Crowdstrike Racing by Algarve Pro (APR) has finalized its team of drivers for the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 15-16, 2024, with Nicky Catsburg joining the team’s regular drivers, Colin Braun and George Kurtz. Catsburg, the Dutchman who emerged victorious in the last edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the GTE-Am category with Corvette Racing, will be partnering with Braun and Kurtz in their Oreca 07-Gibson #45 in the LMP2 Pro-Am category. The trio will be competing in a highly competitive field for the 92nd edition of the race. Braun and Kurtz, who clinched the Asian Le Mans LMP2 2023-24 series title with Crowdstrike by APR, received an invitation to defend their victory in the LMP2 Pro-Am category from last year. Kurtz secured his own invitation after winning the Jim Trueman Trophy in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship 2023.
Catsburg expressed his excitement, stating: «It is a great privilege to be part of the CrowdStrike Racing by APR at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.» Despite having competed in Le Mans five times before, this will be his first experience driving a sports car prototype. He emphasized the importance of the race, describing it as an event that drivers never want to miss. Catsburg acknowledged the challenge of competing in a new class, but expressed confidence in his ability to adapt quickly with the guidance of his teammate, Colin Braun. He believes that their partnership, along with George Kurtz, forms a formidable team capable of competing for victory in their category. Catsburg also expressed enthusiasm in working with the APR team, as he has a long-standing relationship with Stuart and Samantha Cox. He mentioned that it will be a new and exciting venture, as the race car he will be driving has more downforce than he is used to. Catsburg is looking forward to the opportunity to test the car before the race and is excited for the experience.
George Kurtz, expresando su alegría, compartió: «Estoy emocionado de tener a Nicky uniéndose a Colin y a mí en nuestro equipo para Le Mans.» Él enfatizó que su equipo representa fuerza, experiencia y una tradición ganadora, y cree que el impresionante historial de Catsburg, incluyendo victorias en carreras prestigiosas como las 24 Horas de Daytona, las 24 Horas de Nurburgring y las 24 Horas de Spa, será invaluable en su búsqueda de un segundo triunfo consecutivo en la categoría Pro-Am en Le Mans.
