LMP3 Cup unveil celebrity and young driver scheme

27th April 2017


The new-for-2017 LMP3 Cup championship has unveiled an initiative which plans to partner a celebrity and young driver together to compete in the series.

Dubbed the ‘LMP3 Celebrity Car’, a Ligier JS prototype operated by United Autosports will be driven by a motorsport celebrity and a young driver, with the latter being chosen by application.

Hopefuls can apply on the series’ official website before a 21 May closing date. Then the entry list is narrowed down to six finalists as chosen by a panel. The eventual winner out of the six will be decided by an online popular vote. They will then be announced at the penultimate race of the season.

“The initiative is a great way to get young people involved in prototype racing,” said Richard Dean, Ligier UK. “The LMP3 class is aimed at two distinct age ranges – the gentleman drivers and younger drivers who also want to break into prototype racing and this is a fantastic way to get young drivers on board for LMP3.”

The Celebrity Car will be fielded at the final round of the LMP3 Cup Championship at Donington Park on 16-17 September.

“We are close to confirming who the celebrity will be but the emphasis is on the opportunity this will give to a young driver,” added Richard Dean. “I’ve seen lots of great young drivers work their way through the ranks of GT racing so I’m hopeful this will open up the prospect of prototype racing to a new audience.”

“The championship is now part of a structured ladder to Le Mans and a professional driving career so this initiative is the perfect way to introduce young drivers to LPM3 racing,” said Chris Haynes.