Team Mazda France
After two seasons under the supervision of new owner Jacques Nicolet, and following
a string of impressive results in 2008, Saulnier Racing has changed its name to
become OAK Racing*.
The name change arrives in tandem with a change of sporting strategy, as OAK
Racing concentrates its focus on the LMP2 category in 2009 with a pair of Pescarolo-
Mazdas in the Le Mans Series. The Magny-Cours based team will also apply to the
Automobile Club de l’Ouest for an entry for these two cars at the Le Mans 24 Hours
in June.
OAK Racing will continue to run the Pescarolo LMP2 chassis, as in 2008, but will
also benefit from the know-how and experience of two major new partners in Mazda
and Dunlop. The team saw the Japanese constructor join their stable at the end of
last year and has just completed an agreement with the leading tyre manufacturer.
Jacques Nicolet, President of OAK Racing:
“The alliance with a top constructor and tyre manufacturer is very important for the
future of OAK Racing. We can approach the new season with great enthusiasm
knowing we will benefit from the experience of such renowned partners as Mazda
and Dunlop. We are very happy with this new partnership with Dunlop and the
developments we can expect to happen. There is a strong will within Dunlop to add
to their already extensive honours list, which most notably includes 34 wins at the Le
Mans 24 Hours. The choice of a new name always represents a change in the history
of a team. I hope that OAK Racing will follow this trend.”
* OAK Racing was chosen as the Oak tree is a symbol of force, consistency and
measure – all qualities demanded by Endurance racing. In addition, choosing the
name of a tree for a motor racing team acknowledges that an environmental
conscience must accompany the development of the sport.
Lindner Racing Blog
