The endurance racing world is set for a major shake-up as one of the grid's most respected veterans prepares to step away. Mike Conway, best known for his immense success with Toyota in sportscar racing, will officially hang up his helmet at the conclusion of the 2026 World Endurance Championship season, bringing down the curtain on an illustrious career at the pinnacle of motorsport.
The British driver will conclude a glittering resume that has so far yielded two victories at the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours, two LMP1/Hypercar world titles, four IndyCar race victories, alongside notable achievements including success at the prestigious Macau Grand Prix. Conway made the major announcement ahead of the penultimate round of the season in Barcelona on 18 October, arriving while he and his regular team-mates Nyck de Vries and Kamui Kobayashi remain firmly entrenched in the thick of the Hypercar world championship title fight.
While Toyota has yet to officially name a direct replacement for the 43-year-old veteran, it is widely understood that Kevin Estre is slated to take his place at the Cologne-based squad next year as part of a loan agreement with Porsche. Conway revealed that he arrived at the definitive decision to step back from professional competition in the immediate wake of securing his second outright triumph at the French endurance classic earlier this year.
Reflecting on his journey, Conway told Autosport: "It’s been an amazing journey, and one I wouldn’t change for the world. I’m immensely proud of the career I’ve had, and extremely grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way." Tracing his roots back to the age of eight when his father first introduced him to a local karting track, the Briton emphasized how that initial spark evolved into a lifelong dream job that carried him across the globe.
"Deciding to step back from full-time racing wasn’t easy, but after winning Le Mans for a second time this year, it felt like the right moment to close this chapter and focus on my family," Conway stated, bowing out as the most successful British driver in the championship’s storied history. Having been welcomed into the Japanese manufacturer's family in 2014, his departure will close a defining chapter of modern endurance racing, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of speed, consistency, and sportsmanship.
Read Also
Jack Aitken resmi mengunci gelar juara IMSA GTP 2026 di Petit Le Mans Road Atlanta, amankan titel ganda untuk tim Action Express dan Cadillac.
Jack Aitken unggul 147 poin atas Laurin Heinrich jelang Petit Le Mans. Simak preview final IMSA di Road Atlanta dan peluang gelar GTP.
Matt Campbell akan mengakhiri 10 tahun bersama Porsche di Petit Le Mans, balapan terakhirnya sebelum beralih ke Ford di WEC. Simak kisahnya.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!