KC Motorgroup Ltd. (KCMG) is set for their return to one of motorsport’s most competitive grids as the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) enters the second half of the 2014 season. Following a three-month interval from Le Mans prototype racing, the Hong Kong-based squad is primed for its maiden outing at the Circuit of The Americas (CoTA) on September 20. Tsugio Matsuda will join British duo Richard Bradley and Matt Howson in the World Championship’s six-hour round in Austin, Texas.
After their successful team-up at Silverstone in May, Bradley, Howson and Matsuda will once again share driving duties in the #47 Oreca 03 – Nissan. The 6 Hours of CoTA, which is the highlight of the much-celebrated Lone Star Le Mans weekend, will witness KCMG challenge for LMP2 victory under the stars. This weekend’s event marks the debut of night racing at Austin’s 5.515km circuit.
The festivities at CoTA will begin on Thursday (September 18) with WEC’s two 90-minute practice sessions taking place in the afternoon. The 25-minute qualifying run for the LMP2 category will get underway on Friday (September 19) at 6:35pm local, while the much anticipated battle of endurance and speed at the Circuit of The Americas will start at 5:00pm local the following day (September 20).
Richard Bradley: “I’m really looking forward to the next round of WEC in Austin and we can be confident of a strong showing. After our progress in the first three races of the season, we should be aiming for victory. Coming to a circuit like Texas is a very exciting and new experience for me. With its layout featuring high speed sections and a long back straight, the potential of our Oreca Nissan package is very promising.”
Matt Howson: “It’s been a long break since Le Mans, but after playing catch up this season we head to Austin better prepared than ever. The circuit is new to us but we’re quick learners, and we’ve some new improvements to the car which we’ll make full use of. I love the USA and look forward to racing in Austin for the first time!”
Tsugio Matsuda: “The long wait is over and I’m happy to be back racing with KCMG in the World Championship. The Austin track is new to us, but I’m confident that we’ll be able to get the hang of it quickly and set the pace early. It’s an honour to once again represent Asia with Richard and Matt, and we’ll do our best this weekend to be on the top step of the podium.”
Paul Ip, KCMG Managing Director: “The 6 Hours of CoTA is one of the highlights of our Motorsport Division’s calendar and we’re delighted to be back in WEC after that long break following Le Mans. The team is looking forward to a strong showing in Austin with Richard, Matt and Tsugio. Our objective is to finally put Asia on the top step of the podium after the chequered flag falls on Saturday night.”
KCMG heads to FIA WEC’s fourth round with 37 points in the LMP2 Team Classification. To know more information about the FIA World Endurance Championship, please visit: www.fiawec.com
For more information about KCMG please visit www.kcmg.com.hk. To keep track of all the latest updates ‘Like’ KCMG’s Facebook page or follow @KCMotorgroup on Twitter and Instagram.
