The Heart of Racing Announces 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Entry
(December 11, 2025)
The Heart of Racing (THOR) will expand its racing program in 2026 with a full-season entry in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC). The team will compete in the GS class with the No. 26 Heart of Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT4, driven by Hannah Grisham and Hannah Greenemeier, with Mike David Ortmann joining the lineup for the four-hour endurance round at Daytona International Speedway.
Grisham and Greenemeier will move into IMPC as the driver pairing continue in the team’s female academy program, following two strong seasons together in Pirelli GT4 America, where the duo earned six podiums - including results at Sebring International Raceway and Road America, tracks featured again on the 2026 IMPC calendar. The season will also introduce the pair to new circuits, including the Daytona opener.
“I’m incredibly grateful to The Heart of Racing for this opportunity,” said Grisham. “Racing a full season in the 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge is a dream. I’m excited to kick off the season at Daytona and take on some iconic tracks that are new for me, like Watkins Glen and Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. I’m really looking forward to continuing to share the car with Hannah Greenemeier. The longer race format is a bit different than what we are used to, but I think it will play to our strengths. I can’t wait for what’s ahead!”
“I’m beyond excited to be back with The Heart of Racing for another season, and to be competing in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge,” said Greenemeier. “I’ve watched the series for many years, and it has a lot of talent in it. Being in the IMSA paddock is truly a privilege. It’s great to be back with Hannah for another year, and to have Mike Ortmann with us in Daytona is something I’m incredibly excited for. I’m ready for our first race in Daytona in January; it’s a track I have never driven on, but I know that we will get up to speed quickly. I want to say a massive thank you to The Heart of Racing for this opportunity, Gabe Newell and Yahn Bernier. Let’s go racing!”
Joining the team for the Daytona endurance event, Ortmann steps into the IMPC competition for the first time. A two-time ADAC GT4 Germany champion (2022 and 2023), he most recently finished third in the 2025 Pirelli GT4 America Silver championship in an Aston Martin Vantage.
“I’m incredibly happy and truly can’t wait to join The Heart of Racing Team for the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge,” said Ortmann. “Racing at Daytona is a childhood dream that’s now coming true, and I’m excited to bring my experience to the team. I was really impressed by their progress in 2025, and I hope to find my place to help the team push even further. I’m confident we have a great package, and I can’t wait to get started together.”
“We’re excited to expand our footprint within IMSA and welcome this talented lineup to the No. 26 program,” said THOR Team Principal Ian James. “The Hannahs have proven themselves to be consistent, smart, and resilient racers, and Mike adds valuable experience to the team. IMPC is a highly competitive championship, and this entry represents our commitment to developing future talent while continuing to race with purpose.”
Entering IMPC marks another chapter in THOR’s mission to race with heart — advancing performance on track while supporting its longstanding partnership with Seattle Children’s Hospital. The program expands the team’s platform to engage new fans, elevate young drivers, and continue using motorsport as a force for good.
The 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season begins Friday, January 23, at 1:45pm ET.
