JAKE WALKER JOINS TAN AND VERHAGEN IN ST RACING #38 M4 GT3 FOR INDIANAPOLIS 8 HOUR

ST Racing is delighted to welcome Jake Walker to the team ahead of the young American’s debut at this year’s Indianapolis 8 Hours.

This year’s Indianapolis 8 Hours, a double points-paying event, brings the 2023 GT World Challenge America season to a close on 5-7 October at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jake joins team co-owner Samantha Tan and BMW M Motorsport factory driver Neil Verhagen for his GT3 racing debut aboard the #38 BMW M4 GT3.

A prolific name on the SKUSA go karting scene in recent years, and with a finish on the formidably tough Baja 500 rally already under his belt, Jake entered his first car race in 2022 at the fourth round of that year’s Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America at Road America, turning heads with a mature drive to 6th in-class on debut. Since then, Jake has further illustrated his potential (and speed) by securing two runner-up spots on his IMSA VP Challenge at Lime Rock Park in July this year. Fittingly, aboard a BMW M4 GT4.

Following several impressive outings aboard a Porsche Cayman GT4 in the World Racing League, 17-year-old Jake was selected as the latest member of the Lamborghini Squadra Corse Young Driver Program earlier this year in June. Having picked up his maiden series podiums at Road America and, aptly, Indianapolis, the young American is also on course to finish in the overall top six in this year’s Lamborghini Super Trofeo NA, his first full car racing program.

Known for providing aspiring GT racers with an opportunity on SRO’s grandest stage, ST Racing is proud to continue this trend, and is confident that Jake Walker’s speed and enthusiasm will prove invaluable at the GTWC America season finale, as Samantha Tan and her eponymous racing team look to continue their recent run of top finishes and close out the season fighting for the top spot in the Pro/Am Drivers’ and Team standings.

Jon Miller, team manager: “Jake is a rising star in GT racing and has been on my radar since last year when he stepped from karting into a car for the first time and immediately showed speed. He’s young but with a solid foundation of experience and a mature approach that will serve him well in his first GT3 race. He had a successful run at Indy in the Super Trofeo series just a few weeks ago and we’re looking forward to closing out our season with Jake at one of our team’s favorite events, the Indy 8 Hour!”

Samantha Tan, driver / co-owner: “We are thrilled to have Jake Walker join our lineup for the Indianapolis 8H! He’s showed a lot of talent and potential in his race series’ this year, both in IMSA and Super Trofeo, and we look forward to working together in bringing home another win at the brickyard.”

Jake Walker, driver: “I’m very excited to race here at Indianapolis for my first GT3 race. I’m looking forward to racing with Samantha and Neil, two very accomplished drivers, and working with the team.”

Alongside its renewed driver line-up, Samantha Tan Racing goes into this year’s Indianapolis 8 Hours with momentum on its side. As well as a succession of top two finishes in the 2023 GT World Challenge America, ST Racing concluded a trying 2022 season with a hard-fought Silver class victory, and 8th place overall, at the event last year.