Multi-IMSA and WEC podium placer Nico Pino is set for an exciting year of Stateside racing with United Autosports, teaming up with Ben Keating and Ben Hanley in pursuit of the 2024 LMP2 Michelin Endurance Cup.
Nico Pino signs with United Autosports for IMSA 2024
Keating was due to continue his racing partnership with 2023 IMSA co-driver Alex Quinn (read more) before the 2024 FIA driver gradings increased Quinn’s status to Gold, opening up an opportunity for the Silver-graded seat. Cue 19-year-old Pino, who has been signed as a strong addition to the Keating / Hanley crew.
“Nico has been one of the standout drivers in both the IMSA and ELMS in recent seasons,” says Richard Dean, United Autosports CEO. “As a young driver with so much success already and the potential to win so much more, we are delighted to have him at United Autosports for our first full season in IMSA next year.”
Chilean racer Pino set records in 2021 as the youngest driver to enter a European Le Mans Series (ELMS) race, taking the wheel of an LMP3 at the 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. The following year, he celebrated three class wins in the ELMS – stepping up to the LMP2 class in 2023, taking immediate victory at the opening round in Barcelona, and following it up with a back-to-back podium at the 4 Hours of Le Castellet. Also a familiar face in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship, Pino has raced in the LMP3 Michelin Endurance Cup this season, achieving two poles and two podiums.
Nico Pino to race with United Autosports in IMSA 2024
“United Autosports, a team with a prestigious history and reputation in motorsport is for sure the best place to progress my career,” says Pino. “I am confident that alongside Ben Keating and Ben Hanley we can fight consistently for the top positions. I can't wait to start working with the team to prepare the first race of the season, the 24 Hours of Daytona.”
Nico Pino has enjoyed podium celebrations at some of the world’s most famous endurance racing events - the 24 Hours of Le Mans (LMP2 - 2023), the 24 Hours of Daytona (LMP3 – 2023) and Petit Le Mans (LMP3 - 2022). Now, he’s focussed on claiming that top step, with his second full season in LMP2 due to commence in January 2024.
“I would like to thank Richard Dean and United Autosports for the opportunity to embrace this project,” says Pino. “I will put all my effort into supporting this team."
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