Aston Martin Reveals the Valkyrie LMH Race Car in Final Livery
Six years after announcing, and later cancelling, plans to run in the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans, Aston Martin is almost ready to roll out the racing version of its Valkyrie hypercar. The LMH-spec variant of the V-12 road car is now set for the first round of the FIA World Endurance Championship on February 28th, and Aston Martin is celebrating the one-month-to-go marker with an official reveal of the car's livery and drivers.
Valkyries will race full-time in both IMSA and the FIA WEC, fielded in both cases by long-time Vantage GT team The Heart of Racing. Cars running in the WEC program will be adorned in the classic British Racing Green, where prototype veteran Harry Tincknell and young driver Tom Gamble will team for an all-English full-time lineup in one of the team's two cars. The other car will be run by Aston Martin veterans Alex Riberas and Marco Sørensen.
In IMSA, Heart of Racing will bring one blue Valkyrie driven by the former Aston Martin GT pairing of Roman de Angelis and Ross Gunn. Both drivers will fill the role of third drivers at Le Mans, with Gunn joining the all-English car with Tincknell and Gamble.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie is a standout in auto racing for a few reasons, most notably because it's the only production-based car in the Le Mans Hypercar class. It's also the only production-based car in IMSA GTP, the only car with a V-12 in either series, and the only car built by a major manufacturer without a hybrid system in either category. In IMSA, it also notably serves as the first car built for the LMH rule set to race against the GTP category's field otherwise made up of LMDh-spec racers.
American fans hoping to see the Valkyrie LMH race in person will get their first chance at the 12 Hours of Sebring in mid-March. The single IMSA entry will continue throughout the full season. Both FIA World Endurance Championship Valkyries will also race in the WEC round at Circuit of the Americas later this year.
You Might Also Like
You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox
Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners
The Man Who Signs Every Car
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Valkyrie bring in French international Sarah Menaa to bolster ranks
YORK Valkyrie have added French international Sarah Menaa to their ranks. Menaa joins the Valkyrie for the remainder of the 2025 season, having made the switch from Catalans Goddesses. The 21-year-old has been a part of the Catalans team that won the French Championships on three different occasions, whilst also being capped four times for the France national team. Advertisement Menaa is able to operate at either prop or in the second-row, and has been described as both a strong attacker and defender, arriving into York with a reputation of being a highly-skilled player. Menaa commented after her move to the Valkyrie was announced: 'I'm really excited to come to York and to have the opportunity to play in the Super League. 'It's a huge challenge for me, and I'll give everything I have to help the Valkyries go all the way!" Valkyrie's Director of Rugby Lindsay Anfield added: 'Sarah is a hard hitting middle who has good ball handling skills, as well as enjoying the contact aspect of the game. Advertisement 'She has a wealth of experience playing rugby league for Catalans and for the French national team, and I think she will thrive in our environment. 'In the past we have had training camps in Perpignan where Sarah has trained with us and shown she has the talent to be competitive in our league. 'Competition for shirts is what we need going into this next stage of the season, and we look forward to seeing what she can do in Valk colours.' Menaa could make her debut for York in Saturday's game at Leigh Leopards' Golborne Parkside (2pm), with her arrival coming at a good time for the Valkyrie, who announced on social media last night that first-team options Kelsey Gentles and Jess Sharp have left the club. Advertisement Sharp has since been announced as a Leeds Rhinos player, having won York's Young Player of the Year for the 2024 season. Gentles' exit comes as a surprise after initially joining the club in 2021, having also scored a try in the last season's Women's Super League Grand Final for the Valkyrie.
2 hours ago
'24 hours of my life': What it takes to finish Le Mans, the world's most famous endurance race
What's the formula for winning the world's most famous endurance sports car race? Discipline, determination, intense training -- and a little bit of luck. Sixty-two teams consisting of 186 drivers will fight for that glory and prestige this Saturday, when the 93rd 24 Hours of Le Mans begins. The various teams, divided into three race classes -- Hypercar (the top class), LMP2 and LMGT3 -- will experience the toughest 24 hours of their life. All the pain and anguish, however, will pay off when the drivers stand on the podium and hoist the coveted winners' trophy. "Le Mans is a jewel," Oliver Gavin, a five-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, told ABC News. "There's a lot of pressure, a lot of mental strain plus the physical toll ... it can be a really intense in the car. Your senses are overloaded with everything you're feeling and seeing." Gavin said he would rely on acupuncture to help relax when he was not chasing his competition on the circuit. Figuring out how to sleep when your teammate is behind the wheel may be even more daunting than driving in torrid rain or sweltering heat, he acknowledged. "It was a lot of trial and error for me -- I tried all lotions and potions," Gavin recalled. "Acupuncture worked ... I would have needles in my face, feet and shoulders. It helped me shut down for a couple of hours and helped me come down from the buzz and adrenaline." He went on, "Young drivers are desperate to do well. My advice -- remove yourself from the pit box and make sure you go somewhere where you can fully shut down. Get out of garage and stop watching the timing screen." Caffeine may seem like a miracle drug for drivers fighting to stay alert at 3 a.m. but regulating caffeine intake is essential, according to Dr. Brian Krabak, a clinical professor of rehabilitation, orthopedics and sports medicine at the University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital. "You can lose that quick agility and reaction time with sleep deprivation, which could lead to injury," Krabak told ABC News. "Drivers have to train with caffeine -- you can't throw that in on race day. Too much caffeine can affect the cardiovascular system. Rookies will get into trouble if they try something new." Krabak noted that drivers' bodies sustain strong g-forces as they speed around the 8.5-mile circuit, requiring them to develop good endurance training programs months and years prior to Le Mans. "Drivers have to be well-trained in terms of strength and flexibility," he said. "Your head is bopping around even with a helmet on." Dr. Jade Cobern, a board-certified physician in preventive medicine and an ABC News Medical Unit fellow, added that a driver's physical and mental fatigue can be dangerous in high-stakes environs, like Le Mans. "The teams have to perform at such high levels for a long time," she said. "Driving at high speeds and in unpredictable conditions plus the lack of sleep can lead to errors that have consequences." Several drivers taking part in Le Mans spoke to ABC News ahead of the race. Here's what they revealed about their training, preparation and state of mind, in their own words. The following has been edited. Alex Lynn, 2020 Le Mans winner (LMGTE Pro class), competing in the No. 12 Cadillac V-Series.R The race takes your mind and body to the limit. Every year you always find something new to do better. This year, for me, is about mobility -- mainly my upper back. I am trying to get more movement. When you're stuck in a race car that doesn't have a lot of space for a long time, lots of things cramp up. My hands and feet cramp up toward at the end of the race, when it's most pivotal [for the team]. I am trying to improve my mental capacity and energy over the race week. We have a unique schedule -- practices from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m., so you eat late. Day or night, dry or wet conditions -- you have to be comfortable in anything. To win the race you have to feel confident in any condition. For mental focus, you really have lean into the training you've been putting in. Last year I made a big step by bringing my own personal trainer to the event. He's dedicated to me and wakes me up. I won't set the alarm. This is how I maximize rest. In past races I was scared I wouldn't wake up. When I wake up, I treat it like a new day. I brush my teeth, shower, put on aftershave, do my hair, put on a fresh T-shirt, even if it's only 1 a.m. and I have to sleep again. Last year there was a long safety car due to bad weather conditions. Alex Palou was in there for hours ... I had the music on, trying to stay amped up [before switching]. I love coffee, but it does get to a point where you're so fatigued that it makes you feel sick. Even consuming meat [during the race] becomes difficult, it's tough to process in the body. I rely a lot on protein drinks, it's easier on the stomach. Sim training is an important tool for this race, I have my own simulator. The circuit is beautiful and amazing to drive. The crowd is unbelievable ... the atmosphere is unlike anything we experience for the rest of the year. I will have my family and girlfriend there, it's nice to have support and loved ones to share the moment with you. I dream of winning again ... but I recognize we're very lucky to be able to do this. Felipe Nasr, 2024 and 2025 winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona, competing in the No. 4 Porsche 963 Endurance racing by far is the most extreme, the most dynamic discipline. The demands are different, you stay in the car for so long. I am chasing that victory in Le Mans. Just before I get into the car, I like to be in my own corner and visualize myself tightening the seat belt, plugging in the radio, leaving the pit lane and driving a lap -- I do this over and over all weekend. I am aligning my body and mind before jumping in [the car]. I concentrate on my breathing techniques -- I want to get in the right flow. The adrenaline is so high in the car -- there's so much information going on in your mind. When I get out, I talk to my team and give them feedback. After driving for two or more hours, I have burned 1,000 calories. Hydration is key. When I get back to my RV, I'll get a session in with my physio. I want to get deep into relaxation, bringing my heartbeat back to baseline. I'll get a call 1.5 hours before I have to be in the garage again. I take a cold shower and do a few exercises to get my body going again. The warm-up takes 5-10 minutes and I also drink coffee to warm up, I am a big fan of coffee. But if you drink too much you might get agitated. I am a big fan of fruits, they're easy to digest. I'll eat granola, peanut butter, chia pudding with almond milk. I'll eat a lot in a race like Le Mans. My parents are always asking how I eat all of that food. But I try to eat at least two hours before I jump in the car again, so I can digest. Early morning hours are the trickiest; 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. are the worst times [of the race]. It's hard on the transitions. We try to keep the driver rotations the same -- if I drive at night, I will drive only at night. Another driver on the team will only race in the daytime. I try to keep my training consistent -- I don't try to overtrain before a race like this. Every IMSA race is a test, a preparation for Le Mans. I do weights and functional training, mobility training and stretching. Sometimes I play tennis. The work is no different from what we have been doing every weekend. I am very attune with myself and the team. Jamie Chadwick, Triple W series champion, competing in her first Le Mans in the No. 18 Oreca 07-Gibson I've been fortunate by having good access to some great drivers like Tom Kristensen, Mark Webber and Jensen Button. My teammate, André Lotterer, is also a three-time Le Mans winner. I've been managing my energy -- it's a long week of buildup before the actual race. I am keeping enough [energy] in the tank for Saturday. Driving at night is a completely different beast ... I don't have a lot of experience driving at night and will have to do a good bit of it in this race. There's a lot I still don't know, like when to take the risk and when not to. I just want to keep pushing. I won't have much time to sleep and will be caffeinating for 24 hours. I have to manage that to make sure I don't crash. I am bringing my own coffee machine, which I packed in the car. It's about finding a bit of comfort in something uncomfortable. My training has changed. I have focused on endurance, like trail running. That requires a lot of mental focus. I also love cycling. I am more excited than nervous to be honest. I just want to enjoy the race. I've never driven at Le Mans, so there's been a lot of sim training. It's the best way to learn the circuit. I have a few friends and family coming to the race. I just want to finish and have a solid result. I am excited about the challenge of Le Mans. It will be tough, and I'll be relying on a lot of adrenaline. It's 24 hours of my life. Mike Conway, 2021 Le Mans winner (Hypercar class), competing in the No. 7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid The competition is tougher this year with 21 Hypercars. The pressure [to win] never goes away completely. I try to put the distractions aside. Every year you learn more about yourself and incorporate something differently. I got injured last year so I missed Le Mans. I had a broken collar bone and broken ribs. That injury changed my approach to fitness. Before, I was just doing miles on the bike and maybe some swimming. I am making sure my body is stronger now. I am still trying to figure out how to sleep during the race to be honest. I really don't sleep much, though I want to. When I get out of the car, I am still pumped from what just happened. It's so easy to look at the TV and listen to the radio ... sometimes I can't switch off. Once I have eaten, I do feel more relaxed. I'll shower, put on comfortable clothes and lie down on the bed. It's very hard to sleep when the sun is up. We can black out the rooms but I still know it's light outside. I've had nightmares and dreams where I have missed things or I am late for something. The first thing I think of when I stop driving is hydration. I try to drink when I am in the car, forcing the fluids in and getting plenty of electrolytes. We have a guy here who tests our hydration levels when the race starts. I always bring creature comforts to the race, like my pillow. I also bring food and drinks with me. My diet is a bit of a pain. I am gluten free now. I cut out gluten for health reasons this year. Bringing these items eases my mind a bit -- I have everything here with me. Nyck de Vries, competing in the No. 7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid This is my sixth time competing at Le Mans. My preparation hasn't really changed [from prior years]. It helps to have that experience -- it gives you a level of confidence. I have a better understanding of what to expect. There's so much work that goes into the race ... everything that happens before [the start] is equally as important. There are lots of different variables ... from the moment I get here I try to isolate. I don't have any specific routines. I'll quickly see the engineers after I jump out of the car and debrief with them. I then eat and shower. I'll put on my underwear for my next stint in the car. Then I try to go to bed. This year I am not setting an alarm. I am having the physios wake me up 50 minutes before I need to be ready. I won't shower again but go right to the garage and put my suit on. I don't drink coffee. I look at it as a new race every time I jump in the car. I value sleep over everything. It's a very long week, a long race. I try to catch up on sleep whenever I can. When I see a gap, I take a nap. I definitely have done sim training. But the prep for Le Mans starts way ahead of the actual event. The team has been here for three weeks. I am racing in two series, so that's means more track time, which is valuable. The more you race, the more you train.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
2-time Olympian Jordan Chiles shows up courtside for Valkyries-Sparks OT thriller
The post 2-time Olympian Jordan Chiles shows up courtside for Valkyries-Sparks OT thriller appeared first on ClutchPoints. The energy at Arena was already electric on Monday night, but the crowd buzzed louder when two-time Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles took her seat courtside. The WNBA delivered one of its most thrilling games of the season, and Chiles was there for every moment. The Golden State Valkyries pulled off a dramatic 89-81 overtime win over the Los Angeles Sparks. Janelle Salaun led the Valkyries with 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Kayla Thornton drilled a clutch three-pointer with 38 seconds left in the extra period. The Sparks had their own firepower with Kelsey Plum dropping 24 points, but it was not enough to hold off Golden State's late surge. Advertisement This game marked a critical point in the season series. The Valkyries now lead 2-1 over the Sparks, continuing their strong form after victories on opening night and today. With both teams battling for playoff positioning, the intensity on the floor was matched by the energy in the stands. Sitting just a few feet from the court, Jordan Chiles soaked it all in. Known for her electric floor routines and steady presence on the U.S. gymnastics team, Chiles brought her champion spirit into the basketball arena. She smiled, waved at fans, and stood up during key plays, clearly locked into the action. Her appearance sent a powerful message about the rise of women's sports and the respect athletes across disciplines have for one another. Chiles is no stranger to pressure or big stages. She helped Team USA win silver in Tokyo and followed it up with a gold medal performance in Paris in the team competition. Outside of Olympic glory, she has competed at the highest levels in NCAA gymnastics for UCLA, becoming a fan favorite and a role model for young athletes across the country. Advertisement Her presence at the game was more than a photo opportunity, it was a show of support that spoke volumes. As women's basketball continues to grow in viewership and influence, the support of figures like Chiles helps push it further into the spotlight. It reminds fans and fellow athletes that excellence, commitment, and excitement exist in every corner of sport. The game itself was a showcase of that excellence. It was fast, physical, emotional, and unpredictable. Every possession mattered. Every shot had weight. Jordan Chiles was right there for it all, her presence amplifying the moment and reminding everyone that greatness always recognizes greatness. Related: Week 3 WNBA power rankings: Lynx, Liberty soar as others struggle to launch Related: Top contenders in WNBA Commissioner's Cup race
