From Silverstone double to full season shot: Ballymena’s McCaughan steps up

Brandon McCaughan (Pics: DPPI Images / Ligier European Series)

Ballymena racing talent Brandon McCaughan is stepping onto the biggest stage of his prototype career yet after confirming a full 2026 campaign in the Ligier European Series with reigning champions Team Virage.

After dazzling in limited appearances over the past two seasons — including a flawless double victory at Silverstone last year — the 22-year-old has now secured a full-time seat in one of Europe’s most competitive prototype championships.

It marks a significant breakthrough for the Northern Irish driver, who has been steadily building momentum towards this opportunity.

McCaughan first linked up with Team Virage — three-time Ligier European Series drivers’ champions — for the final round of the 2024 season.

Brandon McCaughan at speed

On his prototype debut in Portimão, he immediately showed podium pace. But it was at Silverstone where he truly announced himself.

The Ballymena-based racer claimed his maiden Ligier pole position before delivering two composed and commanding race performances to secure a perfect double victory. The result firmly established him as one of the championship’s rising stars.

Now, he returns for a full season campaign behind the wheel of a Ligier JS P4 — an entry-level sports prototype featuring a closed cockpit, carbon monocoque chassis, 3.7 litre V6 Ford engine and six-speed paddle-shift gearbox.

McCaughan will share the car with 16-year-old Sebastien Kawpeng, who celebrated a podium finish on his Ligier European Series debut. The pairing forms an ambitious partnership in what is widely regarded as an ultra-competitive championship.

Speaking about the deal, McCaughan said:

“I can’t wait to get started! It’s been a lot of hard work and determination to get to this point. It’s an amazing feeling to finally sign a full season drive in Europe, and to get the opportunity to race with Team Virage again in the Ligier European Series.

“I’m dedicated to be at my best, as we’ve got to hit the ground running in Barcelona, I believe that we can really challenge at the front and push for the title this year. It’s all thanks to the team, I.J. Lynn & Sons and UtilityMapz for their support.”

Julien Gerbi, Team Manager at Team Virage, added:

“We are very excited to move forward with Brandon on a full season programme with Team Virage. He demonstrated he has the pace to fight for a championship, so we’ll do what we can to provide him and Sebastien with the best tools to achieve this objective.”

A former race-winner in BRSCC National Formula Ford and the GB4 Championship, McCaughan will compete this season thanks to the continued backing of UtilityMapz, I.J. Lynn & Sons, ADM Group and AAA Biomass Services Ltd.

The Ligier European Series, launched in 2020 as the first step on the Automobile Club de l’Ouest competitions pyramid, is designed as a pathway towards endurance racing’s elite tiers. The single-make, multi-class championship feeds into the Michelin Le Mans Cup, European Le Mans Series and ultimately the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The 2026 calendar features six rounds across leading European circuits, with every race streamed live and free on the championship’s YouTube channel. For McCaughan, the campaign includes high-profile returns to Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps, alongside his first appearance at the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe in support of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Commercial opportunities remain available for prospective partners wishing to join McCaughan’s 2026 programme as he competes on the European Le Mans Series race package. Interested parties can contact him via email at brandon@mccmotorsport.com.

With proven pace, championship-winning machinery and a full season ahead, 2026 now offers McCaughan the clearest opportunity yet to convert promise into silverware.