Chris Hoy set for elite return to track racing – in motor sport

Chris Hoy set for elite return to track racing – in motor sport

Olympic legend set on competing in Le Mans 24 Hour race in 2016

Published: April 8, 2014 at 2:00 pm

Sir Chris Hoy may have appeared motor-powered as he stormed to six Olympic gold medals and 11 world championship titles during his cycling career, but now he truly is swapping leg power for brake horsepower, with a goal of starting the Le Mans 24 Hour.

The Scot debuted as a race car driver in the SR1 series for novice drivers in 2013. And at the start of the busy year – in which he launched his bike range – he told The Telegaph that he didn't see himself becoming a champion driver. However he now appears to have changed his mind – perhaps velodrome race craft has helped his instincts on the race track.

Through a partnership with Nissan, the 38-year-old said: "My ultimate ambition is to race at Le Mans. That is the dream, but I’m taking this one step at a time."

Hoy will start his racing career in the British GT Championship series over the Easter weekend at Oulton Park Circuit.