Renger van der Zande is leaving the top prototype class to drive full-time in IMSA’s LMP2 category. The Dutch veteran signed with Tower Motorsports to partner with John Farano for the 2027 season. The Dutch veteran’s move to Tower Motorsports ends a decade of competing in the premier GTP division for the driver who now seeks a second class title. Motorsport.com reported the lineup on November 12, 2026, confirming the pair will share the #8 ORECA LMP2 07 car.
Van der Zande brings 133 WeatherTech Championship starts and 23 victories to the team. He has won at least one race every single season since the modern era started in 2014. Tower Motorsports Team Manager Rick Capone called the driver mix the final pieces needed for a championship push. “I’m really excited about our driver lineup for next season,” said Rick Capone, Team Manager, Tower Motorsports.
A Veteran Pairing for the Endurance Rounds
While Van der Zande and Farano will drive every race, the endurance lineup adds extra depth. The IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup rounds see Griffin Peebles joining the squad. The Australian teenager just won the ELMS LMP2 championship and earned Top Performer honors. Tristan Vautier is the fourth driver specifically for the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona. Vautier brings deep familiarity with the series after racing in both LMP2 and Grand Touring Prototype categories.
John Farano enters his seventh consecutive full-time campaign since 2021. His upcoming 50th career start will occur at the Rolex 24. His resume already includes the 2022 LMP2 class title alongside five victories. The team wants to build on a strong 2026 season where they shared the car with a rotating cast of drivers. Van der Zande spent the last ten years driving for four different organizations in the top tier. He is moving to LMP2 full-time.
Why the Move Makes Sense for Both Sides
Tower Motorsports needed a veteran to stabilize the car alongside Farano. The team previously relied on Sebastian Alvarez and Vautier to fill gaps during the 2026 season. Adding a driver with Van der Zande’s winning streak changes the dynamic immediately. He has driven for Chip Ganassi-run Cadillac Racing, Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian, Wayne Taylor Racing, and Spirit of Daytona Racing. That experience covers almost every top team in the paddock.
The addition of Peebles brings youthful speed to the endurance roster. He arrived in IMSA after a stellar European Le Mans Series campaign. His success in Europe proves he can handle the pressure of a major championship. Vautier rounds out the group with his extensive history across IMSA categories. Capone believes this specific combination gives the team the best chance to fight for wins. The goal is to secure a championship run in a fiercely competitive LMP2 field.
- Van der Zande has 23 victories in the WeatherTech Championship.
- Farano will make his 50th career start at the Rolex 24.
- Peebles won the ELMS LMP2 championship in his most recent season.
The driver lineup for the #8 car was confirmed by Motorsport.com on November 12, 2026.
