Two-time ELMS class champion John Falb has been enjoying his return to the series in 2024, after taking a year out in 2023 to complete a partial programme in IMSA.
The Texan has been a mainstay in the ELMS since 2016, winning an LMP3 title with United Autosports in 2017 and the LMP2 Pro/Am Cup in 2021 with G-Drive Racing (Algarve Pro) along the way.
In ’24, he placed himself in new surroundings after his brief stint at TDS Racing and a multi-year programme with Algarve Pro Racing that saw him race successfully with the Portuguese-flagged team in both the ELMS and Asian Le Mans Series.
Nielsen Racing has been his new home for his commitments to Europe, where he is competing in the ELMS’ LMP2 Pro/Am class. And he’s enjoyed the ride to this point.
“The team is great, they’re running four cars across the ELMS, Le Mans Cup and Ligier European Series and have a great group in the P2 programme,” he told DSC. “The engineering team has a ton of experience and all the amenities that you’d want from a top-level team.”
During the campaign, he’s been paired with Colin Noble and a combination of Albert Costa and Nick Yelloly. It’s a pool of drivers he’s enjoyed working with.
“Albert was great and since Nick has stepped in he’s brought a new dynamic,” he continued. “He’s got a ton of prototype and GT experience. We also have Benjamin Pedersen in the sister car who has IndyCar Experience. That, combined with Noble who knows the ACO ladder and Will Stevens, who is a top Hypercar talent, and there’s no shortage of people for me to lean on for insight.”
Heading into the final round of the current campaign later today, he’s hoping to take his first win of the season, which would serve as a welcome boost ahead of the winter.
It won’t be easy, the competition across LMP2 and LMP2 Pro/Am has been red hot this year, but he feels optimistic that Nielsen – fresh from announcing the addition of a new investor and technical director – can finish the season strong.
“There’s no reason why we couldn’t have reached the top step in the first half of the season,” he said. “Things just didn’t go our way in some of the races. So we come to races expecting to win each time, because we know we can. There’s no reason why we can’t have a perfect end to the season.”
Looking further ahead, now he’s back in the ELMS, is he here to stay? And is this season just the start of a longer association with Nielsen Racing, which will also compete in the Asian Le Mans Series this year?
“I love it here; it’s a great championship with a lot of cars and a lot of friendly faces. And fans are coming to the races now, which is great,” he explained.
“You really compared this with IMSA right? I’ve done Asia several times and that requires a Bronze and that’s a great platform. But the ELMS works so well.
“Since I’ve come back, the LMP2 class has been split and that makes a lot of sense because you are fighting for two championships. It keeps the Pro and the Pro/Am cars a little more friendly because if you’ve got a Pro car coming up on you, it’s a little easier to let them pass and vice versa.
“And the LMP2 platform is solid, the cars are quick here and I’m glad the rules have been extended, as there isn’t much sense changing the car from a safety or a speed perspective. The car does everything you want it to do.
“But I’m keeping my options open. Asia is coming up and this would be my fourth time doing it if I commit. Travelling to the ELMS takes commitment for me from the USA too. I have to take a few days out of a race weekend just to handle the travel component and the nine-hour time change (from Las Vegas) is always a challenge.
“Historically, though, the ELMS has been my favourite championship. It’s a better platform for Le Mans.”
Featured image courtesy of Nielsen Racing
