The ACO presents the « Spirit Of Le Mans » trophy to Hugues de Chaunac
On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Hugues de Chaunac – president of the ORECA Group, celebrating its own 40th anniversary in 2013 – was presented the Spirit of Le Mans trophy by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest. This distinction is made to a person who has displayed the spirit of Le Mans.
« It’s a great honor and proud moment to receive the Spirit of Le Mans trophy » admits Hugues de Chaunac. « I’m especially happy because 2013 is a very special year : the 90 years of the Le Mans 24 Hours and the 40 years of ORECA.
« During my first visit to Le Mans, as a spectator during the Matra years, I dreamed of being a part of this legendary race. Forty years later I can say that I realized that dream : the path that ORECA has taken has often been linked to Le Mans, and here it is again today.
« Whether it be working with big manufacturers like Mazda, Chrysler, and today Toyota, or Team ORECA, with the Audi R8, Peugeot 908 HDi FAP and ORECA 01, or finally as a constructor with the ORECA 03 LM P2, I have experienced some very special times at Le Mans, and tough moments too. But I know one thing : I can’t miss this event, I’ve become an addict. I’m thrilled to join the many big names that have been honored by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest. »
ORECA’s history is tightly linked to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Debuting in 1977 with Renault, ORECA now has 18 participations at La Sarthe, both alongside the biggest brands and as its own constructor. Again this year, ORECA will be on hand as a partner with TOYOTA Racing to provide operational support to run two TS030 HYBRID cars. A major player in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, ORECA has one overall victory with Mazda (1991), three wins in GT with the Chrysler Viper (1998, 1999, 2000), as well as the lap record in the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP (2010) and six top 5 finishes overall in its last nine participations. ORECA is also entered as a constructor, with eight chassis (seven ORECA 03 and one Alpine A450), and oversees the engine preparation for nine competitors in LM P2. In addition, ORECA the Events and Store departments organize various activities during the race week. In a few days, it’s an entire group of passionate people who will live at the 24 Hours of Le Mans rhythm!