McLaren LMGT3 EVO with Blaupunkt branding on lower door
In 2024, Blaupunkt - the renowned German electronics manufacturer and car audio specialist - is celebrating 100 years in business. To mark the occasion, the blue dot brand is making a motorsport comeback, partnering with United Autosports, racing partner of McLaren Automotive, in the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship.
Blaupunkt is synonymous with endurance racing, with rich motorsport heritage in the 1980s and 1990s. The instantly recognisable blue and white livery raced successfully around the world, with highlights including victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona and a podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Indeed, Zak Brown - United Autosports team co-owner - has a 1981 Blaupunkt Porsche 962 [image below] in his personal collection of iconic, historic cars which is cared for at United Autosports' headquarters.
Blaupunkt Porsche 962 owned by Zak Brown
“The Blaupunkt car I own, I watched race when I was growing up,” Zak Brown, United Autosports co-owner, said to Autocar. “It won five races in period with Price Cobb, James Weaver and Rob Dyson and it raced between 1986 and ’88. I loved IMSA, America’s national sports car racing series, and I still love IMSA. The 962 is a gorgeous-looking race car, especially in that Blaupunkt livery.”
Fast forward to 2024 and Blaupunkt is back on track in honour of its centenary – this time on the papaya and black McLaren LMGT3 EVOs. This strategic partnership with 24 Hours of Le Mans race winners United Autosports will showcase Blaupunkt's heritage of excellence as well as its commitment to modernising everyday experiences through cutting-edge products.
“It’s exciting to announce the partnership with Blaupunkt,” says Richard Dean, United Autosports CEO. “It’s a really cool brand that produces premium products and has a big history on track. There have been so many successful Blaupunkt race cars … I instantly associate it with the top end of racing – which makes our FIA World Endurance Championship programme the perfect partnership platform.”
Prominent branding has been unveiled on the doors of the #59 and #95 McLarens which are racing around the world in the newly extended eight round WEC calendar, from Fuji to Sao Paolo, Bahrain and beyond … including, of course, the jewel in the crown, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Blaupunkt branding
“I am thrilled to announce that Blaupunkt has been chosen as a partner to United Autosports in the FIA WEC championship. This partnership brings together powerhouses in the automotive industry, promising an exhilarating season ahead. Blaupunkt's reputation for innovative technology perfectly complements United Autosports and McLaren's commitment to excellence on the racetrack.” Says Frank Goergen, Board Member Talisman Brands Luxembourg Sarl/Blaupunkt.
This summer, the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be particularly poignant for United Autosports and Blaupunkt – brands aligned by a commitment to precision, performance and innovation – as it marks the landmark return of Blaupunkt and McLaren to Circuit de la Sarthe, each with the aim of recreating their historic successes in the toughest test of man and machine.
The following round of the FIA World Endurance Championship - the 6 hours of Sao Paulo - will take place on July 14th in Brazil , followed by round four in the USA on September 1st, the 6 Hours of Fuji in Japan on September 15th and the eight-hour finale in Bahrain on November 2nd.
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