The engines haven’t even fired for the 2026 season, but the battle for the Rolex 24 at Daytona is already heating up. In a move that sent a clear signal through the IMSA paddock, the newly formed powerhouse of Bryan Herta Autosport with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports has laid down some serious cards, confirming a lineup that’s brimming with talent, experience, and raw ambition.

This isn’t just a team announcement. It’s a statement of intent. The alliance between BHA and PR1 is more than just an on-paper partnership. It’s the fusion of two championship-winning mentalities. Now, they’re backing it up with the matching drivers.

The team confirmed that endurance racing ace Misha Goikhberg will be strapping in for the full 2026 Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) season, while the legendary Ben Keating returns to the fold as the fourth driver for the grueling Rolex 24.

As the team prepares to unleash its LMP2 beast at the upcoming Daytona International Speedway test on November 14–15, they’ve rounded out the test roster with the formidable Tristan Vautier and the lightning-quick Parker Thompson.

It’s a roster that feels less like a lineup and more like an arsenal, blending decorated veterans with hungry young guns, all focused on one goal: conquering America’s most iconic endurance race.

A Homecoming for Goikhberg: Full Season Attack with BHA and PR1

For Misha Goikhberg, this move feels like coming home. The Canadian driver, a proven winner with victories at the Rolex 24, Sahlen’s 6 Hours of the Glen, and Motul Petit Le Mans, is returning to his prototype roots.

After years of battling against PR1, he now joins forces with them, bringing a deep understanding of what it takes to win in these high-downforce machines.”This is a bit of a homecoming for me, as I have raced prototypes from 2012 to 2019, often competing against PR1,” Goikhberg shared, the excitement palpable in his voice.

“I have missed prototype racing, and I am thrilled to taste the downforce and take a ride in a purpose-built race car. Once I learned that two organizations like BHA and PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports are coming together for this program, I knew I would love to be part of it. I am very excited to see what we can achieve in the LMP2 class together.”

Goikhberg isn’t just looking for a ride; he’s looking to contend. His recent second-place finish at the 2024 Petit Le Mans proves he’s still at the top of his game, and his hunger to get back in a prototype is a dangerous sign for the competition.

The Return of a Legend: Ben Keating Back for Daytona Glory

When you talk about endurance racing royalty, Ben Keating’s name is always in the conversation. A two-time FIA World Endurance Champion and a double Le Mans class winner, Keating is one of the most respected and successful Bronze-rated drivers on the planet. His return to the PR1 family for the Rolex 24 is a massive boost for the team.

Keating’s history with PR1/Mathiasen is decorated with championship-winning efforts, and slipping back into the familiar purple Wynns livery will feel like putting on a favorite driving suit. He knows this team, this race, and how to win it.

“I am so excited to race in the Rolex 24 again with PR1,” Keating said. “I’m grateful to be back in the LMP2. This was my first endurance race back in 2011, and I haven’t missed a Rolex 24 since! I’m excited to be back in the purple Wynns livery and in the IMSA paddock. It all feels like home; every little piece is part of one big family.”

Building the Ultimate Rolex 24 Squad

Completing the test lineup are two drivers who bring their own unique brands of speed and skill. Tristan Vautier, a gold-rated Frenchman, adds a layer of elite experience, with a 12 Hours of Sebring victory and a Rolex 24 podium to his name. His background in both IndyCar and top-tier GT racing makes him an incredibly versatile weapon.

“I’m very much looking forward to joining the BHA/PR1 guys this week,” Vautier commented. “I’ve worked with Misha and Ben in the past and have known Parker for a while, so I know we’ll all get along very well.”

Then there’s Parker Thompson, a silver-rated Canadian with a reputation for wringing every last tenth out of a race car. The 2022 Porsche Carrera Cup Champion holds the GTD class pole record at Daytona and has proven his mettle with multiple podiums for Lexus Racing. His return to open-cockpit-style racing is something he’s clearly fired up about.

“I am very excited to be back in Daytona, and this time with a new challenge… it feels refreshing that I get to put some of that muscle memory back to use,” Thompson explained. “I’ve got a lot of respect for both Bryan Herta and Bobby Oergel, so I’m really proud to get in on the ground floor of the initial partnership for these two American racing legends.”

Excitement From Leadership

The team’s leadership shares the excitement. Bryan Herta, a name synonymous with winning, expressed his eagerness to get started. “These next steps are so important as we continue to build for the future, and I’m personally excited to work with our drivers and team this week at Daytona.”

Bobby Oergel of PR1/Mathiasen echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the immense value of this test. “The amount of experience these four bring around Daytona is amazing. I’m sure we’ll come away with a lot of valuable information to dissect ahead of returning in January.”

Final Thoughts

The pieces are falling into place for the BHA and PR1 alliance. With a driver lineup this potent, the message is loud and clear: they’re not just here to participate in 2026. They’re here to win.

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