Wastegate Racing announced Sunday, that #34 GT AM Corvette Z06 GT3.R driver Tom Hennes has passed away suddenly.
The 56-year old made his series debut in this year's 24 Hours of Daytona where he finished sixth in GT AM class, accumulating only nine incident points in 171 laps of racing and also leading two laps. His second and most recent start came on March 1st in the 12 Hours of Sebring where his team finished in the top ten once again, earning ninth-place honors.
"We're heartbroken to hear the passing of Tom and our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family and friends in this incredibly difficult time.", said VSCA CEO & Co-Founder Benjamin Fischer on Sunday.
"Tom was a true competitor and always gave it his all. And he was well-respected by everyone, on but also off the track. We're better for having had Tom on the grid with us. He'll be missed. God speed, Tom!"
Wastegate Racing meanwhile has confirmed that it intends to field both of its GT AM class entries at VIR as originally scheduled.