History of Luis Díaz (racing driver) in Timeline

Luis Díaz, nicknamed "Chapulín", is a Mexican racing driver notable for his success in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). He secured the 2009 ALMS LMP2 class drivers championship while racing for Level 5 Motorsports, partnering with team owner Adrián Fernández. Prior to his ALMS achievements, Díaz was a two-time runner-up in the Rolex Sports Car Series DP drivers championship in 2005 and 2006. His career also includes a significant background in open-wheel racing, marking him as a versatile and accomplished driver.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 1977: Birth of Luis Díaz

In December 1977, Luis Miguel "Chapulín" Díaz Castell was born in Mexico City.

1989: Karting Career Start

In 1989, Luis Díaz began his racing career in karting.

1996: Rookie of the Year in Formula Reynard

In 1996, Luis Díaz was awarded Rookie of the Year honors in Formula Reynard.

1997: Highest-Placed Mexican Driver in Formula 3 International

In 1997, Luis Díaz was the highest-placed Mexican driver in the Formula 3 International series.

1998: Formula Mexico Title and Indy Lights Debut

In 1998, Luis Díaz secured the Formula Mexico title and also became Rookie of the Year and the first Mexican driver to win a race in the Panamerican Indy Lights series.

1999: Indy Lights Debut

In 1999, Luis Díaz made his Indy Lights debut, finishing tenth in his first race at Laguna Seca.

2001: Joins Roquin Motorsports

In 2001, Luis Díaz joined Roquin Motorsports, finishing seventh in the championship with one podium and four top-five finishes.

2002: Formula Atlantic Season with Dorricot Racing

In 2002, Luis Díaz competed in his first Formula Atlantic season with Dorricot Racing, finishing fourth in the championship with wins at Portland and Road America.

2004: Sports Car Racing Debut

In 2004, Luis Diaz made his sports car racing debut, teaming with Jimmy Morales in a Lexus-Riley Daytona Prototype for Chip Ganassi Racing in the Rolex Sports Car Series.

2005: Runner-up Finish in Rolex Sports Car Series DP Championship

In 2005, Luis Díaz achieved a runner-up finish in the Rolex Sports Car Series DP drivers championship.

2005: Runner-up Finish in Daytona Prototype Championship

In 2005, Luis Díaz moved to the team’s No. 01 entry with Scott Pruett, earning three wins, eight podium finishes and four poles en route to a runner-up finish in the Daytona Prototype drivers championship.

2006: Runner-up Finish in Rolex Sports Car Series DP Championship

In 2006, Luis Díaz achieved another runner-up finish in the Rolex Sports Car Series DP drivers championship.

2006: Second Runner-up Finish and Team Championship Lead

In 2006, Luis Díaz repeated his runner-up finish in the Daytona Prototype drivers championship and helped lead Ganassi to the teams championship.

2007: American Le Mans Series Debut

In 2007, Luis Díaz made his American Le Mans Series debut, driving for Lowe’s Fernandez Racing in the LMP2 category with a Lola B06/43 Acura and later the Acura ARX-01a/b.

2009: LMP2 Drivers Championship Win

In 2009, Luis Díaz and Adrian Fernandez won the LMP2 Drivers Championship with Lowe’s Fernandez Racing. They scored nine wins out of ten races, and Díaz earned three class poles.

2009: American Le Mans Series LMP2 Championship Win

In 2009, Luis Díaz, alongside Adrián Fernández, won the American Le Mans Series LMP2 class drivers championship.

2010: Starts for Alex Job Racing and PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports

In 2010, following the demise of Fernandez Racing, Luis Díaz made a handful of starts for both Alex Job Racing and PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports, reaching the podium four times and earning three class poles in the GTC and PC ranks.

2011: Joins Level 5 Motorsports

In 2011, Luis Díaz joined Level 5 Motorsports for its P2 program. He won the 2011 12 Hours of Sebring with Scott Tucker and Ryan Hunter-Reay, and earned additional victories at Road America and Laguna Seca.

2012: Le Mans Debut

In 2012, Luis Díaz made his Le Mans debut, co-driving with Scott Tucker and Christophe Bouchut in Level 5 Motorsports’ LMP2-class HPD ARX-03b. The car failed to finish after running out of fuel on-track.