Mike Conway to Conclude Racing Career at Monza
Monza, Italy — Mike Conway, a prominent figure in endurance racing and a two-time FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) champion, will retire following the upcoming race at Monza, where he seeks to secure a third world title. Conway, who has secured two Le Mans 24 Hours victories, confirmed his decision prior to the penultimate round in Barcelona, marking the end of a noteworthy career spanning over a decade in both single-seaters and sportscars.
Conway reflected on his announcement, stating, “It feels good to finally say it out loud. I’m excited for the next chapter, and racing has been a huge part of my life since I was eight.” His career transition from single-seaters to sportscars allowed him to cement his status as one of the most respected drivers in the WEC.
With a recent victory at Le Mans keeping the #7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid in contention for the Drivers’ Championship, Conway’s focus will remain fixed on the race rather than his impending retirement. Currently, he sits 17 points behind his teammate Kamui Kobayashi’s #8 crew, with a maximum of 26 points available in the final race.
Kobayashi confirmed that there will be no team orders at Monza, indicating a fair competition between the two Toyota crews. “It’s going to be pretty tense,” Conway acknowledged regarding the title race.
Throughout his career, Conway has faced adversity, including serious injuries from a cycling accident and a life-altering crash during the Indy 500 in 2010. Despite these setbacks, he emerged stronger, evolving into a key figure in Toyota’s success in the WEC. His achievements encompass victories in LMP2, LMP1, and Hypercar categories, totaling 20 overall wins and showcasing his adaptability across different regulations.
Conway is set to leave behind an enduring legacy, defined by his success and the relationships built during his tenure in the sport. “Endurance racing has given me the chance to build lasting relationships while competing at the highest level,” he noted.
As he prepares for his final race, Conway remains hopeful for one last title, which would cap his extensive career on a high note. With his historical achievements and influence on the sport, his contributions to Toyota and the WEC will be long remembered as the series continues to evolve.
