JMF Motorsports will return to GT World Challenge (GTWC) America powered by AWS in 2026, entering the PRO Class with renewed ambition and a proven driver pairing.
Canadian Mercedes-AMG factory driver Mikael Grenier will once again line up alongside long-time JMF team driver Michai Stephens in the No. 34 Mercedes-AMG GT3. Grenier arrives with strong momentum as he recently claimed victory at the Bathurst 12 Hour.
Previously, the STAHLWILLE Tools-backed entry finished second in the 2025 PRO Championship after securing four wins and 11 podium finishes. Now, the team aims to convert that consistency into a title-winning campaign.
“I am excited to announce our return to GT3,” said President John Farrow. “We had great success in 2025, and we are targeting the PRO championship win in 2026!”
“We are excited for the 2026 season,” said CEO Danny Kok. “Mik and Michai will be strong contenders in the PRO Class, and we are looking forward getting back to racing and starting the season off at Sonoma!”
New endurance-focused format for 2026 GTWC America
Meanwhile, the 2026 championship will introduce a revised race structure. Instead of two 90-minute sprint races across the weekend, organisers will stage a single three-hour feature race on Sunday afternoons.
However, the season finale format will remain unchanged. Thus, the Indianapolis 8 Hour will once again run in conjunction with the Intercontinental GT Challenge, bringing together international and domestic GT3 contenders.
JMF Motorsports PRO-AM expansion with Daskalos and Hanafin for 2026 GTWC America
In addition to its PRO entry, JMF Motorsports will field the No. 27 Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the PRO-AM Class for 2026.
“JMF is pleased to welcome the #27 Mercedes-AMG to our awning,” said JMF CEO Danny Kok. “Both Jason and Lorcan are very accomplished drivers, and we look forward to this powerful driver pairing!”
American racer Jason Daskalos returns for his second season in GT World Challenge America. Daskalos began his career in 2007 in the SPEED World Challenge Series aboard a Dodge Viper before joining SRO competition in 2021 for the inaugural season of GT America Powered by AWS. He finished runner-up in the championship in consecutive seasons and secured multiple victories and podiums.
After stepping up to GT World Challenge America in 2025 and earning several PRO-AM podiums, Daskalos will return in the No. 27 Mercedes-AMG GT3, sponsored by Vintage 423 Steakhouse and Lounge.
“I am really excited for the upcoming GT World Challenge America season,” said Daskalos. “We are confident that we have the car, team and driver lineup to put us in a position to win, and we can’t wait to get started!”
For 2026, Daskalos will partner British driver Lorcan Hanafin, who joins the championship for the first time. The Leeds-based racer has competed in GT endurance events across Europe and Asia since 2023 and now embraces a new challenge in North America.
Lorcan is looking forward to the new challenge for 2026. “After racing extensively in Europe, I am excited to join the American series,” he said. “With our combined experience, we are expecting a great season!”
Ambition across both classes
With a strengthened two-car programme spanning PRO and PRO-AM categories, JMF Motorsports enters 2026 with clear objectives. Therefore, the team combines factory-level talent, experienced leadership and international depth as it prepares for a demanding seven-round campaign at iconic circuits across the United States. As the countdown to Sonoma continues, JMF stands ready to challenge at the sharp end of the grid in both classes.
