Latest news with #UnitedAutosports
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
31-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
United Autosports drivers find a lot to savor in belated Rolex 24 win
Rasmus Lindh woke up Tuesday morning after the Rolex 24 At Daytona to a pair of missed calls — one from co-driver Dan Goldburg, the other from CEO and co-owner of United Autosports Richard Dean. They were trying to tell Lindh that he and the rest of the No. 22 United Autosports USA crew had won LMP2 when it was found that Tower Motorsports' car had failed post-race inspection, bumping them up from a bittersweet second place. In 48 hours' time, Goldburg, Lindh, Paul di Resta and James Allen were all gathered for a press call after the results had been declared official. 'We just kind of set about doing what our plan was, just knocking off the [drive] time and prepping everything to be in the fight at the end. And really, everything was going great,' Goldburg recalled 'A couple things happened, and a penalty at the end kind of set us back, and we ended up second.. 'It was a tough second for us, in a weird way. We knew we should be pleased because we executed well. But we really felt we should be in that fight at the end, and didn't get that opportunity. 'So we went home somewhat pleased and ready to go on with the season… And then finding out about the penalty, absorbing the win — it's just been crazy. I mean, we're really happy about it.' When looking back on it, they'd driven one of the cleanest races in an LMP2 field that was littered with attrition. The No. 22's race was only compromised by a flat tire at the halfway mark, and a drive-through penalty in the final hour for hitting their own pit board in a congested pit lane — which both Goldburg and di Resta felt was a particularly harsh decision. While they had to watch Tower Motorsports' drivers partying hardest on the podium at Daytona, the United Autosports quartet would get the last laugh. Michael Levitt/Lumen The original second-place result would have already been a big turnaround from last year, when the No. 22 led by Goldburg and di Resta only put together a single podium finish, and started the year with Goldburg crashing out early in the race. 'I had a pretty disastrous [Rolex] 24 last year,' he admitted. 'There was a lot of thinking from there through the rest of last year and coming into this year.' A significant keystone in Goldburg's development came in qualifying when he bested his former United teammate Ben Keating, widely considered to be the premier bronze-graded driver in major endurance racing, to win the pole position in LMP2 and end Keating's run of five straight Rolex 24 class pole positions. Pole position was the start of Daniel Goldburg's Rolex 24 turnaround. Michael Levitt/Lumen 'Coming into the event, I said, I wanted to give everything I had in qualy, and then take it to a different notch for the race — and just stay clean, stay consistent, stay at a certain pace that the team and I wanted,' Goldburg said. 'When I got out of the car at about 11 o'clock on Saturday night, I had a very big sense of relief at that moment that I had done my job — done exactly what I came there to do. And I was pleased that I did my part in that.' Goldburg also said he'd taken his fitness up a level going into his second season of driving LMP2s in IMSA, and also reshaped his mental approach, being more calm behind the wheel of his ORECA 07. 'I'm just so much calmer and it just allows me to drive in a calm and controlled way, as compared to a little more on edge last year,' he said. 'Last year was very painful. I had pretty high expectations for myself. But in retrospect, I just didn't come into it thinking everything through and having the right mindset. 'In the prior year, two of our four drivers never even got in the car, and it's a strange pain you feel in that circumstances. With how much goes into these events, the preparation, the teams, the money, everybody's efforts — and then to lose it early and let everyone down is huge. It's just an amazing sense of accomplishment to make that kind of turnaround and be here where we are now.' A construction company leader during the work week and ambitious racing driver on the weekends, Goldburg has excellent chemistry with di Resta as well as Lindh, whom he'd previously raced with in LMP3 before reuniting this year. Di Resta certainly has the pedigree and recognition through his time in Formula 1, DTM and now in the WEC as a Peugeot Sport factory driver, but this race also represents a significant turning point for Lindh, who's spent time bouncing between the American single-seater ladder and the Pro-Am categories of prototype racing to little fanfare. 'I first started driving with Dan in 2020 — the COVID year,' Lindh recalls. 'I'd signed with Indy NXT then, but they closed that championship down for the COVID season and I got the opportunity to race with Dan. We went racing on and off a little bit since 2021; we did quite a few races in both IMSA Prototype Challenge and a few races in WeatherTech together. 'I've been coaching him and creating a very good relationship, and it means a lot to share this with Dan, this big win — and also with both James and Paul. It's a great team, us four. 'We came back pretty strong and pretty quick on the lead lap again,' he noted. 'The last hour and a half of the race, I had not been looking at the timing and scoring so hard in my life, I think. To win the race in this way feels a little different, but I mean, I'll take it!' 'Frankly, I wasn't taking my racing career as serious until he showed up with our team in 2020, and I realized I had a really good co-driver for the first time in my life, and it really amped me up,' Goldburg said of the young Swede. 'It really just lit a fire under my butt to take it seriously, take my fitness seriously, and it started a pretty big ramp-up in my driving.' Brandon Badraoui/Lumen Goldburg wanted Lindh to be part of United Autosports last year but couldn't make it work financially. So when Bijoy Garg moved on to be the new 'designated silver' driver at Inter Europol Competition, it opened up a spot for Lindh to rejoin him for the first time since the Swede left for Andretti Autosport in 2022. 'I know personally what Rasmus can do, but he hasn't really had the exposure in the paddock, so I was pushing to help him find a spot,' Goldburg related. 'When the spot opened up in our car, I tried very hard to make sure he would be in it. Richard and Max [Gregory, managing director] and the team, we brought Rasmus to a couple tests. He performed really well and then they saw what I was seeing — and they worked to get him in the seat. It's pretty awesome how it all came together and I'm excited to share it with him. 'I started driving with Paul last year, and the two of them have just pushed me along quite a bit, each in their own way. I credit very much where I am as a driver to the coaching from the two of them.' The drivers are all awaiting the delivery of their Rolex timepieces for winning their class, and United Autosports plans to get together ahead of the Sebring 12 Hours to celebrate as a team. UA intends to fly Allen out to be part of the festivities, even if Daytona was his only planned start of the IMSA season. 'I'm really proud to have been a part of it. I won't be joining them for the rest of the season, but I wish them all the best — and they deserve to have all the success for this year as well,' said Allen, who won his second Rolex in three years, albeit in much different circumstances to the way he won LMP2 in 2023, in his famous photo finish over Ben Hanley. 'It's not quite as exciting as the first time I won,' he admitted, 'but it still doesn't take anything away from the effort from everyone at United, and Dan, Paul, and Rasmus. All the hard work they've put together since the end of last year, and even leading up to now, has been really incredible.' Story originally appeared on Racer
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Daytona 24 Class Winner Stripped Of Win 3 Days After The Race Ended
The number eight Tower Motorsports Oreca-Gibson 2025 Daytona 24 Hour LMP2 class winning car, driven by Sebastien Bourdais, Job van Uitert, Sebastian Alvarez, and John Farano, has been unceremoniously stripped of its victory and kicked to the back of the class after a technical infraction uncovered by the series on Wednesday. After an early-race crash pushed Tower down the order the team clawed its way back to what was, for three days, a hard-fought victory for the storybooks. During the series' lengthy post-race inspection process it uncovered that the Tower car had worn its underfloor plank beyond the maximum allowance and was thus disqualified from its class win, reports Racer. The team had to give up the trophy, and each of the drivers had to give back their victory Rolex, as they were now the property of United Autosports and its drivers Nick Boulle, Ben Hanley, Oliver Jarvis, and Garnet Patterson. Tower appealed IMSA's decision, offering that it did not willingly violate the technical regulations, though this was quickly swatted down, because a worn plank is a worn plank, regardless of how it happened. It's pretty cut and dried. 'Tower Motorsports is deeply disappointed by IMSA's decision to penalize our No. 8 LMP2 entry following post-race technical inspection at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Our team strongly contests this ruling and maintains that we did not intentionally violate any technical regulations,' Tower team manager Rick Capone wrote in a statement. 'The infraction cited by IMSA relates to excessive wear on the skid block, an issue that can naturally occur over the course of an intense endurance race due to variables outside of a team's direct control. The No. 8 car has consistently passed technical inspection throughout the event and in previous competitions without issue. We firmly believe that this outcome does not reflect any wrongdoing or competitive advantage on our part.' Whether advantageous or not, the rules are the rules and sometimes that's how the cookie crumbles. — Sébastien Bourdais (@BourdaisOnTrack) January 29, 2025 According to team driver Bourdais, who is already in Dubai to test his WEC full season ride with Cadillac, the car's ride height damper failed over the course of the race allowing the car to sink lower than normal, and in the process the skid plank was worn beyond the allowable five millimeters. Newly promoted victors United Autosport were understandably excited by the late announcement of its promotion to victory. 'We came to Daytona with one very clear goal and we have achieved it,' said Richard Dean, United Autosports CEO. 'To win the Rolex 24 At Daytona any year is pretty special, but to win it only a few months after celebrating victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours makes it an extra-special moment. Zak and I would like to thank the entire team for their dedication and commitment. We can all be very proud of what we have achieved.' Motorsport is cruel sometimes, but for every take there is a little give. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Washington Post
30-01-2025
- Automotive
- Washington Post
Bourdais seethes after IMSA strips team of class victory at Rolex 24 at Daytona
IMSA stripped Tower Motorsports of its LMP2 class victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona because of a technical infraction. The victory was given Wednesday to runner-up United Autosports, the team co-owned by McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. The Tower entry driven by John Farano, Sebastien Bourdais, Sebastian Alvarez and Job van Uitert won its class at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday when the twice-round-the-clock endurance classic ended. The Rolex 24 was won overall for the second consecutive year by Porsche Penske Motorsport.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Bourdais seethes after IMSA strips team of class victory at Rolex 24 at Daytona
IMSA striped Tower Motorsports of its LMP2 class victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona because of a technical infraction. The victory was given Wednesday to runner-up United Autosports, the team co-owned by McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. The Tower entry driven by John Farano, Sebastien Bourdais, Sebastian Alvarez and Job van Uitert won its class at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday when the twice-round-the-clock endurance classic ended. The Rolex 24 was won overall for the second consecutive year by Porsche Penske Motorsport. IMSA said the Tower entry exceeded the maximum allowable wear to the regulated area of the skid block on the underside of the car during post-race inspection. Tower protested the penalty, but it was denied by IMSA. 'Racing can be cruel but governing bodies can be far worse,' Bourdais wrote on social media. He explained a damper that controls ride height failed and it lowered the rear of the car, thus overwearing the skid block. 'In recent memory, IMSA always used common sense when enforcing rules that were breached by technical failure,' Bourdais seethed, particularly over the treatment of Tower. 'Making them look like cheaters makes me sick as they always operate by the book,' he wrote. The penalty promoted Daniel Goldburg, Paul di Resta, Rasmus Lindh and James Allen to first place. It was the first Rolex win for all but Allen. 'We came to Daytona with one very clear goal and we have achieved it,' said United Autosports co-owner Richard Dean, 'To win the Rolex 24 at Daytona any year is pretty special, but to win it only a few months after celebrating victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours makes it an extra special moment. 'Zak and I would like to thank the entire team for their dedication and commitment. We can all be very proud of what we have achieved.' ___ AP auto racing: Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press
