Pataskala, Ohio (18 November 2022) – Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) completes its 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship roster with 2022 IMSA LMP3 champion Colin Braun joining Tom Blomqvist for the team’s full-season Acura LMDh program next season.
Having closed out the DPi era with a huge win in the 2022 Petit Le Mans to secure the IMSA DPi title, MSR is looking to get a quick start in 2023 as IMSA moves to the next iteration of Prototype competition with the hybrid-powered GTP Class.
Braun will make his return to the MSR squad having raced for the team in the 2009 edition of the Rolex 24. Braun and MSR also partnered in 2013 to set a speed record at Daytona International Speedway onboard MSR’s Daytona Prototype and posting a 222.971 mph lap.
Braun has a wide range of racing experience, competing behind the wheel of several different types of racing machinery – everything from stock cars, trucks, GT cars to Prototypes. The American racer has multiple race wins at North America’s premier events – the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Twelve Hours of Sebring, and Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen.
Braun has competed in 18 consecutive Rolex 24s and also has one 24 Hours of Le Mans start which saw a 17-year old Braun become the youngest 24 Hours of Le Mans podium finisher in 2007.
Braun’s success in the IMSA WeatherTech championship has also included three prototype championships (2014, 2015 & 2022) with the highly accomplished CORE Autosport.
“I am incredibly excited to be joining Meyer Shank Racing for the 2023 season,” said Braun. “MSR were tough competitors back in my Grand-Am days and setting the Daytona speed record with them was really special. Seeing what Mike (Shank) has built from the outside has always been impressive. You can see the passion the entire team has for racing and their drive to win is really motivating.”
Braun will be entering a new chapter of Prototype competition with the introduction of the all-new Acura ARX-06 LMDh car for 2023. He is eager for the new challenge and will look to teammate Blomqvist for his knowledge following an extensive test program with the all-new Acura hybrid machine.
“MSR had a terrific season in 2022 and I know expectations are high to deliver, but I am ready for the challenge,” said Braun. “I’m also looking forward to co-driving with Tom. His experience on the electric side of racing will be a huge boost for us. I am ready to get to work and to once again compete in IMSA’s top class for wins and championships in the Acura GTP car!”
As MSR’s IMSA program continues to grow, Mike Shank will be looking to lead the team with Acura to a fourth IMSA championship next season with Braun and Blomqvist.
“Colin came out and tested for us and I think we all knew he would adjust well with the amount of experience he has,” said Shank. “We were lucky enough to work together a while back at the Daytona 24 and we set a speed record at Daytona together as well, so we knew he would be a good fit. Him and Tom (Blomqvist) got along great and we have a solid lineup going into the 2023 season.”
MSR will debut the No. 60 Acura ARX-06 LMDh car at the Roar Before the 24 in January with its Rolex 24 lineup with Blomqvist and Braun joined by MSR IndyCar regulars, Simon Pagenaud and Helio Castroneves.