Millennium Withdraws Again from Le Mans

Photo: Laurent Chauveau/Endurance-Info

Millennium Racing has pulled the plug on its Le Mans program for the second time, the team confirmed Saturday.

The Delta Motorsport-run organization has been forced to withdraw its single-car Oreca 03 Nissan entry due to a delay in receiving funding. The No. 22 entry was to be driven by Fabien Giroix, John Martin and Oliver Turvey.

The team initially withdrew its planned two-car effort in April, also due to funding issues, but accepted a one-car entry from the ACO three weeks ago, replacing the Lotus T129 AER.

“We waited until the last minute, with the truck, logistics and crew stood by ready to go up until yesterday,” team manager Simon Dowson said.

“We had confirmation that our funds would not be available until the middle of next week, but given the previous delays, waiting for the funds was the only option.

“I want to thank the ACO and FIA, our partners and suppliers who had planned to support us. The whole team is disappointed but we will soon return with a racing program to develop for 2014/2015 and beyond.”

As a result, this year’s race is now likely to see a 55-car starting field due to the late nature of the team’s withdrawal. The ACO, however, have yet to make an official statement.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John