In recent news, it was revealed that Kevin Keating will be joining United for a full season in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, forming a partnership with Alex Quinn. This decision comes as a result of the World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) announcement to remove the LMP2 class for the 2024 season. Keating, an American driver currently racing for Corvette Racing in the GTE Am class, had previously hinted at his reluctance to continue in the WEC due to the transition from GTE machinery to GT3 cars. However, he clarifies that his primary motivation behind the switch is the desire to spend less time at the race track.
Keating explains that his decision to solely compete in the IMSA SportsCar Championship stems from a need to allocate his time elsewhere. Currently, he is committed to participating in two full seasons, effectively spending a third of his year on the race track. While Keating expresses his appreciation for his time in the WEC, he believes it is an ideal opportunity to depart after capturing consecutive titles. The Texan driver stresses that the shift is not solely centered around GT3 cars but rather a lifestyle adjustment.
If the WEC had opted to retain the LMP2 class, Keating admits it would have posed a challenging decision for him. However, he affirms that he would have still chosen to concentrate on only one championship. In light of his withdrawal from the WEC, Keating intends to participate in the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours with United, marking his return to the LMP2 category since 2017. As a bronze-rated driver, he is currently part of the PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team in the IMSA SportsCar Championship. Keating acknowledges that winning the Jim Trueman Award, which guarantees an entry at Le Mans, is not assured. Therefore, he deemed it necessary to explore other opportunities to secure one of the limited 15 spots reserved for LMP2 cars in 2024.
Reflecting on his circumstances, Keating highlights the importance of understanding the likelihood of securing an entry at Le Mans. He reveals that winning the IMSA LMP2 championship does not automatically grant him the coveted spot as the Jim Trueman Award excludes Daytona. Considering the reduced number of LMP2 entries available in 2024, only 15 compared to 26 in the previous year, Keating needed to assess the teams most likely to obtain these spots. With WRT and JOTA relinquishing their LMP2 programs and unable to support PR1, he concluded that United offered the best chance of securing an entry at Le Mans. Keating also mentions that neither entering with his own name nor through PR1 would guarantee an entry, making the decision to switch teams imperative for his racing aspirations.
In his closing statements, Keating expresses his admiration for the PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team, emphasizing the strong bond he shares with the members. While his departure may seem abrupt, he reassures that the decision was based on strategic considerations and the pursuit of personal goals. Keating’s love for racing and loyalty to his current team remains evident, yet he recognizes the need for change to ensure future success and fulfillment in his racing career.
Kevin Keating’s decision to join United for the full season in the IMSA SportsCar Championship represents a significant shift in his racing focus. With the removal of the LMP2 class from the WEC in 2024, Keating saw an opportunity to devote less time to the race track. By solely contesting in the IMSA championship, he aims to strike a better balance between his racing commitments and other personal endeavors. Although his decision was influenced by the transition to GT3 cars, Keating emphasizes that the motivation behind his move was primarily lifestyle-oriented. With the goal of securing a spot at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours, Keating strategically evaluated the teams most likely to achieve this, ultimately leading him to join United. Despite moving on from the PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team, Keating’s appreciation and fondness for the team remain intact, as it has undoubtedly played a significant role in his racing journey. Through this change, Keating hopes to continue his racing success while embracing new opportunities and challenges.
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