24h Le Mans
IMSA Performance has put an end to its long-standing partnership with insurance firm Matmut. The move brings an end to a twelve-year tie-up that took the fledgling Normandy-based outfit to the very top of endurance racing.
We have shared so many exploits with Matmut, such as the first ever one-two finish in the French GT championship this year. Looking back, the whole team can be proud of what we have achieved together. We’ve managed quite a trophy haul, team manager Franck Rava says.
Raymon Narac, founder of the Rouen-based team, talks about the confidence their partner granted them over the years. We decided on the season’s programmes together but then Matmut gave us a free rein to manage the championship the way we wanted. This freedom was vital for us. Their trust in us helped us to build team spirt, to get down to work and develop the self-confidence required to battle it out – and win – against some of the best teams in the world. The whole team was absolutely committed to bringing these victories back for Matmut.
The Matmut-IMSA partnership resulted in some fine achievements, including the French FFSA GT championship in 2014 and 2015. The team also claimed two European Le Mans Series (ELMS) crowns in the LM GTE Am class (in 2011 and 2012) and lined up on the 24 Hours of Le Mans starting grid ten times. Their persistence was rewarded with two class wins at Le Mans (2007 in LM GT2 and 2013 in LM GTE Am).
Geoffroy Barre, quotes from the team’s press release. | Translated from French by Clair Pickworth
Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE 2014, QUALIFYING. Imsa Performance flew Matmut’s colours high for 12 years including ten Le Mans 24 Hours appearances.
