Sheena Monk is aiming for the Bob Akin Award to compete in the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Only two women are competing in the 2026 Daytona 24 Hours: France's Lilou Wadoux and American Sheena Monk. Both race in Florida in the GTD class, the former in the Ferrari 296 GT3 #21 of AF Corse USA, the second on the #16 Ford Mustang of Myers Riley Motorsports.

Back in a Pony Car after a 2024 season in Triarsi Competizione's Ferrari 296, Monk can count on the advice of a top-notch teammate this weekend in the person of Romain Grosjean179 Grand Prix of Formula 1 at the meter.

« It's really cool. First and foremost, I'm also a motorsport fan. Being able to be around someone like him, participate in the debriefings, listen to his feedback on the car and his ideas for improving it, it's fascinating. I feel very privileged to experience this, and now to be able to call him my teammate ", the 36-year-old driver told us in the Florida paddock on Wednesday.

« He has extensive experience in many disciplines. She adds. He brings a very different perspective to things. For my part, my role will mainly be to do the bulk of the work at the start of the race, to stay clean and to give the other drivers a sound and competitive car for the end. »

The Ford Mustangs in top form at the Roar

Especially since the Ford Mustangs potentially have a good chance this weekend, as the cars from the Blue Oval brand proved very competitive during the Roar. The team is doing a great job, all the drivers get along perfectly, and the Mustang is fast heading into the weekend. Monk confirms this. At this stage, the main goal is to minimize driving: the car is in a good window, the equipment needs to be preserved, everything kept clean, and you need to try to rest before getting down to business. All the Ford Mustangs seem to perform very well here. "And one of them even triumphed in GTD Pro in 2024." 

The American, however, offers a slight nuance regarding the Mustang's performance level during the initial tests. I'm not sure if the other manufacturers have revealed everything yet. our interviewee analyzes. It's still a bit early to draw any conclusions. I just hope we can maintain a slight advantage during the race. »

Securing a strong result this weekend will be all the more important for Monk as she aims for a spot in the 24 Hours of Le MansIn 2023, already in Daytona, she confided in us her dream of being at the start of the Le Mans classic. My goal is to be among the best in IMSA and to go to the 24 Hours of Le Mans " she said. To compete in Sarthe, Monk has a little idea up his sleeve: to win the Bob Akin prize at the end of this season. This prize is awarded to the best Bronze driver and offers them a ticket to the next edition of the Sarthe race. 

« I really hope this program becomes a year-round commitment and that we fight for the Bob Akin Award. If so, it could open the doors to Le Mans for us in 2027. " explains the Pennsylvania-born driver. Indeed, Monk is currently only confirmed for the rounds of theEndurance Cup. " We are working to turn this into a full-year program " she assures, however. A prerequisite for competing with the other Bronze drivers already registered for the entire season. 

Interview by Valentin Glo, in Daytona.