Nick Leventis
Encyclopedia
Nick Leventis is a British professional racing driver and founder of Strakka Racing
. In 2010, the Strakka team of Leventis, Danny Watts
, and Jonny Kane
won the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans
in the LMP2 category. In August Leventis and Strakka secured their first overall victory in the Le Mans Series
, winning the 1000 km of Hungaroring
.
Leventis is also an ambassador for Global Angels
, an international charity. He recently raised £100,000 for the charity by skydiving over Mount Everest
on 19 October 2010.
, London
and educated at Harrow School
. Leventis initially competed in downhill alpine skiing
until a serious back injury in 2003 forced him to quit the sport at a professional level. From here he turned his focus to motorsports.
Silverstone 24 Hours. Leventis also took up historic racing, winning the Roy Salvadori
Trophy at the Silverstone
Classic meeting with a 1957 Aston Martin DBR1
in both 2006 and 2007.
In 2006 and 2007 Leventis competed in Belgian Touring Car Series
and Italian Superturismo Championship
, earning several podiums, as well as two class victories at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
. In endurance racing he won the Vallelunga Silver Cup
two years in a while, while also finishing second in the Vallelunga Gold Cup
. During 2007 Leventis founded Strakka racing.
Leventis and Strakka began their international debut in the Le Mans Series
in 2008 after purchasing an Aston Martin DBR9
for the GT1 category. The team earned two fourth place finishes, but failed to finish the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For 2009 Strakka moved to the LMP1 category with a Ginetta
-Zytek
sports prototype
. Professional racing driver Danny Watts
was hired to partner Leventis and Peter Hardman. The trio claimed pole position
for the opening round of the Le Mans Series, but failed to challenge for the season championship. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans the team's car finished 21st.
In 2010 the Strakka team competed changed cars once more, purchasing an HPD ARX-01 for the LMP2 category of sports prototypes. The team won their class on three occasions during the Le Mans Series season, including taking the overall race win at the 1000 km of Hungaroring
, but failed to secure the Teams Championship after two retiresments. At Le Mans the team successfully won their class and set several new records for the category including the greatest distance covered and highest overall finishing position for the class.
stable.
In October, 2010 Nick completed a 30,000ft tandem skydive over Mount Everest
with jump partner Tom Noonan in what was a new Himalayan record. The jump was made in aid of the Global Angels
foundation, a children's charity working with disadvantaged children The Everest jump is considered to be the most dangerous in the world, given the high altitude and thick air. Nick Leventis will be attempting to create solo skydive records in the New Year (2011). Leventis' skydiving has been part of an effort to raise funds for his personal charity, Global Angels
.
Strakka Racing
Strakka Racing is a British auto racing team founded by Nick Leventis. The team is based at the Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire. They currently operate a HPD ARX-01C sports car in the Le Mans Series. The team made history at the 2010 1000 km of Hungaroring when they became the first team in...
. In 2010, the Strakka team of Leventis, Danny Watts
Danny Watts
Danny Watts is a British racing driver.Danny Watts started racing in 1993, when he began karting. After five seasons of karting, he stepped up to single seater racing in 1998 in the UK Formula First championship, in which he dominated with 12 wins...
, and Jonny Kane
Jonny Kane
Jonny Kane is a racing driver who has competed at various levels of motorsport. He currently drives for Strakka Racing in the Le Mans Series.Kane, who was born in Comber, Northern Ireland, began his career in karting and Formula Ford...
won the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans
2010 24 Hours of Le Mans
The 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 78th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, also known as the Grand Prix of Endurance. The race took place on 12–13 June 2010 at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, and was organised by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest . Fifty-six cars participated in the...
in the LMP2 category. In August Leventis and Strakka secured their first overall victory in the Le Mans Series
Le Mans Series
The Le Mans Series is a European sports car racing endurance series based around the 24 Hours of Le Mans race and run by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest . The series was originally named the Le Mans Endurance Series, but changed its name prior to the 2006 season...
, winning the 1000 km of Hungaroring
2010 1000 km of Hungaroring
The 2010 1000 km of Hungaroring was the fourth round of the 2010 Le Mans Series season. It took place at the Hungaroring, Hungary on 22 August 2010. It was the first time a Le Mans Series event will take place at the Hungarian track....
.
Leventis is also an ambassador for Global Angels
Global Angels
Global Angels an international charity founded by Molly Bedingfield. Molly's children Daniel Bedingfield, Natasha Bedingfield and Nikola Rachelle have contributed greatly to the organization and the organization is a children's charity meant to stop child trafficking and child poverty.Yamaha...
, an international charity. He recently raised £100,000 for the charity by skydiving over Mount Everest
Mount Everest
Mount Everest is the world's highest mountain, with a peak at above sea level. It is located in the Mahalangur section of the Himalayas. The international boundary runs across the precise summit point...
on 19 October 2010.
Early life
Nick Leventis was born in KensingtonKensington
Kensington is a district of west and central London, England within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. An affluent and densely-populated area, its commercial heart is Kensington High Street, and it contains the well-known museum district of South Kensington.To the north, Kensington is...
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
and educated at Harrow School
Harrow School
Harrow School, commonly known simply as "Harrow", is an English independent school for boys situated in the town of Harrow, in north-west London.. The school is of worldwide renown. There is some evidence that there has been a school on the site since 1243 but the Harrow School we know today was...
. Leventis initially competed in downhill alpine skiing
Alpine skiing
Alpine skiing is the sport of sliding down snow-covered hills on skis with fixed-heel bindings. Alpine skiing can be contrasted with skiing using free-heel bindings: Ski mountaineering and nordic skiing – such as cross-country; ski jumping; and Telemark. In competitive alpine skiing races four...
until a serious back injury in 2003 forced him to quit the sport at a professional level. From here he turned his focus to motorsports.
Racing
In 2001 Leventis began his career in motor racing while still alpine skiing. Following his back injury, he raced in the BMW LMA Euro Saloon Championship and finished as runner-up. Leventis also competed in endurance racing and achieved a class win and sixth overall in the first-ever BritcarBritcar
Britcar is an Endurance Motor Racing series formed in 1997, as a result of a discussion in a Nürburgring bar between Willie Moore and James Tucker. Folklore has it that James Tucker and John Veness formed the organizing European Endurance & Racing Club with a £10 note found on the ground...
Silverstone 24 Hours. Leventis also took up historic racing, winning the Roy Salvadori
Roy Salvadori
Roy Francesco Salvadori is a former motor racing driver and manager from England. He participated in 50 Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, debuting on 12 July 1952, and achieved two podiums, scoring a total of 19 Championship points.During a varied career he also won the 24 Hours of Le...
Trophy at the Silverstone
Silverstone Circuit
Silverstone Circuit is an English motor racing circuit next to the Northamptonshire villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury. The circuit straddles the Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire border, with the current main circuit entry on the Buckinghamshire side...
Classic meeting with a 1957 Aston Martin DBR1
Aston Martin DBR1
The Aston Martin DBR1 was a sports racing car built by Aston Martin starting in 1956, intended for the World Sportscar Championship as well as non-championship sportscar races at the time...
in both 2006 and 2007.
In 2006 and 2007 Leventis competed in Belgian Touring Car Series
Belgian Touring Car Series
The Belgian Touring Car Series is an endurance touring car racing series based in Belgium. It is organised by Speedworld and sanctioned by the Royal Automobile Club Belgium.-Race format:...
and Italian Superturismo Championship
Italian Superturismo Championship
The Italian Superturismo Championship was Italy's national motorsport series for touring cars. It was established in 1987 and its drivers' title has been held by such notable drivers as Le Mans winner Emanuele Pirro and two-time Champ Car champion Alex Zanardi.-History:Established in 1987 the...
, earning several podiums, as well as two class victories at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is the venue of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix and the Spa 24 Hours endurance race. It is also home to the all Volkswagen club event, 25 Hours of Spa, run by the Uniroyal Fun Cup. It is one of the most challenging race tracks in the world, mainly due to its...
. In endurance racing he won the Vallelunga Silver Cup
6 Hours of Vallelunga
The 6 Hours of Vallelunga is an endurance sports car racing event held annually at the ACI Vallelunga Circuit in Vallelunga, Italy....
two years in a while, while also finishing second in the Vallelunga Gold Cup
6 Hours of Vallelunga
The 6 Hours of Vallelunga is an endurance sports car racing event held annually at the ACI Vallelunga Circuit in Vallelunga, Italy....
. During 2007 Leventis founded Strakka racing.
Leventis and Strakka began their international debut in the Le Mans Series
Le Mans Series
The Le Mans Series is a European sports car racing endurance series based around the 24 Hours of Le Mans race and run by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest . The series was originally named the Le Mans Endurance Series, but changed its name prior to the 2006 season...
in 2008 after purchasing an Aston Martin DBR9
Aston Martin DBR9
The Aston Martin DBR9 is a racing car built by Aston Martin Racing, debuting in 2005. The name DBR9 is derived from the original 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning DBR1 car, named for then-owner David Brown, which not only won the 24 Hour race in 1959 but also the World Sportscar title.-Development:Based...
for the GT1 category. The team earned two fourth place finishes, but failed to finish the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For 2009 Strakka moved to the LMP1 category with a Ginetta
Ginetta Cars
Ginetta Cars is a Garforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire based British specialist builder of racing and sports cars.-20th century:Ginetta was founded in 1958 by the four Walklett brothers in Woodbridge, Suffolk...
-Zytek
Zytek
Zytek Group Ltd is an automotive and motorsport company founded in 1981 and based in Fradley and Repton, United Kingdom. Zytek Group has two main division: Zytek Automotive, which is based at Fradley, Staffordshire; and Zytek Engineering, which is based at Repton, Derbyshire.-Zytek Automotive:Zytek...
sports prototype
Sports prototype
A sports prototype, also referred to as simply a prototype, is a form of racing car that is used as a top category in sports car racing. These purpose-built racing cars differ from street-legal and production-based racing cars that also compete in sports car racing.Prototype racing cars have...
. Professional racing driver Danny Watts
Danny Watts
Danny Watts is a British racing driver.Danny Watts started racing in 1993, when he began karting. After five seasons of karting, he stepped up to single seater racing in 1998 in the UK Formula First championship, in which he dominated with 12 wins...
was hired to partner Leventis and Peter Hardman. The trio claimed pole position
Pole position
The term "pole position", as used in motorsports, comes from the horse racing term where the number one starter starts on the inside next to the inside pole. The term made its way, along with several other customs, to auto racing. In circuit motorsports, a driver has pole position when he or she...
for the opening round of the Le Mans Series, but failed to challenge for the season championship. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans the team's car finished 21st.
In 2010 the Strakka team competed changed cars once more, purchasing an HPD ARX-01 for the LMP2 category of sports prototypes. The team won their class on three occasions during the Le Mans Series season, including taking the overall race win at the 1000 km of Hungaroring
2010 1000 km of Hungaroring
The 2010 1000 km of Hungaroring was the fourth round of the 2010 Le Mans Series season. It took place at the Hungaroring, Hungary on 22 August 2010. It was the first time a Le Mans Series event will take place at the Hungarian track....
, but failed to secure the Teams Championship after two retiresments. At Le Mans the team successfully won their class and set several new records for the category including the greatest distance covered and highest overall finishing position for the class.
Extreme sports
After his skiing accident sidelined his ability to compete in the sport, Leventis began to develop an interest in extreme sports and is a regular surfer and wake boarder. In 2007 Nick joined the Relentless ArtistRelentless (drink)
Relentless is the brand name of an energy drink created in February 2006 by The Coca-Cola Company. It has been compared to energy drinks such as Red Bull, and is known for its sweet taste. The drink has also been the subject of court proceedings for breach of trademark by Relentless Records...
stable.
In October, 2010 Nick completed a 30,000ft tandem skydive over Mount Everest
Mount Everest
Mount Everest is the world's highest mountain, with a peak at above sea level. It is located in the Mahalangur section of the Himalayas. The international boundary runs across the precise summit point...
with jump partner Tom Noonan in what was a new Himalayan record. The jump was made in aid of the Global Angels
Global Angels
Global Angels an international charity founded by Molly Bedingfield. Molly's children Daniel Bedingfield, Natasha Bedingfield and Nikola Rachelle have contributed greatly to the organization and the organization is a children's charity meant to stop child trafficking and child poverty.Yamaha...
foundation, a children's charity working with disadvantaged children The Everest jump is considered to be the most dangerous in the world, given the high altitude and thick air. Nick Leventis will be attempting to create solo skydive records in the New Year (2011). Leventis' skydiving has been part of an effort to raise funds for his personal charity, Global Angels
Global Angels
Global Angels an international charity founded by Molly Bedingfield. Molly's children Daniel Bedingfield, Natasha Bedingfield and Nikola Rachelle have contributed greatly to the organization and the organization is a children's charity meant to stop child trafficking and child poverty.Yamaha...
.
24 Hours of Le Mans results
| Year | Class | No | Tyres | Car | Team | Co-Drivers | Laps | Pos. | Class Pos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 76th Grand Prix of Endurance, taking place on 14–15 June 2008 at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, organised by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest . The test day was on June 1. The race was attended by 258,000 spectators... |
GT1 | 53 | Aston Martin DBR9 Aston Martin DBR9 The Aston Martin DBR9 is a racing car built by Aston Martin Racing, debuting in 2005. The name DBR9 is derived from the original 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning DBR1 car, named for then-owner David Brown, which not only won the 24 Hour race in 1959 but also the World Sportscar title.-Development:Based... Aston Martin Aston Martin Aston Martin Lagonda Limited is a British manufacturer of luxury sports cars, based in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The company name is derived from the name of one of the company's founders, Lionel Martin, and from the Aston Hill speed hillclimb near Aston Clinton in Buckinghamshire... 6.0L V12 |
 Vitaphone Racing Team Strakka RacingStrakka Racing Strakka Racing is a British auto racing team founded by Nick Leventis. The team is based at the Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire. They currently operate a HPD ARX-01C sports car in the Le Mans Series. The team made history at the 2010 1000 km of Hungaroring when they became the first team in... |
Peter Hardman Peter Hardman Peter Hardman is an English racing driver.Peter boasts an extensive motor racing history as a multiple race winner and one of Britain’s most experienced international drivers...  Alexandre Sarnes NegrãoAlexandre Sarnes Negrão Alexandre Sarnes Negrão , nicknamed Xandinho, is a Brazilian race car driver. He raced in the first three seasons of the GP2 Series, all with the Piquet Sports team, having won the Formula Three Sudamericana championship in 2004.... |
82 | DNF | DNF | |
| 2009 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 77th Grand Prix of Endurance, an endurance auto race run over 24 hours. It took place at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, and was organised by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest over June 13–14, 2009 and was started by Fiat and Ferrari chairman Luca... |
LMP1 | 23 | Ginetta-Zytek Zytek Zytek Group Ltd is an automotive and motorsport company founded in 1981 and based in Fradley and Repton, United Kingdom. Zytek Group has two main division: Zytek Automotive, which is based at Fradley, Staffordshire; and Zytek Engineering, which is based at Repton, Derbyshire.-Zytek Automotive:Zytek... GZ09S Zytek Zytek Zytek Group Ltd is an automotive and motorsport company founded in 1981 and based in Fradley and Repton, United Kingdom. Zytek Group has two main division: Zytek Automotive, which is based at Fradley, Staffordshire; and Zytek Engineering, which is based at Repton, Derbyshire.-Zytek Automotive:Zytek... ZJ458 4.5L V8 |
Strakka Racing Strakka Racing Strakka Racing is a British auto racing team founded by Nick Leventis. The team is based at the Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire. They currently operate a HPD ARX-01C sports car in the Le Mans Series. The team made history at the 2010 1000 km of Hungaroring when they became the first team in... |
Peter Hardman Peter Hardman Peter Hardman is an English racing driver.Peter boasts an extensive motor racing history as a multiple race winner and one of Britain’s most experienced international drivers... Danny WattsDanny Watts Danny Watts is a British racing driver.Danny Watts started racing in 1993, when he began karting. After five seasons of karting, he stepped up to single seater racing in 1998 in the UK Formula First championship, in which he dominated with 12 wins... |
325 | 21st | 14th | |
| 2010 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 78th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, also known as the Grand Prix of Endurance. The race took place on 12–13 June 2010 at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, and was organised by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest . Fifty-six cars participated in the... |
LMP2 | 42 | HPD ARX-01C HPD Honda Performance Development Honda Performance Development, Inc. is a subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co. which was establish in 1993 and is based in Santa Clarita, California... AL7R 3.4L V8 |
Strakka Racing Strakka Racing Strakka Racing is a British auto racing team founded by Nick Leventis. The team is based at the Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire. They currently operate a HPD ARX-01C sports car in the Le Mans Series. The team made history at the 2010 1000 km of Hungaroring when they became the first team in... |
Danny Watts Danny Watts Danny Watts is a British racing driver.Danny Watts started racing in 1993, when he began karting. After five seasons of karting, he stepped up to single seater racing in 1998 in the UK Formula First championship, in which he dominated with 12 wins... Jonny KaneJonny Kane Jonny Kane is a racing driver who has competed at various levels of motorsport. He currently drives for Strakka Racing in the Le Mans Series.Kane, who was born in Comber, Northern Ireland, began his career in karting and Formula Ford... |
367 | 5th | 1st | |
| 2011 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 79th Grand Prix of Endurance, and took place on 11–12 June 2011 at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, and organised by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest... |
LMP2 | 42 | HPD ARX-01d HPD Honda Performance Development Honda Performance Development, Inc. is a subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co. which was establish in 1993 and is based in Santa Clarita, California... HR28TT 2.8L Turbo V6 |
Strakka Racing Strakka Racing Strakka Racing is a British auto racing team founded by Nick Leventis. The team is based at the Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire. They currently operate a HPD ARX-01C sports car in the Le Mans Series. The team made history at the 2010 1000 km of Hungaroring when they became the first team in... |
Danny Watts Danny Watts Danny Watts is a British racing driver.Danny Watts started racing in 1993, when he began karting. After five seasons of karting, he stepped up to single seater racing in 1998 in the UK Formula First championship, in which he dominated with 12 wins... Jonny KaneJonny Kane Jonny Kane is a racing driver who has competed at various levels of motorsport. He currently drives for Strakka Racing in the Le Mans Series.Kane, who was born in Comber, Northern Ireland, began his career in karting and Formula Ford... |
144 | DNF | DNF | |