Cadillac Racing is poised for a triumphant return to the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, deploying a trio of its cutting-edge Cadillac V-Series.R hybrid racecars. This foray is bolstered by a cadre of seasoned drivers and teams, each with a rich legacy of championship victories, all setting their sights on clinching the top spot on the podium.
Cadillac Racing’s Strategic Return to Le Mans
This marks a consecutive second invitation by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) for Cadillac Racing to partake in this venerable endurance contest. The previous year was a landmark for Cadillac Racing as it debuted in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar category. Their inaugural outing saw the No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R securing a laudable third-place finish, while the No. 3 and No. 311 V-Series.R cars showcased commendable performances, finishing fourth and tenth in their class, respectively, at the Circuit de la Sarthe.
John Roth, Cadillac’s Vice President of Global, expressed his enthusiasm about the team’s upcoming challenge at Le Mans. After achieving a historic podium in 2023, the team is eager to further demonstrate the prowess, resilience, and advanced technology of the Cadillac V-Series.R. The dedication and skill of their racing teams will once again be under the global spotlight, aiming to surpass their previous achievements.
The 2024 roster for Cadillac Racing is a testament to their commitment to excellence, featuring drivers who collectively hold an impressive tally of motorsport victories, including five wins at Le Mans, twelve IndyCar titles, and two IMSA prototype championships. This blend of experience and success forms a formidable force as Cadillac Racing embarks on its quest for glory.
Significant amongst their entries, the No. 2 V-Series.R has secured its spot through consistent participation in the WEC, with Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn, and Alex Palou at the helm. The No. 3 V-Series.R, a staple in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class, will see Sébastien Bourdais, Renger van der Zande, and Scott Dixon taking the wheel. The No. 311 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R, another GTP class entrant, will feature Pipo Derani, Jack Aitken, and a soon-to-be-announced co-driver.
Cadillac Racing’s Legacy and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on the centennial celebration of Le Mans in 2023, Laura Wontrop Klauser, GM’s sports car racing program manager, highlighted the significance of the team’s podium finish amidst new challenges. With the insights gained, Cadillac Racing is more determined than ever to leverage their experience against the world’s elite at Le Mans in 2024.
Cadillac Racing’s ambition is not only to compete but to emerge victorious, seeking to end the decades-long hiatus since an American manufacturer last claimed the overall victory at Le Mans. The team’s resolve is underscored by their impressive performance in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, where they dominated the GTP category in 2023, sweeping all trophies and solidifying their legacy with multiple championships.
The journey towards Le Mans 2024 is already underway, with the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R securing a second-place finish at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. The team’s focus is now on defending their title at the Twelve Hours of Sebring, a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence and a precursor to their ambitious endeavors at Le Mans.
As Cadillac Racing gears up for this monumental event, the anticipation and excitement are palpable. The blend of seasoned talent, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering determination sets the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the storied legacy of Cadillac Racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
