24 Hours of Le Mans – Nigel Bailly (Association SRT41): "It's an incredible opportunity."
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24 Hours of Le Mans – Nigel Bailly (Association SRT41): "It's an incredible opportunity."

Nigel Bailly, an Association SRT41 driver with reduced mobility, is gearing up to take the start in his rookie 24 Hours of Le Mans at the wheel of an ORECA 07-Gibson fielded in the Innovative Car class. He will be guided by Frédéric Sausset, the first quadruple amputee in history to finish the race, in 2016. Bailly discusses this sporting challenge with excitement and great humility.

What is your background in motorsport?

"It all started at the age of six when I began doing motocross. At 14, I had an accident that made me paraplegic. Two and a half months later, I was at the wheel of a kart. I wanted to pursue motorsport, much to the chagrin of my parents. I have never lost my love for this sport. Thereafter, I took on studies that required me to set all of that aside, but eventually I did my first laps at the Mettet circuit in Belgium with my own car. I enjoyed it so much that motorsport was pulling me more and more. It even became my biggest dream. In 2017, I debuted at Spa-Francorchamps in an endurance race of six hours 40 minutes that ended, to my huge surprise, with a 14th place overall finish out of 60 entrants, and second place in the Clio Cup class. Then I learned that Filière Frédéric Sausset by SRT41 was looking for drivers. I applied thinking I had nothing to lose. I didn't have much experience, but despite that in January 2018 they told me I was going to be a part of the adventure. In 2020, we were supposed to do the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but the global health crisis pushed it a year.

My journey shows you have to know how to the take the bull by the horns and believe in your dreams. There's no reason to live if you don't believe in your dreams and try to make them happen."

You are set to participate in the 89th 24 Hours of Le Mans at the wheel of an ORECA 07-Gibson in the Innovative Car class. How do you feel?

"It's an incredible opportunity. I am so excited. I hope to experience the race immersed in the magic of the event and surrounded by spectators. To compete in the greatest endurance race and be a part of that history is wonderful. I just don't have the words, and I can't thank our partners and the ACO enough. They are kind enough to make this project possible and help us make our dreams come true. But, I try not to think about it too much so I don't feel unnecessary pressure. It's best to take things one step at a time."

In 2019, you took part in Road to Le Mans with the Ligier JS P3-Nissan entered by Frédéric Sausset's team. What do you remember about that?

"I remember it fondly. It was stressful of course because it was the first step to getting to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. We couldn't make a mistake. Afterwards, I was able to say I've raced at the big, legendary 24 Hours circuit. Now we are taking on another challenge in LMP2. It will be faster and more technical."

You have already driven the ORECA 07. What were your first impressions of the car?

"Yes, it was a year ago at the Paul Ricard circuit. I drove a car I didn't know well, but it was so developed that it seemed easy. It really is an awesome car. I didn't expect such braking. I could tell there was so much potential. ORECA did signficant development work on the car so it could be driven by reduced mobility drivers."

What modifications were made to the car for you to be able to drive it?

"There is an accelerator behind the wheel and a lever we press to brake. There is a trigger on the lever that allows us to downshift. It is a similar system to the one used by Alessandro Zanardi at the 2019 Rolex 24 at Daytona. During braking phases, Takuma and I will have one hand on the wheel. Our forearms will be put to the test, but the system developed by ORECA is nonetheless comfortable."

""Our message is as follows: move forward and believe in your dreams.""
Nigel Bailly, Association SRT41 driver

How will you prepare for the 89th 24 Hours of Le Mans?

"We are going to do two European Le Mans Series races, the FIA WEC Prologue and another test session at the Barcelona circuit with Goodyear, our tire manufacturer. That will help us get to know the car, the team and the technical aspects. The more we hit the track, the better it will be for everyone."

Reduced mobility does not mean slow mobility. Where do you think the car will figure in the standings?

"It's already an achievement to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I think we have already earned the respect of a lot of people. We are looking to finish the race. That is our number one goal. And we want to avoid making any mistakes. If we do that and keep our cool, we will secure a respectable result. You have to approach this race with a lot of humility."

What advice has Frédéric Sausset given you?

"The main advice Frédéric has given us is not to make any mistakes. And to pay attention to the other competitors and to learn because we are just starting out, especially in terms of the car. He suggested we strive for a smart race and focus on teamwork because individualism has no place in endurance racing."

How will you prepare physically?

"I have a fitness programme that works my reflexes, muscles, peripheral vision and posture. I also do arm biking for cardio. This is what gives us stamina so we don't run out of steam during long stints. Our shoulders are more strained than those of able-bodied drivers because we use one hand on the braking phases. We know we risk being in pain during the race. We're up for it."

What message do you think a reduced mobility driver line-up at the finish of the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans would send?

"Don't let yourself be beaten. You have to dare to take on challenges. Our mental capabilities are unaffected. You just need to try as hard as you can, don't question things too much and try to make great things happen. Our message is as follows: move forward and believe in your dreams."

Frédéric Sausset, the first quadruple amputee to finish the 24 Hours of Le Mans (2016), talks about his team's participation in this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans in the video below:

Nigel Bailly will team up with Takuma Aoki and François Heriau at the 89th 24 Hours.

Click for the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans provisional entry list.

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