Lapierre, Chatin, Quinn Join Keating at PR1 for Rolex 24

Image: PR1/Mathiasen

Nico Lapierre and Paul-Loup Chatin headline PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports’ lineup for next month’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, which will kick off Ben Keating’s IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup LMP2 title defense.

Announced on Friday, Keating, Chatin and up-and-coming British driver Alex Quinn will contest all four Endurance Cup rounds, with Lapierre completing the lineup for the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season-opener.

Drivers for the team’s No. 52 Oreca 07 Gibson in the sprint rounds have not yet been announced.

“It’s been a very exciting time for the team since our last event,” said team principal Bobby Oergel.

“We’ve had a unique opportunity to test some great drivers and are more than happy to have Ben, Paul, Alex and Nico in the seats for the program.”

Chatin, Quinn, Keating and Dylan Murry tested with the California-based team at the recent IMSA-sanctioned test at Daytona International Speedway.

“We know we can count on Ben’s speed and reliability,” Oergel said. “Alex has learned very quickly about the LMP2 car and shows great things are to come as he grows his experience in sports cars.

“We’ve raced against Paul for a few years and I’m very happy we won’t have to compete against him again, he has been great to work with in our tests and we really look forward to a successful season ahead.

“Having Nico back with us for a third Rolex 24 is very special as well, he’s such a pleasure to work with and brings so much experience and speed to the team.”

Keating, who lost his two 2022 co-drivers Mikkel Jensen and Scott Huffaker to Steven Thomas’ TDS Racing effort for next year, will be seeking his second consecutive Endurance Cup championship.

“Although many things about this Rolex 24 will be the same as they have been for the past three years, there will be many changes for 2023,” said Keating.

“I have a renewed energy to perform even better than ever before. I am very excited about the engagement I have had with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports in the off-season and all of the things we have done to improve from our championship winning performance.”

Chatin added: “I feel really lucky to share the car with Ben Keating, who is a fabulous driver and an iconic face of the Endurance motorsport family.

“Also, I’m really pleased to welcome the young talent, Alex Quinn.

“I’m sure that all together will be able to fight for the top. Moreover, it’s an honor for me to have Nicolas Lapierre side with us for Rolex 24 at Daytona, he’s an example for me.”

Unlike last year, the team will focus on running a single LMP2 entry in 2023.

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