Tequila Patron ESM Establishes Partnership with OAK Racing for 2016 FIA WEC Season
Already committed to compete in its second full season of the WEC, Tequila Patron ESM will move its European headquarters to France and operate out of the OAK Racing shop.
"Our relationship with OAK Racing has grown over this year," said Scott Sharp, owner/driver, Tequila Patron ESM. "They have offered an unparalleled level of support including engineering assistance for the last few races of the FIA WEC. We are excited to announce we have increased our partnership for 2016. We will move our European base from the UK to Le Mans, compete with current race cars and equipment, benefit from both ESM and OAK Racing staff and rely heavier on OAK Racing''s expertise!"
Tequila Patron ESM will continue to compete with two Tequila Patron-sponsored Ligier JS P2 race cars for the 2016 season with additional sponsorship to be announced for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
"We have enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Onroak Automotive this year," added Ed Brown, Tequila Patron ESM driver and president and chief executive officer, Patron Spirits International. "It only made sense for us to utilize our great brands in a better way for 2016 together! We really look forward to our partnership with OAK Racing in 2016."
Tequila Patron ESM transitioned to the Ligier JS P2 before the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in May and has developed a strong working relationship with OAK Racing.
"I''m very proud and excited to be part of this Tequila Patron ESM adventure," said Philippe Dumas, OAK Racing team principal. "No doubt it will be an amazing story."
The FIA WEC announced the 2016 scheduled in September, which includes the addition of a race in Mexico City. Tequila Patron ESM and full-season sponsor Tequila Patron look forward to competing in two races in North America.
This weekend Tequila Patron ESM competes in the FIA WEC season finale this weekend, the 6 Hours of Bahrain.
About Tequila Patron ESM
Founded in 2010, Tequila Patron ESM is one of the premier sportscar teams in the world. Tequila Patron ESM''s record includes two GT wins with the Ferrari Italia F458 (Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Road Atlanta, 2012), two LMP2 wins (Long Beach, 2013 and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, 2014) two GT pole positions, four LMP2 pole positions and a combined 22 podium finishes.
For 2015, Tequila Patron ESM competed in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with two Tequila Patron-sponsored LM P2 prototypes and drivers Scott Sharp, Ed Brown, Johannes van Overbeek, Ryan Dalziel, Jon Fogarty and David Heinemeier Hansson.
