Turner returns to IMSA competition with Heart of Racing Team

Monterey, Calif. (April 29, 2025) - The Heart of Racing Team has called in Aston Martin works driver and three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, Darren Turner to compete in next weekend’s IMSA WeatherTech’s Monterey SportsCar Championship race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in the No. 27 Heart of Racing Aston Martin Vantage GTD entry alongside full-season driver Casper Stevenson. 

Tom Gamble who normally occupies the drivers seat with Stevenson will be competing at Spa-Francorchamps in the FIA World Endurance Championship on board the No. 007 Heart of Racing Aston Martin Valkyrie. 

Turner currently competes with the Heart of Racing Team in its GT World Challenge America entry with co-driver Gray Newell. Turner is no stranger to the Heart of Racing Team, in 2020 he made three appearances in the team’s opening IMSA WeatherTech Series season. Turner was also a part of the Heart of Racing’s 2023 Rolex 24 At Daytona GTD class win. 

Turner will make his first start at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca after last competing at the track in the Rolex Grand-Am Series in 2013 in an Aston Martin. Turner has three additional starts at the California track with two fourth place finishes in 2005 and 2006 in the American Le Mans Series. 

“It’s been a long time since I last raced at Laguna, but it’s a super enjoyable circuit,” said Turner. “My last IMSA race was Daytona 2023 with the Heart of Racing where we won the GTD class. IMSA is a championship that I love, it’s super impressive and it will be my first time out with the GTP class. I’ll be teamed up with Casper (Stevenson) for the first time, he’s a super talented driver and it’s exciting to be teamed up with a youngster that’s already doing a great job in the championship.” 

The Monterey SportsCar Championship will air live on NBC on Sunday, May 11th at 3:00pm ET.