Pla, Lapierre Complete ESM’s Lineup for TPNAEC Races

Photo: Ford/VSA

Olivier Pla and Nico Lapierre will complete Tequila Patron ESM’s driver lineup for the Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup races, the team confirmed on Monday.

The Frenchmen will join full-season drivers Scott Sharp and Ryan Dalziel in the No. 2 Nissan Onroak DPi, and Johannes van Overbeek and Pipo Derani in the No. 22 car.

Car assignments for Lapierre and Pla have yet to be determined and will be announced at a later date.

“Both have shown super strong speed on almost every track and every type of car they have driven,” said Sharp. “They are truly both among the top echelon in sports car racing and will be tremendous additions to our team.”

An experienced racer in Europe, Lapierre boats an impressive sports car racing resume, with 12 wins and an additional 13 podiums in the FIA World Endurance Championship, including two wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, since 2012.

“I’m delighted to join Tequila Patrón ESM,” said Lapierre. “I have already taken part in a few IMSA races and I’ve always loved it.

“In a few occasions I raced against Tequila Patrón ESM and I know how competitive the team is. We will have a strong package next year.”

With notable experience in both the WEC and WeatherTech Championship, Pla will also prove to be a strong asset to the team.

The Onroak Development Driver turned Ford GT Racing driver won Petit Le Mans in 2016, finished second at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2013, and has earned four wins and an additional 12 podiums in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

“Racing against ESM in the past I know what they are capable of and I think we will have everything to perform at the very best,” he said.

Both Bruno Senna and Brendon Hartley drove for the Florida-based team in the Patron Endurance Cup races this year, with the Kiwi taking the No. 2 car to victory in last month’s Motul Petit Le Mans alongside Dalziel and Sharp.

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