A sky-high 55 bikes are set for an FIM Endurance World Championship glory chase at Le Mans when the legendary French venue hosts the EWC season-opening 24 Heures Motos from 13-16 April.
Revealed during event organiser l’Automobile Club de l’Ouest’s online press conference earlier today, the entry list features 18 Formula EWC machines, 34 Dunlop-equipped Superstock category bikes, plus three registrations from the Experimental class.
In total 37 permanent EWC teams have entered the 24 Heures Motos, which represents a rise of 15 per cent compared to last year’s race.
The huge entry number marks yet another increase compared to the previous year’s event. In 2022, 52 bikes were registered for the 45th 24 Heures Motos, six more than the 46 that lined up in 2021 and the 38 that were entered for the 2020 event.
Entry list in numbers:
55: Provisional entries
18: Formula EWC registrations
34: Superstock contenders
37: Permanent EWC teams
21: Countries represented
8: Bike manufacturers in action
Click HERE to view the provisional entry list.
Jean-Baptiste Ley, EWC Series Director, Discovery Sports Events: “The prospects for another highly competitive and entertaining season were already really strong but the publication of the provisional entry list for the 24 Heures Motos further heightens the excitement and levels of expectation, especially given the quality of the riders and teams taking part. The fact more entries continue to be received year on year demonstrates the appeal of the EWC and the strength of the championship and it’s fantastic to be able to start the 2023 EWC season knowing that there is so much interest, including from 37 permanent EWC teams.”
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest said: “The line-up is once again impressive, both in terms of quality and quantity. Year after year, the times improve and the suspense is complete. We also see that the superstocks are able to compete with the EWCs, which promises us great battles on the track.”
Damien Saulnier, Team Manager of Yoshimura SERT Motul, which won last year’s 24 Heures Motos said: “We want to go for a third crown after our successes in the championship in 2020 and 2021. There will be 10 motorcycles capable of performing well so you have to be vigilant. Even in victory, you have to be vigilant and know how to change things. We remain very cautious.”
Mike di Meglio, part of the FIM Endurance World Championship-winning F.C.C. TSR Honda line-up in 2022, said: “Every year the EWC is more and more competitive and you cannot be relaxed. You need to find a way to improve, to increase your speed and in the EWC you never know what can happen.”
Philipp Steinmayr, who helped Team 18 Sapeurs Pompiers CMS Motostore clinch the FIM Endurance World Cup last season and claim Superstock class honours in the 24 Heures Motos, said: “The Superstock category is very competitive and already last year you could see it was very close racing and also with the gaps in lap time. Having Dunlop as a mono-brand tyre supplier is a very good concept to make it as similar or as fair as possible for everyone. I expect this year it will even stronger because the championship is gaining momentum with more and more riders entering.”
The 46th 24 Heures Motos is the first of four EWC rounds on appearing on the 2023 calendar. More information on the event, including the provisional entry list, is available at this link: https://www.fimewc.com/event/24-heures-motos-2023/
In addition, the press kit issued following the today’s press conference is available by clicking HERE.