Kane Set For Tenth Le Mans In FIA WEC Campaign

Jonny Kane is set to make his tenth appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2013 when he contests the event with Strakka Racing.

Kane made his first appearance in 2001 in a MG Lola EX 257, but had to wait until 2009 for his first finish, where he finished 2^nd in LMP2 for Speedy Racing Lola B08/80.

The following year saw Kane score his his best result to date in his first season with Strakka Racing, coming home first in LMP2 and a record-breaking fifth overall in a HPD ARX-01c.

Kane then had to wait until 2012 for his next finish at the race, failing to complete the race in 2011. 2012 saw Strakka compete with a brand new LMP1 car, which qualified 7^th – the highest place for a privateer LMP1 car.

An oil leak in the transmission prevented Kane from starting the race in seventh, eventually starting 22 minutes later, six laps down and in 56^th – and last – place, but a valiant battle from Kane, Nick Leventis and Danny Watts brought the team back into third in the FIA World Endurance Championship for Privateer’s category.

“Not everyone gets to race at the Le Mans 24 Hours ten times, so I’m really looking forward to reaching that milestone.” said Kane. “I really enjoy the race, but I’ve only ever reached the finish three times in my nine previous attempts – although I’m pleased to say two of them have ended on the LMP2 podium. It would be nice to celebrate my tenth Le Mans with another top three finish. Last year’s pace showed that we can challenge for top LMP1 Privateer team honours at Le Mans, so that’s what we’ll be aiming for again this year.”

The legendary Le Mans 24 Hours forms part of Strakka’s assault on the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship in a Honda Performance Development ARX-03c.

“With the upgrades to our HPD ARX-03c for 2013, and the experience we gained racing at new circuits last year, we will be very strong in the FIA World Endurance Championship.” continued Kane. “The aim is to win the Privateers’ title, and we’ll be looking for a strong start at our home event at Silverstone in April to get our season off to a flying start.”