Car Blanche Secures Historic Victory at Petit Le Mans
After rebranding from van der Steur Racing to YRB Racing, the Aston Martin team, now known as Car Blanche, clinched its maiden victory at the 2026 Petit Le Mans, marking a significant culmination to their season. The team, led by Valentin Hasse-Clot, showcased remarkable resilience throughout the race, emerging victorious after a tumultuous 10-hour battle on the Road Atlanta circuit.
Competing in both the GTD and GTD Pro classes, Car Blanche entered the race with a podium finish from their debut at Watkins Glen earlier in the season. The lineup, featuring Hasse-Clot alongside Mattia Drudi and Marco Sørensen, navigated a race filled with incidents and strategic complexities to secure this landmark win.
“It’s a lot of emotion for all of us at Car Blanche. It’s been a lot of hard work behind the scenes,” stated Hasse-Clot, highlighting the dedication that led to their success. This race marked the team’s third podium of the season and notably marked Drudi’s first win at Petit Le Mans, a notable feat for the rookie driver.
Drudi expressed gratitude, stating, “It’s amazing. I have to thank the team for giving me this chance. It’s not easy to take a rookie driver for such an important race.” His performance, particularly in the final stint, showcased strategic acumen as he skillfully conserved fuel while managing race pace.
Sørensen, a regular driver in the World Endurance Championship, praised the team’s progress throughout the season: “To get the job done here was completely unexpected, and it feels good.” The team executed a strategic pit stop, gaining crucial track position that allowed them to hold the lead despite fluctuating race conditions.
As the race transitioned into its closing stages, the Car Blanche Vantage positioned itself strategically after a pivotal caution allowed Drudi to reclaim second place following a timely pit stop. Drudi’s calculated driving in the final laps was critical, as he managed to navigate past competitors and ultimately secure the lead thanks to a timely incident involving rival cars.
With this historic victory, Car Blanche aims to build momentum for the upcoming 2027 IMSA season. “This brings a lot of energy for next year,” said Hasse-Clot, as he looked ahead to the challenges and opportunities that await the team in Daytona in 119 days.
