Rolling Stone to Sponsor ESM HPDs at 24H Le Mans

Photo: John Dagys

The pair of Tequila Patrón ESM HPD ARX-04b cars will have a different look when they head to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as the Scott Sharp-owned squad announced Tuesday a partnership with Rolling Stone for this year’s twice-around-the-clock endurance classic.

With French laws prohibiting alcohol sponsorship, the Florida-based team has reached a deal with the pop culture icon, through the team’s lead sponsor, Patrón Spirits International, for a one-of-a-kind opportunity.

“This unique partnership brings together the top name in luxury spirits, the most recognized voice of music and popular culture, and the pinnacle of motorsport competition,” said Lee Applbaum, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Patrón Spirits International.

“We’re enormously excited that the Tequila Patrón ESM coupes will fly the iconic Rolling Stone logo at the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe track in Le Mans, France this summer.”

Both of the HPDs, to be driven by Sharp, Ryan Dalziel, David Heinemeier Hansson (No. 30) and Ed Brown, Johannes van Overbeek and Jon Fogarty (No. 31) will carry distinct new liveries for the June 13-14 race, which serves as the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

ESM is the only American team entered for the full FIA WEC season, while being one of only two U.S. prototype team at Le Mans this year.

Additionally, ESM will also appear in a short film and accompanying story for RollingStone.com and Rolling Stone magazine.

“Patrón and Rolling Stone have proudly collaborated for many years, most recently partnering on ‘Mastering the Craft,’ the six-part documentary series on RollingStone.com that celebrates the artistry of singers and songwriters,” said Gus Wenner, Head of Digital of Wenner Media.

“Very similarly, the talented drivers and teams that compete in world-class motorsports express their art through heart stopping speed and agility.”

Tequila Patrón will serve as the primary sponsor of the team’s FIA WEC efforts for the other remaining rounds, except for Bahrain, which has a similar law in place.

The livery for the team’s Le Mans effort will be unveiled in the coming months.

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