Onroak Rebranded to Ligier Automotive

Photo: MPS Agency

Onroak Automotive has become Ligier Automotive, as part of a re-branding and merger of Everspeed’s Automotive properties.

The prototype and open-wheel constructor, along with OAK Racing, engine manufacturer Sodemo and Tork Engineering, will all fall under the new name as part of a reorganization of the Jacques Nicolet-owned companies. 

“We started as a racing team,” Nicolet said. “With success. Three consecutive podiums and a double at the Le Mans 24 Hours, one title in the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship, two consecutive titles in the 2013 and 2014 Asian Le Mans Series, and many more.

“In 2013, we decided to build racing cars: this is how Onroak Automotive was born. At the end of 2013, Guy Ligier entrusted the Ligier make into our care to carry on the adventure he had started in 1969.

“Since then we have created a complete range of racing cars: sports prototypes, single-seaters and our latest release, a GT, the Ligier JS2 R.”

Richard Tur, who oversaw Tork Engineering’s activities, will take over as the director of Ligier Automotive, with Max Crawford remaining in charge of Ligier Automotive North America, which produces F3 and F4 chassis and North American support for the company’s prototype activities.

“In 2019, Ligier Automotive will continue its development under a single banner: new Ligier LM P3, first Ligier JS Cup in France, Ligier JS P4 Ultimate Challenge, F4 and F3 R in the USA, among others,” Nicolet said.

Sportscar365 understands that Philippe Dumas, who served as Onroak’s team principal, is no longer with the company.

It follows confirmation of Sebastien Metz’s move to Multimatic.

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