Photo : Nicolas COUSSEAU - ACO/Nikon

OAK Racing has entered one of his Pescarolo LM P2 prototypes in the Le Mans Intercontinental Cup, created by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest. The famous 'Petit Le Mans' that is to be held in the United States this weekend, is the second event in this series. The ILMC will end in China on the 7th of November at the Zhuhai event.

The team who are based in Nevers will defend the top spot in LM P2, that they achieved after 1000 km of Silverstone. with three 'gentlemen' drivers, including Jacques Nicolet. They will be coached by one of the team's professional drivers, Matthieu Lahaye. They recently participated in both days of testing conducted on the Road Atlanta circuit, on the 25th and 26th of September to integrate the two "new drivers" Frederic Da Rocha and Patrice Lafargue. Frederic Da Rocha has experience in the LMP2 class, but this is not the case with Patrice Lafargue who will be contesting his first race in this category. The team hopes to be there at the finish and if they are also well placed, it will be the cherry on the cake!

Francois Sicard, CEO: "One can expect almost anything at Road Atlanta, despite all our experience in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Le Mans Series. We do not expect to demonstrate the full performance our LMP2 this year, against regular ALMS teams in cars designed and prepared for this series. The two days of testing 25th and 26th of September were a worthwhile education, but race conditions will test the theory. "

Sebastien Philippe, Team Manager: "Over the two days of testing, I was surprised by the ease of adaptation of three drivers, Jacques Nicolet, Frederic Da Rocha and Patrice Lafargue. Their lap times are pretty close to the time set by Matthieu Lahaye. Matthew, who is here as coach, has managed to build confidence and that is essential at this complicated circuit . The race promises to be tricky, however, with more than 45 cars on track. This means 11 cars per km, the greatest density of the year. At the Hungaroring, where traffic was already complicated to manage, it was "only" 8. In addition, here besides the usual categories of the 24 Heures du Mans, we will find GT3 and LMPC, which are the ALMS version of FLM with a different engine configuration. So many people on the track, additional categories, and one third of the circuit where you can not pass! One positive thing is the Dunlop tyres that showed a good grip and excellent durability. The main thing to learn is not to rush. "

Jacques Nicolet, a driver and President: "As a pilot, I am very happy to be at Atlanta Road. Yet I had a great time of solitude in my first lap! It is a very atypical layout unlike anything I know in Europe: one third of blind corners, walls very close and narrow track. In some corners, I was simply told: "you see when you get there." Well, that's it, I saw! But the first day of testing went well, under the sun, and I rolled and rose. So we'll see! "

Frederic Da Rocha, driver: "In the first laps on the Atlanta track I wondered what I was doing there! But once once learned, the circuit is a real pleasure. I am used to a less powerful LMP2 and I discovered a prototype with true aero' and super effective brakes. The Pescarolo-Judd is very reassuring for a driver. You feel instantly confident to approach its limits, without hesitation, and without a second thought. I am very happy to join such a professional team as OAK Racing. Lahaye is a great coach, he is a teacher. He knows how to bring on less experienced drivers, and puts things in language that is easy to understand. It is up to us to put his advice into practise in the race."

Julien Hergault - Translated by Dave Davies