Pipo Derani, a two-time IMSA champion for Action Express Racing and Cadillac, will not return to Whelen Cadillac Racing in 2025.
Derani posted on Instagram that he and Action Express Racing have agreed to part ways at the end of the season.
“We have mutually agreed not to go forward together past this year,” Derani said in the post. “We’ve had a fantastic time together with two championships, two endurance championships and many race wins and pole positions. I truly have enjoyed my time with this team and with Cadillac. I appreciate everything they’ve given me, what they’ve done for my career and all the good times we’ve had together will forever be in my memory. It’s time to go win a third championship this year together before both of us move different ways.”
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Derani won the 2021 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship DPi title with Felipe Nasr for the team, and followed it up with the successor GTP championship with Alexander Sims, as well as the Michelin Endurance Cup. He and Jack Aitken currently sit fourth in the 2024 GTP points.
Amid swirling rumors about who will take over the Cadillac Racing program from Chip Ganassi Racing – with Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti being the rumored candidate – Derani is the first confirmed driver change in GTP for 2025. Neither Action Express Racing nor Cadillac has given any indication that AXR would not be returning with Cadillac next season.