ROCK HILL, S.C. (May 3, 2018) – CORE autosport owner/driver Jon Bennett will race in the 2018 Road to Le Mans at Circuit de la Sarthe in France. The June race is a support event for the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Road to Le Mans consists of two 55-minutes races, which take place on the full 8.45-mile Le Mans circuit. Both races include two categories of cars: LMP3 and GT3. Bennett will drive a YMR entered Ligier LMP3 with Nic Jönsson.
“I have been to Le Mans several times representing CORE autosport from a business perspective,” Bennett said. “As a driver, these visits have been bittersweet since my heart lies inside the race car and I have not had an opportunity to compete in the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. This year, while not actually competing in the 24-hour race, driving a prototype on this iconic circuit will be an experience of a lifetime.”
Many drivers use the Road to Le Mans as a stepping stone to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Bennett is no different, hoping the experience will prepare him for a strong debut in the big race if the opportunity arises.
“Track time at Le Mans is scarce, but in high demand,” Bennett explained. “Competing in the Road to Le Mans event will provide valuable experience for any future entry into the 24-hour race. I have access to a professional driving simulator and will definitely be putting in long hours to prepare.”
With regular co-driver Colin Braun already committed to another team for the event, CORE called up former teammate Jönsson to drive with Bennett. Jönsson is no stranger to Le Mans, he will be racing in his 13th 24-hour race this year, but it will be his first appearance in the Road to Le Mans support race.
“I’m always glad to be competing with Colin rather than against him in our IMSA events, but it will be fun to compete against Colin for this special race,” Bennett said. “Nic Jönsson has been my teammate at CORE and has vast experience at Le Mans. I respect his incredible speed and skills inside the racecar and look forward to learning the nuances of this circuit from a true veteran.”
The Ligier LMP3 car is quite similar to the ORECA LM P2 Bennett drives in IMSA. The car is built to ACO spec with a steel tube frame, carbon body, closed cockpit and naturally aspirated Nissan V8 engine.
Yvan Mueller Racing (YMR) fields entries in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and World Touring Car Championship. The team finished second in last year’s ELMS LMP3 Championship.
On track action for the Road to Le Mans begins Wednesday, June 13. Race 1 takes place Thursday, June 14 and Race 2 is held just before the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans on Saturday, June 16.