Tourisme Endurance Trophy: Ligier JS2 R Shines with Two Titles at the Le Mans Season Finale
From November 15 to 17, the 2024 Tourisme Endurance Trophy (TTE) wrapped up its season with a thrilling six-hour race on the iconic Bugatti Circuit in Le Mans. This grand finale saw Of Course Compétition secure the TTE Pirelli Series title and the Ligier JS2 R Trophy. In the TTE Pirelli Light category, another Ligier team distinguished itself by winning the coveted title: Bailly Sport.
Nine Ligier cars took to the track at the legendary venue, with six JS2 Rs competing in the TTE Pirelli Series and three in the TTE Pirelli Light.
During qualifying, the Ligier JS2 R #88 of JML Sport delivered an outstanding performance, clocking a 1:41.558 lap time to secure a spot on the front row with the second-best overall time. Three additional Ligier JS2 Rs (#64 from Extrême Limite, #99 from Of Course Compétition, and #14 from Lemal Racing) also earned places in the top 10.
A Race Full of Twists and Turns
As the championship leaders in both the TTE Pirelli Series and the Ligier JS2 R Trophy heading into the final round, Of Course Compétition adopted a cautious but strategic approach. Drivers Antoni DeBarn, Jean-Christophe David, Alexis Anthony, and Manu Roeckel-Zimpfer focused on maintaining a strong presence at the front to secure the titles.
The race took a dramatic turn after 90 minutes when a competitor's engine failure spilled oil onto the track, prompting a red flag. Just before the stoppage, the Ligier JS2 R #64 from Extrême Limite executed a well-timed pit stop and emerged as the leader at the restart. However, mechanical issues later in the race pushed the car down the order, ultimately finishing ninth overall and third among the Ligier JS2 Rs.
Meanwhile, the Ligier JS2 R #99 from Of Course Compétition steadily climbed through the top three, ultimately securing second place overall. With the race-winning car not entered for the full season, the #99 was awarded maximum points, marking its fourth victory of 2024. This strong result clinched a second consecutive TTE Pirelli Series title for the Alsace-based team and reclaimed the Ligier JS2 R Trophy, which had slipped to Extrême Limite the previous year.
A Ligier Sweep in TTE Pirelli Light
In the TTE Pirelli Light category, the Ligier JS2 R cars delivered a commanding performance, completing a historic triple podium. Christophe Féret and Frédéric Ramousse took the top spot with the #666 from TM EVOlution, followed by Benoît Bailly (#503, Bailly Sport) and brothers Romain and Vincent Duqueine (#127, DUC Racing).
Bailly Sport clinched the TTE Pirelli Light (640 points) followed by Duc Racing (520 points) and TM Evolution (360 points).
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
The Tourisme Endurance Trophy returns from April 4 to 6, 2025, at the Magny-Cours Circuit, promising another exciting season of high-stakes competition.
For more information on the Trophée Tourisme Endurance, CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE for more information on the Ligier JS2 R
Photo credit: TTE