BOSTON (May 18, 2018) – Following a career-long ambition for team owner and driver Tim Pappas, Black Swan Racing is proud to announce their first venture at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, partnering with the renowned Proton Competition to carry the famous green colors. Featuring an All-American lineup in the GTE-Am category, Pappas will make his Le Mans debut with two veterans of the sport, Spencer Pumpelly and two-time winner Patrick Long.
“This has been a long sought-after opportunity, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of such a strong program,” stated Black Swan Racing team owner and driver Tim Pappas. “Putting together an All-American lineup isn’t just something I wanted to do from a pure PR standpoint, I’m fortunate to have two teammates that are some of the best in the business, which I wouldn’t compromise on. Spencer is one of the best sportscar drivers in the U.S., and with his Le Mans experience he should slot in well, and of course Patrick Long’s reputation speaks for itself. Between the two of them, we should have a wealth of knowledge coming in, and with the support of Proton Competition we have an excellent program headed in to June. I’m really appreciative of not only everyone within the organization, but of course Porsche Motorsport as well.”
Joining forces with Proton Competition, Pappas and Black Swan will enter the famed endurance race with one of the best teams in European sportscar. Veterans of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and long-time Porsche competitors, Proton has a not only a previous win at Le Mans, but also multiple series championships, all in Porsche machinery.
Headlining the lineup, Patrick Long will join the team as a two-time class winner of the endurance classic. A Porsche factory driver currently competing full-time in IMSA, Long remains the lone American to be a contracted werks driver, which he’s backed up with not
only his Le Mans victories, but also three championships in the former American Le Mans Series, as well as two Pirelli World Challenge titles. Long last teamed with Black Swan Racing and Tim Pappas in 2016, where the team came within seconds of victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
“It’s an honor to return to Le Mans with this program,” stated Long. “Obviously the All-American lineup is something that should be pretty unique, but it’s also a lineup that should be very competitive. I’ve had a lot of experience with Proton Competition and know the quality of their program, so I have a lot of faith in the machinery, but Tim should be solid given his experience and Spencer Pumpelly is one of the best in the business. I’m thankful to everyone for putting this together, and excited for the month of June.”
Still searching for his first Le Mans victory, Spencer Pumpelly will round out the lineup as a veteran of not only Le Mans, but also a proven winner in GT racing. One of the most diverse drivers in the paddock, Pumpelly’s résumé includes two class-wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2006 and 2011, a championship in the Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge, wins at some of the most renowned endurance races including Petit Le Mans
and the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen. Known for his abilities with a Porsche, Pumpelly looks forward to his Le Mans return.
“I couldn’t be happier to be back at Le Mans,” stated Pumpelly. “This program is really strong, and while you never know what to expect, we should be very well prepared. Patrick Long is of course as good as they come, Tim brings a lot of experience, and Proton Competition is one of the highest regarded in the sport. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to be part of such a program, and I appreciate everyone for bringing me in to it.”
While the race will take place on Saturday, June 16 through Sunday, June 17, official testing actually begins in just a few weeks beginning on Sunday, June 3. The team will post continuous updates throughout.