Joey Hand, American race car driver
Joseph F. Hand, widely recognized as Joey Hand, born on February 10, 1979, is a distinguished American professional racing driver whose career is primarily defined by his significant achievements in the fiercely competitive world of sports car racing. He holds the esteemed and sought-after position of a Ford factory driver, a role that underscores his exceptional talent, reliability, and the trust placed in him by the iconic automotive manufacturer to represent their brand in top-tier motorsport.
The Journey to Professional Racing: Early Career Foundations
Hand's impressive career trajectory began with notable success in junior formulae, a critical stepping stone for aspiring professional racers. He notably emerged as a former champion of the prestigious Star Mazda Series (now known as the Indy Pro 2000 Championship), a highly competitive open-wheel racing championship celebrated for nurturing future racing stars and providing a robust platform for driver development. This early triumph laid a strong foundation for his successful transition into the demanding and strategic world of sports car endurance racing.
Endurance Racing Triumphs: A Legacy of Major Victories
Joey Hand has firmly cemented his reputation as a formidable and versatile force in global endurance racing, securing victories in some of the sport's most challenging, celebrated, and historically significant events.
- 2011 Rolex 24 at Daytona Co-Winner: Hand achieved a significant milestone as a co-winner of the grueling 2011 24 Hours of Daytona, officially known as the Rolex 24 at Daytona, one of North America's premier endurance races. Driving for the powerhouse Chip Ganassi Racing team, this victory highlighted his skill, stamina, and resilience in extreme conditions, navigating the demanding 3.56-mile Daytona International Speedway road course for a full day. The Rolex 24 at Daytona is renowned for its intense multi-class competition and strategic demands, marking this as a cornerstone achievement in his career.
- 2012 12 Hours of Sebring GT Class Victory: Further showcasing his adaptability and prowess in GT racing, Hand co-drove to victory in the GT class at the legendary 2012 12 Hours of Sebring. Competing with BMW Team Rahal, this win added another jewel to his crown from one of the most physically demanding and historic endurance races on the international calendar, held on the challenging and bumpy Sebring International Raceway. Often serving as a critical test for contenders aiming for Le Mans, a Sebring victory is a testament to a team's and driver's endurance capabilities.
- 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans LMGTE Pro Class Champion with Ford GT: Perhaps his most iconic and emotionally resonant victory came in 2016 at the world-renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans, the pinnacle of endurance racing. Hand was a key member of the Ford Chip Ganassi Team USA, masterfully steering the revolutionary Ford GT to an emotional and historically significant victory in the highly competitive LMGTE Pro class. This triumph was particularly momentous as it occurred precisely 50 years after Ford's historic overall win at Le Mans in 1966 with the legendary Ford GT40, making it a story of both profound personal achievement and a powerful tribute to automotive heritage. The modern Ford GT, a marvel of engineering and design, was specifically developed for this very race, and Hand's victory helped solidify its place, and his own, in motorsport lore.
Expanding Horizons: NASCAR Cup Series Involvement
Beyond his celebrated and successful sports car career, Joey Hand has also ventured into the high-speed and distinct world of stock car racing. He has competed part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, the highest level of professional stock car racing in the United States, driving the No. 15 car for Rick Ware Racing. This demonstrates his adaptable driving talent and willingness to compete across different disciplines of motorsport, embracing the unique challenges presented by stock cars on ovals and road courses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joey Hand
- Who is Joseph F. Hand?
- Joseph F. Hand, widely known as Joey Hand, is an acclaimed American professional racing driver born on February 10, 1979. He is primarily celebrated for his significant achievements in sports car endurance racing and holds the prestigious role of a Ford factory driver.
- What are Joey Hand's most significant race victories?
- His most notable victories include being a co-winner of the 2011 24 Hours of Daytona, winning the GT class at the 2012 12 Hours of Sebring, and achieving a highly prestigious victory in the LMGTE Pro class at the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Ford GT.
- What does it mean to be a "Ford factory driver"?
- Being a "Ford factory driver" signifies that Joey Hand is officially employed and supported by Ford Motor Company to race their high-performance vehicles, often in top-tier international motorsport categories. It's a highly coveted and prestigious role indicating a driver's exceptional skill, experience, and the manufacturer's trust.
- Did Joey Hand race in NASCAR?
- Yes, Joey Hand has competed part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, which is the highest level of stock car racing in the United States. He drove the No. 15 car for Rick Ware Racing, showcasing his versatility beyond sports car racing.
- What was special about Joey Hand's 2016 Le Mans victory?
- His 2016 victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMGTE Pro class, driving the Ford GT, was exceptionally significant as it marked exactly 50 years since Ford's iconic overall victory at Le Mans in 1966. This win not only celebrated a rich automotive legacy but also demonstrated the prowess of modern Ford engineering.