Pino Joins JDC-Miller for Full Season; Frederick for Enduros

Photo: Porsche

Nico Pino will step into a full-time seat in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, with the Chilean driver confirmed alongside the returning Tijmen van der Helm in JDC-Miller Motorsports’ Porsche 963.

Announced on Thursday by the Minnesota-based team, 23-year-old Kaylen Frederick will complete the lineup for this month’s season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona as well as the remaining Michelin Endurance Cup rounds.

Pino, who topped the overall time sheets in November’s IMSA-sanctioned test at Daytona International Speedway, was initially targeting an Endurance Cup seat with JDC-Miller and continuing in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Proton Competition.

However, Proton’s WEC Hypercar program failed to materialize, helping lead the way for Pino to make his full-season WeatherTech Championship debut.

“Joining a team with the history and passion of JDC-Miller Motorsports is a major milestone,” he said. “It’s incredible to be back in the 963 for 2026, especially with a team like JDC-Miller Motorsports. I’m ready to push for a watch at Daytona.”

Van der Helm, who has been with the John Church-led outfit since its GTP debut in 2023, will be back for a third consecutive full season.

“We’ve made massive strides in understanding this car over the past three years, and starting the 2026 season with such a talented team around us gives us a real chance at the podium,” he said.

Former BRDC British Formula 3 champion Frederick, meanwhile, will be making his sports car racing debut, taking the seat that was initially earmarked for Bryce Aron, who tested with the team at Daytona in November.

Maryland-born Frederick, who is Gold rated by the FIA, has most recently been competing in Super Formula Lights in Japan.

“It is a bit humbling to begin my sports car career driving for a top team like JDC-Miller Motorsports, in a car like the Porsche 963, and at one of the biggest races of the year, the Rolex 24 at Daytona,” said Frederick.

“I started my national karting career at the kart track in the Daytona infield, so it seems fitting that I am now starting my endurance racing career at the same prestigious venue.

“I am very much up to the challenge and know the team will get me up to speed quickly. I’m looking forward to a good result.”

Church added:  “In Tijmen, Nico, and Kaylen, we have three of the brightest young talents in the sport.

“They are fast, disciplined and hungry to succeed in a 24-hour race like the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

“We have finished sixth here over the past two years, and with this lineup, we are confident we can reach the podium with the goal of taking the top step.”

Source: Sports Car 365