Jose Maria Lopez will join the line-up for Action Express Racing’s all-star Cadillac at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
The two-time WEC champion will join Jimmie Johnson, Mike Rockenfeller and Toyota team-mate Kamui Kobayashi aboard the #48 Ally Cadillac DPi-VR, which will once again contest the Michelin Endurance Cup.
Johnson, Rockenfeller and Kobayashi form the line-up for the full campaign, while Lopez only joins for Daytona. He takes the seat that was occupied by Simon Pagenaud last year.
The Argentine driver has not contested the twice-around-the-clock enduro at the Florida venue before, but has limited previous experience from racing a Ferrari GT car in the American Le Mans Series.
“My experience in America is not huge,” Lopez said. “I raced my first endurance event back in 2007 in the 12 Hours of Sebring, and from there, I always wanted to come back and race in America again. “I love the way racing is and my teammates Kamui and Mike always tells me how much they enjoy racing in such a competitive category and series like IMSA.
“Driving with Jimmie Johnson is very special. As a big fan of motor racing, I’ve always followed NASCAR and Jimmie was my favorite driver. I can definitely say that I am a big fan. So, to share the car with him is a huge privilege. Regarding Mike, I have always watched him racing. His career is impressive and I’m looking forward to working and learning from him too.
“It will be great to continue as a teammate with my friend and brother Kamui. I have the honor to race and share a lot of time with him as teammates at Toyota. I know him very well as he knows me, so I am very happy to once again share a car in this very special race.”
The #48 Cadillac will return for a second attempt at the Michelin Endurance Cup after a first year in 2021. The Hendrick Motorsports-supported DPi recorded its best finish on debut at Daytona, when it finished second overall only behind Wayne Taylor Racing.
“It’s good to have Jimmie back leading the driver lineup in the Ally Cadillac for the four endurance events in 2022,” said Gary Nelson, Action Express Racing team manager. “We have a little more time to get up to speed this time for the Rolex 24 in January.
“The team showed a lot of promise last year, finishing second at the Rolex and showing strong pace at Sebring. We will be working closely with Rick Hendrick’s group led by Chad Knaus.”
“Jose Maria is new to the car this year. He is a Le Mans 24 winner and WEC champion, and I am sure he will be up to speed very quickly when he steps in the Ally Cadillac.”
