June 21, 2017 – Fresno, CA – Olivier Pla will join PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports in next week’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen in the No. 52 Ligier JS P217. The event marks the third round of the Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup. Pla will pilot the LMP2 machine with Mexican ace José Gutierrez.
The Ford Factory pilot, who is also an Onroak development driver, tested with PR1 at Sebring in March and was able to bring a lot of knowledge about the car to the team. Team owner Bobby Oergel is looking forward to having the Frenchman on board for the Six Hours of the Glen.
“From our end it’s very exciting to have Olivier on board,” said Oergel. “He obviously is more than qualified and comes with a great deal of experience and history, as far as being quick and winning.”
“It will also be great to have José back after his Le Mans experience. Hopefully we can start off fresh with a good weekend.”
Pla is no stranger to racing at Watkins Glen in an LMP2 car, having finished third in the 6-hour enduro in 2016 in a Ligier with Michael Shank Racing.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to join PR1 for Watkins Glen. I think this track is going to suit the Ligier very well,” stated Pla. “We are definitely going to go for the win next weekend. I want to do the best that I can to help the team and to help José, so I will give the absolute maximum.”
“I had the chance to be part of the development for this car, so I know the car very well. PR1 has been a bit unlucky from the beginning of the year but they are a very strong team. I hope that with my help and with the support of Onroak, altogether we can have a successful race.
“Watkins Glen is also one of my favorite tracks, so I am looking forward to getting back there next week and very happy to be teaming up with the PR1 team for this race.”
Both Pla and Gutierrez competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans last weekend, and even after a 24-hour endurance race, Gutierrez couldn't be more eager to get back in the car and race again next weekend.
"There's no rest for me after Le Mans. I'm back to training and ready to go full force at Watkins Glen," said Gutierrez. "It's great to have Olivier Pla on board and to have support from the Onroak guys for the weekend. I think we can work together and accomplish an awesome result in Wakins Glen. I can't wait to get back driving the No. 52 PR1 machine and go for the overall win!"
PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports returns to the track next week for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen at Watkins Glen International. On track action begins on Friday, June 30 continuing through Sunday, July 2 with the race starting at 10:10 AM EST. You can watch the race LIVE with coverage beginning at 10:00 AM till 1:00 PM on Fox Sports 1, and then continuing at 1:00 PM till the checkered flag on Fox Sports 2. Be sure to follow PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all of our team and driver updates.