Christina Nielsen Joins Racers Edge Motorsports For Indy 8 Hours

Racers Edge Motorsports have announced that Christina Nielsen will partner Ashton Harrison and Mario Farnbacher for this year’s running of the Indianapolis 8 Hour Race, the final round of the 2022 Fanatec GT World Challenge America series.

Nielsen’s record as one of the most prolific female endurance racers of recent memory is headlined by back-to-back IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship GTD class titles in 2016 and 2017, becoming the first woman to win a major, full-season professional sports car championship in North America. She also has class victories to her name at the Sebring 12 Hours, Nürburgring 24 Hours, Suzuka 10 Hours, and Kyalami 9 Hours endurance races over her career.

“I’m super excited to be joining Racers Edge Motorsports, Ashton and Mario at the Indianapolis 8-hour event,” said Nielsen. “I was lucky enough to join the team at one of the HPD Driver Academy events and it was amazing to be back behind the wheel of the Acura GT3 NSX.”

Nielsen last raced in the NSX GT3 as a member of the female-fronted Heinricher Racing with Meyer Shank Racing team. Most recently, she raced for Iron Dames at this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.

“(The HPD Driver Academy) was my first time at Indy, so it was nice to get familiar with the track and shake off the rust,” Nielsen added. “I had a great first impression of the team; they have a super nice environment to work within and are also professional so that makes me even more excited for the race. The whole team has had a strong performance this season, so I feel very lucky that I get to join and support such a strong effort.”

Nielsen will have the task of aiding Harrison, Farnbacher, and Racers Edge Motorsports in their bid for the GT World Challenge America Pro-Am championships. After two races at Sebring International Raceway on 24-25 September, the Indy 8 Hour will serve as a double-points finale for all eligible GT World Challenge America teams.

Last year, the GT World Challenge America season finale at Indy was a “race within a race,” held during the first three hours of the eight-hour endurance race.

Harrison and Farnbacher have three Pro-Am class victories this season, and six podium finishes. They are currently just two points out of the Drivers’ championship lead heading into the Sebring weekend, and in the Teams’ championship, Racers Edge are currently leading on countback over defending Pro-Am Cup title winners Wright Motorsports.

“With the championship at stake, it’s critical to bring in just the right driver to join the lineup for the season finale where three drivers are required,” team owner Jon Mirachi added. “Christina has the right experience and the speed we need to help us go for the win and the championship. I couldn’t think of a better choice, and we’re excited to have her behind the wheel!”

Images © SRO Motorsports Group