Record Grid of 45 Cars Set for 2026 Michelin Le Mans Cup
The 2026 Michelin Le Mans Cup is poised for an unprecedented season, featuring a record grid of 45 cars, underscoring the continued growth of European sportscar racing. The majority of this expansion is evident in the ‘Pro’ LMP3 class, which has surged from 18 to 24 entries.
Defending champions R-ace GP will return with two Duqueine D09s, fielding drivers Daniel Frost and Vic Stevens. Other teams utilizing the Duqueine include Nielsen Racing, which crafted its success with the constructor in the Asian Le Mans Series, and BWT Mücke Motorsport, alongside Steller Motorsport, who is making a comeback with their Gen 3 LMP3.
The remainder of the LMP3 grid predominantly features Ligier JS P325s, with notable newcomers like Brutal Fish Campos Racing and Trajectus Motorsport, founded by Le Mans legend Benoit Treluyer. Other teams like 23Events Racing, ANS Motorsport, and Team Virage are entering two cars, while several teams, including Reiter Engineering and CD Sport, will not return.
In the LMP3 Pro/Am category, entries have decreased from 17 to 11 cars. Nielsen Racing is the sole representative of Duqueine, with reigning champion Hadrien David joining the team. Rinaldi Racing stands as the only two-car entry, with single entries from Racing Spirit of Leman and P4 Racing, among others.
A noteworthy addition is Ajith Redant Racing, featuring actor Ajith Kumar and ex-Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan, marking a continuation of their collaboration from the Asian Le Mans Series.
In the GT category, the entry list has expanded from 8 to 10 cars. Defending champion AF Corse will field two Ferrari 296 GT3 Evos, while Kessel Racing returns with two cars, and Biogas Motorsport enters a single, non-upgraded Ferrari.
New entries include Dinamic GT with a Porsche 911 GT3 (992) Evo and SMC Motorsport, making history as the first team to field a McLaren in the Le Mans Cup since its inception. Notably, Iron Dames and Team Motopark will not return.
ACO President Pierre Fillon emphasized the significance of this record, stating, “This milestone reaffirms the Michelin Le Mans Cup’s role in endurance racing, promising competitive fields and hard-fought races.”
Frédéric Lequien, CEO of Le Mans Endurance Management, added, “We welcome the new teams and thank those returning. The 2026 season promises to be exceptionally exciting.”
The 2026 Michelin Le Mans Cup season will kick off at Barcelona on April 10-11, 2026.
