#18 Andretti Autosport Ligier JS P320, P3-1: Tristan Herbert, Jarett Andretti

Andretti Autosport Elevates LMP3 Team to WeatherTech Championship

Rolex 24 Winner Oliver Askew Will Join Jarett Andretti Next Week at Mid-Ohio

 

By Mark Robinson

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Andretti Autosport announced on Wednesday that it is shifting its Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3) program from the IMSA Prototype Challenge to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the remainder of the 2021 season. The move up to the WeatherTech Championship takes effect at next week’s Acura Sports Car Challenge Presented by the TLX Type S at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Jarett Andretti will continue as one of the drivers of the No. 36 Gallant Ligier JS P320. He’ll be joined at Mid-Ohio by Oliver Askew, the former Indy Lights champion who was part of the winning LMP3 effort in January’s Rolex 24 At Daytona with Riley Motorsports.

The team debuted in Prototype Challenge this year, with Andretti and co-driver Tristan Herbert finishing fourth in the opener at Daytona International Speedway but being eliminated after just two laps at Sebring International Raceway.

“We’re really proud of what Jarett and our LMP3 team has accomplished so far in the Prototype Challenge and are looking forward to this next step into full WeatherTech SportsCar competition,” said Michael Andretti, Chairman & CEO of Andretti Autosport. “Continued sports car growth has always been on the radar for us at Andretti Autosport and this helps to set things in the right direction. I think Jarett and Oliver will make a great pairing for Mid-Ohio for our first official outing.”

Jarett Andretti is son of the late John Andretti, who excelled as a driver in sports cars, NASCAR, IndyCars and dragsters. The 28-year-old is ready for the new challenge.

“This is an exciting time for our team and partners,” Jarett Andretti said. “From the start of the season, our goal was always to compete in the WeatherTech races, and we are excited to make the switch now and are excited to get started at Mid-Ohio with Oliver.”

WeatherTech Championship action at Mid-Ohio begins with practice Friday afternoon, May 14. Qualifying to set the starting grid streams live at 12:15 p.m. ET Saturday, May 15. The race on the 2.258-mile, 13-turn permanent road course airs live at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 16 on NBCSN. Tickets for race weekend are available at midohio.com.