IMSA: Rockenfeller & Van Der Helm to drive JDC-Miller Porsche LMDh in IMSA

JDC-Miller MotorSports has signed Mike Rockenfeller and Tijmen van der Helm for its 2023 Porsche 963 GTP campaign in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The Minnesota-based team, which took delivery of its new chassis last week, is set to debut the car at Laguna Seca with its new driver pairing next month. A third driver for the remaining Michelin Endurance Cup events will be revealed in due course.

In addition to confirming Rockenfeller and van der Helm, the team has revealed a striking yellow paint scheme for its 963.

Two-time Le Mans winner Rockenfeller says it’s good to be back racing a Porsche again.

“I am excited to be part of this team and the Porsche 963 project!” he says. “Starting our GTP season at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for the fourth round of the season is going to be a challenge. I am confident the JDC-Miller MotorSports team is on a very steep learning curve and will compete with the GTP teams very quickly. So very happy to see my name back on a Porsche.”

Mike Rockenfeller looks on during a press conference announcing the NASCAR Garage 56 driver lineup for entry in 2023 Le Mans before the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway on January 28, 2023 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

Van der Helm meanwhile, steps up to the GTP class after competing with JDC-Miller in the IMSA LMP3 category at the Rolex 24 and Sebring 12 Hours this year. This program adds to the 19-year-old Dutchman’s ELMS’ LMP2 class campaign with Panis Racing.

“I am really happy to be a part of the JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963 LMDh project,” he adds. “To me it does not really matter that we start a bit later in the season. I think we as a team can maximize every opportunity we will get. Going to the Laguna race with a brand-new car will be tough, but I have no doubt that we will be competitive as a team. I look forward to the challenge and opportunity!”

Images courtesy of JDC-Miller