The dream began, without him knowing it, at the International Motor Show last November. Among all the participants on the simulator that day, Lenny Kieffer takes his seat in the racing bucket. He is far from imagining what awaits him.
Lenny Kieffer is first and foremost a 16-year-old teenager full of the joys of life. With his infectious laugh and a hint of mischief, his natural assets have helped him stand out from the other contenders vying for victory in the Volant Elf. His perseverance, hard work and talent behind the wheel certainly played their part too. Having just been announced as the grand winner of the competition — which earns him a place in the Schumacher GP Racing Team — ACL Sport met him for an exclusive interview at the new brasserie at the Mondercange karting circuit, “The Paddock”.
Lenny Kieffer
“It all started at the IMS, where I finished in the top 3 fastest drivers. That top 3 was then invited to Paris, where the 100 best drivers selected through various qualifying routes came together. At the end of that round, I made it into the top 8, which earned me a place in the Final. Off to Lyon, at the Laquais circuit, for a three-day bootcamp where we went through a battery of tests, ranging from physical exercises to track driving at the wheel of an Alpine A110S, as well as language tests. At the end of those three days, the organiser selected the winner!”
Lenny Kieffer
“Absolutely, it is a unique opportunity. I worked very hard to get here, it has paid off and I am very proud. And my parents are delighted too, which makes me all the happier!”
Lenny Kieffer
“Obviously, what is happening to us is fantastic! For the record, we were told the day before that we had to go to Lyon. My father did not hesitate for a second and we hit the road — not everyone would have done that, and I consider myself lucky to have parents who support me fully.”
Lenny Kieffer
“Yes, exactly. The priority now is the Alpine Cup Series championship that I will be competing in with the team. I am also under contract, which does not allow me to drive just any type of car. But there will certainly be other opportunities later!”
Lenny Kieffer
“The team principal, Côme Ledogar, made it very clear that I need to get into shape (laughs)! Before the championship starts, training sessions on the simulator as well as behind the wheel of the race car are planned. In terms of results, we are aiming for the title in the Alpine Cup Series. We will then see what opportunities come our way.”
Lenny Kieffer’s season will consist of five rounds, each comprising two 60-minute races. The season opener will take place at Nogaro for the famous Coupes de Pâques in early April, before heading to Dijon, Magny-Cours and Paul Ricard. Lenny will also be racing very close to home, on 19–20–21 June at Spa-Francorchamps, the venue for the third round of the championship. Among the new developments this season, the Alpine Cup Series runs on track alongside the French GT4 Championship, which promises some exciting racing.
The full filmed interview, featuring a contribution from Esteban Ocon, Formula 1 driver, is available on our YouTube channel.
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