Inter Europol Competition Overview
Inter Europol Competition is a Polish auto racing endurance team founded in 2010 and based in the Warsaw metropolitan area, Małopole, Poland. The team competes in prestigious endurance racing events including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA SportsCar Championship, European Le Mans Series, Asian Le Mans Series, and Le Mans Cup. Known as the Turbo Bakers due to sponsorship by the Inter Europol SA bakery, the team has achieved significant success such as winning the LMP2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023 and the IMSA LMP2 championship in 2024. Jakub Śmiechowski serves as the team principal and driver, playing a key leadership role in guiding the team in international endurance racing.
Founding and Organizational Origins
Inter Europol Competition was founded in 2010, emerging from a collaboration between Maurycy Kochański’s Kochanski Motorsport and Michael Keese Motorsport. Initially competing in Formula Ford and Formula Three, the team moved into the Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup by 2010. Financial difficulties faced by Kochański led to Wojciech Śmiechowski, father of driver Jakub Śmiechowski and owner of the Inter Europol SA bakery, taking over the team. This transition resulted in the team being renamed Inter Europol Competition after its new owner and sponsor. The initial goal was to establish a competitive racing team supported by the bakery business, building a foundation in single-seater racing.
Growth Into Endurance Racing Competition
Inter Europol Competition expanded into endurance racing beginning in 2016 with entries in the European Le Mans Series and V de V Endurance Series. The team started with the LMP3 class, gradually building expertise and infrastructure to compete in longer endurance events. Over the next several years, the team increased its presence in endurance series, acquiring Ligier prototypes and expanding driver lineups. The move to endurance racing was marked by steady progress, including multiple championships in the V de V Endurance Series and strong performances in the European Le Mans Series. By 2019, the team stepped up to the LMP2 class and debuted at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking a significant milestone in their competitive evolution.
Inter Europol Competition Competitive Journey
Inter Europol Competition’s racing journey began in single-seater series before transitioning to endurance racing, where it has steadily risen through the ranks to compete at the highest levels internationally. The team has developed from regional formula series to winning prestigious endurance events and championships.
Early Seasons and Development (2010–2015)
During its first years, Inter Europol Competition focused on single-seater racing, competing in Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup and BOSS GP series. The team’s drivers achieved moderate success, with Jakub Śmiechowski finishing 12th overall in the 2011 Formula Renault season and winning the BOSS GP championship in 2014. These early years laid the groundwork for the team’s operational structure and competitive approach, although financial challenges led to ownership changes that stabilized the team.
Breakthrough in Endurance Racing (2016–2019)
Inter Europol Competition made its endurance racing debut in 2016, entering the European Le Mans Series and V de V Endurance Series with Ligier JS P3 cars. The team quickly found success, winning the V de V Endurance Series championships in 2016 and 2017. In 2018, the team secured the European Le Mans Series LMP3 championship and continued to build its endurance racing credentials. In 2019, the team advanced to the LMP2 class and made its debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking a major step in its competitive progression despite technical challenges.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2020–Present)
Since 2020, Inter Europol Competition has expanded its endurance racing program significantly, competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA SportsCar Championship, European Le Mans Series, Asian Le Mans Series, and Le Mans Cup. The team achieved a landmark victory by winning the LMP2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023 and secured the IMSA LMP2 championship in 2024. The team collaborates with American PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports for IMSA operations and maintains a strong driver lineup including Jakub Śmiechowski, Tom Dillmann, and others. Infrastructure improvements and strategic partnerships have positioned the team as a competitive force in international endurance racing.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
Inter Europol Competition is defined by its resilience, strategic consistency, and technical adaptability. The team excels in endurance formats requiring reliability, teamwork, and tactical precision. Its identity as the Turbo Bakers reflects a unique blend of commercial backing and racing passion, emphasizing steady development and competitive grit.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
The team’s first major milestone was winning the V de V Endurance Series championships in 2016 and 2017, followed by the European Le Mans Series LMP3 championship in 2018. The breakthrough victory in the LMP2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023 stands as the pinnacle achievement, complemented by the 2024 IMSA LMP2 championship. Notable moments include overcoming technical challenges at Le Mans and establishing successful international partnerships.
Inter Europol Competition Achievements and Results
Inter Europol Competition has accumulated multiple championships and podium finishes across various endurance racing series, establishing itself as a prominent team in the LMP2 and LMP3 categories worldwide.
Endurance Racing Achievements
The team’s achievements include winning the LMP2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023 and securing the IMSA SportsCar Championship LMP2 title in 2024. Additionally, Inter Europol Competition was the runner-up in the FIA World Endurance Championship LMP2 class in 2023 and has claimed multiple European Le Mans Series LMP3 championships. Their consistent presence on podiums and championship contention highlights their competitive stature.
Series Achievements
Inter Europol Competition has demonstrated strong performances in the European Le Mans Series, Asian Le Mans Series, and Le Mans Cup, with notable titles such as the European Le Mans Series LMP3 championship in 2018 and the Asian Le Mans Series championship in 2018–19. The team’s progression into the IMSA SportsCar Championship and World Endurance Championship further underscores its growth and ambition in endurance racing.
