Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Zak Brown

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Zak Brown made an impact.

Zak Brown is an American businessman and former racing driver, now CEO of McLaren Racing. Born in California, he raced professionally for a decade before transitioning to the business side of motorsport. He currently resides in England, leading McLaren's racing operations.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1986: Began Karting Career

In 1986, Zak Brown started his racing career in karting.

1990: End of Karting Career

In 1990, Zak Brown finished his Karting career after 5 seasons and 22 races won.

1992: Secured Top-Ten Finishes in Formula Opel-Lotus Benelux Series

In 1992, Zak Brown consistently secured top-ten finishes in each race of the Formula Opel-Lotus Benelux Series, marking a notable achievement in his early racing career.

1994: Competed in British Formula Three Championship

In 1994, Zak Brown competed in the British Formula Three Championship, expanding his racing experience in Europe.

1995: Founded Just Marketing International (JMI)

In 1995, Zak Brown founded Just Marketing International (JMI), which became the largest motorsport marketing agency in the world.

1995: Indy Lights Debut at Laguna Seca

In 1995, Zak Brown made his Indy Lights debut at Laguna Seca, marking his entry into North American racing.

1996: Competed in German Formula Three Championship Race

In 1996, Zak Brown participated in a race in the German Formula Three Championship, further diversifying his racing experience in Europe.

1997: Finished Second at the 24 Hours of Daytona

In 1997, Zak Brown achieved second place in the GT2 category at the 24 Hours of Daytona with Roock Racing in a factory-supported Porsche 911 GT2.

2001: Sabbatical from Professional Racing

In 2001, Zak Brown took a sabbatical from professional racing to focus on his motorsport marketing business, JMI.

2005: End of Sabbatical

In 2005, Zak Brown ended his sabbatical from professional racing to concentrate on JMI.

2006: Returned to Racing and Won Class in Britcar 24 Hours

In 2006, Zak Brown returned to the track and won his class in the Britcar 24 Hours race as part of the Moore International Motorsport driver line-up.

2007: Ferrari Challenge Series Debut

In 2007, Zak Brown entered the Ferrari Challenge Series, securing pole position and victory at his debut race in Fontana.

2009: Co-founded United Autosports

In 2009, Zak Brown and Richard Dean co-founded United Autosports, a prominent motorsport team.

2010: Third-Place Finish at Total 24 Hours of Spa

In 2010, United Autosports achieved a third-place finish in the GT3 category at the Total 24 Hours of Spa.

2011: Maiden Class Victory in British GT Championship

In 2011, United Autosports recorded its maiden class victory in the British GT Championship at Snetterton.

2012: Won British GT Championship at Donington Park

In 2012, Zak Brown won the last round of the British GT Championship at Donington Park with Álvaro Parente.

2013: JMI Acquired by CSM

In 2013, Just Marketing International (JMI) was acquired by CSM, a division of Chime Communications Limited, and Zak Brown became the company's CEO.

2013: Full Season in British GT Championship

In 2013, Zak Brown competed in a full season of the British GT Championship with United Autosports in a McLaren MP4-12C GT3.

November 21, 2016: Announced as Executive Director of McLaren Technology Group

On November 21, 2016, Zak Brown was announced as the executive director of McLaren Technology Group.

2016: Non-Executive Chairman of Motorsport Network

In 2016, Zak Brown became the non-executive chairman of Motorsport Network, a global motorsport and automotive digital platform.

2016: Relinquished CEO Position at CSM

In 2016, Zak Brown relinquished his position as CEO of CSM to focus on his responsibilities with McLaren.

April 10, 2018: Became CEO of McLaren Racing

On April 10, 2018, Zak Brown became the chief executive officer of McLaren Racing.

2019: End of chairman role at Motorsport Network

In 2019, Zak Brown stepped down as the non-executive chairman of Motorsport Network, after serving since 2016.

2021: United Autosports Enters Extreme E Series

In 2021, United Autosports entered the inaugural Extreme E series, partnering with Andretti Autosport to form the Andretti United XE team.

2022: Focus on McLaren's Extreme E Program

In 2022, when McLaren formed its own Extreme E program, Zak Brown emphasized his role as a "silent partner" in Andretti United XE, concentrating exclusively on McLaren.