Olivier Pla
A French endurance racing specialist whose smooth precision and consistency made him a sought-after co-driver for top teams at Le Mans.
Born 1981 (age 45)·French racing driver·Birthday: October 21·Millennials
Biography
Olivier Pla carved out a respected career in the demanding world of sports car racing, operating with a quiet efficiency that belied his speed. Hailing from Toulouse, he climbed the single-seater ladder before finding his true calling in endurance events, where his ability to deliver fast, mistake-free stints over long distances became his currency. While a major overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans eluded him, he became a fixture in the competitive LMP2 and GTE-Pro categories, racing for factory-backed outfits like Ford Chip Ganassi Racing and G-Drive Racing. His reputation was built on technical feedback and relentless pace, making him the ideal 'third driver' for star line-ups aiming for class victories in the world's toughest races.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Olivier was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Olivier Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Olivier's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Secured multiple class podium finishes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, including in LMP2.
- Was a full-season driver for Ford Chip Ganassi Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship's GTE-Pro class.
- Won the LMP2 class at the 2016 24 Hours of Daytona driving for Krohn Racing.
Did You Know?
He tested for the Formula One team Minardi in 2004.
His brother, Richard Pla, is also a professional racing driver.
He won the prestigious Macau Grand Prix Formula 3 race in 2005.
“My job is to be fast, consistent, and bring the car home in one piece.”
