Alec Udell heads into the 2026 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps with growing confidence after claiming his maiden championship victory with TF Sport at Imola.
The American combined with Blake McDonald and reigning LMGT3 champion Charlie Eastwood to take the No. 33 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R to victory during the 4 July weekend. The result also helped the crew move into the LMGT3 championship lead at the halfway point of the six-round season.
Now approaching Spa, Udell believes TF Sport has begun to establish strong momentum. However, the 30-year-old remains cautious about the Corvette’s potential at the Belgian circuit and believes another top-five finish would represent a positive result.
Imola victory carries extra significance for Udell
Udell’s breakthrough came on a particularly significant weekend for the American driver. He claimed his first ELMS victory in an American car while racing on 4 July during the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations.
Having followed Corvette’s international racing efforts from an early age, Udell described the opportunity to contribute to the marque’s success in Europe as a long-held ambition.
“For sure it was pretty special,” he admitted. “For me as an American getting to race the corvette internationally is a dream. I grew up watching them at Le Mans and playing all the video games I could with the car.”
The setting and timing added further significance to his first victory in the championship.
“To have the first win in it at such a spectacular venue while carrying the American flag on the 4th of July on the 250th – it doesn’t seem like a real statement. A lot of blessings in my life and I count this one as a huge one for the year.”
TF Sport finds stronger rhythm after difficult start
Although Udell has extensive experience racing in the United States and has previously competed in major European events such as the Nürburgring 24 Hours, 2026 marks his first complete ELMS campaign.
The season did not begin as planned. Contact caused by another competitor ended his Barcelona hopes, before TF Sport responded with a more productive second round at Le Castellet. Imola then provided the breakthrough.
“The last race obviously was the highlight,” he said. “The first race in Barcelona was one to forget, getting taken out from someone else’s mistake and the second race in Le Castellet was a solid run.”
With three rounds completed, Udell believes the team has established a platform it can build on during the championship run-in.
“I think we’re hitting a good stride now and looking toward continuing the execution of the second half of the season.”
Simulator work remains important for unfamiliar circuits
Udell will face another challenge during the second half of the season as he continues learning circuits without extensive prior testing.
Rather than changing its approach after moving into the championship lead, TF Sport will continue relying on preparation away from the track and the team’s existing data.
“The second half of the season for us is going to be the same as the first, a couple new tracks with no prior testing, so leaning on sim work and previous season setup data. We’ve got the tools and the team to handle the hurdles.”
That preparation takes on particular importance at Spa, where confidence and commitment can make a significant difference around the 7km circuit.
Udell does at least have some previous experience at the venue, having driven there once before his 2026 ELMS visit.
Spa’s rhythm impresses Udell
Like many drivers, Udell rates Spa highly because of the variety and flow of its layout. High-speed sections demand commitment, while the more technical areas require drivers to maintain rhythm and trust the car beneath them.
“Iconic is what comes to mind. I’ve had the opportunity to drive it on one other occasion, and I completely understand the love for it. All elements are there with high-speed commitment, rhythm, trust in the car and technical sections. It’s put together in a way that makes each lap so fluid; it’s a lovely place to drive at.”
However, Spa has not yet displaced the venue where Udell secured his first ELMS victory.
“I can’t say yet whether it’s my favourite, Imola is holding that spot for the moment. Maybe check in again after the weekend.”
Les Fagnes could suit the Corvette
Udell has already identified one section where he believes the Corvette could perform particularly well.
The sequence through Les Fagnes and into Stavelot combines medium-speed corners with the type of rhythm that Udell feels suits the characteristics of the TF Sport car.
“For me I like the flow of Les Fagnes into Stavelot. For me the rhythm sections in medium speed fit the Corvette nicely. I think that’ll be a strong area for us.”
Nevertheless, the American remains cautious about the overall competitive picture. Results from the FIA World Endurance Championship’s visit to Spa earlier this year suggest the Corvette may face a difficult outright pace comparison.
Consequently, Udell has set measured expectations despite entering the weekend as an LMGT3 championship leader.
Udell sees top five as positive Spa result
TF Sport’s championship position means consistency now carries increasing importance alongside outright performance.
Udell would welcome another podium after Imola but believes a top-five finish could still represent a useful outcome if the Corvette encounters the pace limitations he expects.
“A top five finish would be good; a podium would be electric. I think we’ll struggle for pace at Spa based on the WEC results earlier in the season.”
However, he does not want to make definitive predictions before seeing how the car performs in ELMS conditions.
“It’s hard to draw direct conclusions of course, eyes are up and focused on getting the most out of the car and seeing from there what we can do!”
That approach reflects TF Sport’s wider position heading into the second half of the campaign. Rather than allowing its Imola success to change expectations dramatically, the team will focus on maximising each weekend as the title fight develops.
Faith provides consistency away from racing
Away from the circuit, Udell has also embraced the experience of travelling through Europe during his first full ELMS season.
Attending Mass with his wife has become one way of maintaining consistency while moving between countries and experiencing different cultures.
“Something I’ve loved this season has been getting to attend Mass in the diverse cultures throughout Europe. Barcelona, we attended the Easter Vigil Mass in the Cathedral in the gothic quarter. Beautiful marathon.”
That routine has continued at each round.
“In Paul Ricard a small village mass right around the corner from the track, in Imola a 10-minute walk from the paddock found us at a nice little church with a lot of energy from the parishioners. For my wife and I it’s a way to keep consistency and grounded to our faith as we travel around the world.”
Udell also maintains an active lifestyle between events.
“I manage to keep up with running in the summer, fall and spring and skiing in the wintertime.”
Udell looks to protect championship lead at Spa
Imola provided Udell with a milestone victory during his first full ELMS season, but attention now turns towards converting that momentum into a sustained championship challenge.
TF Sport arrives at Spa leading LMGT3 after a campaign that has progressed from disappointment in Barcelona to a solid Le Castellet result and victory at Imola. Udell believes the team now has the tools and momentum required to manage the challenges ahead, even at circuits where he lacks extensive experience.
The 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps takes place from 21-23 August as the 2026 ELMS season moves into the second half of its six-round campaign.
