Dan Harper's motorsport path started early when he first handled a quad bike at five years old, though he could not have pictured the heights ahead.

The route has led the BMW factory driver to renowned circuits worldwide, where racing forms both his career and daily existence.

During 2026 he has already competed against and surpassed Max Verstappen, shared a team with hero Valentino Rossi, claimed victory in a major endurance event and now prepares for his first run at the famed Le Mans 24 Hours.

"This matches the goal I set as a child, so seeing the effort rewarded feels like living a dream," the 25-year-old noted.

"School held little appeal for me, yet my father spotted real promise in my driving.

"Looking back at those early days now feels remarkable given my current position and the prospects ahead."

Although GT racing defines Harper's work, endurance events gained extra notice this year after four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen entered the category.

Verstappen's move drew wide attention at the demanding Nurburgring circuit.

The Northern Irish driver initially doubted reports of Verstappen joining GT competition.

"I assumed it would not occur," Harper recalled.

"As the date neared and confirmation arrived, I realised the occasion would prove memorable."

Verstappen first needed NLS outings to earn his permit for the 24-hour race.

In NLS2 he and teammates Dani Jundicella plus Jules Gounon won convincingly, with Harper and Jordan Pepper finishing second before later receiving the victory after a technical ruling removed the leaders.

A mechanical setback then ended Verstappen's challenge at the Nurburgring 24 Hours, while Harper placed fourth just outside the podium spots.

Thus Harper remains unbeaten on track by the multiple world champion despite their shared pace.

"That NLS2 podium ranks among my favourites," Harper said.

"Even the brief chat in parc ferme after the race proved interesting as we discussed his impressions of GT racing and trying something new.

"Similar to working alongside Valentino, these stars remain approachable and clearly thrilled to compete, which made the experience stand out."

Harper grew up immersed in motorsport coverage and quickly admired seven-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi.

Following his 2018 MotoGP retirement Rossi moved into cars and GT racing.

Harper now partners the Italian in the GT World Challenge aboard the BMW carrying Rossi's famous number 46.

"My family often watched Valentino on television, with my own interest especially strong.

"My debut race number was 46 and even my dog carried the name Rossi, so competing together now feels extraordinary."

Harper stays driven to succeed and the partnership benefits both drivers.

"The GT World Challenge demands peak performance at all times.

"It offers a fine test for me and Max Hesse as we help develop Rossi, who matched our pace in Monza qualifying.

"The chance to collaborate closely and perhaps gain insights from him adds real value."

Harper now makes his Le Mans bow, the pinnacle of endurance racing.

Each year the French town hosts a motorsport festival that peaks with the 24-hour contest on a layout mixing public roads and dedicated track sections.

He completed initial laps at the Circuit de la Sarthe during Sunday practice ahead of the 13-14 June race.

His season already includes a Daytona 24 Hours triumph and a debut World Endurance Championship win at Imola.

Yet a Le Mans trophy could surpass them all, as he described it as "the major prize still absent."

"It stands as the largest event in motorsport, often mentioned alongside Formula One when people discuss the sport.

"Simply driving the Le Mans roads offers a rare chance, and claiming victory remains an opportunity few receive, so full commitment is essential."

Harper openly admits to dreaming of Le Mans success and the famous podium celebration.

"With a strong race matching our potential we hold a genuine chance.

"Dreams of positive outcomes have occurred before, yet uncertainty always exists, just as at Le Mans where weeks of preparation can still leave the starting outcome unclear.

"The focus stays on delivering maximum effort and allowing every element to align."