Disappeared on January 21, 2021, Nantes designer Jean Gratton, author of the cult comic “Michael Violent”, was unaware of Wilent’s Academy, the driving school dedicated to the series’ legendary car, Violant. The school project was first born in May 2021, at a meeting between Theodie Place, director of development at Dupees Editions, and two young entrepreneurs from Wendy’s passionate about motorsport and comics. Lap on the Fontenay-le-Comte circuit (Vendée).

Wylan was born in Crosley, a builder in Northern Ireland, directly from the 1966 album “The Honor of the Samurai”. Theory Place and Toggle Rubber first bought one of 13 cars built by the manufacturer, then 10.

At Wylan’s Academy, both men make a promise to their clients: “Become Michael Wyland in a few hours”. “We wanted to share our passion for motorsport and Michael Wyland,” explains Thierry Place, co-founder of the Driving School. Apprentice racing drivers can develop 110 or 150 hp per 420 kg, behind the wheel of a Formula Ford single-seater, without any kind of electronic support, or a weight / power ratio capable of giving them some thrill. They are set in the colors of Comic Book Hero from head to toe: socks, underwear, overalls, helmets, shoes and gloves for a day, in Michael Violet’s shoes. Pilator courses are aimed at individuals and companies.

Auto racing

Since its launch in the spring, Wylan’s Academy has welcomed over 90 pilot trainees. Managers’ goal is to double their achievements by 2022 to achieve financial equilibrium. Next year, they plan to create scripted days where “Leader” will compete against “Wyland”.

They also plan to get into cars in motor racing. Wilante, driven by 22-year-old professional driver Thomas Laurent from Sablon, has already finished second in the 24-hour Mans race in endurance racing. The co-founders created the Michael Violent steering wheel in October 2021 for decent drivers (non-professional pilots over the age of 35) to compete in the historic French Circuit Championship. The father of comics would certainly appreciate that.