Former Daytona winner Tom O’Gorman returns to IMSA

By Colin Wood
Jan 18, 2023 | IMSA, Rolex 24 at Daytona, rolex 24, TCR, Tom O'Gorman, Michelin Pilot Challenge BMW M Performance Challenge

Photograph Courtesy Tom O'Gorman

Race car driver, GRM friend and winner of the inaugural IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge TCR competition, Tom O’Gorman, is returning to IMSA. He'll sit behind the wheel of the Rockwell Autosport No. 10 Audi RS3 LMS TCR in the Michelin Pilot Challenge season opener during the 2023 Rolex 24 Daytona weekend, January 26-29.

His first time in the IMSA paddock since 2019, O’Gorman points out that it was grassroots-level racing that helped him get to the big leagues:

“I’ll never take for granted the chance to race on this big of a stage,” tells O’Gorman. “I grew up a fan of racing, got into autocross as a hobby in my teens, but never dreamed I’d get the chance to race professionally. I found myself living that dream for a handful of years, and I’m so fortunate, excited, hungry for this opportunity to return. Kids like me don’t get these opportunities often. My goal is to do the best job I can for Rockwell Autosport, for the whole community of people who helped me get here, and for myself.”

Like many other drivers, O’Gorman found himself unsure of what the future held in Spring 2020, when the world began to shut down, but that didn’t stop him from racing.

Instead, he directed his focus into a new racing effort: Competing in the Gridlife Touring Cup Series in his own Honda S2000, becoming the 2022 Driver’s Champion as well as one of the most winningest drivers in GLTC history. O’Gorman also notes that the move helped him become a better driver, too:

“Stepping back to grassroots racing after my experience in professional racing was eye opening. Being responsible for my own vehicle, the engineering, modifications, maintenance, everything; then getting to work with and race against some of the best grassroots and amateur racing has to offer - it’s all taught me a lot. I think it’s made me an even more well-rounded driver on- and off-track.”

Watch Tom O’Gorman race in the 2023 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge BMW M Performance Challenge at Daytona on January 27 at 1:45 p.m. Eastern.

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