ROAD TO LE MANS: WHO, WHAT, WHERE?

In the build-up to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, there is plenty of on-track action for fans to enjoy – including the Road To Le Mans (RTLM). This double-header race event invites Pro/Am driver duos to battle it out on Circuit de la Sarthe, from the Mulsanne Straight to Raccordement, the Porsche Curves and beyond. 
 
This year, United Autosports will field four LMP3 Ligier JS P320 cars in the 58-strong grid (comprising 38 LMP3s and 20 GT3s) - which, as well as a standalone event, is the second round of the 2023 Michelin Le Mans Cup.

Road To Le Mans starts on Wednesday 7^th June with two Free Practice sessions – one during the day, and another at night. Qualifying follows on Thursday 8^th June, with the Pros and Ams taking one session each to set their starting positions. Then it’s time to go racing … 

SCHEDULE 
Race 1 – Thursday 8^th June, 18:30 -19:25 (CEST) 
Race 2 – Friday 9^th June, 11:30 – 12:25 (CEST) 
 
So, who are the 2023 Road To Le Mans drivers?

CAR #20

Daniel Schneider and Andy Meyrick are returning to the LMP3 paddock for Le Mans, having taken on the challenge of LMP2 Pro/Am in the 2023 European Le Mans Series (read more). This will mark Schneider and Meyrick’s fourth consecutive year in Road To Le Mans, and with three top-10 finishes out of the six races, they’re looking to build on solid foundations. 
 
Daniel Schneider: "I’m excited to race again at Le Mans for the fourth time, each occasion with United Autosports. Even though I’m not doing the full Le Mans Cup season, the Road to Le Mans races are obviously the most important on the Le Mans Cup calendar. Hopefully I can finally reach the podium … I’m looking forward to going full throttle down the Mulasnne Straight!”
 
Andy Meyrick: “Mine and Daniel’s main focus this year is the LMP2 Pro-Am category in the European Le Mans Series, but it’ll be good to be back in an LMP3 Ligier with him for the Road to Le Mans races. I’m excited to be racing at Le Mans again, it’s always special to have the chance to race there. It should be a really fun and enjoyable week with Dan and United Autosports."

CAR #21

In the #21 Ligier JS P320, Jim McGuire – who has raced in Road To Le Mans every year since 2017 – is joining forces with 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans winner and former ‘Bentley boy’ Guy Smith. For the Anglo-American duo, this will also be their first time in the LMP3 paddock this season, as they’re contesting the 2023 European Le Mans Series with United’s LMP2 squad (read more), together with teammate Paul di Resta.
 
Jim McGuire: "Really excited to be back competing in the Road to Le Mans event with United Autosports … especially with Le Mans celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. It’ll be amazing to share the car with Guy Smith who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans 20 years ago. I’d love to be racing in the ‘big race’ but it’s still awesome to be competing on the most iconic track in the history of motorsport. I can’t wait!"    
 
Guy Smith: “It’s always a pleasure to race on this track. The Road to Le Mans races have not always been kind to Jim and I, but hopefully this year we can put that to bed, have strong races and finish inside the top-10 or even top-five. It’s a super competitive field … and the Ligier LMP3 is not a car Jim and I are racing this year as we’re contesting LMP2 Pro-Am in ELMS. But we’ll go there, have fun and enjoy ourselves."

CAR #22

For American-Australian duo Gerry Kraut and Scott Andrews, this is their second Road To Le Mans and second Michelin Le Mans Cup season with United Autosports. After narrowly missing out on a top-10 finish in 2021, the #22 crew are determined to get a good result at Circuit de la Sarthe and secure points for the 2023 championship.
 
Gerry Kraut: “It’s an absolute privilege for me to race at Le Mans. Ever since I was in my teens, I’ve followed the race. The first time I drove on the Mulsanne Straight, I was overwhelmed with emotion because I was actually there. I’m appreciative of what the ACO has done for amateurs like me, who can have the opportunity to race on the world’s greatest track. It’s not an easy place to race … it’s fast and intimidating, while mistakes are costly - but I can’t wait to be there again." 
 
Scott Andrews: “Looking forward to the challenge. It’s my second time racing with United at Le Mans and my third time with Gerry. I’m hoping we can achieve some good results, especially as our Barcelona race didn’t turn out as we’d hoped. Pre-race track time at Le Mans is very limited which makes things difficult but United are a great team, and I’m confident we’ll have the Ligier dialled in."

CAR #23

For established United Pro/Am duo John Schauerman and Wayne Boyd, this will be their fourth Road To Le Mans together. Since 2020, the team have secured one pole position and three top-10 finishes at Circuit de la Sarthe, and with eyes on a top-three finish in the 2023 Michelin Le Mans Cup championship, these two races are crucial point-scoring opportunities.
 
John Schauerman: “Le Mans is celebrating its centenary so I'm doubly excited to be racing here. It is such a treat for me to be able to drive on this truly amazing circuit and be in the historic city of Le Mans. We have had some decent results in the past there, so I'm hoping we’ll be fighting for a podium … especially having just missed out on one last year.  With Wayne as my co-driver, absolutely anything is possible! United Autosports always provides an awesome car and I know the team will be doing a great job as usual. I honestly can't wait to get out on track!"
 
Wayne Boyd: “Le Mans is such a good track and one I always look forward to. John and I had strong pace at the corresponding two Road to Le Mans races last year so I know we can hit the ground running and get some solid results. It’s also the only time in the season there are two qualifying sessions, so I’m looking forward to that element too."

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Watch all the action live and free on the Michelin Le Mans Cup YouTube channel, and stay up to date with the team on social @unitedautosports.