 2025.
“We’re looking forward to having Henrik, Elton, and crew bring that same level of competitiveness to an already strong GTD class with our third Corvette in the category.”