Latest news with #EuropeanLeMansSeries
BBC News
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
'Le Mans win is box I need to tick'
Ryan Cullen has experienced a lot in his racing career, but the Somerset-born Irishman believes he has the stamina to reach the top in endurance his focus away from a journey to Formula 1 has meant longer distances, durations ranging from four hours to 24 hours and a focus on stamina over speed. Now competing in the European Le Mans Series, Cullen is targeting a win in the most famous endurance race of them all, in which he has competed since 2019."[I want] to win Le Mans 24 Hours," he told BBC Radio Somerset. "I haven't won it and not many people can say it. I've won other endurance races but Le Mans is the tick in the box I need. "I'm pushing to the point where until I do it, I won't stop. It is the whole event; there could be 600,000 people there. The sheer mass of everyone there, the pressure."It is pretty electric; it is special to be on the track, on the main roads, with the history of everything with the long straights, the change of weather. "It brings out the best in drivers and the level is high. There are 60 cars, three drivers each; 180 drivers, there are some really good drivers in there."The 34-year-old's journey has unorthodox to say the least. While he showed racing prowess as a youngster, he stepped away from the sport in his teens before returning and beginning a journey towards Formula 1."My dad took me go-karting when I was four or five; I don't really remember it," he said. "He was working in Germany so I would go and see him and race against the workers. Apparently, I was as good as adults at that age, so he thought 'lets buy a go-kart and go club racing'."It got serious at 12 or 13; the karts were getting quicker, the professionalism was getting better and you really had to apply yourself."Then I took a bit of a break, went to school, did my GCSEs, played other sports and went back at it when I was 20. It is a bit of a jump; I was at a crossroads in my life. "When I was 20, I did my race license and went straight into British Formula 4, into the championships and did OK as a rookie. "I shocked myself, and then made another jump to F3. It was enough of a gamble for me to think, 'do I know what I'm doing?' I still had a natural feel to driving but had to relearn everything; it was tough because you are racing guys who have done it for two or three years." 'My hero' - competing with Rossi and Button Like many others, including some of motorsport's biggest names, he changed course and never looked back. He competes for Vector Sport, a British team based in Stratford, formed in 2021. It has been a mixed start to life there, but he has earned a couple of podiums. The team is second in the European Le Mans Series table after two races out of six this season."I raced with a good British Formula Ford team, then went on to Marussia F1 junior team, which was a big step. I raced against a lot of guys in that era who are now in F1 like Carlos Sainz, [Daniil] Kvyat," he said."The biggest jump in my career was F4 to F3, just by pure experience and the level everyone was at; you could generally go from that championship straight to F1."I never looked at [the endurance] side of motorsport when I was on the road to F1. A lot of drivers bring the level from other series; you can get guys from Formula 1, from NASCAR, even MotoGP. "It brings the level up so high; I'm on the track with some of my heroes like Valentino Rossi. I used to watch him with my dad; Jenson [Button] is on the grid, you get to meet some cool people."Although F1 remains the most popular sport, Cullen believes Le Mans' growing popularity can see that change."In the next three years [the sport] is going to peak quite a lot; it is so hard to know where it is all going to go, but this is the golden era of sports car racing and you go to one of these big endurance races, there are a lot of fans. "I'm surprised more fans watch endurance races than F1 because they can get so close to the fans and drivers and everything. I think they are doing a great job promoting the endurance side of racing."The likes of Button and Rossi continuing to race well into their 40s sets an example to Cullen, who still believes he has much more to give as he chases down success."There is longevity in the sport; experience counts for a lot. When you are doing 24-hour races, or even four, six, eight hours, you don't need to be always finding the extra tenths in yourself and the car," he said."I still feel young. I've always dreamt of being a driver so I feel like a kid when I'm back in the car. I still remember go-karting and how privileged I am. I keeps me youthful."
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Wheels Up Partners with United Autosports to Deliver Customers Unmatched Motorsport Experiences
ATLANTA, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wheels Up Experience Inc. (NYSE: UP), one of the world's leading private aviation companies, is proud to announce a multi-series global partnership with United Autosports, one of the most successful endurance racing teams and official racing partner of McLaren Automotive. This multi-series collaboration offers Wheels Up customers the opportunity for exclusive access to some of the world's most prestigious motorsport events, including the FIA World Endurance Championship, European Le Mans Series, and the WeatherTech IMSA SportsCar Championship. The partnership kicks off at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 14-15, a highly coveted event that also marks the 30th anniversary of McLaren's legendary 1995 overall victory. From the paddock to the pit wall, Wheels Up customers will have a rare opportunity to witness endurance racing at its most iconic venue through immersive behind-the-scenes experiences, trackside viewing, and opportunities to connect directly with drivers, engineers, and team leadership. With motorsport—particularly endurance racing—experiencing a 'platinum era' of popularity and technological advancements, Wheels Up identified a unique opportunity to embed its customers at the heart of the action. A shared commitment to unique and immersive experiences underscores this exclusive partnership. Building on the access customers already enjoy to premier global events through the brand's Wheels Down program, this new relationship with United Autosports further reinforces Wheels Up's commitment to delivering world-class experiences that go beyond aviation. To further celebrate Wheels Up's formal entry into the world of motorsports, United Autosports cars and drivers will proudly feature the brand's logo and decals on both vehicles and uniforms. These sleek co-branded elements will debut at Le Mans, serving as a visual emblem of this strategic alliance. With the dual benefit of elevated access for customers and impactful brand visibility on a global stage, this partnership underscores Wheels Up's continued commitment to aligning with likeminded, world-class brands. Beyond Le Mans, customers will enjoy opportunities for curated access at other marquee events, such as Lone Star Le Mans, the sixth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on September 7. From the United States to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the United Autosports racing program spans the globe. Whether attending races at Sebring, Daytona, Spa, Imola, or Bahrain, Wheels Up customers will be embedded in the heart of the action at some of the world's most iconic tracks. George Mattson, CEO of Wheels Up, commented: "Our 'Wheels Down' portfolio is designed to deliver immersive, unforgettable experiences that extend far beyond air travel. Just as private aviation and motorsport are defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence and constant innovation, this partnership with United Autosports and McLaren gives our customers rare access to the world of elite motorsport. It also puts the Wheels Up name in front of a global audience that values performance, innovation, and exclusivity—fueling both brand awareness and growth." Richard Dean, CEO and Team Principal of United Autosports, added: "Wheels Up understands the power of creating unforgettable moments. Their community of discerning customers is a perfect fit for the unique and visceral world of endurance racing. We're excited to welcome them into our garage, our team environment, and our global journey of chasing victories." About Wheels Up: Wheels Up is a leading provider of on-demand private aviation in the U.S. with a diverse fleet and a global network of safety-vetted charter operators, all committed to safety and service. Customers access charter and membership programs and commercial travel benefits through a strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines. Wheels Up also provides freight, safety, security, and managed services to a range of clients, including individuals and government organizations. With the Wheels Up app and website, members can easily search, book, and fly. For more information, visit About United Autosports:Founded by Richard Dean and McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, United Autosports is one of the most prominent endurance racing teams in the world. With championship-winning entries in prototype and GT competitions, the team has secured two class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (2020 and 2024) and the ROLEX 24 at Daytona in 2025, establishing itself at the forefront of global endurance motorsport. The team is officially partnered with McLaren Automotive in the LMGT3 category of the FIA World Endurance Championship, and has secured four entries in this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans across three different categories. Media Contacts: Wheels UpThomas FryVP, United AutosportsScarlett WhittellMarketing ManagerScarlett@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Wheels Up Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Cyril Abiteboul Is Still Building Genesis Magma Racing, Just Without Logan Sargeant
Genesis Magma Racing is now six months into its 14-month schedule to develop and race a top-class car in the FIA World Endurance Championship. The GMR-001 is still on track to get racing in that tight timeline, but the program has already undergone an unexpected change: Logan Sargeant, the most recent American Formula 1 driver, opted earlier this year to drop out of his plans to join GMR's European Le Mans Series "Trajectory Program" in partnership with LMP2 team IDEC Sport. This leaves Genesis without one of the drivers expected to be in the mix for its first-ever factory driver roster, which has at least four open spots for the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans and other three-driver endurance events. Hyundai Motor Group racing boss and GMR team principal Cyril Abiteboul does not know exactly why Sargeant stepped away from the program — but as he tells Road & Track, he has an idea. "When we met at... the end of last year, and he was keen on doing something after Formula 1, we gave him the opportunity to test with with a team that was, at the time, already going to be our strategic partner for this year," Abiteboul says. "He was immediately quick, focused, and very committed. But come wintertime, things took a turn. "From Christmas," he says, "I guess he realized that he needed probably more time off after Formula 1." Abiteboul, who led a Formula 1 team from most of the 2010s, knows that feeling well. He left Renault's F1 program in 2020, leaving for a Hyundai racing program that at the time competed only in WRC and touring cars. Even as he turns his attention to sports car racing, he still remembers what it was like to leave F1 behind. "You pay a toll after Formula One," Abiteboul says. "I can say it also for myself. So you probably need that time to reflect on things on this side, what he wants to do, to do next." Without Sargeant, Abiteboul has an unexpected opening to fill at Genesis Magma Racing before the team even finishes a test car. After being burned by a former F1 driver, the GMR boss is keeping the lesson in mind. "I think we can take the time to select carefully and see who's out there and properly motivated and committed," he says. "I think it takes a bit of time for sort of drivers, any drivers, to move away from their F1 dreams that they would have been chasing since their childhood.' The open seat in the GMR Trajectory Program was eventually filled by Daniel Juncadella, a former DTM driver who has spent the past few years driving GT cars for Mercedes. As Sargeant had been, Juncadella is still officially just part of the trajectory program and not necessarily signed on as a factory driver for the GMR-001 program in 2026 just yet. "For us," Abiteboul says, "it was always finding the person that was properly committed and motivated by the projects. We got in contact with [Juncadella], and it was very clear that his motivation was very clear. He [has] lots of experience, he's been used to working with a car maker with Mercedes for years in GT racing." Abiteboul says that the team is "talking to lots of people," but his current focus is to find experienced endurance racers. The team has already signed former Porsche driver Andre Lotterer and former Cadillac driver Pipo Derani. That trend should continue. "You've seen some success stories [like Le Mans winner and F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg], you can get very quick at adapting in this type of racing," he says. But, he adds, "It's more the exception. So I think what we need as we build our experience, as we build infrastructure, is mainly to find others with experience in endurance racing, lots of things that they can help and assist us with. Building the team, building the cars. Managing traffic, managing strategies." "That's why I don't think that, you know, focusing on today's F1 drivers is a first priority, but that's actually something that we would be interested in in the future." While Genesis is set to run its own team in the Europe-focused FIA World Endurance Championship in 2026, the company plans to run the GMR-001 with a partner team in the North American IMSA championship starting in 2027. One thing Genesis has not done yet: name that partner team. "We are going through the process," Abiteboul says. "We also want to do things in the right way, in a properly transparent way. So it's an important decision, because we can see that this decision is one that can affect the program in the long term... [We have] a very, very robust process of request for quotation with a number of possible partnerships. We need to conclude that process, before summer.' The GMR-001 and the Genesis Magma Racing team are currently scheduled to debut with an expected two cars at the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship season opener. That race is roughly just 10 months away. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
Fox Sports
04-04-2025
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
HMD Seeks New Driver for No. 24 after Floersch's Exit
INDYCAR HMD Motorsports and driver Sophia Floersch have mutually agreed to part company for the rest of the 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone season, team officials announced March 27. Floersch, from Germany, qualified 17th and finished 12th in her debut in the INDYCAR development series March 2 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, in the No. 24 HMD Motorsports entry. 'As we move into 2025, HMD Motorsports and Sophia Floersch have mutually agreed to part ways for the remainder of the INDY NXT by Firestone season,' a team statement said. 'HMD Motorsports wishes Sophia the best of luck in her future endeavors. The team is now actively considering driver options for the No. 24 car for the remaining 13 races and upcoming test days.' Floersch, 24, came to North America this season after competing globally in various series. She is first woman to score points in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. Alongside her single-seater pursuits, she has also raced in the European Le Mans Series in the LMP2 class, earning two podium finishes. She was quickest in the 2021 WEC Rookie Test in Bahrain, after finishing 2020 in the ninth position in the all-female team of Richard Mille Racing at the Le Mans 24 Hours. The next INDY NXT by Firestone race is the Grand Prix of Alabama on Sunday, May 4 at Barber Motorsports Park. recommended
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Racing Heavy MAVTV Getting New Owners, New Look, New Name
MAVTV is getting a new owner and a renewed emphasis on racing content. Media outlet RACER has purchased MAVTV and is renaming it RACER Network. The network boasts a TV schedule it says will top 300 live events in 2025. Included in its programming are DTM, British Touring Cars, Pikes Peak, European Le Mans Series, FIM Speedway, FIM World Superbikes, AMA Arenacross, Australian Supercars, Race of Champions, Crandon Off-Road World Championships, Prodigy Racing League (virtual to real world racing). Much like Speedvision and later Speed TV catered to grassroots racing and car culture from 1995 until 2005, RACER Network will continue to offer live racing as well as coverage of car culture events such as the GAA Classic Car Auction in North Carolina, Vicari Live Car Auction in Mississippi, and the Rolex Monterey (Calif.) Motorsports Reunion. Expect the complete rollout to occur over the next few months, with branding and logos to start appearing with today's announcement.
