Eddie Cheever joins the GT2 European Series powered by Pirelli this year to spearhead LP Racing’s renewed Pro-Am Maserati entry alongside newcomer Anik Patel.
The fresh line-up will take charge of the #8 Maserati GT2, which finished runner-up in the hands of Leonardo Gorini and Carlo Tamburini last term. LP Racing cemented a stellar year with the sister #2 machine claiming the Am class crown – the team’s second in series history.
Arguably the most experienced GT2 Europe team on the gird, the Italian outfit can also count consecutive Pro-Am titles in 2022 and 2023.
Cheever brings an equal measure of top-level experience in GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS. The Italian won the Endurance Cup Pro-Am crown in 2020, followed by back-to-back Bronze Cup titles in 2023 and 2024. There’s a busy season ahead, as he defends this title with Chris Froggatt in the Ziggo Sport Tempesta Ferrari, while also making his GT2 debut.
“I’m very happy to be part of LP Racing, a team whose owner I’ve known for many years and with whom I share a great friendship”, says Cheever. “I’m also excited to be sharing the Maserati in the GT2 European Series with Anik, a longtime friend. It’s great to bring him into the world of racing, and I hope we can achieve strong results and grow together as a team. I can’t wait to put my helmet on at Paul Ricard for the first race!”
Completing LP Racing’s Pro-Am line-up, Patel is set for his European racing debut when the season launches at Circuit Paul Ricard.
“I am very excited to join LP Racing for my first foray into racing at this level” adds Patel. “I will be learning and improving every session thanks to the help of my long-time friend, team-mate and coach Eddie Cheever. I am looking forward to this season which will be my first ever championship in motorsport. I love the feeling of driving the Maserati GT2 and am improving every session with the car. I can't wait to be on track at Paul Ricard!”
Team Principal Luca Pirri commented: “I am extremely pleased to announce the line-up for car #8! My longtime friend Eddie Cheever - whose outstanding career I’ve followed since his years in Formula racing and his great successes with the SKY Tempesta team - will be joining Anik Patel in this exciting season.
“Anik, in his very first year of racing, obtained his International License in the USA this winter and is now ready to take on the GT2 Series. He has been testing the Maserati and has quickly adapted to the car, showing great promise despite his limited experience.
"With Eddie’s coaching and guidance, I am confident that the team will achieve strong results over the season.”
LP Racing will start its 2025 campaign with two one-hour races at Circuit Paul Ricard, 11-13 April, in support of GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS.
