24h Le Mans
Cadillac achieved a fine third place on its return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For the American manufacturer, this performance should serve as a springboard for greater success in 2024.
A clean race, regular pit stops and solid reliability propelled the #2 Cadillac V-Series.R, driven by Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn and Richard Westbrook, to a promising third place at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The American hypercar even led the field for a few laps. The #3 sister car finished just outside the podium positions after a rockier ride for Sébastien Bourdais, Renger Van der Zande and Scott Dixon. Bourdais was nudged into a spin at the Raccordement by Motul turn following a misunderstanding with a slower car. A technical infringement also resulted in a one-minute penalty. The #311 entered by Action Express Racing had a more traumatic race. On the opening lap, the car suffered damage when it ran off at the Daytona Chicane on the Mulsanne Straight. Sterling work by the pit crew soon got the car back on the track. At the chequered flag, it was P17 in the overall standings.
“I couldn't be more proud of all three Cadillacs crossing the finish line, which I think is a huge feat at this race especially considering everything that happened,” said General Motors Sports Car Racing Program Manager Laura Wontrop Klauser, who also celebrated an LMGTE Am class win with the #33 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R. “This is the busiest Le Mans that I can remember for the past few years and we were able to have such a strong finish. We can't wait to be back next year and go for that top step.” Bamber added: “I think we can take away a couple of good lessons to tune it up and come back and achieve our ultimate goal.”
Cadillac will be shooting for the top step when it lines up on the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans grid (15-16 June). However, the US carmaker is likely to face even stiffer competition as the 92nd running of the endurance classic is set to attract the greatest field the discipline has ever known. In the meantime, the team will be looking to sparkle once again in the three remaining rounds of the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship season.
