AO Racing Showcases 2026 IMSA Driver Roster as Rexy Reawakens
That buzz you’ve heard ringing through the air recently isn’t just the sound of engines revving it, but the collective gasp of the IMSA paddock. AO Racing, the team that brought a T. rex to a sports car fight and won, is doubling down for the 2026 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. They’ve just dropped the news on who will be taming their iconic “Rexy” Porsche 911 GT3 Rawr, and it’s a lineup that screams intent. Get ready for a season of pure, unadulterated speed.
Meet the New T-Rex Tamers
When you have a car as famous as Rexy, you can’t just put anyone in the driver’s seat. You need killers. You need legends. And that’s exactly what AO Racing has assembled. For the full-season onslaught in the brutal GTD PRO class, they’re bringing in the heavy-hitting duo of Nick Tandy and Harry King. For the long-haul endurance battles, the familiar face of Alessio Picariello is back to ensure the team has the muscle to go the distance.
Team Principal Gunnar Jeannette, the man behind the dino-mite operation, knows exactly what he’s put together. “I am very excited to welcome Nick, Harry, and Alessio to AO Racing and Rexy for 2026,” he said, practically buzzing with anticipation. “We think this lineup has the perfect combination of speed and experience to allow us to fight for the GTD PRO championship. I can’t wait for all of us to get started in our new 2026 GT3-R Evo at Daytona!”
A Legend Joins the Dino-Crew
Let’s be real, Nick Tandy needs no introduction. The man is a living legend in sportscar racing. At 41, the British ace has a resume that reads like a wish list for any driver. He’s conquered the Rolex 24, Le Mans, the Nürburgring 24, and the Spa 24 Hours. He’s the only driver to have achieved that grand slam. Better yet, he’s won at every single track on the 2026 IMSA calendar.
Talk about total domination. Tandy knows he’s walking into something special. “AO Racing has proven to be one of the most popular, friendly, yet fiercely competitive teams within the sports car paddocks,” he noted. “I’m extremely excited to join the team next year.
Rexy is one of the most iconic racing cars of the modern era.” He’s not wrong. Rexy isn’t just a car, but an IMSA staple. Tandy is ready to sink his teeth in. “I’ve known both Harry and Alessio for a while now. Both are exceptionally fast and dedicated professionals, so I’m eager to see what the season brings.”
The Young Gun with a Point to Prove
Paired with the veteran is the young gun, Harry King. At the dawn of his 25th year, the kid from Windsor, England, is about to make his full-time debut in the WeatherTech Championship, and he’s coming in hot. King has been carving up the European scene, earning the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain title and, more recently, the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup in the Gold class. He’s a star on the rise, and AO Racing just handed him the keys to the most famous Porsche on the grid.
“I’m delighted to be partnering up with AO Racing for my full-time debut in the IMSA championship,” King said, the excitement palpable. “I’ve always closely followed Rexy’s progress and results… now I look forward to adding to that successful list alongside teammates Nick and Alessio. It’s a great combination of drivers and team, I have a good feeling.”
The Endurance Ace Returns
For the grueling endurance races like Daytona, Sebring, and the rest, AO Racing is bringing back a proven winner. Alessio Picariello is coming back for redemption. After a stunning victory at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and a heartbreaking run at the Rolex 24 in 2025, he has unfinished business.
“I’m really happy to return with Rexy and AO for the endurance races,” Picariello shared. “I enjoyed working with the team a lot last season, and taking the win at Sebring was definitely a highlight. We were left with a bitter feeling after Daytona, so I’m looking forward to sharing the car with Nick and Harry this year and putting things right.”
Final Thoughts
The countdown is on. In just 50 days, the Roar Before the Rolex 24 will unleash these beasts onto the high banks of Daytona. With a driver squad this stacked, AO Racing isn’t just here to entertain the fans with Rexy. They’re here to hunt for another championship.
