LE MANS: Six pack of Aspiring Debutantes

Seeking to rebuild or advance their motorsports careers, who’ll find the mythical glass slipper?

 

This year, I became intrigued in the outcomes of six prominent drivers. Two being former Formula 1 pilotes, and four being sons of former F1 drivers who won Grands Prix.

 

And although it took much sleuthing, I vicariously deduced that all six Debutantes  are “coming Out” at this year’s Circuit de la Sarthe “Ball”.

 

Jack Doohan

DOB: January 20, 2003, Age: 23

Formula 1: Alpine, 2024-2025; 7 Starts. Haas, 2026

LMP2: #24 Nielsen Racing, Oreca 07/Gibson V-8

The son of Mick Doohan, five times GP500 World Champion, with 54 wins, and currently ranked fourth overall. Prior to graduating to Formula 1. Jack’s In His second and final full season in formula 2 finished third overall. With two poles, three wins, five podiums and two fastest laps.

 

Jack became the first Alpine Academy member to graduate to Formula 1, making His debut at the season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2024 as the departing Esteban Ocon’s replacement.

 

Yet the Aussie’ garnered only a cuppa’ coffee in F1, being unfairly dropped in favour of Franco Colapinto after the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. Remaining as Alpine’s reserve driver through season’s end, before cutting ties with Alpine and becoming Haas’s reserve driver this season.

 

Doohan tested a Super Formula car, but three identical crashes at Suzuka’s tricky Degner 2 corner ultimately led to signing to contest this year’s European le Mans Series (ELMS) for Nielsen Racing in the top tier LMP2 category. Doohan’s co-drivers were David Heinemeier Hansen and Edward Pearson

 

Enzo Trulli

DOB: April 15, 2005, Age: 21

FIA formula 3, 2023; Super Formula Lites, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia

LMP2: #25 Algarve Pro Racing, Oreca 07/Gibson V-8

The son of Trulli Scrumptious’, aka Jarno Trulli, winner of the 2004 Monaco Grand Prix for le Reggie’, aka Renault. Seemingly has had the most mediocre career of sorts, albeit that’s easy for me to say, eh?

 

As Enzo was selected as Porsche Motorsports Asia pacific selected driver in 2025, succeeding Dorian Boccolacci.

 

Trulli began His single seater career by winning the 2021 Formula 4 UAE Championship with four wins and thirteen podiums. Then finished seventh in that year’s Euro Formula Open championship.

 

As second Euro Formula Open campaign saw Enzo win once, but finished tenth overall. Progressing next to FIA Formula 3 for 2023, Trulli finished an unflattering P34, with two 17th place finishes His best results.

 

Enzo then switched to Super Formula Lites where He won twice enroute to fifth overall. Followed by a partial FR Japanese Championship season, scoring a trio of podium finishes at Motegi, ending up tenth overall.

 

Unable to find a seat in Super formula, Trulli contested the Italian GP Championship for 2024. Then moved to the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia series last year.

 

Trulli also competed at season’s end in the Asia Le Mans Series (ALMS) with current team Algarve Pro Racing. Plus two rounds of the 24H series for Earl Bamber Racing, and now is concentrating upon this year’s European Le Mans Series. )ELMS)

 

Driving the team’s No. 20 LMP2 Pro Am (PA) entry with co-drivers Malthe Jakobsen and Michael Jensen.

 

Enzo will make His first Le Mans start for Algarve Pro Racing in the LMP2 Pro Am class with co-drivers Michael Jensen and Jake Hughes aboard it’s No. 25 entry.

 

Logan Sargeant

DOB: December 31, 2000, Age: 25

Formula 1: Williams, 2023-2024; 36 Starts, 1 point

LMGT3: #88 Proton Competition, Ford Mustang GT3 Evo

After winning two races in Formula 2 and securing the necessary FIA Super Licence, Logan was announced as a Williams Racing Formula 1 driver for the 2023 F1 season. With the Williams Driver Academy member making His Formula 1 Free Practice debut appropriately at Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) in October, 2022.

 

Sargeant went onto score a single point as a rookie after being elevated to tenth place ironically at the United States Grand Prix, in Auston. Becoming the first American to score a championship point since Michael Andretti at the 1993 Italian Grand Prix.

 

Sargeant was dropped by Team Willy’ following the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, in favour of Franco Colapinto. Having already been dismissed for the 2025 F1 season with the arrival of Carlos Sainz Jr.

 

Logan appeared set to drive for IDEC Sport LMP2 in the ELMS in 2025, before backing out of the team. Later running the final two IMSA Sports Car rounds for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports.

 

Logan contested this year’s Rolex 24 driving for Era Motorsport in LMP2, also being confirmed as one of Ford’s initial three drivers for it’s 2027 (LMDH) Hypercar programme. Along with racing this year in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for Proton Competition.

 

Logan will campaign the No. 88 Darkhorse Mustang with co-drivers Stefano Gattuso and Giammarco Levorato. Making his “proper” Le Mans debut in preparations for next year’s Hypercar effort. 

LE MANS: 2026 Race preview

Can somebody stop Ferrari’s winning streak?

 

This year’s 94th edition of le 24 Heurs du Mans commences over June 13-14 with 62 entries. With 18 Hypercars, 19 LMP2 and 25 LMGT3 entries.

 

As typical, I won’t try covering the entire grid, just what caught my No. 4 wire. Initially being most interested in how the two Genesis Magma Racing GMR-001 entry’s fare upon their Circuit de la Sarthe debut; Nos. 17, 19.

 

As the No. 17 of Pico Derani, Mathys Jaubert and Andre Lotterer are currently 13th overall, having scored Genesis’s first top-ten finish at Spa. (8th )

While the Seester’ No. 19 of Paul-Loup Chatin, Mathieu Jaminet and Daniel Juncadella languishes in P19 overall, with a best finish of 13th at Spa.

 

The other 16 Hypercars cast includes two Alpine A424’s, two Aston Martin Valkyrie’s, two BMW M Hybrid V8’s and three Cadillac V-Serie’s.R’s. Plus three Ferrari 499P’s, including the defending No. 83 winner. Two Peugeot 9X8’s and two Toyota TR010’s.

 

As the No. 8 Toyota won the season opener 6 Hours of Imola, with the No. 20 BMW M Team WRT winning the 6 Hours of Spa.

 

The No. 38 Herst Team Jota Caddy’ sports Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken, Earl Bamber and le Hamburglar’, nee Sealmeister B’, SeaBass or simply Sebastien Bourdais. With the No. 101 Cadd-Oh-lacc’ being the IMSA entry of Wayne Taylor Racing. Having Filipe Albuquerque and the Jordan Brothers at its controls, i.e.; Jordan & Ricky.

 

The LMP2 field is chock-Oh-block with impressive entries, including the nine Pro Am (PA) entrants. As Luxembourg’s No. 3 VKR Engineering features Renger van der Zande, John Farano and Sebastian Alvarez. While the No. 4 CrowdStrike by APR features Laurin Heinrich, George Kurtz and Alex Quinn.

 

Another IMSA entry is the No. 14 TDS Racing with Mathias Beche, Tobias Lutke and Kevin Estre.

 

The No. 25 Algarve Pro Racing features somebody by the name of Enzo Trulli, son of Former F1 Pilote Trulli Scrumptious’, ergo Jarno Trulli.

 

Romain Dumas and Tristan Turbo’ Vautier anchor the No. 48 RD Limited, with Fred Poordad being the Amateur.

 

And the reigning Pro Am class champion AO by TF will introduce it’s brand new No. 99 Rockie the Pegasus entry, returning with Dane Cameron, P. J. Hyett and James Allen.

 

You can never count out United Autosport in the “Pro” P2 category, with the No. 22 including former Indy Lights driver Rasmus Lindh being part of the ten P2 contingent.

 

The No. 24 Nielsen Racing entry sees former Alpine Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan making His Le Mans debut.

 

Former F1 and IndyCar driver Pietro Fittipaldi is part of the No. 26 Vector Sport entry.

 

The No. 30 Duqueine Team features a stout line-up, with Julien Andlauer, Femme Fatale Doriane Pin and Richard Verschoor.

 

Whilst the defending class champion No. 43 Inter Europol Competition entry remains intact with Nick Yelloly, tom Dillmann and Jacub Smiechowski.

 

In LMGT3, nine marques make-up the 25 entries, i.e.; 3 Aston Martin’s; 2 BMW’s; 4 Chevrolet Corvette’s; 5 Ferrari’s; 2 Ford Mustang’s; 2 Lexus’s; 2 McLaren’s; 3 Mercedes and 2 Porsche’s.

 

The class defending No. 92 The Benz Mantey Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R once again is anchored by Richard Lietz, seeking an unprecedented seventh class win! Along with Riccardo Pera making up two-third’s of last year’s winning driver’s trio. While Bronze rated Aussie’ Yasser Shahin replaces Ryan Hardwick.

 

Interestingly, Yasser is of Australian-Palestinian nationality, and was part of Manthey’s 2024 winning LMGT3 entry alongside Lietz. While Yasser and His brother Sam (also a racing driver) own a number of Australian businesses including The Benz Motorsports Park, a repurposed Mitsubishi test track Down Under.

 

The runner-up #21 Vista AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo returns with Simon Mann, Alessio Rovera and Francois Heriau, and presumably will once again harry the Manthey Racing Porsche for victory.

 

Another former Formula 1 driver’s offspring features Lorenzo Patrese driving the No. 74 Kessel Racing Ferrari, with la Scuderia having the largest class entrants.

 

The 13 Autosport’s No. 13 Corvette IMSA entry sees Matt Bell’s name ringing a bell for Mwah, pun intended! As part of the driver trio.

 

Whilst TF sport runs a trio ‘O Corvette Z06.R GT3’s, the Nos. 2, 33; the latter seeing Nicky Catsburg, Johnny Edgar and longtime IMSA “Gentleman” racer Ben Keating at its controls.

 

TF Sport will also campaign a third NO. 34 Vette’ under the auspices of Racing Team Turkey by TF. Seeing Irish drivers Charlie Eastwood and Peter Dempsey and Turk’ Salih Yolic behind the keyboard.

 

Totally forgot that Dempsey had raced in Star Mazda and Indy Lights between 2011-2013; winning the 2013 Freedom 100, the series closest finish ever in a four-wide photo finish!

 

Proton Competition will run its usual brace ‘O Ford Darkhorse Mustang GT3 Evo’s, the No. 77 with Steven Priaulx, Eric Cowell, and Ben Tuck. While the No. 88 sees Stefano Gattuso, Giammarco Levorato and former Williams F1 driver Logan Sargeant at the reigns.

 

The Heart of Racing Team features two Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 entry’s, the Nos. 23, 27. With the#23 including Eduardo Barrichello.

 

Team boss Ian James, Zacharie Robinchon and Mattia Drudi return in last year’s #27 LMGT3 polesitter.

 

Italy’s Iron Lynx runs a brace ‘O Mercedes AMG GT3’s, the Nos. 61-62 and 79. With the #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx being the most interesting of this trio of Merc’s. With Qatari Addulla Al-Khalaifi, Julian Hanses and Guiliano Alesi, son of “Mean Jean” Alesi.

 

Team WRT pair of BMW M4’s sees the No. 69 entry co-driven by former Indy Lights and ex-Vasser Sullivan Racing IMSA driver Parker Thompson. Having won this year’s 6 Hours of Imola LMGT3 category. 

2025 24 Heurs du Mans Postscript

Another race, another year. As does anybody remember las year’s outcome?

 

The 93rd running of le 24 Heurs du Mans had a different flavour for Mwah. Due to it also having a Formula 1 and IndyCar race running in parallel with this iconic Sports Car event.

 

After getting up early Sunday morning for the last 90mins of Le Mans, I “watched”, Err listened to the Canadian Grand Prix, since it was being aired live at 11AM Pacific on ABC. And then for dinner, the IndyCar race live from Gateway, nee Wide World Technology Raceway. (WWTR)

 

All of this after having attempted my yearly ritual of listening to half of the 24 Heurs du Mans Saturday, albeit interrupted by IndyCar and F1 qualifying – the nerve of them, Hya!

 

As what happened to the universe stopping for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Eh? When Open Wheel Racing used to take this weekend off. As it seems a long time ago now when Nico Hulkenberg won at Circuit de la Sarthe on an “Off” weekend. Wayback in Gory 2015 when driving for Porsche, aboard it’s all conquering Porsche 919, Ja volt!

 

Having just realized that was the ten year anniversary of thee Incredible Hulkster’s Le Mans triumph…

 

And I was guessing El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske was in France overt the weekend collecting His one of a kind Porsche 963 RSP, the lone street legal 963 on the planet! Built 50 years after that “One-off”, insane Porsche 917K Street Car for Count Gregorio Rossi di Montelera of the Martini company. Having raced the car once in 1971, before returning to the factory for road use conversion!

 

Porsche Debuts the 963 RSP, a One-off Racecar for the Street

 

Briefly  noted the NO. 88 Proton Mustang had big “Off” early in race. Right rear damage/wheel. Think it retired?

 

Porsche 963 plays leapfrog with Ferrari 499P’s during early portion of race.

 

First left for F1 qualifying. Then IndyCar Qualie’ at Gateway, where DJ WillyP’ claimed pole. Being Will Power’s 71st and latest pole position.

 

11.5 hours in; the No. 24 Nielsen Racing LMP2 had big wreck. With full course, three safety cars yellow flag for nearly 40 Freakin’ minutes, including repairing barriers at Tete Rouge.

 

Sadly, at half race distance, the Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) #101 Cadillac V-Series.R (LMDH) Hypercar entry with Felipe Albuquerque at the wheel pulled off track and eventually retired. Being one of the IMSA GTP Prototypes competing.

 

Good, long interview with Wayne Taylor in middle of night, i.e.; 4AM-plus local time. As Wayne’s so pragmatic and cerebral when talking. Telling pitlane reporter Joe Bradley that the BRM in ’92 was the worst weekend ever at Le Mans! Later learning this was the BRM P351 for which they lasted only 20 laps, Youch!

 

With Wayne noting He’d done Le Mans 13 times. (1987-2002) Saying He was most proud of winning His class in the (Doyle-Risi Racing) Ferrari 333 SP. While His best race ever was ’96 when Le Mans had no chicanes on the Mulsanne straight like in Steve McQueen’s movie…

 

Also drove a Spice C1, NissanR390 GT1 and the Northstar Cadillac and various Porsche 962C’s. As Wayne noted none of His “guys” had been here before…

 

(8PM Pacific = 5AM France; Hour 13)

John Hindhaugh Cornfuzed Mwah by giving the current running order Arse-backwards, starting with GT3 runners. As I was expecting typical Hypercar-LMP2, then LMGT3 order, so I missed out on most of GT3 runners. Only managing to remember the No. 21 Vista AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 with Simon Mann was leading.

 

Then quickly jotted the following. LMP2: #43-199-18. Hypercar: #50-8-51. Meaning the Toyota was the meat in a Scuderia Ferrari sandwich, Hya!

 

And then I called it a “night” for listening to Le Mans, at the 13.5Hrs “mark”, with the Radio Le Mans Booth boyz’ noting there were still 12 Hypercars on the lead la.

 

Hurriedly typing the following during the “Hourly” report at 8:30PM Pacific. As I always enjoy noting the leaders before leaving the race to “See” who’s still leading come morning…

 

LMGT3: #81-21-92

LMP2: #199-28-48-43

Hypercar: #83-51-50-6-8-12

 

Then more of my scrambled, hurriedly scribbled, Err typed notes during final 90 minutes of race. Just missing the “Hourly” update which strangely were on the half hour, Huh? Quickly noting the following, since all of the Attenzione was on the leader of the race.

 

With just over one hour remaining, full course yellow for stranded United Autosport’s No. 59 Mclaren 720S GT3 Evo. Leaves the sharp end of the grid continuously rotating. As the No. 8 Toyota was in the lead, Huh?

 

Then with one hour remaining, jotted following for Hypercars: #83-51-6-50. Before Kevin Estre in the No. 6 Porsche Penske Motorsports Porsche 963 jumped the Ferrari’s, leaving the field of Hypercars as follows: #83-6-Fuoco-Giovinazzi, i.e.; #50-51 respectively, seeing three Ferrari’s of the race’s top four, Momma Mia!

 

Whilst the No. 43 Europol Dillmann-Yelloly entry led LMP2.

 

Then with 35+ mins remaining; #43 leading LMP2 issued drive-thru penalty for speeding in pit lane by Yelloly, Sheisa! As I was rootin’ for this entry to win, Sigh. Whilst the Hypercars category continued ricking over like a digital clock. With the order as follows: #51-83-6-50-12-7-5-38-4-35.

 

Ironically, four years ago, Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye and Louis Deletraz’s LMP2 leading No. 41 car ground to a halt  on the race’s final lap; losing class win to their Seester’ No. 31 Team WRT stablemate!

 

This year Kubica and Ye won overall. And Deletraz wins LMP2 Pro Am in “Spike-the-Dragon”. As AO by TF runs crowd favourite purple Dragon livery…

 

With thee Krakow Kid’, aka Robert Kubica and Yifei Ye becoming the first Polish and Chinese drivers to ever win Le Mans outright.

 

While Britain’s overlooked Phil Hansen rounds out the trio aboard the privateer No. 83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P scoring a Hat Trick for la Scuderia. Being Ferrari’s third consecutive victory in the Hypercar era.

 

Yet it was the LMP2 class where all the drama was occurring. With the #48 VDS Panis Racing having problem after taking the lead due to #43’s aforementioned Drive-thru penalty. Mechanical issue causes them to be some 18 seconds per lap slower, with the #43 reclaiming class win As Nick Yelloly redeems Himself by re-taking lead with some 20-odd minutes left! Seeing Yelloly cruise to chequered flag. Along with co-drivers Tom Dillmann and Kuba Smiechowski.

 

The No. 48 cruelly finished runner-up. With the No. 199 finishes third overall and winning the LMP2 Pro Am category. With team owner P. J. Hyett and Dane Cameron enjoying the spoils with Louie’ Deletraz. 

Truncated 2026 Sebring 12 Hours Postscript

Everyone remembers this March’s 12 Hours of Sebring, Righto?

 

Have I mentioned lately how Mucho I’m having a hard time getting my Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to rev-up over motor racing lately Y’all? Or seemingly stuck in second gear? Even if Y’all are quivering with Month ‘O May excitement…

 

Is there something going on in Indiana this month, eh?

 

While at least I don’t have to lament over the fact of the entire 12 Hours of Sebring being shown only behind Peacock’s Paywall, WTF! A la Formula 1 gong behind Apple TV’s curtain, err Paywall, meaning half of my motor racing series have gone “Dark!” Since I no longer have television, but I digress…

 

Tuned in via IMSA Radio somewhere during High Noon, (Pacific) with some seven hours remaining. Although I flitted about during this duration…

 

And its sad when the most poignant part of the entire 12 Hours race was the great story John Hindhaugh waxed poetically upon…

 

Yes, I understand there’s good, bad and mediocre race officials, which obviously applies to all walks of life. But I found the following yarn extraordinary.

 

Hindhaugh recounted about what I believe was the 1999 Petit Le Mans race? And one unnamed pit crew was limbering up for an impending pit stop.

 

The race official was none other than the top overseer of the entire pitlane, and spotting one crew member with His visor still up before the team’s car lumbered to a stop. Went over and slapped the members helmet and whack! The visor slid shut, the team made their pitstop and the car raced off.

 

The chief mechanic having observed what happened, came over and inquired if they were going to receive a penalty? To which the official said, I’m not here to give out penalties, I’m here to make sure you’re being safe! And I bet that won’t happen again!

 

With Hindhaugh saying that the official was Dick Martin and as I listened to this wonderful story, tears began streaming down my face. Due to Martin’s display of humanity. Which we, as a nation are sorely lacking right now. Brandishing our version of the Good, Bad and Ugly!

 

I must also say my mind began wondering about if we’ll have another Arab Oil Embargo, which I was just a Wee lad when that occurred. Due to the starvation of crude oil slipping thru the Straight of Hormuz. And how will the Iran War impact motor racing in general? Since it seems to only be worsening; as somebody pass me the raw, bloody meat…

 

Tend to recall somewhere within five hours remaining. One of the announcers mused over how Renger van der Zande said the Porsche’s were just playing with everybody! Which turned out to be prophetic.

 

Didn’t catch what happened to cause the two leading Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963’s swap positions. With Felipe Nasr in the No. 7 basically pulling over on the straight to allow Keven Estre’s No. 6 by.

 

Yet I marveled over Nasr’s bravado. Telling the team over the in-car radio He’d pull over before asking if they were cleared to race each other? Saying He’d pull over but they’ll lose the race if He stays second!

 

As think it was the No. 31 Whelen Cadd-Oh-lac’ breathin’ down the Penske’s backsides? Before Nasr was given the Ok and swiftly repassed Estre to lead them  home to a 1-2 sweep. On the very same day that El Capitano’, nee roger Penske was serving as the race’s Grand Marshall.

 

Initially Ricky Taylor in the #10 Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac v-Series.R claimed the third podium spot. But was DSQ’ed (Disqualified) following a post-race tech inspection violation. Elevating the No. 31 Whelen to third.

 

The win was Porsche’s 20th overall victory at Sebring. With the two Penske Porsches running special red, white and blue Mobil 1 tribute liveries. Commemorating 30 years of Porsche and Mobil 1’s partnership, dating back to the 1996 Porsche GT1 running Mobil 1 livery at Circuit de la Sarthe.

 

Whilst its also Team Penske’s 60th anniversary of racing, and Porsche’s 75th anniversary of Motorsports. Making it ironic that Porsche won’t be competing in Hypercar this June at Le Mans…

 

In LMP2, Zakery Brown and Richard Dean’s United Autosport claimed a 1-2 finish, with Nikkel Jensen, Phil Fayer and former IndyCar, Indy Lights and current ECR IndyCar reserve driver Hunter McElrea coming out on top in the No. 2. With the Seester’ No. 22 second, and the No. 8 Tower Motorsports third.

 

Porsche claimed a “Double” 1-2 finish with the Manthey Racing No. 911 leading AO Racing’s Roxy’, the prehistoric pink Dinosaur No. 77 pair of Porsche 911 GT3 R’s across the stripe in GTD Pro. Being Manthey’s breakthrough victory at Sebring.

 

Yet it was the GTD Class that featured the most drama and eventful outcome. As AF Corse’s Antonio Fuoco suffered three Drive-thru penalties for various violations, i.e.; avoidable contact, too many crew members over the wall and a second collision on-track!

 

Yet despite Fuoco’s transgressions. Before working His way back up to second place again. Running some scant 1.1 seconds with eight minutes remaining behind Heart Of Racing’s Tom Gamble in the No. 27 Aston Martin Vantage. Gamble made a slight bobble on the final lap and Fuoco pounced, giving the No. 21 AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo the victory… 

ROLEX 24: It’s Time to Race Around the clock at Daytona!

Race, Race, Race around the Clock…

 

Not sure why, but after I scribbled that Oh, so Clever title, Bill Haley and the Comets “rockabilly” song Rock Around the Clock wailed loudly upon thoust internal Jukebox. Or was it the other way round? Musing to Thyself how I’d bought the very song on a 45 record during my youth, but I digress…

 

VIDEO: Rock Around the Clock

 

Once again, it’s time to go racing, even if its just Sports Car at “The Beach”. With another capacity field of 61 entrant for this year’s 64th running, comprised by 11 GTP, 14 LMP2, 15 GTD Pro and 21 GT Daytona Contendahs on the provisional entry list, released Wayback’ on December 9th.

 

By my very unscientific research, there appear to be a total of 9 IndyCar drivers competing this year. With 2 in GTP. 3 in LMP2, and 4 in GTD Pro/GT Daytona. (GTD) Presuming Prema Racing answers the “Bell”. While that doesn’t include Romain Grosjean, who we’re Ah-Waitin’ to be confirmed at Dale Coyne Racing…

 

Yet that was before learning of ScottyMac’s, ergo Scott McLauglin’s addition to the No. 36 DXDT Racing Corvette Z06 GT3.R GT Daytona (GTD) category. Thus giving us 10 IndyCar drivers competing.

 

Then on January 7th, IMSA released a revised entry list with the withdrawal of the No. 61 Team Tonis LMP2 entry. With the field shrinking to 60 entries, and 13 LMP2 competitors. As the withdrawn entry will not be replaced.

 

Although overshadowed by the top Banana GTP machinery, the LMP2 category always provides stout competition.

 

On the top step of the podium for longest name is the No. 52 Bryan Herta Autosport with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports, as try saying that fast five times, Undelay! With Harry Tincknell, Parker Thompson, Ben Keating and Misha Goikhberg at it’s controls.

 

Whilst thanks to Sportscar365, I also learned that HMD Motorsports will run the No. 37 Intersport Racing entry in the LMP2 class. With 2022 Rolex 24 winner Oliver Jarvis, Jon Field, Seth Lucas and Job van Uitert.

 

TDF Racing features an all new driver lineup. As Bad Arses Hunter McElrea and Nikkel Jensen have moved over to the rival United Autosport No. 2 entry. Whilst Steven Thomas retired from IMSA competition after their second win in-a-row at Petit Le Mans last year.

 

Once again, Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) IndyCar driver Christian Rasmussen will “Moonlight” in LMP2, driving alongside reigning LMP2 Champions Dane Cameron and team owner PJ Hyett. With Johnny “Not Winter” Edgar in the crowd favourite AO Racing’s No. 99 “Spike-the-Dragon”.

 

Tower Motorsports No. 8 entry features two Sebastian’s behind the keyboard, led by le Hamburgular’, Sealmeister B’, SeaBass, or simply Sebastien Bourdais. Plus Sebastian Alvarez , team owner John Farano and Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) IndyCar driver Kyffin Simpson.

 

The #04 CrowdStrike by APR entry sees Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing reserve driver Toby Sowery as one of it’s chauffeurs, including new minority Mercedes Grand Prix owner George Kurtz. Who’s just bought a 15% stake from Herr Crying All the way to the Bank Wolff! Ergo Toto Wolff.

 

Whilst the #73 Pratt Miller Motorsports entry will feature the Brothers Fittipaldi, as in Pietro and Enzo, with the latter having been confirmed as one of HMD Motorsports Indy NXT drivers this season.

 

Inter Europol Competition’s No. 343 (second) entry features Nick, “Not David” Cassidy, Georgios Kolovos, Arrow McLaren IndyCar driver Nolan Siegel and Jacub Smiechowski.

 

As that’s just a small flavour of this year’s LMP2 entrants… 

Battle on the Bricks Postscript

But how many remember who Kissed the Bricks Wayback’ in September?

 

Suppose the majority of Sports Fans were busy watchin’ pigskins being tossed round, eh? Although I did stumble into the NASCAR Playoff race from New Hampshire on USA Network briefly. When looking for the TV coverage of the Battle on the Bricks race during lunchtime.

 

As it still really baffles me, how IMSA or NBC think they’re gonna move the proverbial needle when putting the start of the race, and the first three hours duration behind a Freakin’ Paywall! And Yes, Peacock streaming is nothing more than that!

 

As seriously? USA Network couldn’t forego running three hours of Law and Order reruns?

 

Began the weekend by listening to the majority of Qualie’ via IMSA Radio, albeit they either moved qualifying forward, or I misread when it started? Since when I dropped in, they were interviewing the Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) pole winner Casper Stevenson, driving the No. 27 The Heart Of Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT3.

 

Believe it was Dan Harper in the #48 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3 claiming the GTD Pro P1 award. But cannot remember now who snagged the LMP2 pole? Whilst Tom The bomb! Blomqvist took the GTP pole position aboard His No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing’s Acura ARX-06 Prototype.

 

Listened to David Land’s coverage. Which began on Friday talking to some of the “Stars” of Indianapolis. That being Edwardo Barichello, Logan Sargent, Broc Feeney and Romain Grosjean. With Barichello, Sargent and Feeney all  making their IMSA debuts.

 

Yeah, that’s the son of former Formula 1 winner Rubino’, nee Rubens Barrichello. Whilst Feeney is an Aussie’ contesting the Supercars Championship down Under Mates! And was leading the title fight prior to Mother Speedway.

 

As Feeney held a 345 point lead with 12 wins prior to the October 12th Bathurst 1000 race…

 

Meanwhile, Grosjean needs no introduction. But I did learn that the Lamborghini SC63 IMSA GTP programme has been placed on a one year “pause” for 2026. Making it quite odd that Lamborghini would be debuting its “Joker” Evo “Card” for its new rear suspension with just two races remaining in the season. And possibly the SC63’s future?

 

This explains why Romain is so eager to return to IndyCar. With Grosjean telling Land that He’ll be turning 40. And  its good to have people mentioning your name vs. not mentioning your name when asked about the rumours of driving for Dale Coyne Racing next year?

 

Yet what I cannot understand is why Logan Sargent was getting so much interest and coverage over the entire weekend? Yeah, He’s a former Formula 1 driver, but so what! Grosjean, Felipe Nasr, Sebastien Bourdais and Paul di Resta were too. And to a lesser extent, Pietro Fittipaldi and Jack Aitken also made F1 starts, which are just some who I can think of with past Formula 1 results.

 

Yet IMSA Radio’s John Hindhaugh and Ryan Marin felt compelled to keep us up to date on constantly where Logan was, which I just don’t understand. For which all I recall is that Logan didn’t have a very stellar outing, albeit at one point setting the fastest lap for LMP2…

 

Which speaking of the LMP2 category, it seems like All of the Young Turks are racing there. With the likes of Hunter McElrea, Toby Sowery, Rasmus Lind, Pietro Fittipaldi and James Roe all plying their trade Thar. Not to mention former IndyCar drivers Ben Handley and Benjamin Pederson, or is it Peterson, Ya Sure Yuh Betcha?

 

Tuning into the preamble, I was Cornfuzed’ hearing that the top three gid spots were all Cadillac’s, Huh? With Jack Aitken now starting on pole. As the No. 60 MSR entry of Blomqvist had received a post-tech penalty. With the Acura having some producer supplied bodywork out of compliance, seeing the #60 relegated to P12.

 

As the Whelen Cadd-Oh-lacc’ V-Series.R was dominant the entire six hours. Tending to recall hearing it lead 210 of the races 243 laps! Not to mention being only one of two IMSA GTP entries running three drivers line-ups.

 

The race was littered with Full course Cautions, along with multiple penalties after IMSA tightened up its allowable aggression. Yet with 53 cars trading paint and rubbin’ fenders, this outcome wasn’t surprising…

 

As the only drama seemed to be whether the leaders could make the race’s finale without running out of their virtual energy allotment. But a late race caution for Ben Handley drop kicking Toby Sowery in the dueling LMP2 racecars saved the day. Especially for the eventual runner-up No. 10 Wayne Taylor Racing Caddy’. With Ricky Taylor crossing the stripe with just 4% virtual energy remaining!

 

Yet it was Aitken, Earl Bamber and Frederik Vesti winning in the #31 Whelen Caddy’. The team’s first victory since the 2023 12 Hours of Sebring, Yikes! With Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken being the only “carryover” driver from that Sebring win.

 

While it was also Cadillac’s first win of the season in IMSA competition, with just one race remaining on the calendar.

 

Once again, completing a Hat trick ‘O victories at Mother Speedway, was the No. 11 TDS Racing in LMP2. With Hunter McElrea, Steven Thomas and Nikkel Jensen victorious.

 

The GTD Pro field included a great scrum with the No. 77 Rexi’ AO Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R with Klaus Bachler at its controls. Making the crowd favourite’s Porsche’s flanks extremely wide and frustrating the two Multimatic Ford Mustang GT3’s behind Him! As first the #65 couldn’t get by, and then it took the #64 quite a while. Before finally Sebastian Priaulx saw His chance and made a bold pass that ultimately led to Priaulx and Mike Rocky’ Rockenfeller winning; the duo’s second win of the season.

 

But the most striking victory had to be the No. 70 Inception Racing’s Ferrari 296 GT3 win with Brendan Iride, Frederik Schandorff and Ollie Millroy in the GTD Class.

 

As the car strangely lost its Bonnet during the race, triggering a full course caution for debris on-track, Youch!

 

Apparently with one hour remaining, an LMP2 racecar crossed in front of Schandorff, sucking the Ferrari’s hood off the car! Pitting for a replacement bonnet, the team motored its way home to the team’s maiden victory! Ironically coming on the one year anniversary of the team switching from its previous McLaren 720s GT3 racecar.

 

And thus, the chapter upon Indianapolis Motor speedway’s six hours endurance race comes to a close. With Road America taking the six hour race duration next year, while IMS becomes a “standard” 2Hrs, 40mins “Sprint” race.

 

As you’d have to say, IMSA could have made much more of this six hours race by at the very least, requiring the GTP entries to run three drivers. Whilst not sure how much enthusiasm will be conjured over a Sprint race in the fall? 

Singing in the Rain at Silverstone

Which obviously they’re doing now daily in Jolly ‘Ol England…

 

Perusing Daily Sports Car prior to this year’s Battle on The Bricks. I ran across the article noting how 110,000 raving mad for motor racing spectators attended this year’s Four Hours of Silverstone European Le Mans Series (ELMS) race, Aye Karumba!

 

Can Y’all imagine that many spectators showing up for IMSA’s six hours Battle on The Bricks race? Not to mention that ELMS doesn’t even feature the Crème de la Crème FIA Hypercar category.

 

The field was comprised of some 44 entries. With 13 LMP2, 8 LMP2 Pro-Am, 10 LMP3 and 13 LMGT3 participants.

 

As it was great to read that the No. 18 IDEC Sport, the Genesis Magma Racing co-entry of Jamie Chadwick, Mathys Jaubert  and Daniel Juncadella won the race. Being their third win of the season. Having claimed W’s at Barcelona and Paul Ricard previously.

 

The race was held in somewhat wretched conditions, first being delayed an hour due to inclement weather. And then a further 48 minutes due to two Red Flag periods for incidents.

 

Juncadella held off Tom Dillmann in the No. 43 Inter Europol Competition entry during the final pitstop exchange. After Nick Yelloly who’d led much of the race, had a spin when staying on dry rubber too long! While IDEC Sport made the switch to wet weather tyres correctly…

 

As the rain intensified, Pietro Fittipaldi brought the No. 10 Vector Sport home third. While the Seester’ #28 IDEC Sport was fourth, and Theo Pourchaire brought His #25 Algarve Pro entry home in fifth.

 

The Wet ‘n Wooly track conditions played havoc with many competitors, including the LMP2 pole sitter No. 48 VDS Panis Racing entry, who were forced to serve a costly Stop ‘n Go penalty for entering a closed pit. This caused them to ultimately finish eighth and see their points lead shrink from 21 markers to just six ahead of the No. 18 IDEC Sport entry. With the #43 just one further point behind, with just the season finale at Portugal remaining.

 

For which I’ll miss the Four Hours of Portimao’s outcome, having occurred this past Saturday, October 18th, but am rootin’ for the No. 18 to pull off an upset…

 

The LMP2 Pro-Am class had its lead shuffled too. When the leading AO by TF No. 99 entry of Louie’ Deletraz was handed a five second time penalty. Seeing them drop to second place behind the No. 20 Algarve Pro Racing entry.

 

Yes, that’s the same No. 99 Spike the Dragon IMSA LMP2 entry featuring Dane Cameron, Louis Deletraz and team owner P.J. Hyett, who’s the Amateur driver…

 

The LMGT3 Tintops outcome was also chaotic. When apparently the No. 86 GR Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 had snatched the lead from the#50 Richard Mille AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3. Yet the #86 had trotted by when the third and final Red Flag was thrown with seven minutes remaining. As the Race Director decided the rain was too treacherous to continue.

 

Thus the race’s results reverted to the final full lap before the Red flag and hence, the two Prancing Horses swapped positions, and the No. 50 AF Corse won instead…

 

I find it interesting that many of the drivers are able to compete in multiple series. As the names Yelloly, Deletraz, Dillmann, Cameron, Fittipaldi, et al. Are all regulars this side of thoust Gory Puddle in IMSA Competizione.

 

While I tend to recall that last year’s Battle on The Bricks race saw 18 of the 20 IMSA GTP drivers also competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC)

 

Meanwhile, following Silverstone, Genesis Magma Racing (GMR) promoted both Juncadella and Jaubert onto its GMR001 Hypercar squad for next year’s inaugural WEC campaign. Which was the reason for competing in this year’s ELMS, as a tune-up campaign for aspiring racers and team personnel to potentially move forwards.

 

The only disappointment is the news of Jamie Chadwick being left on the sidelines. With GMR claiming Her 2026 plans will be announced at a later date. Making me wonder if She’ll just be an Endurance “Specialist?” As I’d really like to see Jamie get a fulltime ride in a Hypercar entry.

 

Hmm, perhaps Chadwick can spend another year honing Her craft before becoming a regular series competitor in IMSA when GMR supposedly enters competition in 2027? 

A Different Herta moves to Sports Cars

Hey, I had to do it. As Pun intended…

 

Forgive Mwah if my No Fenders content takes a slight dive here, Y’all. But I’m still patiently Cough-Cough! Waiting for Racer.com’s 2.0 website revision to comply with WCAG 2.2 Accessibility standards.

 

And Nah, I haven’t been holding my breath since this was promised Wayback’ on August 1st. So never fear Yuhs Blue Smurfs!

 

Thus perusing Daily Sports Car, I ran across the article about BHA joining forces with PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports, Huh?

 

For those of Yuhs who still don’t know what I’m talking about? Which Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen says is a common occurrence, Youch! Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) will make the leap to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s LMP2 category next year.

 

As Bryan Herta, Colton’s father, has run a very successful motorsports team for several years now, Uhm decades. Most notably winning the Indianapolis 500 twice as a Car owner. First in 2011 with the late Dan Wheldon. And then in conjunction with Mikey A’, and Andretti Autosport as co-owner of Alexander Rossi’s Centenary edition 2016 Indy 500 winner.

 

BHA has been most successful in IMSA’s Michelin Pilot Challenge with Hyundai. Winning six manufacturers Championships. Along with five straight Touring Car (TCR) titles between 2019-2023. Most notably when Robert Wickens and co-driver Harry Gottsacker won the title in 2023. Aboard their Hyundai Elantra N TCR, specially adapted with Hand Controls, which BHA pioneered in the TCR class with Michael Johnson.

 

PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports has been a perennial winner in the LMP2 category, having claimed five of six LMP2 titles, last in 2024. Making this partnership a force to be reckoned with!

 

As the No. 52 Oreca/Gibson V-8  LMP2 entry will be run out of BHA’s new premises in Brownsburg, Indiana. Debuting at the forthcoming November IMSA test at Daytona, with drivers to be named later.

 

Purely speculating, could this be a tune-up for BHA running Hyundai’s Genesis Magma Racing GMR001 Prototype in IMSA GTP in 2027? You Make the Call… 

LE MANS: Can the Prancing Horses gallop to another victory?

Will Ferrari “Three-peat”, or can somebody stop their dominance?

 

Somewhat feel like I’m going thru the motions here, since the annual running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans makes me think that summer is already done! Having nearly reached the zenith of another year’s increasing sunlight whilst pondering where did thoust Gory time go? As soon it’ll be time to put another log on the fire and the kettle on the boil!

 

Although I’ll admit that I do enjoy going thru the entire entry list and seeing what driver names I recognize…

 

This year’s running of the 93rd 24 Huers du Mans commences this Saturday, June 14th. And concludes the following day when  formula 1 races at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and IndyCar races underneath the lights at Gateway. (World Wide Technology Raceway)

 

There’s a total of 62 entries in three classes. With le Crème de la Crème  Hypercar featuring 21 racecars. LMP2 with 17 entrants, and 24 LMGT3 Saloons.

 

The Hypercar category consists of eight marques, with four Cadillac V-Series.R and Porsche 963’s leading the way. Whilst la Scuderia, nee Ferrari has three of it’s dominating 499P’s entered. Followed by a further five manufacturers running the mandatory two car teams, i.e.; Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Peugeot and Toyota.

 

The Alpine A424, BMW M8 Hybrid, Cadillac v-Series.R and Porsche 963 all conform to the Le Mand Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) rules. While the Aston Martin Valkyrie, Ferrari 499P, Peugeot 9X8 and Toyota GR010 conform to the Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) rules.

 

Six of these eight chassis are propelled by varying displacement turbocharged engines, with only the Aston Martin and Cadillac being naturally aspirated. With the Valkyrie eschewing hybrid assistance to it’s glorious Cosworth V-12. While the Caddy’s 5.5-litre V-8 runs the spec LMHD hybrid component.

 

With the entire 62 car field racing under Balance of Performance (BoP) requirements. Along with the virtual “energy” tank storage and mandatory torque sensors.

 

And whilst the Porsche Penske 963 Panzerwagens have won four of five races in IMSA GTP competition to date. On thoust Gory Atlantic’s puddle side. It’s the Ferrari 499P that’s swept all three FIA World endurance Championship events leading up to Le Mans.

 

As the AF Corse No. 50 won at the season opening Qatar 1,812km round. Followed by the Seester’ No. 51 of James Calado, Antonio Giovinazzi and Alessandro Pier Guidi winning back-to-back at the Six Hours of Imola and Spa.

 

Whilst just learning that Ferrari swept the podium at Qatar and claimed a 1-2 finish at Spa, Momma Mia!

 

Ferrari is also aiming for a three-peat at Circuit de la Sarthe this year, having won the first two Hypercar class races the past two years. Seeing both the #51 victorious in 2023, and the #50 with Antonio Fuoco,Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen the defending race winners.

 

Yet the entire field is made up of very strong competizione, as Y’all can never count out the Toyota’s. Whilst El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske dearly wishes to win Le Mans. One of the very few Jewell races He hasn’t won…

 

The Cadillac boyz’ should be up front, while the Alpine and Peugeot are both “Sleepers”. As the only unknown quantity is the Aston Martin, making it’s Le Mans debut, and therefore most likely just happy to finish the race. Although obviously they’ll be hoping for a good debut showing…

 

Almost forgot the BMW’s, with the No. 20 BMW finishing runner-up at Imola. As how could I overlook one of my favourites, i.e.; Kevn Bacon’ Magnussen in the No. 15 entry. While the M8 Hybrid has qualified on pole in IMSA GTP competition the first four races this season.

 

The LMP2 category features a race inside a race, with eight P2 entrants, and nine Pro Am (PA) entries. As the Pro Am class features one Bronze rated amateur driver.

 

Have already mentioned some of the IMSA competitors, while a few others that tripped my No. 4 wire are the No. 18 IDEC Sport with Jamie Chadwick, Andre Lotterer and Mathys Jaubert; Hyundai’s Genesiss Magna “Development” squad.

 

McLaren major domo Zakery Brown and Richard Dean’s United Autosport team is always strong with it’s Nos. 22-23 entries. Having won last year’s LMP2 class with it’s No. 22 entry driven by Oliver Jarvis, Nolan Siegel and Bijay Garg

 

Bad Arse Sports Car Ace Jarvis slots into the team’s No. 23 Pro Am entry this year, joined by ex-IndyCar driver Ben Hanley and Daniel Schneider. Whilst the Seester’ entry hosts a stout lineup which I’ve already mentioned in the previous No fenders IMSA Interlopers story.

 

The No. 25 Algarve Pro Racing entry sees “Teddy Porkchop”, aka Theo Pourchaire joined by Liechtenstein’s Matthias Kaiser and Spain’s Lorenzo Fluxa. As very happy to see that Pourchaire’s still racing, even though He should be in Indy Cars.

 

Last year’s LMP2 Pro Am category was won by AF course’s No. 183 entry, with Ben Barnicoat, Francois Perrodo and Nicolas Varrone. As Perrodo is the only holdover for this year’s entry, being joined by Antonio Felix da Costa and Matthieu Vaxivier.

 

While I’ll be rootin’ for the #199 AO by TF entry, which basically is an IMSA entry, with a stout lineup that I’ve previously mentioned. Although I don’t think it’ll be sporting any sort of Dinosaur teamed livery, Eh?

 

As I’ll split this mesmerizing story into two part harmony, and preview the LMGT3 class in a separate No Fenders post…