Joey Hand

Joey Hand is a professional racing driver who has competed in various series, including the American Le Mans Series, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and IndyCar Series. He has driven for top teams such as Chip Ganassi Racing and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, and has shared the track with notable drivers like Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, and Bryan Herta. Hand's career has been marked by numerous podium finishes and victories, including wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring. He has also competed against talented drivers like Helio Castroneves, Tony Kanaan, and Juan Pablo Montoya.

● Early Life and Career

Joey Hand was born in Sacramento, California, and began his racing career at a young age, competing in karting events and working his way up through the junior ranks. He attended Sacramento State University and later moved to England to pursue a career in professional racing, where he competed in the British Formula Ford Championship and Formula Renault UK series. Hand's early career was influenced by drivers like Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell, and Damon Hill, and he has spoken about the impact of watching races like the Monaco Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500 on his decision to become a professional driver. He has also mentioned the importance of teams like Williams F1 and McLaren in shaping his early career.

● Racing Career

Joey Hand's professional racing career has spanned over two decades, during which he has competed in a variety of series, including the Indy Lights series, Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, and Pirelli World Challenge. He has driven for teams like Andretti Autosport, Bryan Herta Autosport, and Michael Shank Racing, and has shared the track with drivers like Graham Rahal, Justin Wilson, and Simon Pagenaud. Hand has also competed in endurance events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Petit Le Mans, where he has driven alongside drivers like Scott Pruett, Memo Rojas, and Ryan Dalziel. He has been influenced by the careers of drivers like Mario Andretti, Rick Mears, and Al Unser Jr., and has spoken about the importance of events like the Daytona 500 and Bathurst 1000 in shaping his career.

● American Le Mans Series

Joey Hand competed in the American Le Mans Series from 2004 to 2013, driving for teams like Rahal Letterman Racing and BMW Team RLL. He won several races, including the 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans, and finished on the podium at events like the 24 Hours of Daytona and 6 Hours of Watkins Glen. Hand's time in the ALMS was marked by intense competition with drivers like Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish, and Lucas Luhr, and he has spoken about the influence of teams like Audi Sport North America and Porsche Motorsport on his career. He has also mentioned the importance of tracks like Laguna Seca and Road America in the ALMS calendar.

● IMSA Career

Joey Hand has competed in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship since its inception in 2014, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing and Ford Chip Ganassi Racing. He has won several races, including the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring, and has finished on the podium at events like the 6 Hours of Watkins Glen and Petit Le Mans. Hand's IMSA career has been marked by competition with drivers like Jordan Taylor, Ricky Taylor, and Oliver Gavin, and he has spoken about the influence of teams like Corvette Racing and Porsche GT Team on his career. He has also mentioned the importance of events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona and Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in the IMSA calendar.

● Personal Life

Joey Hand is married and has two children, and currently resides in California. He is involved in various charitable organizations, including the Racing for Kids foundation, and has participated in events like the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race and Grand Prix of Long Beach. Hand has spoken about the influence of his family on his career, and has mentioned the importance of having a strong support system in the competitive world of professional racing. He has also spoken about the impact of drivers like Dan Gurney and Phil Hill on his career, and has mentioned the importance of events like the Monterey Historic Automobile Races and Goodwood Festival of Speed in celebrating the history of motorsport.