Jim McGuire and Matt Bell scored their best Michelin Le Mans Cup result of the season so far last time out at Spa Francorchamps, finishing sixth around the demanding Belgian circuit. Richard Meins and Shaun Lynn also had a good weekend, until clutch damage after a spin for Richard put them out of the race. Both pairings will be hoping to finish the year off well at Portimão.
Jim McGuire (US), driver car #22, United Autosports:
“Our AERO-painted Ligier JS P3 has been stellar all season. It has been an amazing year driving for United Autosports. The crew has been exceptional all season getting the car ready for every race. With Portimao being the final race of the championship, we’re going to take the fight there, equipped with nearly a full season of wisdom, and a great looking car. The AERO Sustainable Paint Technology really helps us minimize our impact on the environment, while giving the car a great appearance. That’s good for the sponsors, good for the media and good for the fans. I’m really thrilled to bring this package to Portimao and finish out the Championship, and start to look at 2018.”
Matt Bell (GB), driver car #22, United Autosports:
“The last time I raced at Portimao was with United back in 2010 or 2011 and I have fond memories of our first year scoring a podium there with Zak [Brown, Team Owner]. So I’m looking forward to going back there. It’s a very challenging circuit but always rewarding when you nail a good lap. It will be more hard work for Jim because of the nature of the circuit but the test day in the week leading up to the race weekend should give him plenty of track time.”
Richard Meins (GB), driver car #23, United Autosports:
“Portimao is going to be a new circuit to me - I usually associate the Algarve with a round of golf. It looks like it could be a real challenge but also enjoyable, plenty of undulation changes and it looks to be quite wide so that should help make passing easier. It's been an amazing year doing the Michelin Le Mans Cup - great circuits, a fabulous team and good racing in a truly awesome car. Our confidence has grown with each outing and we have been really encouraged to more than hold our own against some good pairings. Thanks to Richard Dean and all at United Autosports for putting together a great package and helping me to be as best prepared as possible. Also thanks to my co-driver Shaun - I reckon we have made a great pairing despite being one of the oldest combinations on the grid.”
Shaun Lynn (GB), driver car #23, United Autosports:
“I’m really looking forward to racing at Portimao. I can’t believe the season has come to an end already, it has gone so fast. I’m really pleased with the progress Richard and I have made, so thank you to the team for getting us where we are now. Let’s go out on a high for the final round!”
Richard Dean, Team Owner and Managing Director, United Autosports:
I’m looking forward to seeing how our Michelin Le Mans Cup guys get on. I’m hoping they are going to end the year on a high too. I’ve seen so much improvement with Richard, Shaun and Jim that I have no doubt they could get a fantastic result at Portimao.”
