Former IndyCar race-winner and motocross veteran Jeff Ward will make his Pirelli World Challenge debut, in a special one-off entry with Black Swan Racing in next month’s round at Long Beach.

The 56-year-old, who has enjoyed a diverse career from Supercross to off-road racing and rallycross, has been confirmed in a Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR fielded by the Tim Pappas-owned operation.

It is one of several GTS cars that have been permitted to take part in the April 13-15 event alongside GT machinery.

Ward, who most recently took part in the Red Bull Global Rallycross in 2016, made 61 IndyCar starts between 1998 and 2005, which included a win at Texas Motor Speedway and runner-up finish in the 1999 Indianapolis 500.

He is also a seven-time motorcycle champion and three-time X-Games medalist in the Moto X category.

“I’m very excited to take to the streets of Long Beach,” Ward said. “Street racing is unlike anything else in motorsports, and the nature of the Pirelli World Challenge and their sprint racing format means you have to be instantly on the pace and willing to race hard.

“It’s an opportunity I’ve really been looking forward to, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of everyone at Black Swan Racing and Porsche Motorsport North America for making the opportunity possible.”

Pappas added: “I grew up as an avid dirt biker, and Jeff was always ‘the guy’ for any kid who looked up to motocross racing, so to have him join our group is something we’re all looking forward to.

“The event at Long Beach is unlike any other we go to, and we’re thrilled to add it to our global roster of events this year.

“While our GT3 R program is a proven one, it’s great to finally put our Cayman GT4 Clubsport to work, and with a guy like Jeff behind the wheel we know it’s in good hands.”

Black Swan has also conformed it will field a Porsche 911 GT3 R for Pappas, in what will be his first Sprint race appearance of the year after kicking off his PWC campaign in this weekend’s SprintX season-opener at Circuit of The Americas.