Catsburg to Join CrowdStrike by APR at Le Mans

CrowdStrike Racing by APR has enlisted Corvette factory driver Nicky Catsburg to complete its LMP2 Pro-Am lineup for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Dutchman, last year’s GTE-Am class winner with Corvette Racing, will drive alongside George Kurtz and Colin Braun aboard the No. 45 Oreca 07 Gibson for the French endurance classic.

It will be Catsburg’s first Le Mans race start behind the wheel of an LMP2 prototype, having built up a significant resume in GT racing that includes a class win at Le Mans as well as overall victories in the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa and the Nürburgring 24.

“It is a very big honor to be part of CrowdStrike Racing by APR at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans,” Catsburg said.

“I feel like Le Mans is always a race that is ‘unmissable’ as in we all as drivers want to do this race every year. 

“It’s a very cool opportunity for me to do this in a class that I haven’t raced in before. I have some mileage in an LMP2 car but not a lot; it’s been six or seven years since I drove one of these cars.

“So it will be a steep learning curve but with Colin as my teammate, he’s going to get me up to speed quite quickly.

“I feel like with George that we form a strong lineup that should be able to fight for the win in the class. It’s also very cool for me to work with the APR team.

“I have known Stuart and Samantha Cox for a long time and many years ago I did quite a bit of work with them. So it’s nice to join them.

“It’s a new challenge and a racecar with a bit more downforce than what I am used to. I’m looking forward to jumping in the car for the first time.

“We obviously will do some testing before Le Mans, and I can’t wait for it.”

Of note, Catsburg’s inclusion into the lineup for the No. 45 car means he will compete against both of his co-drivers from last year’s winning Corvette Racing crew in the LMP2 Pro-Am class.

Ben Keating, a longtime rival of Kurtz, will pilot the No. 23 United Autosports Oreca while Catsburg’s fellow Corvette factory driver Nico Varrone is set to race the No. 183 AF Corse entry alongside Francois Perrodo and Ben Barnicoat.