DSC’s Daily Notebook (05/07/2023)

Stéphane Darracq steps down as ACO MD

At the end of August 2023, Stéphane Darracq will leave the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and step down from his duties as managing director.

Following the centenary running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans the ACO says it is preparing to change its organization. In full agreement with ACO President Pierre Fillon, Stéphane Darracq, who has been managing director since May 2019, has decided to return to entrepreneurship.

“For more than four years now, I have come to know and appreciate this wonderful institution, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest,” said Darracq.

“My mission, when I arrived in 2019, was to support the ACO in its transition. The launch of our CSR strategy in 2021 and its application are a source of pride, as is the extraordinary success of the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the organization of which was unanimously hailed.

“I also do not forget the difficult times that we were able to successfully navigate during the COVID pandemic. To this end, I would like to salute and thank the employees of the ACO, who have demonstrated a spirit of resilience and solidarity that commands respect.

“I am proud to have contributed to the influence of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but also of all our events and permanent activities.

“Thank you to the employees of the ACO, to the volunteers, to our partners and to all the people who accompany us. Finally, thank you to Pierre Fillon, for his trust throughout these four years.”

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, would like to thank him and highlight his achievements.

“Stéphane Darracq has done a tremendous job as Managing Director of the ACO,” Fillon said.

“Since he arrived in 2019, two main missions had been entrusted to him: to help position the ACO as a reference in terms of CSR and to actively prepare for the race of the century, the Centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. These two priorities were successfully achieved, despite an unprecedented crisis.

“I sincerely thank Stéphane for his involvement and professionalism over the past four years and wish him all the best for the future.”

Dindo named grand marshal for 6H Monza

Three-time Le Mans winner Dindo Capello will be on hand for this weekend’s FIA WEC 6 Hours of Monza, the Italian has been named grand marshal for the race.

He will wave the flag to get the race underway at 12:30 local time on Sunday, in front of what is expected to be a bumper crowd at the ‘Temple of Speed’.

Pittard headlines fresh Falken line-up

Falken Motorsports’ line-up for the ROWE 6h ADAC Ruhr-Pokal race is set, with two new drivers set to compete with the Schanbel Engineering-run team.

The major addition to the team is David Pittard. The 31-year-old Briton, who scored a famous overall victory in this year’s N24 with Frikadelli Racing, will compete with regular Joel Eriksson in the #3 Porsche.

Falken’s #4 911 GT3 R 992 meanwhile, will see team veteran Martin Ragginger and Dennis Fetzer pair up.

The ROWE 6h ADAC Ruhr Cup Race takes place on Saturday at 12 noon.

New-look for Pfaff’s Porsche

Pfaff Motorsports’ IMSA GTD Pro Porsche 911 GT3 R 992 is set to run a new livery this weekend for its home race at CTMP. The ‘Moto Master’ livery stems from a partnership with Canadian Tire.

Our #MotoMaster livery is here! We’re excited to partner with @CanadianTire for this special look at @CTMPOfficial this weekend

What do you think? #IMSA | #PlaidPorsche | #FueledByDriveway pic.twitter.com/BOf9zwOeko

— pfaffmotorsports (@pfaffmotorsport) July 4, 2023

Images courtesy of Pfaff, Frozenspeed