OAK present the 2012 OAK-Pescarolo LMP2

A new OAK-Pescarolo LMP2 has rolled off the line thanks to the extensive work undertaken by Onroak Automotive, OAK Racing’s constructor department. Developed to cater for private teams and targeted at the international market, it is now available for purchase in the US through Conquest Endurance.

Onroak Automotive and the 2012 OAK-Pescarolo LMP2

The recently christened Onroak Automotive unites OAK Racing’s design office, manufacturing department and sales division in one group. Like the racing operation, it is based at the Technoparc des 24 Heures, just a stone’s throw away from the legendary Le Mans circuit.

The new prototype meets all 2012 ACO/FIA regulations. Particular emphasis has been placed on cost-control and safety, with shark fins added above the engine and louvres now present over the wheel arches. Aerodynamic performance has also been given strong focus in order to increase downforce and reduce drag, with extensive work taking place during a major windtunnel programme.

The evolution of the 2012 LMP2 is also based on the expertise of the team’s design office, which has extensive history in prototype development, and the experience of the racing team, which fielded cars in various endurance series and events throughout 2011.

Over the course of the season the 2011-spec LMP2 successfully covered more than 25,000 kms, allowing the team to amass vast quantities of data. The car finished every race it entered, achieving a podium as early as Sebring, runner-up spot in the ILMC classification and a second place finish at Petit Le Mans thanks to the United Autosports-entered #22 machine. The 2010 car also proved its efficiency with seven podiums from eight races, including an LMP2 class runner-up finish at the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Le Mans Series constructors’ title.

The 2012-spec prototype has been designed with private teams in mind and will suit both professional and gentlemen drivers. Onroak Automotive will oversee all technical support and assistance required at the circuit.

Available from the beginning of 2012, the car can house any currently available engine type, with Judd, Nissan, HPD-Honda and soon Ford powerplants all catered for. Tests with the Nissan unit are planned for January, with the Judd having been put through its paces at Sebring in early December. Several teams and drivers have already had the chance to appreciate the car’s performance, particularly Conquest Endurance.

Conquest Endurance, US importer and distributor of OAK-Pescarolos

With growing interest for the LMP2 class in the US, OAK Racing and Onroak Automotive took the decision to develop their activities in this market, entering into partnership with the Conquest team. Following numerous successes with Conquest Racing, notably in IndyCar, team owner Eric Bachelart has now created a division dedicated to endurance competition. Known as Conquest Endurance, they will take charge of the import and distribution of OAK-Pescarolos in America.

The team is now actively preparing for its maiden season in endurance racing and has chosen to compete using the OAK-Pescarolo LMP2. It will make its debut in the American Le Mans Series winter test at Sebring (8/9 February), where its mission will be to demonstrate the efficiency of the new car.

Eric Bachelart, Team Manager and Team Owner of Conquest Endurance: “We are delighted to have formed a partnership between Conquest Endurance, OAK Racing and Onroak Automotive. The OAK-Pescarolos have proven their worth in Europe and now we cannot wait to demonstrate their performance and reliability in America. We are convinced that this will be the chassis of choice in ALMS during 2012 and beyond.”

Jacques Nicolet, OAK Racing Team Owner: “OAK Racing and its manufacturer division, Onroak Automotive, has resolved to develop itself in the US. For this challenge we have chosen to employ the support of Conquest Endurance for the sale of our LMP2 prototypes and are delighted to be beginning our partnership with Eric Bachelart. Alongside the benefit of his European background, Eric has enjoyed many successful years at the highest level of American motorsport as a team owner, and also had a great career as a driver. It was evident as early as our initial meetings that we had to work together - the partnership is already looking promising.

“The 2012 OAK-Pescarolo LMP2 and the creation of Onroak Automotive are the results of our large-scale interest in the class, demonstrated as early as 2008 with the creation of the initial LMP2 using the LMP1 Pescarolo chassis. The 2012-spec car benefits from the experience we have acquired since, both as a constructor and a racing team. We believe we have achieved the best balance in terms of performance, integration of the new safety regulations and respect for the low-cost spirit requested by the ACO.”