McLaren Charges Back to Le Mans: Racing Triple Crown Highlights with GT3 EVO Debut
McLaren Automotive is gearing up for a highly anticipated return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking its first appearance since the iconic McLaren name last graced the grid 26 years ago. This year, McLaren is entering three GT3 EVO cars, proudly representing the brand in all three races of the prestigious 'Triple Crown of Motorsport'—the Monaco Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500, and now Le Mans—in a single season.
The legacy of McLaren at Le Mans began with a spectacular victory during their debut at the 24-Hour race in 1995 with the McLaren F1 road car, which was never initially designed for racing. This win was followed by further successes, including a GT1 class victory and a second-place overall finish in 1997 with the F1 GTR Longtail. These achievements highlighted the car's competitive edge with minimal modifications.
Today, the McLaren GT3 EVO, although based on the 750S road car and modified to meet LMGT3 standards, retains many design features inspired by its racing predecessors, especially in its chassis. This chassis incorporates McLaren's Formula 1-derived carbon fibre Monocage II technology, ensuring a blend of rigidity, strength, and lightweight, critical for safety and dynamic racing performance.
The McLaren GT3 EVO drivers enjoy a cockpit that mirrors the precision steering and confidence-inspiring handling synonymous with McLaren's road cars. The race car uses the same steering setup as the 750S, ensuring flawless handling and track precision. Powering the GT3 EVO is the same 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine found in the 750S, albeit with restricted power to comply with GT racing regulations. However, the engine still offers incredible performance and reliability over extended periods.
Despite the race-specific modifications like track-tuned brakes and slick tyres, the 750S shares several advanced technologies with its racing counterpart that are restricted in the World Endurance Championship, such as the active rear spoiler and the Proactive Chassis Control III system, enhancing the road car's versatility and performance.
As the event approaches, excitement builds with two McLaren GT3 EVO cars fielded by United Autosports and a third by Inception Racing, thanks to US racer Brendan Iribe's achievements in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. With seasoned and diverse drivers ready to tackle the gruelling 24-hour race, McLaren's return to Le Mans is a testament to the enduring’ enduring performance and resilience.
Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive, expresses immense pride and excitement about returning to this legendary race. "Le Mans is a pivotal part of McLaren's racing heritage, and our participation in the World Endurance Championship underscores our commitment to showcasing supreme performance and endurance. We eagerly await the race and wish all our teams the best of luck."
