Corvettes to Conquer Le Mans Again? TF Sport Revvs Up with Z06 GT3.R Debut

Corvette Racing at Le Mans: Taking on the World" />

Photo Credit: Corvette Racing

TF Sport seeking to build on Corvette’s legendary legacy with Z06 GT3.R

DETROIT (June 5, 2024) – TF Sport and its dynamic duo of Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs are gearing up for the ultimate endurance challenge: the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As the centerpiece of the FIA World Endurance Championship, this race is where legends are born and histories are written. With a glittering record of nine class victories, Corvette Racing carries a rich heritage that attracts a global fanbase yearly to the hallowed grounds of Le Mans.

The TF Sport team is armed and ready, fielding the No. 81 and No. 82 Corvettes, manned by impressive driver lineups. The No. 81 Z06 GT3.R features Tom Van Rompuy, Rui Andrade, and Corvette factory driver Charlie Eastwood. Meanwhile, Hiroshi Koizumi, Sebastien Baud, and factory driver Daniel Juncadella will pilot the No. 82 machine. Both contingents have rolled up their sleeves, bringing a blend of experience and fresh enthusiasm to conquer the notorious 8.48-mile circuit composed of permanent racetrack and public roads.

A Mix of Experience and New Blood

The stakes are always high at Le Mans. The No. 81 team boasts eight combined starts, with Eastwood being the only seasoned GT car racer at the 24-hour event—a 2020 GTE Am category winner, no less. On the flip side, the No. 82 team is a trio of Le Mans rookies eager to make their mark. Despite the disparity in experience, optimism runs high across both teams, eager to script a new chapter in Corvette Racing’s already illustrious book of Le Mans triumphs.

Last year's GTE Am race saw Corvette Racing clinch victory, rounding off a stellar era for the C8.R GTE car. With the transition to GT3 regulations this year, all eyes are on the Z06 GT3.Rs tackling Le Mans for the first time. Preparation has been intense and multi-faceted. The TF Sport team conducted rigorous tests at Silverstone Circuit to fine-tune the Corvettes for low-downforce configurations, while the factory drivers immersed themselves in Chevrolet’s Driver-in-the-Loop simulator to explore various setup options.

Preparing for Battle

The test runs and simulator sessions will culminate in six combined hours of practice at Le Mans, setting the stage for the intense practice sessions and the qualifying Hyperpole session to follow. This will be a crucial preamble to the 24-hour showdown, scheduled to start at 4 p.m. CET (10 a.m. ET) on Saturday, June 15. Fans in the U.S. can catch every twist and turn live on MotorTrend, with streaming available on the FIA WEC app and the MAX app. Radio Le Mans will also provide comprehensive audio coverage of all on-track sessions, including the crucial test day.

Driver Insight: The Calm Before the Storm

Adding to the build-up, TF Sport’s drivers shared their thoughts as they brace for this monumental challenge. Charlie Eastwood of the No. 81 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R emphasized the importance of gathering data and understanding the low-downforce setup, mentioning the substantial work already done by the Corvette Racing, Pratt Miller, and GM teams. Tom Van Rompuy echoed his excitement, underlining the significance of Le Mans and expressing pride in representing Corvette on this prestigious stage.

Daniel Juncadella and Sebastien Baud, both on their maiden Le Mans voyage with Coppish Racing, also shared their anticipation and eagerness. While Juncadella highlighted the importance of adapting rapidly to the real-life track versus simulations, Baud’s enthusiasm shone through as he spoke of realizing a lifelong dream by finally participating in the 24-hour marathon with a team he's long admired.

FIA World Endurance Championship Points

Currently, Aliaksandr Malykhin, Joel Sturm, and Klaus Bachler lead the LMGT3 Drivers Standings with 72 points, while TF Sport’s Charlie Eastwood, Rui Andrade, and Tom Van Rompuy sit at 14th place with 7 points. In the LMGT3 Teams Standings, No. 92 Manthey PureRxcing is at the top with 72 points, followed by TF Sport’s No. 81 in 13th place with 7 points.

As the countdown to the green flag begins, the anticipation builds. Can TF Sport’s Z06 GT3.Rs continue Corvette Racing’s legacy of Le Mans success? Tune in to find out as the world’s eyes converge on the French circuit for what promises to be another unforgettable 24 Hours of Le Mans.