Farano to Miss Le Mans; Thomas Joins Tower LMP2 Lineup

Tower Motorsport has confirmed that John Farano will not take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a “precautionary measure” after a recent accident at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

The Canadian, who owns and drives for the Tower squad, will be replaced in the No. 13 Oreca 07 Gibson by American Bronze-rated driver Steven Thomas.

After a crash in the early stages of the most recent IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship round three weeks ago, Farano was taken to hospital for further evaluation and released after “a few hours under observation” according to his team.

The reigning IMSA LMP2 champion was then due to head to France for his first Le Mans appearance since 2019, until Tower issued a statement on Friday confirming his absence.

“Tower Motorsports regretfully informs that John Farano will not be partaking in the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans,” read the statement.

“He has taken the difficult decision to step aside as a precautionary measure following an accident at Laguna Seca. While John remains in good health, he felt this decision was in the best interest of the team and the program.

“TDS Racing driver and 2022 Le Mans Pro-Am champion Steven Thomas has been elected to drive alongside Ricky Taylor and Rene Rast in lieu of John’s absence.

“The team remains fully focused on the race ahead and maintains their ambitions of securing the best possible result.

“Team owner, John remains in close contact with the drivers and staff, and will be championing them from afar.”

New signing Thomas, who is one of Farano’s competitors in the LMP2 class of the WeatherTech Championship, is returning to the Pro-Am class at Le Mans after winning it last year with Algarve Pro Racing.