In a thrilling announcement, JDC-Miller MotorSports revealed that 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button will join the team for the 2023 Motul Petit LeMans, scheduled for October 11-14 at Road Atlanta. Button will be teaming up with fellow drivers Tijmen van der Helm and Mike Rockenfeller in the Porsche 963 GTP, marking an exciting chapter in his career after a successful foray into sports car racing.
"I’m very excited to announce that I will be racing at Petit Le Mans this year with 2021 Sebring winners JDC-Miller MotorSports," said Button. The British driver, now 43 and based in Los Angeles, made his mark in Formula One over an 18-year career, claiming 15 wins and the coveted world title driving for teams like Brawn GP, McLaren, and Honda.
Although Button has been enjoying his time in NASCAR, where he drives the No. 15 Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing, he admitted that returning to a high-downforce prototype is where he feels most comfortable. "Whilst I’m having a lot of fun cutting my teeth in the NASCAR Cup series this year, a prototype with high downforce is definitely more in my comfort zone!" he noted.
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Button is venturing into uncharted territory with his new Porsche unit and the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship but expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with his teammates. "I partnered with Rocky at Le Mans this year, and he will be invaluable as he’s fantastic at car/team development. He is also incredibly quick, which always helps!" he explained, referencing his prior experience with Rockenfeller during the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Additionally, Button reflected on the potential of working with rookie Tijmen van der Helm, stating, "who seems to really be gaining speed and confidence through the season so we should have a lot of fun."
John Church, the Managing Partner of JDC-Miller MotorSports, expressed pride in Button's participation for the final race of the season. "JDC-Miller MotorSports is honored to confirm that Jenson will be joining us for the final race of the season in our Porsche 963 at Road Atlanta. His accomplishments speak for themselves. He and Rocky bonded through the extensive development of the Garage 56 Camaro. We are confident he will quickly integrate with the team and get up to speed with the 963," Church said.
The team has shown significant resilience and competitiveness throughout the 2023 season, initially rolling out the Porsche 963 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. After finishing seventh in their opening race, JDC-Miller secured three top-five finishes, including commendable fourth-place finishes at Watkins Glen and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
Echoing sentiments about Button's addition, Volker Holzmeyer, President and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America, highlighted the program’s success. "Having Jenson join JDC-Miller MotorSports is a testimony to the program John Church, John Miller, and the entire team has assembled. The addition of Jenson should bring even greater success," Holzmeyer stated, underlining the value Button will bring to the team.
As JDC-Miller MotorSports continues to carve its path in IMSA racing, the anticipation builds for Button's appearance at the Petit LeMans. Known for its challenging layout and varied conditions, Road Atlanta presents both a formidable challenge and an opportunity for the team to shine.
JDC-Miller, based in Minnesota, has a proud history in sports car racing. They transitioned to the top echelons of the sport in 2017 and have continued to grow, securing a pivotal partnership with Porsche Motorsports for their current season. With the backing of a seasoned driver like Button, the spotlight will be on JDC-Miller as they aim for a standout finish at Petit LeMans, further etching their name in motorsport history.