Will Owen finished 14th in his third year racing the 24 Hours of Le Mans with United Autosports after unexpected mechanical issues.
The No. 32 United Autosports Ligier JS P217 started the 87th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 9th on the grid. By the time Owen entered the race, the team was running in 7th near the 13th hour of the competition.
The American found himself in a good battle with Phil Hanson in the No. 22 United Autosports sister car in the middle of the night in his second outing. Owen was forced to enter the pits and lost 36 minutes due to an alternator change during the triple stint. Another seven minutes were lost to replace the left rear tire and new rear body deck damaged by the flailing tire.
Owen and teammates, Alex Brundle and Ryan Cullen, tackled one final issue on Sunday morning where they lost another 14 minutes when a replacement rear engine cover was difficult to fasten. With their focus now on crossing the finish line, Owen and the rest of the United Autosports crew were able to do so in 14th place – a disappointing finish, but impressive mistake-free race from the drivers and crew who’s result was influenced only by mechanical issues.
Next up for Owen is the 4 Hours of Barcelona with United Autosports on July 20th.
WILL OWEN- DRIVER OF THE NO. 32 UNITED AUTOSPORTS
LIGIER JS P217-GIBSON
“My opening stints were okay – the car was good and had good pace. But after our problems, it’s not massive fun when you’re not in the running. It’s a case of just finishing the race, and it is not necessarily the most enjoyable thing when you don’t have something to really
Source. Speed Group
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