- First IndyCar Win for Arrow McLaren SP in XPEL 375
- Win for United Autosports in The 6 Hours of Spa
COLUMBUS, Ohio (May 2, 2021)
AERO Sustainable Paint Technology celebrates a weekend of success with partners Arrow McLaren SP and United Autosports earning the teams’ first wins of the season.
Arrow McLaren SP had a breakthrough weekend with the No. 5 Chevrolet piloted by Patricio O’Ward achieving his first IndyCar win in the XPEL 375 at Texas Motor Speedway. The rising start also earned a third-place finish in the Genesys 300 the day before. This makes O’Ward the first Mexican to win an IndyCar race since 2004 marking him and his black and orange AERO painted machine as a contender to watch for the rest of the 2021 season.
United Autosports earned its fifth LMP2 win at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps with the No. 22 Oreca 07 piloted by Phil Hanson, Filipe Albuquerque, and Fabio Scherer. The signature United Autosports red and blue prototype started from pole position followed by six hours of grueling battles to remain on top.
Whether a team is competing in an endurance or sprint race each element of the car becomes a crucial piece in its overall’s performance and finish. AERO Sustainable Paint Technology has been engineered to withstand the test of time, playing a role in this master equation. As the No. 5 pushed onward at Texas Motor Speedway and the No. 22 turned lap after lap around Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps the teams relied on AERO’s proven technology to keep the car aerodynamically sound and podium ready.
As the AERO partners rolled into victory lane the months of preparation were highlighted and celebrated. AERO is proud to be a part of moments like this, supporting its partners the way it one day aims to support consumer vehicles across the globe.
Next up for AERO’s partners is the IndyCar GMR Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway May 14-15. It will support the entirety of the following programs: Rahal Letterman Lanigan, Meyer Shank Racing, and McLaren Arrow SP. For schedule details and ticket sales visit:
www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/grandprix.
AERO will also be supporting United Autosports May 14-16 at the Red Bull Ring for Round Two of ELMS, The Four Hours of Red Bull Ring. Tune in details and the full schedule can be found here:
QUOTE BOARD
Patricio O’Ward, Driver of the No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevy
“Finally!” O’Ward said. “That was long race, but we had so much pace in the Arrow McLaren SP No. 5. We got the job done today, man. I couldn’t be happier for a group of guys. It’s Texas. It’s very close to my heart. Many Mexicans were out there in the grandstands, so thank you guys so much.”
Phil Hanson, Driver of the No. 22 Oreca 07 LMP2
“I’m very happy! It was a faultless performance from United giving us a complete package this weekend. It’s probably the strongest we’ve felt during a race weekend. I think it was impressive that we still managed to get more out the car even though we were at the top and perform the way we did. I started the race from pole, which is the best place you can start thanks to Filipe’s qualifying. I knew I needed to just stay in the lead, which I was able to do. Life is a lot easier when you have the package beneath you. I was happy with my performance too. Massively thrilled to still be part of United and see how strong they have been this weekend. Five race wins at Spa out of the last five appearances here is pretty special. I think this is probably our strongest circuit, which is a great place to start the championship and I now can’t wait for the rest of the season.”
Filipe Albuquerque, Driver of the No. 22 United Autosports Oreca 07 LMP2
“A dream week for us. P1 since Monday. It was a long week, with the new regulations for us and for everyone. We finished on top which was an amazing job as a group. I’m speechless to be honest. This year is a lot more competitive with great teams and great drivers and still we were making a difference. Congratulations to United for giving us this great car and Fabio as a rookie did a great job. Winning like this, over a minute ahead of everyone is a dream. Five wins in a row for me, Phil and United which is amazing. Maybe we could do all the championship races at Spa!”
Fabio Scherer, Driver of the No. 22 United Autosports Oreca 07 LMP2
“It’s unbelievable to have a weekend like this. It felt really good to top the times in free practice but I still couldn’t really believe how quick we were. And for me, especially as a rookie. I jumped into the car and I saw the gap to second place that my teammates had built up and I think I felt more pressure because I didn’t want to mess up. I thought I could do well, but it was very unknown for me until I settled into a rhythm. I had to deal with all the new things – FCY, driver changes etc. I think I had strong pace which was a great feeling. It’s the first time I’ve driven for so long in a row. It’s an unbelievable feeling to win my first ever race in the WEC.”
Zak Brown, United Autosports Team Principal
“Wow, what a weekend for the WEC team. Completely dominant in all sessions. Great start to the season and the defense of our championship. Fabio had a great first weekend with us, really impressive. And Phil and Filipe, what a team. Hugely proud of United Autosports this weekend.”
