HubAuto Racing have switched their 2021 Le Mans 24 Hours entry from the originally planed LM GTE Am class effort to the LMGTE Pro class with their #72 Porsche 911 RSR after a boost in available sponsorship allowed the switch.
“There are a number of reasons why we wanted to make the move. We have been in several discussions with our key partners, and we will be receiving significant support and sponsorships due to the switch to the LMGTE Pro category.” Morris Chen, Team Owner and Principal said.
The Taiwanese team will maintain car number #72 in the LMGTE Pro category, which was the team’s number last year, when Chen drove the Ferrari in the LMGTE Am category (pictured top).
“Last year, our sponsors saw our ability to be a front-running team in our first ever outing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The change to LMGTE Pro is an important move for the strategic direction of our team and confirms that our sponsors have a great deal of confidence in our team’s future. This is the latest achievement for the growth of HubAuto Racing and we are grateful to the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) for enabling this change.” Chen said.
HubAuto Racing are yet to announce their Pro drivers for the iconic event. “We expect to have a competitive, solid driver line-up and will confirm all three of our drivers shortly. We look forward to announcing that in the coming weeks.” Chen said.
HubAuto Racing are the first Asian based entry, in history, to compete in the LMGTE Pro category. The team are one of four Porsche 911 RSR’s and are lining-up against factory-backed teams. “We are excited to be able to compete against the very best LMGTE Pro teams and drivers from Europe and the USA, most of which are factory-backed teams. We know we have a great challenge ahead but, as always, we are looking forward to that challenge.” Chen said.
The team switched from Ferrari to Mercedes AMG for the 2021 Asian Le Mans Series and were selected by the ACO’s Selection Committee for the race after consistently high-level performances in the Asian Series and elsewhere in recent seasons, including the Asian Le Mans Series title in 2019/2020.
The #72 will join the pair of factory-entered 911 RSRs, and the full season IMSA- entered #79 Weathertech racing cars in the class alongside a pair apiece of AF Corse Ferraris and Corvette Racing C8.Rs in the now eight-car GTE Pro class.
The 89th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, has been rescheduled for later in the year due to Covid-19 restrictions and will take place on the 21-22nd of August 2021.
