The following is from Michael Gilbert Racing…
Michael Gilbert is set to return to the FIM Endurance World Championship for the prestigious 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans, where he will once again partner with the Maco Racing Team—this time aboard a Yamaha YZF-R1 superbike in the premier EWC category.
Gilbert, who competed for the Maco Racing Team alongside fellow Americans Andrew Lee and Jason Pridmore at the 2024 8 Hours of Spa in the Superstock class, is eager to continue developing his endurance racing experience in one of the most demanding challenges in motorsport. Following a strong and exciting performance at Spa, the American is thrilled to step up to the superbike and take on the 24 Heures Motos alongside Swedish ex-World Supersport rider Christoffer Bergman.
“Competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a dream come true,” says Gilbert. “There’s no doubt this will be the toughest race I’ve faced so far. That said, I’m happy to be partnered with a long-standing team like Maco and to absorb as much as possible from its decades of experience in the paddock. I’m also looking forward to teaming up with Chris Bergman, whom I got to know very well at Spa. I like to think that all of the team’s experience will be motivating when it’s time to saddle up for a stint in the middle of the night!”
This event also marks a major milestone for the Maco Racing Team, as it will be the team’s 20th consecutive appearance at the 24 Heures Motos. This achievement is a testament to the team’s commitment and dedication to the FIM Endurance World Championship—something Gilbert can draw from as he faces the challenges of such an intense race.
“It’s great for me to give an American rider the opportunity to experience the Endurance World Championship, especially the 24 Hours of Le Mans. When I think back to the days of Jason Pridmore and Doug Toland, I want to welcome Americans back to the paddock,” says Martin Kuzma, the owner of Maco Racing Team. “After his performance at Spa, I understood that Michael is a serious rider, and I trust him to take on the tricky conditions of Le Mans.”
The 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans begins on April 19th, also marking the beginning of the 2025 FIM Endurance World Championship. Gilbert is looking for support to compete in the entire championship with the Maco Racing Team, including the 8 Hours of Spa and 24 Hours of Bol d’Or.
For sponsorship and support opportunities, please contact [email protected]
