Gerard Lopez; Jan 29, 2016; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; The Corvette Racing Corvette C7.R driven by Oliver Gavin , Tommy Milner and Marcel Fassler (4) during the practice for the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Gérard Lopez Claims 2025 HSR Classic Endurance Championship Title Presented by Mission Foods

Sarah Talker

There is something undeniably special about the air at Daytona International Speedway. It’s heavy with humidity, history, and the scent of burnt rubber. For racers, it’s a cathedral of speed where legends are made, and hearts are broken in equal measure. But for Gérard Lopez and his co-driver Marcel Fässler, the high banks of Daytona have become something else entirely: their personal playground.

In the world of historic motorsport, consistency is often harder to find than raw speed. Old cars are temperamental beasts. Yet, Lopez and Fässler have found a rhythm that borders on perfection. At the 2025 season finale, the HSR Classic 24 Daytona presented by Mission Foods, the duo didn’t just show up to participate. They showed up to dominate, securing a share of the Vintage Prototype and Sports Racer Championship.

A Dominant Run for Lopez and the Iconic Racing Team

Driving the breathtaking Iconic Racing 1969 No. 27 Lola T70 Mk III, Lopez and Fässler claimed their third consecutive run group victory at Daytona. This wasn’t just a win, but a statement that the momentum would continue. The sheer physicality required to wrestle a 1969 prototype around the road course for 24 hours is immense, yet they made it look like a Sunday drive.

This latest triumph allowed Lopez and Fässler to tie for the final division championship standings with HSR veteran Travis Engen, who piloted his 1962 No. 1 Lotus 23B. Sharing the spotlight doesn’t diminish the feat. If anything, it highlights just how competitive the sharp end of the HSR grid has become.

The Numbers Behind the Success of Gerard Lopez

When you dig into the stats, the record Lopez and Fässler have compiled is staggering. Since debuting as a pairing at the Classic Daytona 24 in 2023, they have entered seven races. They have won six of them. That is a win percentage that would make any professional race team manager envious.

Lopez and Fässlers Most Significant Achievements

  • Going undefeated in the Lola T70 at Daytona for three straight years.
  • Securing a trio of wins in the team’s other weapon of choice, the ex-JDC Motorsports 2019 No. 5 Cadillac DPi.
  • A debut victory with the Cadillac at the HSR Classic Watkins Glen Six Hour in June.

The only mark on an otherwise spotless resume came in 2024. During that year’s Classic 24, Lopez was behind the wheel of the Cadillac DPi when a GT car incident in the infield forced an early retirement. It was a moment that proved racing is never predictable, but Lopez walked away uninjured and, clearly, undeterred. He returned in 2025 with even more fire.

Why Historic Racing Captures the Heart

Lopez is no stranger to the pinnacle of motorsport. Having owned the Renault Formula 1 Team since 2009, he has seen the sport from the ultra-exclusive F1 paddock. He has raced modern machinery with Mercedes, Mosler, and Porsche. And yet, it is the vintage scene that calls to him.

“I have been lucky to own an F1 team and to experience the highest level of motorsport from the inside,” Lopez explained after the race. “But the truth is that historic racing is the most fun. Just the myriad of cars that we see, drive, or compete against is amazing.”For a guy like Lopez, HSR isn’t just about lap times. It’s about the atmosphere.

It’s about the connection between man and machine without the interference of thousands of sensors and engineers. It’s also about friendship. His bond with Fässler has grown beyond just passing the steering wheel back and forth.”Marcel and I have become friends beyond driving together,” Lopez noted, highlighting the camaraderie that often defines the HSR paddock.

Fässler Finds a Second Home in America

Marcel Fässler is a legend in his own right. As a three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans overall winner with Audi and a World Endurance Champion, he knows what elite endurance racing looks like. Pairing him with Lopez created a “super team” scenario for Iconic Racing.

Fässler echoed his teammate’s sentiments regarding the culture of American racing. “With HSR, you always feel very welcome,” Fässler said. “There is a great atmosphere on and off the track. You can really feel a big family coming together to live a shared passion.”

The Swiss driver emphasizes that the fun factor is a huge part of their success. When the pressure is off and the drivers are smiling, the lap times often drop. The Iconic Racing team, led by Lopez and Florent Moulin, has cultivated an environment where winning is the goal and enjoying the ride is a requirement.

Looking Toward the 2026 Season

With the 2025 season in the rearview mirror, eyes are already turning toward 2026. The HSR calendar kicks off quickly, returning to the bumpy, character-filled concrete of Sebring International Raceway from February 12-15. The HSR Sebring Pistons and Props presented by Alan Jay Automotive Network will set the stage for the next chapter.

If history is any indicator, Lopez and Fässler will be the ones to beat. Whether they are in the thunderous Lola or the high-tech Cadillac, neither is slowing down anytime soon. For now, Lopez can enjoy the spoils of a hard-fought championship and the knowledge that at Daytona, he and his team are the undisputed kings of the classic 24.

Sarah is a writer with a passion for delivering interesting yet informative news stories about motorsports including NASCAR, IMSA, F1, and IndyCar. She has covered the Daytona 500 and the Wurth 400 live and is highly passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise across the motorsports industry.

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