IMSA: CORE adds Jonsson, Long to Rolex line-up

CORE autosport has completed its driver lineup for the 2017 Rolex 24 at Daytona – the team's first attempt at the 24-hour race. Patrick Long and Nic Jonsson will join Jon Bennett and Colin Braun in the No. 54 Porsche 911 GT3 R in the IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship's GT Daytona category.

"There is some heavy competition in this year's GTD class," Long said, "but I have huge respect and confidence in the program Jon Bennett and Morgan Brady have put together and I know there will be no punches pulled leading up to the start of this year's Rolex 24."

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Long is no stranger to CORE autosport, having partnered with both Braun and Tom Kimber-Smith in a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR for CORE's 2013 GT effort in the American Le Mans Series (pictured). Porsche's only American factory driver brings with him 14 years of Porsche experience, including a victory and three podiums at the Rolex 24.

"I'm excited to have a guy that knows Porsches like Pat does with us," Braun said. "To have someone that knows the car and has so much Rolex 24 experience will be a great asset.

"Driving with Nic again will be great. I've known him for a long time and learned a lot from him back when I was driving for Krohn. Much like Pat, he's done this race a lot and he knows GT3 cars. I think our lineup is a great one. It's probably a sleeper lineup, because we don't have any big IndyCar or F1 names, but I think it's as good as it gets when it comes to sportscar racing."

For all Tequila Patrón North American Endurance Cup races (Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Petit Le Mans), Jonsson will serve as CORE's third driver. Jonsson has nearly two decades of professional sports car racing under his belt. His résumé includes the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, Rolex Sports Car Series, American Le Mans Series and World Endurance Championship. The Swede has finished on the podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times and earned class victories at Sebring and Petit Le Mans.

Long and Jonsson will get their first seat time in the No. 54 Porsche 911 GT3 R at the Roar Before the 24, from January 6 -8. It will be the final test before the 2017 race season kicks off in earnest with the Rolex 24 at Daytona, January 26 – 29.