The 21-year-old Californian, who now resides in Palm City, Florida, began his racing career in karts and then single seaters, racing GB4 and GB3 series in the UK before switching to sportscars in 2025 beginning with the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America series. Queen is racing in the Lamborghini series in 2026, while expanding his commitments to race a 23Events Racing run LMP3 Ligier-Toyota in the Michelin Le Mans Cup.
A second place in the season opener in Barcelona was followed by victory in Le Castellet earlier this month, which has put Queen and Maschio in second place in the championship standings, just one point behind R-ace GP duo Danial Frost and Enzo Peugeot.
So how does Colin Queen see the start of the MLMC season? “It’s been a strong start,” he said. “The whole team and I can be proud of what we’ve accomplished. A second in Barcelona and a win at Le Castellet, and we’re still finding more performance in the car on top of that.
“One thing I’ve taken away from these first two rounds is how quickly I’ve been able to adapt to both the LMP3 and new circuits. That puts me in a strong position going into Le Mans. I can use free practice to focus entirely on learning the track rather than still getting to grips with the car. The relationship with Giovanni and the team has come together quickly too, which is hugely important in endurance racing.”
So what influenced his decision to race in the Michelin Le Mans Cup? “ The Michelin Le Mans Cup is the most competitive LMP3 championship in the world, and for someone with ambitions in endurance racing it’s the right place to be. The opportunity came together quite quickly. I had a test with 23Events Racing in January at Dubai Autodrome, which led to signing for this season alongside my Lamborghini Super Trofeo campaign.
“Pipo Derani has been a huge influence over the last two years in helping me transition into GT and endurance racing. The goal is to compete at Hypercar level. This series is where that journey starts.
Having raced in single seaters in Europe, are any of the tracks on the 2026 MLMC calendar familiar? “Of the circuits on the calendar this year, Spa and Silverstone are the only ones I’ve raced before. I raced there in GB3. Every other track, including Le Mans, is new to me.”
What are Colin Queen’s thoughts on competing on the full circuit at Le Mans on the same weekend as the 24 Hours of Le Mans? “Le Mans is the race that stands apart from everything else on the calendar. There aren’t many chances to compete on that circuit, and being on the grid for Road To Le Mans is an opportunity I’m taking seriously. The 24 Hours is a goal, but you have to earn your way there. I’ve never been to the race before, so this weekend will be my first time experiencing it in any form. That makes it a significant round for more than one reason.”
Is there a part of the Circuit de la Sarthe that stands out for the American? “Most drivers would say the Porsche Curves, and I’m no different. The flow through that whole section is unlike anything else on the circuit. I’ve only experienced it in the simulator so far, but even there you can feel what it rewards when you get it right. I’m looking forward to experiencing it properly in the car.”
This year Road To Le Mans is a three-hour race, so will Queen be approaching this race any differently? “Having a four-hour NLS race under my belt from last year helps. The physical side of a three-hour race isn’t a concern. What changes is the strategic element. More pit stops, two required stints per driver, and more decisions around timing and stint allocation. Getting that right can be just as important as outright pace. It’s something I’ll be working through closely with the team heading into race week.”
Road To Le Mans is Round 3 of the 2026 Michelin Le Mans Cup and will be held on Friday 12 June, with qualifying the day before.
MLMC Live Streaming on FIAWEC+ App
The endurance ladder starts here. Watch the Michelin Le Mans Cup live for free on FIAWEC+, with official race coverage, replays and highlights from one of Europe’s most competitive LMP3, LMP3 Pro/Am and GT3 championships. Watch the Michelin Le Mans Cup live for free on https://plus.fiawec.com/en/michelin-le-mans-cup
