Legendary Racer Richard Westbrook Bids Farewell to the Track

Richard Westbrook, a five-time Le Mans podium finisher, has announced his retirement from professional racing. The 49-year-old Briton's decision brings an end to a remarkable career that spanned over two decades, during which he competed as a factory driver for some of the most prestigious automotive brands in the world.

A Legacy of Triumph and Perseverance

A Storied Career Spanning Decades

Westbrook's racing journey began in the mid-1990s, when he competed in the Formula Opel Lotus Euroseries, showcasing his talent and potential. However, his single-seater career stalled in 1996, leading him to take a six-year hiatus from the sport. Undeterred, Westbrook returned to racing in 2002, embarking on a remarkable comeback that would see him become a factory driver for some of the most prestigious automotive brands in the world.

Conquering the Endurance Racing Landscape

Over the course of his illustrious career, Westbrook amassed an impressive array of achievements, including back-to-back Porsche Supercup titles in 2006-07 and class victories in the prestigious Sebring 12 Hours and Daytona 24 Hours endurance races in 2013 and 2018, respectively. His crowning glory, however, came in the form of three Le Mans podium finishes, with third-place overall finishes in 2022 and 2023 with Glickenhaus and Cadillac, as well as a trio of class podiums with Porsche, Ford, and Aston Martin.

Navigating the Highs and Lows of Motorsport

Despite his numerous successes, Westbrook's career was not without its challenges. He singled out his second-place overall finish in the 2015 IMSA points alongside Michael Valiante with the Spirit of Daytona team as a missed opportunity, as well as his four seasons racing for Chip Ganassi Racing in IMSA from 2016-19, where he and co-driver Ryan Briscoe came close to the championship but ultimately fell short.

The Decision to Retire

Westbrook's decision to retire was not an easy one, as he still had a year left on his contract with the JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche GTP team. However, the veteran driver acknowledged that the time had come to be honest with himself and step away from the sport he had dedicated so much of his life to. "You can't do it forever and at some point you have to be honest with yourself, say you've had a good run and pass on the baton," Westbrook told Motorsport.com.

Reflecting on a Remarkable Career

As Westbrook looks back on his career, he is filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. "I have to pinch myself sometimes what has happened over the past 20-odd years," he explained. "Everything happened so quickly: I went from doing nothing to driving for all these manufacturers." Despite the occasional regret, Westbrook is content with the way his career has unfolded, knowing that he has left an indelible mark on the world of motorsport.