C7.R to take Spotlight in 24 Hours of Le Mans

The C7.R will get its big shot in the global spotlight after being accepted into the 24 Hours of Le Mans; one of the most grueling endurance races in the world.

The new racing Corvette, unveiled in January at the Detroit auto show, will be hitting the legendary circuit in the GTE class, according to a GM Authority report.

“It is always an honor to earn an invitation to race at Le Mans,” said Mark Kent, Chevrolet’s Director of Racing. “It is one of the most important races in the world for Chevrolet, and is the ultimate proving ground for the technology that goes into our production line. The Corvette C7.R and 2015 Corvette Z06 are perfect examples of that automotive evolution, and are the benefactors of Corvette Racing’s previous success at Le Mans.”

Driving the pair of C7.Rs for the upcoming race will be Antonio Garcia, Jan Magnussen and Jordan Taylor in car No. 73; and Oliver Gavin, Tommy Milner and Richard Westbrook in car No. 74.

Corvette Racing has participated in the French endurance competition since 2000 when it raced the C5-R and went on to capture GT1 class victories in 2001 and 2002, according to the GM Authority report. The team also won back-to-back GT1 class races from 2004 to 2006.

After moving out of the GT1 class, the team went on to capture victories in the GTE Pro class in 2009 and 2011.

The Corvette Racing team has even higher hopes for the C7.R.

“Competing at Le Mans year after year is special,” said Doug Fehan, Corvette Racing Program Manager. “It’s always fantastic to see the European Corvette fans who are always incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Corvette Racing. We’re all thrilled to race the Corvette C7.R there for the first time and are optimistic to return to the top of the podium for the eighth time.”