United Autosports USA Overview
United Autosports USA is a prominent sports car racing team based in Mooresville, North Carolina. Founded in 2009 originally in Wakefield, England by Zak Brown and Richard Dean, the team has grown into a major competitor in endurance racing series worldwide. They compete in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, FIA World Endurance Championship, European Le Mans Series, and Asian Le Mans Series. United Autosports is known for its multiple championship victories, including two LMP2 class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2020 and 2024, and a win at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2025. The team maintains a strong partnership with McLaren Automotive as their official racing partner in the FIA WEC’s LMGT3 category starting in 2024.
Founding and Organizational Origins
United Autosports was established in 2009 by businessman Zak Brown and former racing driver Richard Dean. The team began in Wakefield, England, with a vision to compete at the highest levels of sports car endurance racing. From its inception, the team focused on building a strong operational structure, combining Brown’s business acumen with Dean’s racing experience. Early efforts were directed at assembling a skilled technical and driving staff to establish a competitive presence in various racing series. The founders aimed to create a team that could compete internationally while fostering driver development and technical innovation.
Growth Into IMSA SportsCar Championship Competition
Over the years, United Autosports expanded its operations from European-based series into global endurance racing, including the IMSA SportsCar Championship in the United States. The team developed technical alliances and partnerships, notably with Walkinshaw Andretti United in Australia, enhancing its competitive capabilities and operational reach. The expansion included signing prominent drivers and investing in advanced racing infrastructure. By 2023, United Autosports announced the establishment of a new base in Mooresville, North Carolina, to support its full-season IMSA competition, marking a significant step in its North American presence. The team also secured a partnership with McLaren Automotive to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship LMGT3 class from 2024, further solidifying its status in top-tier endurance racing.
United Autosports USA Competitive Journey
Since its founding, United Autosports USA has progressed through various racing series, achieving success in both prototype and GT categories. The team has consistently demonstrated competitive growth, securing multiple championships and endurance race victories across Europe, Asia, and North America. Their journey reflects a commitment to excellence, technical innovation, and strategic driver development.
Early Seasons and Development (2009–2015)
In its early years, United Autosports competed in series such as the British GT Championship and FIA GT3 European Championship. The team achieved podium finishes in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Spa and the Macau Grand Prix. They also partnered with Michael Shank Racing for the 2011 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, finishing fourth in the Daytona prototype class. The team’s early approach focused on gaining experience and building a competitive foundation, including becoming one of the first customers of the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 and securing their first wins in the British GT Championship. These formative years laid the groundwork for future successes by establishing strong technical capabilities and driver lineups.
Breakthrough in Endurance Racing (2016–2020)
United Autosports made significant strides entering prototype racing with LMP3 cars in the European Le Mans Series in 2016, winning both team and driver championships. The team debuted in LMP2 competition in 2017, achieving podiums and a strong finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2018, they expanded their presence by entering the FIA World Endurance Championship and Asian Le Mans Series, securing titles and podium finishes. The breakthrough came in 2020 when United Autosports won the 24 Hours of Le Mans LMP2 class for the first time, alongside victories in the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series. This historic triple championship marked the team as a dominant force in endurance racing.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2021–Present)
Currently, United Autosports operates with a strong focus on endurance racing across multiple series, including IMSA, FIA WEC, European Le Mans Series, and Asian Le Mans Series. The team has enhanced its infrastructure with a new base in Mooresville, North Carolina, to support its IMSA campaign. Ownership remains with Zak Brown and Richard Dean, with a key partnership established with McLaren Automotive from 2024 to compete in the LMGT3 category. The team fields competitive driver lineups featuring experienced and emerging talents. Their modern program emphasizes technical excellence, strategic race execution, and sustained championship pursuits.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
United Autosports is defined by its commitment to endurance racing excellence, combining strong technical development with strategic driver management. The team excels in multi-class endurance events, leveraging experience, adaptability, and collaboration with manufacturers like McLaren. Their strengths include consistent race pace, reliability, and the ability to nurture driver talent across various categories.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key milestones for United Autosports include their first LMP2 class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2020, a repeat win in 2024, and their inaugural 24 Hours of Daytona victory in 2025. The team’s historic triple championship in 2020 across Le Mans, FIA WEC, and European Le Mans Series stands out as a landmark achievement. Other notable moments include their expansion into IMSA competition and becoming McLaren Automotive’s official racing partner in the FIA WEC LMGT3 class.
United Autosports USA Achievements and Results
United Autosports USA has accumulated multiple prestigious wins and championships in endurance racing, establishing itself as a leading team in the sport. Their verified accomplishments include victories at iconic endurance events and multiple series championships.
FIA World Endurance Championship Achievements
United Autosports secured the FIA World Endurance Championship LMP2 title in 2020, highlighted by consistent podium finishes and race wins throughout the season. The team has continued to compete strongly in the WEC, achieving pole positions and podiums in the LMGT3 category since partnering with McLaren Automotive in 2024. Their success in WEC underscores their status as a top endurance racing competitor.
European Le Mans Series Achievements
The team has won the European Le Mans Series championship, including multiple LMP3 titles and strong performances in LMP2. United Autosports has demonstrated consistent competitiveness with race wins, podiums, and championship contention, reinforcing their expertise in European endurance racing circuits.
IMSA SportsCar Championship Achievements
United Autosports claimed their first IMSA SportsCar Championship win at Road America in 2024 and secured a victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2025. Their entry into IMSA marks a significant expansion of their competitive footprint in North America, with strong results indicating a promising future in the series.
Historic Racing Achievements
Beyond modern competition, United Autosports is active in historic racing, maintaining and racing a collection of classic race cars. They participate in prestigious historic events worldwide, including the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the Le Mans Classic, achieving class victories and showcasing their dedication to motorsport heritage.