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Fassbender’s Road to Le Mans a step close to reality this weekend

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ROAD TO LE MANS: Michael Fassbender's ambitions of tackling the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans Race will take a step closer this weekend. Photo: Porsche Media Services.

 

By Sean Moriarty

 

Local Hollywood A-lister Michael Fassbender’s dream of taking part in the biggest endurance motor race in the world will take a step close to reality this weekend.

The Fossa man has held long-term ambitions to contest the legendary 24 Hours Le Mans Race in France.

Last year, as part of his preparation, he competed in national-level Porsche Sports Club events in Germany at the wheel of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup as well as driving a Ford Escort Mk2 in the cartell.ie Rally of the Lakes.

He also contested rounds of the Ferrari Challenge North America in 2017 and 2018.

His German Porsche Cup races featured on his popular online documentary ‘Road to Le Mans’.

The final rung on the ladder is the European Le Mans Series, a five round endurance racing championship that gets underway at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France this weekend.

Fassbender has signed for the Proton Competition team and will drive a Porsche 911 RSR in the GTE class in the series and a successful season will pave the way for his debut at Le Mans next June.

The 43-year-old will share the car with Porsche factory drivers Richard Lietz and Felipe Fernandez Laser.

“Even before I started acting, I had a big dream to go racing - it was clear to me at a young age,” he said. “My father was a driving enthusiast who taught me a lot.”

Porsche will work closely with the local Hollywood star and his progress in the European championship will feature in further episodes of ‘Road to Le Mans’.

“It’s always wonderful to be able to tackle new projects. This is a very special one,” says Proton Competition team owner Christian Ried who has worked with another notable Hollywood celebrity and Porsche racing enthusiast Patrick Dempsey at Le Mans. “It’ll be interesting to see how Michael progresses. As a team, we’re delighted to be able to accompany him on his ‘Road to Le Mans’.”

Following Sunday’s four-hour race, Fassbender will also tackle events in Belgium, Spain and Italy, ahead of the season finale in Portugal on November 1.

Fans can follow the race or Saturday’s qualifying session via: live.europeanlemansseries.com.

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Newstalk Summer Tour arrives in Killarney

Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town. On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with […]

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Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town.

On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman will be live from the Café du Parc in the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, kicking off at 7 am.
Ciara and Shane are scheduled to speak with local Kerry figures and take a trip on Killarney’s jaunting cars to see the sights.
Kelly said: “I am so excited to head to Killarney. I have had some fantastic memories as a child visiting Kerry and can’t wait to go back for Newstalk’s Summer tour!”
Coleman added: “Kerry is a wonderful place to visit and I am looking forward to seeing its natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich history.”
The week-long tour is taking the full Newstalk experience to towns across Ireland, featuring live shows, special guests, and conversation.

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Ring of Kerry Cycle to honour founder Paddy O’Donoghue

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This year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, scheduled for July 5, will be run in memory of Paddy O’Donoghue, a founding member of the event.

Mr O’Donoghue, aged 81, from Muckross, passed away following a road collision in Kilgarvan on Tuesday, this week.

Paddy was a retired Kerry County Council engineer, affectionately known as ‘Paddy the Engineer’.

He was a driving force behind the annual charity cycle since its inception in 1982, regularly participating and fundraising for various causes. Beyond his cycling contributions, the Glenflesk native was also a notable footballer, having been part of the East Kerry team that secured the first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1971.

Cathal Walshe, PRO of the Ring of Kerry Cycle said: “On behalf of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle I wish to extend sincere sympathy to Brenda and the O’Donoghue family on the sad and sudden loss of Paddy.

“He was a fantastic supporter of the annual charity cycle since it’s inception back in the 80s. A regular participant and wonderful fundraiser for whatever charity he chose. Paddy loved a challenge in whatever he undertook and was the epitome of what the event was all about. We miss the banter and craic but he won’t ever be forgotten. This year’s event will be dedicated to his memory on July the 5th. His likes will never be seen again. Slan Abhaile our friend.”

Tributes have been paid to Mr O’Donoghue, including from his local Glenflesk GAA club, who stated, “Glenflesk GAA would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Paddy O’Donoghue on his sad passing. He was a true Glenflesk stalwart as a player, mentor and lifelong supporter.”

Paddy is survived by his wife Brenda, children Florence, Áine, Denise, Brenda, Báirbre, Patrick, and Alice, 17 grandchildren, his brother John, sisters Margaret, Kathleen, and Anna, and a wide circle of relatives and friends.

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