Pedersen Replaces Pino at Nielsen for Rest of Season

Nielsen Racing has enlisted former NTT IndyCar Series racer Benjamin Pedersen to replace Nico Pino for the remainder of the European Le Mans Series season.

The Danish-born racer, who is classified as a Silver-rated driver by the FIA, will pilot the No. 27 Oreca 07 Gibson, driving alongside David Heinemeier Hansson and Will Stevens at Spa-Francorchamps, Mugello and Portimao.

A reason for Pino’s departure has not been given by the team. The Chilean also competes with United Autosports in the FIA World Endurance Championship and signed on as a Stellantis junior driver in April.

Pedersen, 25, has spent his career on the American single seater ladder after he emigrated to the U.S. at a young age. He made his IndyCar Series debut with AJ Foyt Racing last year, also competing in the Indianapolis 500.

“I’m ecstatic to finish the year with Nielsen Racing in their #27 Pro LMP2 starting here at Spa 4 Hours,” said Pedersen.

“We had a very successful first test and I look forward to bringing what I have learned in IndyCar last year to endurance racing here in the European Le Mans Series.

“We have some fantastic tracks to finish the year strong on with Spa, Mugello, and Portimao.”

Nielsen will be contesting this weekend’s 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps with a revamped lineup on both cars, as Nick Yelloly joins the team for the first time to drive the No. 24 Oreca in LMP2 Pro-Am.