The 24 Hours of Le Mans will feature the return of two identically prepared SRT Viper GTS-R models, which is competing for the first time since finishing one-two in the GTS class for three consecutive years.
SRT Motorsports accepted an invitation back in February from ACO to field the two-car team in the LM GTE Pro class according to a company press release.
Le Mans is the world's oldest active sports car race and was first held in 1923. Participation in the event is by invitation only as the Automobile Club de I'Ouest selects just 56 entries.
"Racing is a cornerstone of Viper's illustrious history," said Ralph Gilles , President and Chief Executive Officer Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC according to a company press release. "Le Mans is a world stage. The GTS-R has enjoyed great success at Le Mans in the past and we're excited to start a new chapter of Viper racing at that historic venue."
The Viper hasn't been on the Le Mans stage since 2000 but Paretta and the SRT Motorsports team have a "good idea" what to expect. They attended the race last year to formulate a plan in case they received an invitation.
Last August the SRT Viper GTS-R officially returned to the track, competing in the American Le Mans Series at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. While Le Mans is the biggest global race, Paretta emphasized the importance of competing "here at home."
"Racing is a big part of everything that SRT does," said Beth Paretta, Director of Marketing and Operations, SRT Brand and Motorsports according to a company press release. "Racing is in our name - Street and Racing Technology - so the line is very blurred between what we do on the road and what we do on the track. We've enjoyed some past success at Le Mans, so you want to not only show well, but also run competitively on the track. The whole motorsports world is watching and it's extremely exciting for us to be part of it and a big challenge to do well."
The 81st Le Mans is set for June 22-23 at Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France.
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