From FR Americas to GT: Ryan Shehan’s European Racing Debut in the Ligier European Series at Mugello
Ryan Shehan, the 2023 Vice Champion in the Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas), took a significant step in his racing career with his European and GT racing debut in the Ligier European Series at Mugello, in Italy, on September 27-28, 2024. The 18-year-old Texan driver competed in the #86 Ligier JS2 R for Les Deux Arbres, teaming up with Belgian driver Sita Vanmeert.
This exciting opportunity was part of Shehan's award for finishing Runner-Up in FR Americas, and it marked his first-ever experience racing both in Europe and in a GT car. Shehan was eager to embrace the new challenge, stating, “It is my first time testing or driving a GT car. I'm looking forward to something new. I have only driven Formula cars before, so I think it will be really different. I'm looking forward to a new experience and I just want to learn as much as I can.”
A New Format and Team Experience
The Ligier European Series race weekend at Mugello featured an action-packed format with two 40-minute practice sessions, two 15-minute qualifying sessions, and two one-hour endurance races, each with a mandatory pit stop and driver change. For Shehan, this presented not only a new racing environment but also his first experience racing with a co-driver.
“Teaming up with a co-driver is also new to me. I'm not sure how it will go but hopefully we can both be on around the same pace,” he added, reflecting on the dynamic of sharing the car with Vanmeert.
A Solid Start in Practice and Qualifying
Shehan showed strong progress throughout the weekend. In Free Practice 1, he finished 7th, improving to 5th in Free Practice 2. He qualified the #86 Ligier JS2 R in 6th place as did Vanmeert in her qualifying (each driver being required to complete one qualifying session).
Despite a promising start, Race 1 took an unfortunate turn when Shehan spun and was unable to finish the race, resulting in a DNF. However, he rebounded in Race 2, and finished with Vanmeert 7th.
Reflecting on the weekend, Shehan shared, “Race 1 and Race 2 were action-packed. Unfortunately, I had a little incident in Race 1. Race 2 was good. I ran close to other cars and had a good pace. So, a very good weekend overall. Super fun experience. First time in a GT sportscar. I hope I can come back soon.”
Looking Ahead
Shehan's debut in Europe and in the Ligier JS2 R marks a new chapter in his promising racing career. With his adaptability and eagerness to learn, he has already shown he can handle the challenges of GT racing. This experience not only highlights his growth but also reflects Ligier Automotive's commitment to nurturing the next generation of drivers, both in the United States and in Europe.
By offering opportunities like this to talented young drivers, Ligier Automotive continues to demonstrate its dedication to developing future stars of motorsport. Through partnerships, competitive platforms like the Ligier European Series, and its presence in championships such as Ligier JS F4 Series, F4 U.S. Championships and FR Americas, Ligier provides rising talents with the tools and opportunities to excel across different racing disciplines and continents.
Fans of the sport will be eager to see what's next for the young Texan as he continues to make strides on the international racing stage.
For more information on the FR Americas, CLICK HERE.
For more information on the Ligier European Series, CLICK HERE.