Valkyrie Takes on IMSA Detroit Street Circuit: Aston Martin THOR Team Set for Challenge

Aston Martin THOR Team Targets Strong Result in IMSA Street Race

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship heads to downtown Detroit for the final street race of 2026 this weekend (May 29-30). Aston Martin’s striking Valkyrie hypercar will return to the GTP class grid, piloted by Ross Gunn (UK) and Roman De Angelis (Canada) in the #23 entry.

The Valkyrie is the only road-car-derived hypercar competing in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA. The Detroit circuit, a 1.7-mile layout with 9 corners, occupies the same district that once hosted Formula 1. Characterized by its bumpy surface, narrow lanes, and sharp 90-degree turns, it is considered one of the most difficult challenges of the season, requiring exceptional braking stability and traction.

Team Principal Ian James commented, 'Bumpy street courses are not naturally where the Valkyrie’s strengths lie, but we found significant performance at Long Beach. In IMSA, it is about mistake-free runs and seizing opportunities. We have the car and the drivers to deliver.'

The racing Valkyrie features a carbon fiber chassis and a modified 6.5-liter V12 powerplant capable of 11,000rpm and over 1,000bhp. However, under IMSA GTP regulations, it is capped at 500kW (680bhp). Coming off a self-best 4th place at WEC Spa and a strong finish at Laguna Seca, the team is optimistic about securing a top result in the Motor City.