Valve Co-Founder Gabe Newell's Son Set for Le Mans Debut in 2026

Grey Newell, the son of Valve co-founder Gabe Newell, is preparing to take on one of motorsport's biggest challenges as he joins the grid for the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The 28-year-old American has been entered in the LMGT3 category with The Heart of Racing, an Aston Martin-backed team competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

Joining Aston Martin's LMGT3 Campaign

Newell will compete behind the wheel of the Aston Martin Vantage AMR LMGT3, sharing driving duties with experienced racers Jonny Adam and Eduardo Barrichello.

The trio will pilot the No. 23 entry in a race renowned for pushing both drivers and machinery to their limits over 24 hours of continuous competition.

Climbing the Endurance Racing Ladder

While many gaming fans recognize the Newell surname from Valve and Steam, Grey Newell has spent recent years building a career in professional motorsport.

The American driver has competed in several GT and endurance championships, including GT4 America and GT World Challenge America, earning victories and podium finishes along the way. Those results have helped pave the road toward a full-season opportunity at the highest level of endurance racing.

The 2026 campaign will mark his first appearance in the FIA World Endurance Championship and his debut at Le Mans.

A Team With Strong Family Ties

The story carries an additional layer of interest due to Newell's connection to The Heart of Racing.

The organization was co-founded by Gabe Newell, alongside Ian James and Yann Bernard, making the team closely linked to the Newell family. That connection has helped turn a passion for motorsport into a pathway toward one of racing's most prestigious events.

One of Racing's Ultimate Tests

Widely regarded as one of the crown jewels of motorsport, the 24 Hours of Le Mans stands alongside the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500 as one of the sport's most iconic races.

Success requires not only speed but also endurance, consistency, and flawless teamwork across an entire day of nonstop racing.

For Grey Newell, the 2026 edition represents a major career milestone and an opportunity to prove himself on one of the biggest stages in global motorsport.