He began his career as Paul Newman’s teammate at Daytona and became the youngest driver ever to climb the podium at Le Mans but this weekend Gunnar Jeannette is making a welcome return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The Salt Lake-based, Florida-born ace has only contested the major enduros so far this year at Daytona, Sebring and Watkins Glen but this weekend he was called in to co-drive with WeatherTech boss David MacNeil in a second Porsche for Alex Job Racing in the GT Daytona class.

The series sponsor and father of team regular Cooper MacNeil was keen to drive at his favorite track this weekend and called on Cooper’s enduro teammate to join him in a second WeatherTech entry.

Jeannette nearly added an additional race to his schedule this year in France when Cooper MacNeil became ill prior to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Despite running in the car for the team at the Le Mans test day, race officials did not permit a last minute driver change on race morning.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to do the long races in the No.22 car but when David started talking about wanting to do a second entry for this race at Road America I was thrilled to be able to come and do the sprint event as well,” Jeannette said.

“Like every driver, this is obviously a favorite track for me and it is a great opportunity.

“There has been a lot smack talking between him and Cooper this weekend so that has been a lot of fun. Both cars look great out on track and I’m looking forward to the race.”