Crowdstrike Racing by Algarve Pro (APR) has finalized their driver lineup for the 24 Hours of Le Mans on 15-16 June 2024, as Nicky Catsburg joins team regulars Colin Braun and George Kurtz. Catsburg, the Dutchman who emerged victorious in last year’s Centenary Le Mans in the GTE-Am category for Corvette Racing, will be partnering with Braun and Kurtz in their #45 Oreca 07-Gibson 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 2023-24 Asian Le Mans Series LMP2 title with Crowdstrike by APR, have earned an invitation to defend their reigning LMP2 Pro-Am victory from last year. Kurtz secured his own invite after winning the Jim Trueman Trophy in the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Catsburg expressed his excitement, stating, “It is a great privilege to be a part of CrowdStrike Racing by APR at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.” Despite having participated in Le Mans five times before, this will be his first experience driving a sportscar prototype. He emphasized the significance 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 lineup capable of contending for victory in their category. Catsburg also expressed his enthusiasm about working with the APR team, as he has a longstanding relationship with Stuart and Samantha Cox. He mentioned that it will be an exciting new venture, as the racecar he will be driving has more downforce than what he is accustomed to. Catsburg is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to test the car before the race and is looking forward to the experience.
George Kurtz, expressing his delight, shared, “I am thrilled to have Nicky join Colin and me for our Le Mans lineup.” He emphasized that their team represents strength, experience, and a winning tradition, and believes that Catsburg’s impressive track record, including victories at prestigious races such as the Daytona 24 Hours, Nurburgring 24 Hours, and the Spa 24 Hours, will be invaluable in their pursuit of a second consecutive Pro-Am triumph at Le Mans.