INGOLDSTADT, Germany — Allan McNish, one of the most talented drivers ever to “wear” an Audi sports car announced that he is retiring from the world of sports car racing, after a dream season in which he, along with teammates Tom Kristensen and Loic Duvall, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship this past season.<\/p>\n
McNish, a crowd favorite, known for his tenacious driving style and the tartan scarf that was painted on to his helmet, \u00a0will\u00a0remain in close contact with Audi Sport and contribute his knowledge. \u201cWe appreciate and respect Allan\u2019s decision to retire at the pinnacle of his career,\u201d says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. \u201cAt the same time, this is a parting that is particularly difficult for us. All of us are well aware of Allan\u2019s racing successes. We should not forget, though, how valuable he has been in the development of our race cars, how great a team player he has always been and how he has consistently applied himself to achieve Audi\u2019s aims far beyond motorsport with professionalism, loyalty and commitment. We regret that Allan will no longer be contesting any races for us but are happy that he will continue to be associated with Audi Sport and the Audi brand.\u201d<\/p>\n
McNish achieved many of his greatest victories since the 2000 season with Audi \u2013 most recently, the first World Championship title in his career at the wheel of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro. \u201cI found the ideal moment for myself to bring an end to my LMP sports-prototype racing with Audi,\u201d says McNish. \u201cTogether with my team-mates Tom Kristensen and Lo\u00efc Duval I finished my most successful season in the sports car. Having also won the Le Mans 24 Hours, I can\u2019t wish for more than what we\u2019ve achieved this year. I can look back on a fantastic career that has left no aims unfinished and I\u2019m looking forward to new challenges the future holds for me. Now I\u2019ll have a lot more time for my family. But I\u2019m going to continue to be part of motorsport in various roles, albeit no longer as an Audi race driver.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Scotsman began his very successful racing career 32 years ago in karting.\u00a0In the 2000 season, Allan McNish in the Audi R8 won the American Le Mans Series for the first time. In 2006 and 2007, in the Audi R10 TDI, he again celebrated title wins in the North American sports car series. Four overall victories in the Sebring 12 Hours complement his track record in North America. Two of his three successes in the Le Mans 24 Hours he celebrated with Audi in 2008 and 2013. The early title win in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at Shanghai (China) five weeks ago marked the pinnacle of the Scotsman\u2019s career, who had initially pursed a classic career in formula racing.<\/p>\n