Caterham's plans of international recognition in sports car development will move a step closer this month with the introduction of a Caterham Motorsport entry into the Le Mans 24 Hour race. The race will also give the company an insight into the potential of developing a customer Sports Prototype package in years to come.
The Caterham Motorsport #41 Zytek Z11SN-Nissan will take part in the LMP2 series. Making its debut at the Le Mans ACO test on 8th June the new model is an adaptation of the Caterham SP/300R. The supercharged, mini-Le Mans racer was launched in 2010 as a track and race school car; however, various tweaks have been made for the one you'll see at Le Mans. Piloting the racer is double LMP2 class-winner Tom Kimber-Smith, Caterham F1 Reserve Driver Alexander Rossi and 'gentleman driver' Eric Lux.
Entry into Le Mans will build on the company's continued racing success. The Caterham F1 team is currently in its second season; the Caterham Academy has found over 1,000 new racing drivers since its launch 18 years ago; and the company's single-model racing series is said to be one of the best in the world. Caterham will also be starting its own karting championship next year.
Alexander Rossi commented: "Straight after driving in FP1 for Caterham F1 Team in Montreal, I'll be back in Europe to start my Le Mans work. I'm excited about the challenge ahead and honoured with the opportunity to represent Caterham and the US at one of the most prestigious motorsport events of the year."
All this effort in the motorsport world is also designed to pave the way for a brand new road-going Caterham set for launch in 2016. The new car will be produced in a 50:50 joint venture with Renault - and will mark the first new Caterham in 20 years.