Greaves to Run Krohn Ligier JS P2 in ELMS, Pla to Drive

Photo: Krohn Racing

Krohn Racing will return to the European Le Mans Series this year, but under a new structure, with Greaves Motorsport set to take over race operations of the American team.

Team owner Tracy Krohn confirmed to Sportscar365 that the defending ELMS LMP2 champions will operate its Ligier JS P2, which is being converted from Judd to Nissan power for 2016.

Additionally, Olivier Pla has come on-board to join Krohn and Nic Jonsson for five of the six ELMS races.

“We were looking for different things to do,” Krohn told Sportscar365. “We felt like we needed to change some things to improve.

“I have to give Nic the credit for that, as he really helped us [get connected with Greaves].

“I think we’re able to minimize cost structure a little better that way. We won’t be flying guys back and forth.”

Krohn, which was based at Onroak Automotive’s workshop in Le Mans last year, finished fourth in its first season of ELMS competition last year, with its largely U.S.-based crew.

The shakeup will see Krohn mostly rely on Greaves personnel but remain under the Krohn Racing banner, similar to Tequila Patron ESM’s alliance with OAK Racing for this year.

“It’s similar to what we’re doing [in IMSA with Flying Lizard] where we team up with those guys,” Krohn said.

“As the saying goes, you share more, you get more. There’s two pretty good race teams and if you combine it, you make it better.”

Krohn said they’ve yet to finalize the entire crew but said team manager Gary Holland will not return.

The link-up with Greaves coincides with the British team switching to a Ligier JS P2 Nissan of its own for ELMS this year, in what Krohn says will benefit both parties in sharing resources and data.

Krohn has also again submitted an entry request for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which if accepted, would result in the Texan’s 11th consecutive appearance in the French endurance classic.

Ford GT factory driver Pla, meanwhile, will take part in every ELMS round except the season-opener at Silverstone, due to his GTE-Pro commitments. A replacement driver for Silverstone, as well as Le Mans, has yet to be decided.

“I think we have a shot at [the title],” Krohn said. “The ELMS is a very competitive series. There’s a lot of really, really good drivers. To get there, you have to have really solid machinery and no hiccups.”

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