Farewell to a Legend: Kristensen announces retirement

Endurance racing legend Tom Kristensen announced on Wednesday at a press conference in Copenhagen that the upcoming FIA World Endurance Championship event at Sao Paulo, Brazil will bring down the checkered flag on his racing career.

A record nine-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Kristensen also made a significant mark in America. He is the leading winner in the history of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida, with six overall victories in addition to one class win, all but one at the wheel of Audi machinery.

Kristensen won the 2001 American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón championship. He scored a total of 13 victories in ALMS competition, including the 2002 Petit Le Mans powered by Mazda in the iconic Audi Sport North America Audi R8.

“In the world of endurance sports car racing, I believe Tom Kristensen is one of one,” said IMSA President Scott Atherton. “His remarkable accomplishments, not only at Le Mans, but across the entire category of our sport have confirmed him as a giant – not only in auto racing, but in sports in general.

He has achieved a list of career accomplishments that I don’t think will ever be duplicated – certainly not in our lifetime. On top of that, he is a genuinely nice guy - always quick with a smile and generous with his time; a class act on and off the track. I am sad that his career is coming to an end, but very happy for him and his family that this decision is on his terms and while he is at the top of his game.

“I would like to thank him for 15 years of great endurance racing memories and wish him well in his new role within the Audi family. He will be missed in the role he has had behind the wheel, but it’s good to know we’ll still have him actively involved.”

The 47-year-old Dane – the reigning FIA WEC World Champion – will remain active in motorsports as a representative and partner of Audi Sport.

IMSA