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COOL Racing / CLX Motorsport holds on to the European Le Mans Series LMP3 title!

COOL Racing / CLX Motorsport holds on to the European Le Mans Series LMP3 title!

by | Oct 26, 2023 | European LMS, Le Mans 24H

With two 4-hour races on the Autódromo do Algarve, everyone expected the European Le Mans Series grand season finale to be particularly exciting. Indeed, it turned out to be a thrilling event with multiple fights on track and changeable weather conditions. As the weekend in Portimão came to an end, COOL Racing / CLX Motorsport had retained their LMP3 Teams and Drivers titles. In total, Alex Garcia, Marcos Siebert and Adrien Chila notched up three wins and two podiums this season!
Thanks to a success at the 4 Hours of Algarve and a second place at the 4 Hours of Portimão, the team clinched the second place in the LMP2 Pro/Am category. Alex Coigny, Nicolas Lapierre and Malthe Jakobsen finished just six tenths away from the title, with two wins, three podiums and two fastest laps this season.

LMP3 European Le Mans Series back-to-back champion!
At the wheel of the Ligier JS P320, Alex Garcia, Marcos Siebert and Adrien Chila – respectively Mexican, Argentinian and French – secured the title on Friday as part of the 4 Hours of Algarve, opening round of the doubleheader event. The trio crossed the finish line in fourth position, meaning that they would retain the titles that COOL Racing / CLX Motorsport had clinched twelve months before with Maurice Smith, Michael Benham and Malthe Jakobsen. The No.17 car had a flawless year and scored 121 points, a record! The three men wrapped up their season in style by notching up another podium finish, following on three wins, one other podium, one Top 5, one pole position and four fastest laps.

Less than a second away from the LMP2 Pro/Am title…
The team has also distinguished itself in the LMP2 Pro/Am category. Alex Coigny, Nicolas Lapierre and Malthe Jakobsen climbed on to the top step of the podium at the 4 Hours of Algarve after plenty of twists and turns. The No.37 ORECA 07 managed to make a fantastic comeback and won the race in the final moments. Before the final round, the car was just two points behind the leader. It once again delivered a solid performance during the 4 Hours of Portimão, and the Swiss, French and Danish drivers finally crossed the chequered flag less than a second away from the winner. Those 621 thousandths granted them the runner-up spot in both the event and the championship, behind François Perrodo and Matthieu Vaxivière. This marked the end of a great season, punctuated by a fifth-place finish in the overall standings, all categories included.
José Maria Lopez, Reshad de Gérus and Vladislav Lomko’s No.47 car was fighting for a podium finish, before getting delayed by various race incidents. The sister car finished sixth in the championship, with one podium, three Top 5 finishes, two poles and one fastest lap.

Unlucky in the Michelin Le Mans Cup
Although competitive, the two Ligier JS P320s entered by COOL Racing / CLX Motorsport failed to deliver in Portugal. Luis Sanjuan and David Droux’s No.97 car raced among the leaders yet got repeatedly hit by other competitors. Despite a win at Road To Le Mans, they finished 7th in the championship. Cédric Oltramare’s No.87 car finished one place ahead, with one podium, one Top 5 and one pole position.

Nicolas Lapierre, driver and founder of CLX Motorsport: “This season we had two goals: to take on new challenges, entering a second LMP2 ORECA 07 and discovering the Asian LMS, but also to hold on to our LMP3 titles. It’s never easy to retain a title yet it’s now mission accomplished, thanks to the great results achieved by Alex, Marcos and Adrien. Drivers and team have managed to combine reliability and performance. It’s a real source of satisfaction. We just missed out on the title in the LMP2 Pro/Am class, but we did our best right up to the end and I’m proud of the team. Alex was returning to the competition, Malthe was taking his first steps in the category, they won in Abu Dhabi and had a great European season, not to mention their podium finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s a shame we did not manage to win in the Pro category with Pechito, Reshad and Vlad. It’s frustrating because we had what it takes to shine. In the Michelin Le Mans Cup, our results don’t reflect our performances. We’ve lacked success, but these things happen. This season’s overall outcome is nonetheless very positive and motivates us to do even better. We will build on that in 2024, looking to meet high objectives in each championship.”

 

Lorenzo Fluxa joins COOL Racing / CLX Motorsport for its 2024 LMP2 program!

Lorenzo Fluxa joins COOL Racing / CLX Motorsport for its 2024 LMP2 program!

by | Oct 25, 2023 | European LMS, Le Mans 24H

Only days after the close of the European Le Mans Series season, COOL Racing / CLX Motorsport has already started preparing for next year. The team, which won the LMP3 title for the second consecutive year, and runner-up in the LMP2 Pro/Am category, has recruited Lorenzo Fluxa for its 2024 program. The Spanish driver will be making his debut in endurance sportscar racing, in European Le Mans Series, and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The road to Le Mans 24 Hours started at Portimao…

Lorenzo Fluxa and COOL Racing began their new adventure together at the Autodromo do Algarve. On Monday, the Palma de Majorque native took part in the European Le Mans Series rookie test driving the team’s #37 ORECA 07. It was a good test at Portimao, which materialized into a full season endurance program next year. Lorenzo joins the team for both the European championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with COOL Racing having scored an invitation for the 2024 edition thanks to its LMP3 title.

« It’s a new challenge which is going to be exciting and I am very happy to take it on with COOL Racing » said Lorenzo. « The tests went well, the car is incredible and I quickly started enjoying myself behind the wheel. The team is very well structured, with a good group dynamic, and super atmosphere and all the tools necessary to obtain the best results. Endurance sportscars is a good opportunity for me to take my career to the next level and the LMP2 category is perfect for that. It’s a new exciting chapter. Of course, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a unique race. I’ve been a few times and it’s one of those events which really makes an impression. Simply, one of the best. I can’t wait! »

The 18-year-old Lorenzo Fluxa began his career in karting, before moving up the ranks of the formula series, in Spanish and UAE F4, then Formula Regional, including podiums in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

 « The Rookie Test with Lorenzo went very well. It was a true discovery for him, and his evolution was positive all during the day » added Nicolas Lapierre, driver and founder of CLX Motorsport « We’re used to giving a chance to young drivers and supporting them during their progression. Lorenzo has interesting potential, his attitude was very appreciated during the test and his profile fits with our desire to have a trio of drivers which is capable of being up front in 2024. We’re looking forward to continuing the setting up of our 2024 program. »

Lorenzo Fluxa and COOL Racing are once again on track with the ORECA 07 this Wednesday at Portimao, where the team is actively preparing for its newest challenges.

COOL Racing kicks off its2023 season! 

COOL Racing kicks off its
2023 season! 

by | May 2, 2023 | Asian LMS, European LMS, Le Mans 24H, Le Mans Cup

COOL Racing / CLX Motorsport is about to launch its 2023 programme, embarking on what promises to be an exciting season. The team will line up its ORECA 07s and Ligier JS P320s as part of the Asian Le Mans Series (this week on the Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina circuits), the European Le Mans Series as well as the Michelin Le Mans Cup. The team will also take part in the 100th edition of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans in Sarthe.

 

2023: stepping up its game again…

Since its foundation in late 2020, COOL Racing / CLX Motorsport has moved up a gear every single season, not only in terms of expanding its own programmes but also regarding results – two European LMP3 titles last year. This 2023 season will be no exception as the team will be entering a new championship (Asian Le Mans Series), while lining-up more LMP2 crews in both the European Le Mans Series and the Michelin Le Mans Cup.

 

Great ambitions in the European Le Mans Series!

The team’s ELMS programme has shifted. Three cars will be lined up still, yet it will be two LMP2 ORECA 07s and one LMP3 Ligier JS P320.

After several podium finishes, COOL Racing / CLX Motorsport has decided to set the bar higher in the LMP2 class, with a trio led by Pechito Lopez on the #47. The Argentinian driver – two-time FIA World Endurance Champion and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner – will be joined by two promising young drivers: Reshad De Gerus, who will be embarking on his second endurance racing season, and Vladislav Lomko, who will be making his debut in the discipline. In the LMP2 Pro/Am class, with the #37, Alexandre Coigny will be returning to competition and teamed up with Nicolas Lapierre and Malthe Jakobsen. It made sense for the Danish driver, who was sensational last year, having notched up six poles in six qualifying sessions, plus the LMP3 title, to move up to the main class.

In LMP3, the #17 car will now be entrusted to Mexican driver Alex Garcia, who has been racing in single-seater so far, alongside Marcos Siebert (Argentina) and Adrien Chila (France). This trio, combining speed, skills, and LMP3 experience, will be in charge of defending the 2022 title.

 

Two cars, two sets of objectives in Michelin Le Mans Cup

COOL Racing / CLX Motorsport has decided to line up a second car in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, with several objectives in mind. Luis Sanjuan and David Droux, both experts of this series, will join the team, looking to clinch the title, while Cédric Oltramare will take his career to another level, making his first steps in this competition with Adrien Chila as teammate.

 

Season’s kick-off at the Asian Le Mans Series!

The season kicks off this week in the Middle East, with two four-hour races in Dubai, followed by two others at the Yas Marina circuit. Alexandre Coigny, Nicolas Lapierre, and Malthe Jakobsen will share the wheel of the LMP2 #37 ORECA 07. Adrien Chila, Marcos Siebert, and Cédric Oltramare will take turns aboard the LMP3 #17 Ligier JS P320. Those races will launch the team’s 2023 programme, with great challenges expected there and ahead.

 

Team Principal Nicolas Lapierre: “It’s a particularly important season for our team. We’ve worked hard to keep on developing and to put together competitive crews in all of the championships, across the various categories. It’s also all worked out thanks to our partners’ support.

In LMP2, our aim is definitely to race at the front, despite the strong competition. We’ve got what it takes for it. Winning a title isn’t easy, defending it is even more difficult, but we’ve devised our EMLS LMP3 programme according to this objective, also looking to shine with our two cars in the Michelin Le Mans Cup.

I’m happy with the drivers we’ve managed to bring together. We’re combining experience with youth. It’s a very important aspect for us to have drivers who aren’t even twenty, yet have showed great potential. We fully trust them. We’re giving them an opportunity to shine and some great responsibilities too. We’ve got people from all around the world in our crew, it just shows how much the team’s currently growing.”

Simon Pagenaud will join COOL Racing for the 24 Hours of Le Mans!

Simon Pagenaud will join COOL Racing for the 24 Hours of Le Mans!

by | May 2, 2023 | Le Mans 24H

COOL Racing / CLX Motorsport is proud to line up two LMP2 ORECA 07s at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 10-11). For the 100 years edition of the legendary race, the team will be able to count on the skills and talents of Simon Pagenaud! Indeed the French driver and Indianapolis 500 winner will share the wheel of the #47 car with Reshad De Gérus and Vladislav Lomko. As for the #37 car, it will compete in the Pro/Am class – just like in the European Le Mans Series – with trio Alexandre Coigny, Nicolas Lapierre, and Malthe Jakobsen.

Simon Pagenaud returns to Le Mans!

2023 will see Simon Pagenaud returning to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Pagenaud has been attending the event from a very young age (only 4 years’ old), before taking to the track for the first time in 2008 with Team ORECA, and achieving a second-place finish in 2011, 13 seconds away only from victory. The Poitiers-born driver is fast and experienced. Throughout his successful career, not only he has managed to triumph at the Indianapolis 500 and to clinch a title in IndyCar, but has also won the 24 Hours of Daytona twice! Pagenaud and his teammate on the sister car Nicolas Lapierre (COOL Racing co-founder) have crossed paths before, in Formula Renault as well as within Team ORECA.

Simon Pagenaud: “I’m back to Le Mans! I’m so delighted that the stars have finally aligned for this to happen. This 2023 season is going to be amazing. The 24 Hours of Daytona, Indianapolis 500, and Le Mans are the number one motorsport events and I’m going to take part in all three of them the same year. I love that! I’m looking forward to this great experience. COOL Racing / CLX Motorsport is a young team yet they manage to race at the front in a very competitive class, that’s exciting!

“What a great story between Nicolas Lapierre and I, given that we used to be wheel to wheel in Formula Renault when we were younger. I have great respect for him and his career. I’m going to bring all of the experience I’ve gained throughout the years and I hope that both the team and my teammates will benefit from it.

“I’d like to thank the ACO for the tremendous work and effort they’ve continuously put in so that the 24 Hours of Le Mans remain the amazing and legendary race it’s always been. With the new regulations, for sure it’ll continue to be a fantastic event in the years to come. I’m really looking forward to taking part in this 100th edition and to racing in France again! Being on that starting grid will be very special for me.”

 Ambitious crews!

Simon Pagenaud will be sharing the wheel of the #47 ORECA 07 with two drivers who race for the team in the ELMS alongside Jose Maria Lopez: Reshad De Gerus and Vladislav Lomko, respectively 20 and 19 years’ old. With all of their skills combined, Pagenaud and the two youngsters will make a talented trio. They will try to sneak in front of the pack, among a class that is particularly competitive this year.

Aboard the #37 ORECA 07, Alexandre Coigny will be teamed up with Malthe Jakobsen. Together they have won the 4 Hours of Yas Marina and finished runner-up in the Asian Le Mans Series this year. The Swiss driver will be returning to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, while the young Danish driver, 2022 ELMS LMP3 champion, will be taking part in the twice around the clock for the first time. Just like in the ELMS programme, the crew will be completed by Nicolas Lapierre, who has won four titles in class and has taken part in the event 15 times. The three of them will do their best to achieve a convincing result in the LMP2 Pro/Am standings.

Team Manager Anthony Megevand: “COOL Racing / CLX Motorsport took part in the event for the first time last year. For this edition, the team’s clearly moving up a gear, lining up two LMP2 ORECA 07s. It’s both an honour and a great responsibility: we’ll have to be on it and up to Le Mans standard, in the most competitive and jam-packed class! But we’ve devised our programme and composed our crews with this in mind. Simon will be of great support to our team on many levels. He’s technical, experienced, and fast. We know him and we want to write a beautiful story together. With Reshad and Vladislav, the #47 car will be a strong contender. Same for the #37 in Pro/Am. We know we’ve set the bar high. It’s also going to be a great human adventure: Alexandre will be returning to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Nicolas will be back with the team (he raced in the Hypercar class last year), and Malthe will continue to step up his game. It just reflects what we are: a young, passionate, and ambitious team. It’s also in line with the changes we’ve made in the off-season.”