Van der Steur Racing Locks in 2026 Endurance Cup Lineup with Global Talent
The engines might be cold and the grandstands empty right now, but in the race shop, the work never really stops. The frantic “silly season” of driver contracts usually drags on deep into the winter. However, Van der Steur Racing has wasted no time in making its intentions clear for the upcoming 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
The team has officially confirmed its pilot roster for the grueling Michelin Endurance Cup, bringing a blend of familiar faces and exciting new blood to the No. 19 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo.
Returning to the cockpit are Rory van der Steur and Valentin Hasse-Clot, providing the stability every team craves. However, the headline-grabbing move is the addition of French talent Sebastian Baud, a signing that signals this team is looking for podiums, not just participation points.
A New Weapon in the Van der Steur Racing Arsenal
Bringing Sebastian Baud into the fold is a calculated move. For North American fans who strictly follow domestic series, the name might be fresh, but his resume speaks volumes. Baud is coming off a strong stint in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), where he wrestled a McLaren 720S GT3 EVO for United Autosports.
He didn’t just drive; he competed at the sharp end of the field, securing a second-place finish on the world stage. Transitioning from the mid-engine dynamics of a McLaren to the front-engine thunder of the Aston Martin will require an adjustment period.
Still, a driver with WEC pedigree understands the specific discipline needed for endurance racing. He knows how to manage tires during a double stint and how to navigate traffic without ending his race early, skills that are mandatory when you are fighting for inches at tracks like Daytona and Sebring.
Building Consistency in the GTD Paddock
In the Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) class, consistency is the currency that buys championships. You can have the fastest car on a single lap, but if your driver changes are sloppy or your lineup lacks chemistry, you’re finishing mid-pack.
This is why Van der Steur Racing’s decision to retain Valentin Hasse-Clot alongside Rory van der Steur is vital. Hasse-Clot has been a factory driver for Aston Martin, meaning he knows the Vantage platform inside and out.
He serves as the perfect benchmark and mentor for the team, providing the technical feedback necessary to dial in the car’s setup for the violent bumps of Sebring or the high banks of Daytona.
Paired with Rory, who continues to develop his race craft and leadership within his family’s organization, the team has a core that understands the mission. They aren’t starting from scratch in 2026; they are picking up where they left off.
Reflections on the Debut Season
Looking back at 2025, the team’s first foray into the Michelin Endurance Cup was a trial by fire. Stepping up to the big show in IMSA is daunting for any organization. Yet, Van der Steur Racing proved they belonged on the grid immediately.
Their debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona was a standout moment. In a race where simply finishing is an achievement, crossing the line in sixth place in the crowded GTD field was a massive statement.
It proved the crew could handle the 24-hour grind, the pit stops were clean, and the strategy was sound. That performance laid the groundwork for this upcoming season. Now, the “rookie jitters” are gone. The team heads into 2026 with data in the notebooks and experience in the rearview mirror.
The Road to Daytona 2026
The Michelin Endurance Cup is widely regarded as the toughest subset of races in North America. It encompasses the endurance classics: the Rolex 24, the 12 Hours of Sebring, the 6 Hours of the Glen, and the showdown at Petit Le Mans. These events break parts and break hearts.
By finalizing their lineup this early in December, Van der Steur Racing gains a strategic advantage. While other teams are still negotiating contracts, the No. 19 crew can focus entirely on seat fittings, simulator work, and physical conditioning.
Final Thoughts
For Rory van der Steur, this season represents the next step in evolving the team from a plucky underdog into a consistent threat for silverware. With the raw speed of Hasse-Clot, the fresh global experience of Baud, and the reliability of the Aston Martin Vantage, the pieces are on the board. Now, they just have to execute when the green flag drops in Florida.
