24h Le Mans
AO by TF's #14 ORECA 07-Gibson, a.k.a. Spike the Dragon, took second place in the LMP2 Pro/Am category at the 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans. The result is owed to the tireless dedication of the team and drivers, and marks a major milestone in AO by TF's history.
Spike the Dragon seemed quite at home in the LMP2 Pro/Am category at the 2024 24 Hours. AO by TF's #14 ORECA 07-Gibson driven by PJ Hyett/Louis Delétraz/Alex Quinn finished second behind AF Corse's #183 ORECA. Just like Rexy last year, Spike the Dragon became an immediate fan favourite at Le Mans.
AO by TF kicked off the 92nd 24 Hours with a win at the 3rd Pit Stop Challenge in the LMP2 category, and two days later, the American team took part in the Hyperpole thanks to Delétraz who has proven he's at the top of his game.
The race saw chaotic weather conditions threaten a number of competitors with DNFs, but not Spike the Dragon's crew! Team prinicipal Gunnar Jeannette: What a finish to an amazing week here at Le Mans with the AO by TF team. This year’s race was very challenging but Spike proved that he knows how to navigate not only wet but dry conditions. All three of our drivers did an amazing job. There’s not a piece of bodywork out of place, and that’s a real testament given the challenges of this year’s weather. We wanted to be one step higher, but to get AO’s first podium at Le Mans is an absolute milestone.
Louis Delétraz: I’m super happy with a Le Mans podium. The whole AO by TF crew did amazing. We were fighting for the win the whole race. We would have loved to have won the race, but given the conditions, it was so tricky in the wet at night. We’ll take it. It’s the first podium finish at Le Mans for PJ, and Alex did great in his first Le Mans. I’m so proud to be a part of this team.
Alex Quinn: I’m very happy with the podium. I’m a little disappointed we didn’t get the win, but all in all, it was a good race for us. We kept the car clean the whole race, which was our aim going into it. That paid off well. It’s my first time at Le Mans and we’re on the podium. It was really good and gives us more to aim for in the future as well. Getting on the podium is the first step, and the next one is the win.
This second place finish is a significant achievement for AO by TF and Spike the Dragon. Despite tumultuous weather conditions, the team proved it can hold its own against the best in the field. The performance has established an excellent foundation to aim for victory next year.
