Strakka Racing is pleased to confirm that the team has signed a new long-term contract with established sportscar ace Danny Watts. The Aylesbury-born driver joined Strakka at the beginning of 2009, and has raced for the squad in this season’s Le Mans Series and Le Mans 24 Hours. His debut for the team at Barcelona in April included a stunning pole position start to Round 1, and he has consistently been one of the fastest drivers in the championship.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be continuing with Strakka after what has been a great first year with the team,” says Danny. “It has been a very easy decision to make. Strakka is an ambitious team with firm plans for the future, and I want to be part of an organisation that knows where it’s going and how to get there. It’s an excellent opportunity for me, and the ideal career move. I enjoy working with the team, and especially with Nick. It’s good to have this degree of continuity as we move forwards into what I’m sure will be a very successful period for Strakka in sportscar racing.”
“Knowing that we have Danny’s services for the foreseeable future is fantastic news,” said a delighted Piers Phillips, Team Manager at Strakka. “Being able to draw upon the experience of someone of Danny’s undoubted talent and pace as part of Strakka’s long-term programme strengthens our prospects enormously, and I really couldn’t want for a better driver. Danny is quick, his ability through traffic is excellent, and he provides us with the kind of invaluable feedback that means we can get the best out of the car. Securing a new contract with Danny at this stage of the season, just as we’re embarking on what promises to be such a very exciting period for the team, gives us considerable stability for the future. We couldn’t be happier.”
Danny will continue to partner Nick Leventis. “I’m absolutely delighted that Danny will be remaining with the team,” said Nick. “When Danny first joined Strakka at the beginning of this season, we knew instantly that he was the right person for the job. He brings so much more to the equation, not only as a keen and enthusiastic member of the team, but also with regard to my own development as a driver. There was an instant bond with everyone in the squad and his relationship with the team has been exceptional. Danny’s talent is unquestioned and everyone at Strakka respects him enormously. I have every confidence that the two of us will be a competitive pairing for the foreseeable future.”
As well as co-driving the team’s Ginetta-Zytek through the 2009 season, Danny’s skills as an instructor have allowed him to act as mentor to Nick Leventis, both on and off the circuit. “Danny has been an excellent team-mate and my own abilities have undoubtedly been enhanced through the sharing of his vast knowledge. He and I share the same vision of the future for Strakka Racing and this new long-term contract will allow us to move forward with confidence towards our goal of creating a complete and thorough sportscar team for the future. It places us in a very secure and encouraging position,” concluded Nick.
The final round of the 2009 Le Mans Series took place at Silverstone in mid-September, but Strakka Racing is already pressing forwards with preparations for the team’s 2010 season. Danny Watts and Nick Leventis will be back on track and testing again within the next four weeks.
Source : Strakka Racing