Nick Boulle has quickly developed into a very promising amateur driver with the IMSA WeatherTech series. He famously became the first Rolex dealer to win the fabled Rolex watch, after winning the PC class at the 2017 Rolex 24.
Since then Boulle has raced both in the top prototype division along with a year in GTD last year. His day job is with the families Diamond and jewelry business, but he still finds the time to race. He has even competed twice in the Le Mans 24 Hours. Boulle drives this year for PR1/Mathiasen along side Gabriel Aubry, Ben Keating and Simon Trummer.
Before he traveled down to Daytona for the Rolex 24, I asked him some quick questions about his prep and expectations for this years race.
Firstly, explain how the deal with PR1/Mathiasen came about?
I spoke to Bobby a while back and to be honest, I didn’t have much put together, much less plans to be racing at the 24 Hours of Daytona, but we connected in early December and thanks to several of my longtime supporters and some new ones we were able to put together a lineup I am SUPER excited about.
I’ve seen what Simon & Gaby can do through the years and I’ve long considered Ben Keating a great friend and also one of the most formidable drivers of any rating in “Pro-Am” racing scenarios out there. Being in the car with these guys for 24 hours to me, is a pretty ideal scenario.
Boulle was part of the winning Performance Tech PC class effort at the 2017 Rolex 24. Can he win a second Rolex watch this year? Photo: Motorsport.com
Are you excited to be back in the prototype ranks?
I felt a bit behind on my personal prep at the roar, but I’m catching up and will be fit & fight ready by race time. This was essentially my first time in an Oreca and I was hugely impressed by the PR1 Motorsport’s car. Especially considering the last minute nature of it all, the car ran flawlessly.
What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of the Oreca at Daytona?
I would say the only real weaknesses of the Oreca at Daytona are the BOP settings we have to keep us behind the DPi — which is not a criticism of the rules. Compared to any manufacturer of LMP2 car at the moment it’s the only choice if you want a real shot at consistent success. After driving it, I understand why.
How was the Roar test for the #52 team?
The car ran flawlessly and it was really important, for me especially I felt, not only to find a comfortable position in the Oreca, but also to get some time under my belt. I haven’t really driven hard since July so I was shaking the dust off for sure… Simon, Gaby & Ben all performed like pro’s and we really spent time getting to know each other too. I’m even more excited after the roar for what we have put together.
PR1/Mathiasen won the LMP2 title last year, and return with another strong line-up this year aiming to combat the rise in quality this year. Photo: Motorsport.com
Who are your main rivals in the LMP2 class this year?
I don’t know that I could name just one… There are so many strong cars this year that I feel like every single car in our class is someone to watch. It’s great to see that for the future of the LMP2 category in IMSA!
Do you have a good working relationship with the PR1/Mathiasen team?
100%. I know how hard every guy & girl that’s a part of the PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports organization works… They aren’t here just for work, they are here to put together a winning car. It was my first time working with engineer, Tim Lewis, at the Roar Before the 24 so that was fun, but I’ve got a great rapport with everyone in the team. Now we just have to see what we can put together at the ROLEX 24!
I would like to thank Nick for his amazing answers you see here, and I wish him and the PR1/Mathiasen team the best of luck for this weekend! Find me on Twitter @JWjournalism if you liked this article!
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