The Slovak Maco Racing Team is eagerly anticipating its 20th consecutive participation in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans motorcycle race in France, which will kick off the new season of the FIM EWC Endurance World Championship on April 19. This event also marks the team’s 23rd year competing in the full world championship series.
Known for its progressive approach, Maco Racing Team will field two crews in Le Mans this year. The #14 Yamaha will compete in the premier EWC Superbike category with an international rider lineup featuring Christoffer Bergman (Sweden), Michael Gilbert (USA), and Daniel Gonzales (Spain), with Nolan Lamkin (USA) serving as the reserve rider.
The second motorcycle, #43, will race under the BGR Czech Team by Maco banner in the Superstock category. This crew consists of three Czech racers—Ladislav Chmelík, Kamil Holán, and Martin Vašulín—who will be joined by Aleš Brzin (Slovenia).
Martin Kuzma, team owner:
“It is not very common in Slovak motorsport for someone to race at Le Mans 20 times, but we have embarked on this journey because it is our life. Our team will have two crews – with the first, traditionally in the EWC Superbike class, we want to fight for the best possible result in the overall standings. The second crew, on a motorcycle in the Superstock class, is focused on achieving the best result of the riders in their careers. Our journey is not only about trophies, but about passion, perseverance and how we overcome challenges together. I want to thank all our sponsors, partners and fans who stand behind us and help us push the boundaries of what is possible. We believe that together with you we are building not only the history, but also the future of Slovak motorsport. Your support is our driving force and inspiration to continue what we do.”
Team riders: MACO RACING bike no. 14 (EWC Superbike):
Christoffer Bergman (35 years old, Sweden): “The milestone of 20th participation in Le Mans is exciting for the team. I trust our strategy and I believe that we can do anything with minimal problems.”
Michael Gilbert (28 years old, USA): “Le Mans will be my first experience with this format and my second participation in the EWC championship. I will focus on stable performances and learning from every challenge.”
Daniel Gonzalez Zudaire (19 years old, Spain): “Being part of the team’s 20th anniversary celebration in Le Mans is very exciting. I believe that we will achieve a big surprise, I want to give my best in every round.”
Team riders: BGR Czech Team by Maco bike no. 43 (Superstock):
Ladislav Chmelík (32 years old, Czech Republic): “The biggest advantage of the team is the background at Maco Racing, which has 22 years of experience in the EWC. I rode the Alpe Adria championship with this team and we won the title of Czech Republic champion in the Superstock 1000 class. I also took 14th place with the team in Spa in 2022. I am happy to use my experience from this championship there now.”
Kamil Holán (47 years old, Czech Republic): “Participating in this team is another great experience for me. I want to contribute to the best possible result in the Superstockclass with my performance. The team has a perfect background, which is the basis for a good result. The opportunity to be part of it motivates me to work hard. I trained in Spain on small circuits, rode enduro and also spent time in the gym. This is a great opportunity for me to close my career and enjoy the EWC Championship.”
Martin Vašulín (37 years old, Czech Republic): “It will be important to get to know the new technology well from the first tests. The team and I agree that we are not going to Le Mans just to drive – we are going to get a result. We would like to get closer to the top 10 and we will do our best for that. There is a family atmosphere in the team, which I consider to be the foundation. Every member of the team fulfills their function one hundred percent.”
Aleš Brzin (31 years old, Slovenia): “The Le Mans 24H race is one of the most legendary events in the world. I am excited about this challenge. I know that it will test everything I have in me, but that is exactly why I want to be there. A message to the fans: Thank you all for your support, let’s go full throttle together!”
The race will be broadcast live on Eurosport. You can also find current information and a look behind the scenes on our social networks: on Facebook Maco Racing Team – Official and on Instagram maco.racing.team.
