Make no mistake about it; the new 2013 SRT Viper is a race car in street clothes, and Chrysler is setting out to prove it with an end-of-season entry into the last race of the American Le Mans Series. But a race car like the Viper GTS-R doesn’t just drive itself; it needs skilled hands, a calm demeanor, and balls of steel to pilot it to victory.

Jonathan Bomarito joins the SRT Viper GTS-R endurance racing team for the final race this October

The SRT Viper endurance racing team already has half of its driver equation in Ryan Hunter-Reay, and Motor Authorityreports that Chrysler is filling the other driving position with 24 Hours of Daytona victor Jonathan Bomarito.

Bomarito is no stranger to racing, having won the 24 Hours of Daytona during his first full Grand Am racing season back in 2010. The 30-year old California resident was also named Rookie of the Year after finishing third overall in championship points in 2010.

Bomarito already has one win this season at Barber Motorsports, and will be joining Hunter-Reay and the SRT crew for the final race at Petit Le Mans in October.

While it may seem silly to join a racing series at its last race, the SRT crew is no doubt preparing for the real competition next season. 2013 will see the VIper GTS-R squaring off against some of the toughest competition in the world, and every little bit of practice can make a huge difference in the months ahead. We can’t wait to see these two drivers light up the track at Petit Le Mans on October 20th.