LAT Images Credit: Stevan McAleer has been announced as Katherine Legge’s replacement for the remainder of the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season, as the female driver will be competing in the Indianapolis 500. In light of the recent news about Katherine Legge’s attempt to qualify for her fourth Indy 500, Gradient Racing has confirmed that McAleer will take over as the full-time driver, partnering with Sheena Monk. McAleer has already participated with the team at the season-opener, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and will return for the upcoming sprint round, the Grand Prix of Long Beach, on 20 April. This race, lasting 1 hour and 40 minutes, is the shortest on the calendar.
A statement from the team reads: “Gradient Racing is pleased to announce that Stevan McAleer will be rejoining the team as Sheena Monk’s teammate for the remainder of the 2024 season, starting from the Long Beach Grand Prix.”
Gradient Racing has had a challenging start to their season, finishing 19th in the GTD class at Daytona and retiring from the 12 Hours of Sebring with their #66 Acura NSX GT3 Evo22. In the latter race, Legge’s performance was hindered by contact on the left side with Frederic Makowiecki from Porsche Penske. Although no further action was taken, the #66 car eventually became the eighth confirmed retirement in the demanding Sebring classic.
The Grand Prix of Long Beach will feature 10 GTPs and 17 GTD entrants, and Gradient Racing is aiming for a more successful performance at this thrilling street circuit.