United Autosports has confirmed Nico Pino as an IMSA Endurance driver for the 2024 WeatherTech SportsCar season, after Alex Quinn’s FIA licence status was uprated from silver to gold.
In light of the FIA driver licence classification changes made almost a month ago, Alex Quinn’s upgrade to a gold status has meant he will not be able to join Ben Keating and Ben Hanley next year in United’s IMSA efforts next year.
It is believed United Autosports appealed against the decision, but it was denied.
Pino, a silver-graded driver, will take Quinn’s former place as a United Autosports IMSA driver for the Endurance Cup rounds.
Richard Dean, United Autosports CEO, said: “Nico has been one of the standout drivers in both the IMSA and ELMS in recent seasons.
“As a young driver with so much success already and the potential to win so much more, we are delighted to have him at United Autosports for our first full season in IMSA next year.”
The Chilean has existing experience in sportscar racing since 2021, when he entered the European Le Mans Series as the youngest driver to do so at the 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.
Three ELMS wins followed in 2022, and earlier this year marked his first time behind the wheel of an Oreca 07 LMP2 car, claiming the season-opening 4 Hours of Barcelona race victory.
He also debuted at the Centenary Le Mans in which he took a third-placed finish alongside Duqueine teammates Rene Binder and Neel Jani.
Pino added: “United Autosports, a team with a prestigious history and reputation in motorsport is for sure the best place to progress my career.
“I am confident that alongside Ben Keating and Ben Hanley we can fight consistently for the top positions.
“I can’t wait to start working with the team to prepare the first race of the season, the 24 Hours of Daytona.
“I would like to thank Richard Dean and United Autosports for the opportunity to embrace this project.
“I will put all my effort into supporting this team.”
The 19-year-old has competed in selected IMSA LMP3 outings, having secured two podiums this year — the first of which was at the 24 Hours of Daytona.
The 2024 Endurance Cup season will consist of the Daytona 24 on 27-28 January, followed by the 12 Hours of Sebring on 16 March, and the Six Hours of the Glen on 23 June.
Afterwards, IMSA’s Battle on the Bricks on 22 September, and the annual running of Petit Le Mans on 12 October will conclude the Endurance season.
