Jan Magnussen’s last driving season for Corvette Racing
Vette Vues Magazine learned that the 2019 season would be Jan Magnussen’s last driving season for Corvette Racing. He joined the team in 2004. During his 16 years, he has achieved 35 victories. Petit Le Mans was his final race for Corvette Racing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Jan Magnussen in No. 3 Corvette C7.R finished fourth at the GTLM Petit Le Mans race. He is quoted as saying, “We gave it the best shot we had to try and get second in the championship, but one point short. We tied for second, but obviously, Porsche takes that because of race wins. Knowing how everything panned out, this was the best we could get out of it, I think. Everyone wanted a win for the C7.R to send it off, but it wasn’t in the cards. We put on a good show…the best we could.”
Magnussen has played a major role in the team’s success. He has over 150 races behind the wheel. The thirty-five victories include four in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and one in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, four IMSA championships and 17 pole positions in 156 starts.
Magnussen spent his first three years with Corvette Racing as an endurance driver. He became a full-time driver in 2007.
In 2012, he partnered with current teammate Antonio Garcia full-time. The pair won the GT Le Mans championships in 2017 and 2018.
Jan Magnussen’s last driving season for Corvette Racing thoughts…
Jan recently is quoted as saying, “I’m fortunate to have had such a long career with Corvette Racing. When I joined the program in 2004, I never thought this would be my home for the next 16 years.”
“The team is like my second family. I’m very proud of the championships and race wins we achieved together against very tough competition. Thanks to everyone at Corvette Racing for the good times and memories.”
Jim Campbell’s comments on Magnussen’s Exit
The head of racing at General Motors, Jim Campbell spoke fondly of the decade-plus spent within the GM Racing family.
“Everyone at Corvette Racing thanks Jan for his years of dedication and professionalism during the last 16 years,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of Performance and Motorsports. “
“Jan has been a key part of the growth and success of Corvette Racing. His experience and insight have been invaluable. We hold Jan in the highest regard and wish him well in the next chapter of his career.”
It is rumored that Jan’s exit will make way for Jordan Taylor to enter a full-season ride with Pratt & Miller Engineering. Corvette has not yet formally confirmed Taylor, as well as another likely driver change to its lineup for 2020. In a release, they said, “Corvette Racing will confirm the details of its 2020 racing program later this year.”
You will remember that Chevrolet introduced a special edition 2019 Corvette – The 2019 Corvette Drivers Series special edition Grand Sport models designed in collaboration with the Corvette Racing team. The Jan Magnussen Edition was Arctic White exterior with Crystal Red stripes and gray hash marks, body-color mirrors, black wheels with a red stripe and red brake calipers. Jet Black interior with red seat belts; red stitching on 3LT trim.
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