SEBRING, Fla. (March 18, 2025) – AO Racing made history on Saturday night at Sebring International Raceway, claiming its first Twelve Hours of Sebring victory in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Laurin Heinrich, Klaus Bachler, and Alessio Picariello piloted Rexy, the Porsche 911 GT3 Rawr, to a commanding win in the GTD PRO class. Meanwhile, in the LMP2 category, the crew of Spike the Dragon battled back from an early setback to finish on the lead lap inside the top ten.
“Everybody executed flawlessly at Sebring,” said Team Principal Gunnar Jeannette. “At times, we struggled a little with pace, but in the night hours—when it mattered—Laurin and Rexy were absolutely flying. I don’t know how long Rexy will be keeping the braces, but we’ll definitely have fond memories of them forever.”
Rexy’s signature grin had a fresh look at Sebring, sporting braces after sustaining damage while fighting for victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The braces kept Rexy’s famous teeth in place over Sebring’s punishing bumps as the team started from second on the grid. The fan-favorite Porsche led 82 of the 329 laps and, most importantly, was in front when the checkered flag waved. The victory marked AO Racing’s fourth IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship win.
In the LMP2 class, Spike the Dragon had a strong showing despite an early setback that dropped the team two laps down. A lack of full-course cautions prevented the entry from making up ground until the final hours, but once back on the lead lap, PJ Hyett, Dane Cameron, Jonny Edgar, and their crew charged forward to secure a hard-fought seventh-place finish.
Driver Quotes
Laurin Heinrich
We are Twelve Hours of Sebring winners! The team did such an amazing job. At the end, I got such a quick car. Rexy was flying out there, literally, it was incredible. I never thought we would run out of the truck with a car like this. Honestly, have to give it to the team. Also, personally, for me, winning one of the big endurance races here in sports car racing is incredible. This is actually my first one, my first big win. So it’s really a day to remember forever, and I’ll be always thankful to AO racing.
Klaus Bachler
I’m so very happy, and so proud of the whole team. We won the 12 Hours of Sebring–such a legendary race. Laurin and Alessio did an amazing job. In the end, I’m so happy, speechless. Now it’s time to celebrate, and still a long season ahead of us, but we will enjoy this moment, and then we will work as hard as possible for the rest of the season, try to win the championship.
Alessio Picariello
I’m very happy–my first big endurance race win, and I’m so happy to be part of this team! Sharing this victory with Klaus and Lauren was very special.
