Heart of Racing is its partner in this endeavor to make racing history.
In the fast-paced world of supercars and motorsports, Aston Martin is making significant waves. The luxury automotive giant is preparing its racing prototype of the ultimate hypercar, the Aston Martin Valkyrie, for a daunting challenge. The goal? Complete victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, set for 2025.
Aston Martin’s involvement in the 24 Hours of Le Mans isn’t a new chapter in their illustrious history. Their cars have seen action and triumph at Le Mans since the race’s inception. Aston Martin’s association with this legendary event dates back to 1924, a mere five years after the inaugural race. Since then, they’ve clinched 19 class victories, with the crowning moment coming in 1959 when the DBR1 secured the top spot.
But the Valkyrie is unique, even by Aston Martin’s high standards. It’s one of the most ambitious performance machines to wear the historic Aston Martin badge. The heart of this beast, a Cosworth-built 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, thunders with over 1000 horsepower. In its race-optimized version, the Valkyrie is set to drop jaws not just for its performance but its ties to its road car variant, a rarity in this echelon of racing.
The announcement of the Valkyrie’s foray into endurance racing coincides with Aston Martin’s broader vision for 2024 and 2025. The company plans to have a presence in every significant global endurance racing format and Formula 1. This is a monumental commitment, signaling Aston Martin’s intent to dominate motorsport globally. Additionally, they’re gearing up to introduce new GT3 and GT4-homologated Aston Martin Racing-built cars, ensuring they have contenders across all racing classes.
Heart of Racing [HoR], Aston Martin’s championship-winning endurance racing partner, will be at the forefront of this ambitious undertaking. They will be leading the charge by entering the Valkyrie racecar in top endurance events, including the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Their dedication to Aston Martin’s racing legacy is unwavering, and their involvement in this project is a testament to their commitment to the brand and the sport.
Gabe Newell, the American entrepreneur behind HoR, has been an integral supporter of Aston Martin’s racing endeavors. His team has been with Aston Martin since its inception and has seen significant success, including a class victory at the Rolex 24. The bond between Aston Martin and HoR is one of shared vision, passion, and dedication to excellence in motorsport.
In the words of Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman of Aston Martin Lagonda, “Performance is the lifeblood of everything that we do at Aston Martin.” Their return to the zenith of endurance racing will not just be a testament to their commitment to performance but will also forge deeper connections with their loyal fanbase and community. Aston Martin’s ambition is crystal clear: to lead and conquer. With the Valkyrie as their spearhead and backed by a legacy of success, they’re poised to make an indelible mark on the world of motorsports.
Image Source: Aston Martin