Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH Hits the Track: New Era in Endurance Racing

Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH Hits the Track: A New Era for Endurance Racing

Aston Martin, in collaboration with The Heart of Racing, has unveiled its new Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercar, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in endurance racing. This groundbreaking vehicle recently completed its initial shakedown and evaluation testing in the UK, with renowned drivers Darren Turner, Mario Farnbacher, and Harry Tincknell behind the wheel. This is a significant step towards Aston Martin's goal of clinching victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a feat they haven't achieved since 1959.

A New Hypercar for Endurance Racing

The Valkyrie AMR-LMH is poised to make history as the first racing car developed under Hypercar regulations to compete in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA) simultaneously. What sets this hypercar apart is its origins: it is derived from the Aston Martin Valkyrie, the brand's ultimate production hypercar. This unique lineage underscores its high-performance pedigree and places it in a class of its own.

Performance and Innovation

At the heart of the Valkyrie AMR-LMH is a modified version of the Cosworth-built 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine. Known for its impressive 11,000 rpm redline and over 1000bhp in its standard form, this engine has been fine-tuned to meet the specific demands of the Hypercar class. Its adaptation ensures that the car remains within the performance window while withstanding the rigors of endurance racing.

The car’s race-optimized carbon-fiber chassis and advanced aerodynamics are designed to enhance its performance on the track. With a rigorous testing and development program already underway, the Valkyrie AMR-LMH will soon make its way to European circuits, where performance evaluation will take center stage.

A Vision Realized

The Heart of Racing, Aston Martin's works team, has established a new UK headquarters to oversee the Valkyrie AMR-LMH’s development. The team's dedication is evident in their commitment to building a car that not only meets but exceeds the stringent requirements of top-level endurance racing. Team Principal Ian James expressed pride in the project's progress, highlighting the competitive nature of the field and the formidable challenges ahead.

Expanding Aston Martin's Endurance Racing Presence

In addition to its WEC efforts, Aston Martin plans to enter the Valkyrie AMR-LMH into the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship's GTP class, with operations based out of The Heart of Racing’s Phoenix headquarters in North America. This expansion will solidify Aston Martin’s presence across all levels of sportscar racing, from the Hypercar category to GT4, and further enhance their legacy in endurance racing.

A Legacy of Excellence

Aston Martin’s involvement in endurance racing spans nearly a century, with over 240 drivers having raced Aston Martins at Le Mans across various chassis and engine combinations. The Valkyrie AMR-LMH continues this tradition, embodying the brand’s commitment to innovation and competition.

As the Valkyrie AMR-LMH prepares for its competitive debut in early 2025, the anticipation is palpable. This hypercar represents not only a new chapter for Aston Martin but also a thrilling evolution in endurance racing.

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