OAK Targeting Increased Asian Presence in 2014

Photo: Hugues Laroche

With the launch of a new prototype category, eligible for FIA CN cars, along with the potential of additional LMP2 car sales, OAK Racing’s manufacturing arm, OnRoak Automotive, is targeting an increased Asian presence in 2014.

Speaking with Sportscar365, OAK Racing Asian business manager Remy Brouard confirmed plans to sell and support the new Ligier JS 53 Evo, which is part of a new multi-faceted partnership between the two French companies.

“We can support all of the customers for the CN category,” he said. “The target is not to [field] an official car but to find some good teams from Asia.”

The two-liter, 255-hp Honda-powered prototype is one of more than a half-dozen carbon fiber-chassied CN cars that will be eligible for the Asian Le Mans Series next year, prior to a full rollout of the new LMP3 platform, earmarked for 2015.

“This level of investment [for CN cars] is acceptable for Asia,” Brouard said. “It’s perfect for the younger drivers from Formula Renault or Formula Masters in Asia.

“We don’t have a real ladder [in Asia] yet. Right now, it’s really difficult for a driver to go step by step, going from Formula Renault directly into LMP2.”

Brouard confirmed plans to return to the Asian LMS next year with an OAK Racing LMP2 entry, while discussions are underway with additional customer teams that could join KCMG on the grid with Morgan prototypes.

OAK will be testing prospective Asian drivers in a test at Sepang on Monday.

“We have a big advantage,” Brouard said. “We have done one full season [in Asian Le Mans Series]. We have a support team with an engineer and can support all of the customer interest in this championship.”

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