Robert Wickens takes the wheel for a Road America GTD debut
Wickens will battle the 4.048‑mile, 14‑turn Road America in the IMSA WeatherTech GTD field, making his endurance debut behind the wheel of the DXDT Racing Corvette Z06 GT3.R.
Short notice, long‑haul mindset
The call came Wednesday afternoon, replacing Salih Yoluc. Wickens had no telemetry or race tapes to study before the weekend, yet he emphasised the car’s speed and the team’s preparation as key assets.
Despite the scramble, he remained focused, noting that “the car’s fast, the team’s doing a great job” and that the opportunity itself was the most important factor.
Bringing proven endurance pedigree
Wickens’ endurance credentials span the 2017 Rolex 24 at Daytona (LMP2), a 24‑hour Nürburgring campaign, and four six‑hour NLS races in a TCR car last season.
At CTMP last year, he logged a 1 hour 58 minute stint, proving he can sustain long stints; his best class finish this season was sixth, with a fourth‑place class result at CTMP the previous year.
He clarified that the 4‑hour, 48‑minute race at Road America is “not even half of what a six‑hour race is,” and that the strategic open‑ended nature of endurance would deliver more chances to gain or lose.
Driver lineup gives the team a win pedigree
Filippi secured the #36 Corvette’s ninth‑place class finish in Saturday’s qualifying, anchoring a trio that also includes factory‑tested Charlie Eastwood.
“The goal is always the same: this team wants to win,” Wickens said, highlighting the belief that the combination of sprint experience and factory backing gives them a competitive edge.
Tensions build for a Road America showdown
With the clock ticking on a 4.048‑mile, 14‑turn track,
the unfinished story of Wickens’ road‑to‑road America drive sits in the balance; the team will chase a front‑of‑grid finish and a victory, while Wickens aims to cement his status as a reliable endurance contender in GTD.
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