24h Le Mans
Kendy Janclaes is the owner of the DKR Engineering team participating with a Norma M30 LMP3 in the Michelin Le Mans Cup. With four victories to its credit this year, the outfit based in Luxembourg clinched the title at the Spa-Francorchamps round back in September. Here is a look at the team's season...
What are your thoughts on your 2017 season in the Michelin Le Mans Cup?
"Of course we are thrilled with this Michelin Le Mans Cup season because we won with a car no one knew. When we bought it, we had only seen sketches of the car. We started from zero and with new drivers on top of that. Testing sessions were conducted, everything went well, but we had nothing to compare it to. At the first round at Monza, we were immediately competitive, but had a bit of trouble with our pit stop. Then we were forced to retire at the first Road to Le Mans race. Since the second round, we've won everything. The car is truly fantastic, we are pleased with our relationship with Norma and hope to continue with them."
This was the very first Michelin Le Mans Cup season with LMP3s. What did you think about it?
"We are happy with this championship, it is very well organized. Going forward, there are still a few small details that need some improvement, like the number of sets of tires which to me is currently insufficient. There needs to be more cars as well, at least 10 more LMP3s. On the other hand, the advantage of the Michelin Le Mans Cup its that you're fighting for total victory."
What is DKR Engineering's 2018 program going to entail?
"We are going to run two LMP3s. In function of the number of entries and the level of competition in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, we may go further that that. We would like to do the European Le Mans Series in order to take on the LMP3 field, so one car in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, one in the ELMS, but it will all depend on the entry list. That would be perfect for the entire team. No matter what we end up doing, Road to Le Mans will definitely be on our program."
Is this title in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, in a big European competition, DKR Engineering's top achievement in the team's existence?
"There was the French GT Champion title with a Corvette (Olivier Panis and Eric Debard at the wheel, Ed.) in 2009. Then we had some success in the FIA GT1 World Championship, but not titles. Then we moved into GT3 with mixed results. So to win this title in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, an ACO championship, is clearly one of the team's greatest achievements."
Is the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMP2 class on your radar?
"Yes, we are considering it even though we aren't exactly close to making it happen just yet. DKR Engineering has already done the 24 Hours of Le Mans once, and 10 times as technical support. So obviously I want to go back. We'd love to participate in 2018, but nothing is a done deal!"
PHOTO: ELMS/Jakob Ebrey Photography
