Nicolas Lapierre, a prominent figure in endurance racing and a four-time class winner at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours, has announced his retirement from driving effective immediately. At 40, the French driver feels it is time to shift his focus from the track to the management side of motorsport. In a heartfelt video shared on his Instagram, Lapierre expressed, “It is time for me to hang up my helmet and end this chapter of my life. I love it as much as I loved racing, so I won’t be far away.” His final race, finishing in third place at the Fuji round of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Alpine, marks the end of a significant chapter in his life, but it also paves the way for new opportunities.
Lapierre’s future endeavors will center on his team, CLX Motorsport, which he co-founded with Alexandre Coigny in 2020. Operating under the banner of Cool Racing, this team is based in Annecy, France, just a stone’s throw from Geneva. Cool Racing has competed in various classes including LMP2 and LMP3 in the European Le Mans Series and certainly made a mark during the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours in the P2 category. This venture provides Lapierre an avenue to continue his passion for motorsport, albeit from a different perspective—one that involves nurturing and guiding new talent in the sport.
Throughout his dynamic racing career, Lapierre has achieved notable victories not only in endurance racing but also in single-seater competitions such as GP2 and A1 Grand Prix. In his farewell video, he took a moment to reflect on those who have influenced his journey. Among those he thanked was Philippe Sinault, the mastermind behind some of Lapierre’s significant achievements in both single-seaters and sports cars. Sinault leads the Signatech team, which has been integral to Alpine’s endurance campaigns since 2013. The foundation for Lapierre’s successful racing story began with other key figures as well, including the late Jean-Paul Driot, whose guidance contributed to Lapierre’s first GP2 victory in 2007.
Lapierre’s gratitude extended to Hugues de Chaunac, head of ORECA, who afforded him entry into the sports car racing world. Under De Chaunac’s leadership, Lapierre captured the Sebring 12 Hours in 2011, cementing his status in a competitive environment. Despite facing career difficulties, including his unexpected dismissal from the Toyota LMP1 lineup in 2014 following crashes at Le Mans and Austin, Lapierre emerged with a renewed perspective. He acknowledged the role of former ORECA technical director David Floury during this trying time, emphasizing Floury’s pivotal support that ultimately reignited his passion for racing.
Lapierre’s transition from driver to team principal comes at a critical juncture for Cool Racing, especially as the team is reportedly in discussions to potentially partner with Hyundai Motorsport. With Hyundai gearing up to enter the prototype ranks with a new LMDh under its premium Genesis brand, Lapierre’s experience in the sport will be invaluable. Cool Racing’s move into collaboration with such a significant manufacturer could reshape the dynamics within endurance racing, offering fresh pathways for innovation and competition.
As Lapierre steps away from the race car, his place in the Alpine A424 LMDh vehicle is projected to be filled by Jules Gounon, Alpine’s official reserve driver. Gounon has been steadily gaining experience in the Hypercar division, becoming a strategic asset for the team as they navigate the complexities of high-stakes racing.
Lapierre’s decision to retire may signal the end of his time behind the wheel, but it does not mark the end of his contributions to motorsport. As he embraces this new role with Cool Racing, Nicolas Lapierre will undoubtedly carry his extensive knowledge, experience, and passion into team management. The legacy of a driver who has triumphed on the world stage will continue to thrive in the new generation of racers he aims to mentor. Lapierre’s journey reflects the cyclical nature of motorsports—where the baton is passed from one generation to the next, ensuring that the spirit of competition and dedication remains alive.
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