Introducing: Austin McCusker

Uncertain times reign supreme in the world and thus in the world of motorsport.

When will racing restart and what will calendars look like?

With the world in lockdown, this is the ideal time to get to know IMSA’s reigning LMP3 champion, Austin McCusker, as the New York native prepares for his maiden season in the European Le Mans Series with Inter Europol Competition.

After a few years in karting and single seaters, you made the relatively early switch to sportscars, moving into LMP3’s aged 20. How important has that been to your career development?

“It was the best decision I made in my career by far but probably also one of the hardest. The open-wheel ladder is always where a young driver will start out and dreams of but it is very costly and most of the time there is a shortage of seats when you get to the top of the ladder. In endurance racing, there is so much opportunity available for young drivers to have a long career in motorsport and I feel that choice is paying off for me.”

You first popped onto our radar in 2018, coming very close to winning the IMSA LMP3 championship in 2018 before taking the title last year. How would you describe the 2019 season?

“Consistency was key. Both myself and Rodrigo Pflucker managed to basically do well in every weekend. The 47 Motorsports team also developed the car further, we had a better baseline setup that we really got a grip on towards the end of the 2018 season. And because it was our second season with the Norma LMP3, we also have a lot more information prior to race weekends than we did a year before. So yeah, it all came together for us.”

That title put the spotlight firmly onto yourself and your plans for 2020. You signed with Inter Europol Racing for the upcoming ELMS season, how did you end up with the squad?

“We looked at moving to the ELMS already for 2019 but at the time we had unfinished business in the IMSA series and I really wanted to try and win it for 47 Motorsport owner Garrett Kletijan. But it was clear then that the ELMS was where I would most probably be headed next. I came over for the Spa-Francorchamps round and discussions started from there. Before I knew it I was part of one of the most successful teams in LMP3 racing worldwide and I cannot wait for the season to get started when it eventually does.”

What do you expect from your maiden season in Europe?

“First, it will be hard work. Adapting to new tracks, a new environment and a new car. Not only have I only raced the Norma before and the team races with a Ligier which has different characteristics. But the new regulations mean that we all will be learning on the job. It means that you have to be with a top team to be able to race for wins and I believe I have ended up right where I need to be able to do that.”

Final question. The 24 hours of Le Mans is arguably the biggest motorsport event in the world but there are a few endurance classics in the US as well. Which is the one you most want to win?

“Who says I need to choose? But if it comes down to it, Le Mans is the one. We all want to win that!”