Iron Dames announce IMSA line-up ahead of Daytona 24H

The history-making Iron Dames line-up that won in class at the 24 Hours of Spa will make its North American debut at the upcoming Rolex 24H of Daytona, as the team tackles the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup races in the #83 Lamborghini.

Photos: Iron Lynx

Groundbreaking all-female team Iron Dames will return to the track in 2023 after making history across sports car racing, having taken victories at the 24 Hours of Spa and at the ELMS 4H of Portimao, as well as claiming podium finishes in FIA WEC and battling for the Gold Cup championship title in GT World Challenge Europe.

The project founded by Deborah Mayer is now ready to tackle new challenges and will expand its program to the United States, as Iron Lynx/Iron Dames enter the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup for the first time. The Italian team will field two Lamborghinis for the full endurance season - which includes the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Six Hours of The Glen and the Motul Petit le Mans at Road Atlanta.

Additionally, one Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 will be added to the grid for the opening round at Daytona, in the first outing for Iron Lynx as Lamborghini manufacturer team.

Iron Dames will be back with their traditional #83 entry, and with the same drivers line up that claimed the historic victory at Spa Francorchamps in 2022: Doriane Pin, Michelle Gatting, Rahel Frey and Sarah Bovy will share the pink Huracán GT3 EVO2 in the GTD class.

It will be Iron Dames' second ever race on US soil, after the FIA WEC 1000 Miles of Sebring in 2022 - and a dream coming true for Michelle Gatting, who was eager to add the iconic North American races to her already rich resumé.

"This is an absolute dream coming true to race in the States and then together with the Iron Dames, Lamborghini and our two sister cars #19 and the famous factory car #63", Gatting commented. "We will start of the season very soon at the famous 24h of Daytona, a race I always admired, wanted and dreamed of doing where I will be sharing the car with Sarah Bovy, Doriane Pin and Rahel Frey."

"Besides that I will also take part in the 3 other IMSA Weathertech Endurance races at Sebring, Wakins Glen and Petit Le Mans", Michelle said. The Dane will partner Doriane Pin and Rahel Frey in the remaining enduros.

“It is also great to bring the Iron Dames back to America, helping to build our fan base in the States and follow on from the amazing support they received at last year’s 1000 Miles of Sebring", added Andrea Piccini, Team Principal at Iron Lynx.

“As we embark on this season, we will use the learnings from our previous intense seasons to approach 2023 with the same spirit and attitude, combining new and existing drivers with a rich knowledge of winning in motorsport.”

Iron Dames will be the only all-female team at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, with also Katherine Legge and Sheena Monk (Gradient Racing Acura NSX GT3) and Ashton Harrison (Racers Edge Motorsport by WTR / Andretti Autosport Acura) joining the field in GTD entries.

The season is set to begin with the ROAR Before the 24 at Daytona International Speedway on January 20th for the usual three days of testing that precede the first round of the IMSA season.

Photo credits: Iron Lynx