Action Express Staff at Spa to “Understand Nuances” of WEC

Cadillac team Action Express Racing is aiming to “understand the nuances” of the FIA World Endurance Championship by having a presence in the paddock at this weekend’s 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.

The five-time IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship title-winning outfit is preparing for its upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans debut by integrating a small number of staff in Chip Ganassi Racing’s expanded two-car entry.

AXR director of team operations Chris Mitchum is on-site in an observational capacity, while GTP crew chief Bill Keuler is in the garage working as a mechanic on the No. 3 Cadillac V-Series.R.

Furthermore, AXR driver Jack Aitken has joined CGR regulars Sebastien Bourdais and Renger van der Zande in the lineup.

Mitchum told Sportscar365 that he visited Le Mans last year and is back in the WEC paddock for Spa, taking extensive notes to pass back to the rest of the organization.

“Being able to be here when not competing is the next best thing, having the time and freedom to see the flow of the event and understand the nuances,” he said.

“There are so many things that we take for granted as a knowledge base.

“For example, being aware that as you go through scrutineering, you’d better make sure you have your ACO hard card with you to show your license. This is never done in the U.S.

“That’s one little micro moment and the last three days have been filled with them.

“We have a huge respect for the event and want to be able to go and compete, but to be realistic in how we’re going to go and compete is to put in the work and time.

“It’s been a constant grind of preparation, both mentally and physically, for the boys back in the workshop for over a year.”

Cadillac wanted to field its full three-car Le Mans cohort at Spa, but there was not enough space in the pit lane to accommodate two extra LMDh prototypes.

Instead, one additional Cadillac was approved and the call was made for this to be a second CGR entry.

“I think [CGR] already having a European base for the program and already having the cars here in Europe, versus looking at the workload to truly pull it off… if there is a decision that comes down to it, you have to be practical,” Mitchum said.

“It would be naïve to say that it’s not easier to do this than to come here and compete and try to roll a car out, and test. It would have just changed the approach.

“There would have been equipment and pieces that would have been shipped here. It’s about 25 or 30 days to wait on sea freight leaving. There are pros and cons to it.”

Mitchum hopes the Spa visit will enable AXR to hit the ground running at Le Mans.

“In comparison to Sebring, this event is much more in line with Le Mans operationally and culturally,” he said.

“In Sebring, it’s a familiar environment and we know the track really well. Things don’t stand out to you. But when you’re in a new place like this, everything stands out. It’s like seeing a painting for the first time.

“What we hope to gain is to save time at Le Mans. We’re there for many days, but the level [at which] you have to step off the plane is much higher than some [might] expect it takes to prepare for.

“It’s still a new car and we still have supply to understand: how much can we have on two continents at once.”

Road America Test to Prepare for Le Mans

Action Express will undertake a two-day test at Road America next week to prepare for Le Mans, although it won’t be an overnight endurance run due to circuit restrictions.

Two weeks ago, the team shipped a sea freight container from its base in North Carolina bound for Europe and will air freight two chassis for the single-car Le Mans program.

A third chassis will be left in the U.S. so the team can tackle the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen a fortnight after the French endurance classic.

“Our sea freight container left when we were in Long Beach,” said Mitchum.

“That was packed with all the tools, setup equipment, fuel bowsers and wheels.

“We’re fortunate because we have great partners in Dallara who have a truck to help ease part of the burden.

“We’ll send two chassis over. One’s a complete car and one’s a roller with all the primary bits. That will be disassembled once it’s in Europe and then you know you have all the hardware.

“If you ship everything that you have, you’ll be behind in your [IMSA] preparations.

“By doing it this way and sending two cars, we’ll meet our disaster times without having to be empty in the U.S.”