The historic manufacturer joins United Autosports in a hopeful return to Le Mans.
In a groundbreaking announcement, McLaren Automotive confirmed its intentions to take on the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the 720S GT3 EVO, starting from the 2024 season. This exhilarating move will see McLaren partnering with the esteemed United Autosports team, providing two 720S GT3 EVO cars for them in the new LMGT3 class.
McLaren, a name that evokes pure racing passion and has deep roots in motorsport, recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. Their legacy dates back to the very inception of their customer racing ventures, which kicked off with the McLaren M1 sports racing car, crafted in alliance with Elva Sportscars. Fast forward to the 1990s, and the company made headlines with the legendary F1 GTR. Notably, this same car gifted McLaren an unforgettable victory at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, adding the first Triple Crown achievement to McLaren’s already impressive trophy cabinet.
Moreover, in 1997, a GTC Competition F1 GTR boasting a Longtail specification breezed through the GT1 class at Le Mans, leaving its closest manufacturer competitor a staggering 29 laps behind. Such dominance in motorsport isn’t a chance occurrence but rather an enduring testament to McLaren’s prowess in automotive engineering and racing acumen.
United Autosports, McLaren’s partner in this endeavor has a journey that is equally commendable. Since its inception in 2010, this Yorkshire-based team has stamped its mark as a force to be reckoned with in sportscar and GT racing. Their affiliation with McLaren Motorsport isn’t new either. They were among the first squads to race the inaugural 12C GT3 race car. Through the years, United Autosports has bagged a slew of championships, further solidifying its status in the racing domain. The team’s alumni roster boasts names like Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris, and Juan Pablo Montoya – all legends in their own right.
Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive, expressed the company’s enthusiasm and faith in this new chapter. He mentioned that motorsport is, and always will be, an integral component of McLaren’s vision for the future. They view the WEC as the perfect platform to showcase the unparalleled performance of their vehicles, especially the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In United Autosports, McLaren has a partner who not only mirrors their fervor for endurance GT racing but also embodies the McLaren brand’s values.
United Autosports has already informed the Automobile Club de l’Ouest about their intent to race two McLaren 720S GT3 EVOs in the 2024 WEC. The racing world now waits with bated breath, eager to witness McLaren lock horns with its rivals once again.
