In 2023, Johannes Braun made a triumphant return to IMSA’s top class with Meyer Shank Racing’s Acura. It seemed like Braun and his teammate, Tom Blomqvist, were destined for greatness as they secured three race victories in the GTP class, including an impressive win in the first race of the new hybrid era at Daytona. However, their dreams came crashing down when the team was penalized with a 200-point deduction for manipulating tire pressure data. Despite their efforts, Braun and Blomqvist ended up just 22 points shy of the champions, Pipo Derani and Alexander Sims of Action Express Cadillac. This setback cast a shadow over Braun’s comeback, leaving him eager to prove himself once again.
With Meyer Shank Racing putting their GTP program on hold for 2024, Braun found a new team to continue his pursuit of success. He joined forces with Algarve Pro Racing’s CrowdStrike operation, reuniting with the team he had previously triumphed with in the LMP2 Pro-Am class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. Braun’s partner, George Kurtz, a bronze-graded driver, had already showcased his talent during the full GT World Challenge America season, where they claimed the Pro-Am title in their Riley-run GT3 Mercedes. Excited about the upcoming season, Braun expressed his enthusiasm for the challenges ahead, acknowledging the stiff competition that awaited them in the LMP2 championship.
Braun’s experience in the ORECA-Gibson 07 gives him confidence as he enters the 2024 season. In 2018, he won two races outright in the Prototype class, driving a Core Autosport entry alongside team owner Jon Bennett. These victories came when LMP2 cars were grouped together with DPi machinery at Mosport and Road America. Building on this success, Braun is ready to take on the LMP2 division once again, this time with CrowdStrike Racing by APR.
The Unfinished Business
George Kurtz had narrowly missed out on the LMP2 title in 2023, finishing as the runner-up alongside Ben Hanley. The duo secured victories at Watkins Glen and Petit Le Mans, earning them the Michelin Endurance Cup. Despite their achievements, they were left with a bittersweet taste when they fell only 0.016 seconds short of victory at Daytona, a race that did not count towards the championship. Now, Kurtz will continue his partnership with Braun, hoping to clinch the elusive LMP2 title in 2024.
Stewart Cox, the team boss of CrowdStrike Racing by APR, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance in 2023. However, they are not content with second place, setting their sights on the ultimate prize. Cox firmly believes that the team has what it takes to claim the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship LMP2 titles in the upcoming season. With Braun’s proven skill behind the wheel and Kurtz’s determination to redeem himself, the stage is set for an exciting battle on the track.
Johannes Braun’s journey in IMSA has been one of both triumph and disappointment. From his initial success in the lower classes to his comeback in the top class, Braun’s determination to prove himself has never wavered. As he enters the 2024 season with CrowdStrike Racing by APR, Braun seeks redemption and the chance to prove that he is a force to be reckoned with in the LMP2 division. With his eyes set on the championship title, Braun, alongside his partner George Kurtz, is ready to face the challenges that lie ahead. The road to redemption may not be easy, but with their unwavering dedication and the support of their team, Braun and Kurtz are poised to make their mark on IMSA once again.
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