A Polish racing driver is turning heads – and fueling up in a rather unconventional spot. Maksymilian Angelard, an 18-year-vintage rising star in the world of endurance racing, recently pulled his LMP3 prototype race car onto a gas station forecourt, sparking a viral moment that’s garnered nearly 2 million views online. The stunt, conceived as a marketing push, quickly captured the imagination of fans and highlighted the growing accessibility of motorsports.
Angelard, who clinched the junior championship in the 2025 Prototype Cup Germany and finished second explained the impromptu pit stop. “It wasn’t a setup,” he said, according to reporting from WP SportoweFakty. “It was my idea to bring the car to a gas station and show it to people. When we pulled up to the pump, problems started. The staff didn’t desire to allow the session, but they spoke to the owners and quickly gave us permission.”
The video of the “fueling” session quickly spread across social media, proving a surprisingly effective way to connect with a wider audience. Angelard’s team had arranged for a mechanic to transport the 455 horsepower LMP3 prototype to Poland, granting them free rein to use the car for marketing purposes. “The idea worked very well, and that’s pleasing,” Angelard told WP SportoweFakty. “When the team bosses heard the numbers this post was getting on social media, they were delighted.”
Angelard’s success in the Prototype Cup Germany has paved the way for a step up to the Michelin Le Mans Cup in 2026, competing with the German team BWT Mucke Motorsport. The Michelin Le Mans Cup serves as a feeder series to the prestigious European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and includes a round held just before the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Angelard has his sights set on eventually competing in the legendary French endurance race, following in the footsteps of Polish racing icon Robert Kubica, who achieved a historic victory at Le Mans in 2021.
Navigating the Sponsorship Landscape
However, the path to Le Mans isn’t solely about speed and skill. Securing sponsorship remains a significant hurdle. “Currently, companies want to work with influencers or celebrities who are famous,” Angelard explained to WP SportoweFakty. “It’s a challenge to demonstrate the value of motorsport sponsorship beyond just stickers on the car – we demand to show concrete reach and engagement.” The gas station stunt was, in part, an attempt to do just that, building a community online and proving the potential for wider audience engagement.
The 2026 Michelin Le Mans Cup calendar consists of six rounds from April to October, often accompanying the European Le Mans Series championships. The series provides a crucial stepping stone for aspiring endurance racers. Angelard’s team, BWT Mucke Motorsport, has a strong pedigree, having previously nurtured talents like Sebastian Vettel and Lando Norris, both of whom went on to achieve success in Formula 1. Stefan Mucke, the team principal, expressed confidence in Angelard’s potential, stating, “We believe he will be successful,” according to WP SportoweFakty.
From Karting to Endurance Racing
Angelard’s journey in motorsport began with karting, a common starting point for many racing drivers. He then transitioned to endurance racing, a deliberate decision driven by financial realities. “It was a more forward-thinking move,” he told WP SportoweFakty. “The chances of getting into Formula 2 are very small because money decides there. You need 2-3 million euros to race a season in F2. None of the Polish drivers can afford to put up that kind of money. The costs are lower in endurance racing, and this discipline is also gaining popularity.”
He finds the dynamic nature of endurance racing particularly appealing. “There’s more going on,” he said. “On the track, we have cars of different classes at the same time, so Notice more overtaking maneuvers and contacts. This season will also be modern for me, as I will have to learn to compete with GT3 cars. The speed difference between LMP3 and GT3 is significant, so my task will be to maneuver appropriately between them.”
Angelard’s next confirmed event will be the start of the Michelin Le Mans Cup season in April 2026. The young driver is focused on securing the necessary sponsorship to continue his ascent in the world of endurance racing and ultimately realize his dream of competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Fans can follow his progress and learn more about his journey on his official website, maks.angelard.com.
What do you think of Angelard’s unconventional marketing approach? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this story with fellow motorsport enthusiasts.
