Hanafin Lands Last-Minute Seat in JMR-Backed TF Corvette

Photo: MPS Agency

Lorcan Hanafin has been handed a last-minute opportunity to contest next weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans in TF Sport’s Johor Motorsports JMR-backed Corvette.

The Silver-rated British driver will share the No. 2 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R with Le Mans debutants Prince Jefri Ibrahim and Ben Green, taking the place of Malaysian driver Afiq Ikhwan Yazid, who had originally been named for the car.

It will mark Hanafin’s second appearance at Le Mans following his maiden appearance in last year’s running with the Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG team.

While he will be racing with both JMR and TF Sport for the first time, the 23-year-old is well-acquainted with the Corvette from his time racing for Steller Motorsport in last year’s GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup.

“I raced Le Mans for the first time last year and it’s a very special event,” said Hanafin. “The scrutineering, the driver’s parade, the circuit itself and the whole atmosphere in the town is really special.

“I’m very excited to be working with Prince Jefri, Ben Green and the whole JMR team this year. I think we can get a good result – we’ve got a very good line-up, JMR builds a very fast racecar and the team is very strong, with numerous podiums and race wins around the world.

“We just need to be consistent, fast, stay out of trouble, and make sure we’re in the fight when the sun comes up.”

Love Added to Spa 24H Entry; Suzuka 1000km Entry Confirmed

On top of its revised 24H Le Mans lineup, JMR also confirmed its driving roster for its Bronze Cup entry for the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa on June 27-28.

Last month’s entry list reveal had Princes Jefri and Abu Bakar Ibrahim joined in the No. 0 Corvette by Green and Yazid, but the team announced on Monday that JMR regular Jordan Love will race for the team instead of Yazid.

Australian racer Love has been part of JMR’s campaigns in GTWC Asia and other series in the past two seasons, and also raced in the 24H Spa in the team’s Corvette last year as well as in 2024 aboard the Triple Eight JMR Mercedes-AMG.

“I couldn’t be more excited to return for my sixth time to the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, my third year with JMR and my second year in the Corvette,” said Love.

“Last year a few technical issues held us back, but we were extremely fast and the package was good. Spa is an incredibly unpredictable race with challenging weather, racing through the night, and the sheer intensity that we hold for the entire 24 hours.

“Just seeing the checkered flag is a huge achievement, but we know that with the pace of our car and our driver line-up we’re capable of a podium result, and possibly a win.”

JMR has also firmed up plans to compete in the fourth round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge season, the Suzuka 1000km, with a Pro-Am Corvette effort.

That will be shared by Princes Jefri and Abu Bakar Ibrahim and Green, who is set for his event debut having missed last year’s race due to a clash with the DTM.

JMR’s release also made reference to “further exciting team updates to come” with regards to its Suzuka plans, hinting at another Pro entry in the Japanese race.

Source: Sports Car 365