Stephen Simpson, South African race car driver

Born on January 8, 1984, Stephen Simpson is a highly accomplished professional racing driver, uniquely holding both South African and American nationalities. His extensive career spans various top-tier global motorsport championships, demonstrating remarkable versatility and adaptability behind the wheel across diverse racing disciplines, from high-speed open-wheel machines to robust sports prototypes and GT cars.

Currently, Simpson is a prominent figure in the highly competitive IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, North America's premier sports car racing series. In this championship, renowned for its challenging endurance races and a diverse grid of DPi, LMP2, GTD Pro, and GTD machinery, he showcases his exceptional prowess, often piloting high-performance prototype or GT vehicles for leading teams. His consistent performance and strategic racecraft have frequently positioned him and his teams as strong contenders for podium finishes and race victories, solidifying his status as a key competitor in modern endurance racing.

His journey to sports car success was forged through a strong foundation in open-wheel racing. Simpson notably represented A1 Team South Africa in the A1 Grand Prix, a unique international single-seater series often dubbed the 'World Cup of Motorsport,' where drivers competed for national pride rather than individual teams. He also sharpened his skills in American open-wheel development categories, including the fiercely contested Champ Car Atlantic Championship, which served as a vital stepping stone to the former Champ Car series, and the Indy Pro Series (now known as Indy NXT), an integral part of the 'Road to Indy' ladder system designed to nurture future IndyCar stars. Beyond these foundational series, his comprehensive resume includes significant stints in other acclaimed endurance racing championships like the Rolex Sports Car Series and Grand-Am, both of which later merged to form the current IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and experienced competitor across different racing formats and eras.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stephen Simpson

Who is Stephen Simpson?
Stephen Simpson is a professional South African-American racing driver widely recognized for his successful career in various elite motorsport championships, particularly in sports car and open-wheel racing.
What racing series does Stephen Simpson currently compete in?
He currently competes in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, which stands as North America's premier sports car racing series, featuring both prototype and GT classes.
Where was Stephen Simpson born and what is his nationality?
Stephen Simpson was born on January 8, 1984. He possesses dual nationality, holding citizenship in both South Africa and the United States.
Did Stephen Simpson have an open-wheel racing career?
Yes, Stephen Simpson had a significant open-wheel career, notably representing A1 Team South Africa in the A1 Grand Prix and competing in American development series such as the Champ Car Atlantic Championship and the Indy Pro Series (now Indy NXT).