BRASELTON, GA, USA – Drayson Racing utilised today’s American Le Mans Series “State of the Series Address” to announce its intention to campaign the full North American tour in 2010. The Anglo-American team owned by Paul and Elspeth Drayson will enter its Le Mans Prototype One (LMP1) Lola Coupé throughout the nine-race season which opens with the 58th Running of the 12 Hours of Sebring (Fla.), 20 March. The decision to commit entirely to the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) is a result of that organisation most effectively mirroring Drayson Racing’s own long-term environmental, business and competition objectives.
Through its strong commercial, marketing and television package, the American Le Mans Series provides an excellent stage from which Drayson Racing can activate its sporting and commercial strategies. In 2010, the United Kingdom-based company will be able to fully launch its commercial division allowing technical and marketing partners the opportunity to exploit one of motor sports’ most attractive value propositions. Through partnership with Drayson Racing, partners will be able to pursue not only a strong base to develop new innovations but also have a dynamic marketing platform from which to introduce and promote those products to the public. This is highlighted by Drayson Racing’s core principal of competing at the highest level while pursuing environmentally responsible motoring through its family-friendly and professional approach.
Amongst the attributes which led to the decision is the American Le Mans Series’ focus on “green” technologies and encouragement of innovation. Unparalleled in the world of motor racing, the ALMS offers both private entrants such as Drayson Racing and major auto manufacturers a method to utilise a wide variety of technologies. IMSA, which enforces the rules of the Series in conjunction with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), promotes advances in environmentally-friendly, automotive technologies including alternative-fuelled engines, diesel-power and hybrid powerplants. This parallels Drayson Racing’s own objectives to use its prototype as a test bed for environmentally forward-thinking systems.
In addition to the ALMS, the Dale White (Bozeman, MT, USA) managed operation aspires to be included amongst the invitations to race in the 78th Annual 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. Drayson Racing had a strong showing in 2009 before electrical issues sidelined the LM GT2 class car at the 22 hour mark.
The No. 88 Drayson Racing Lola Coupé with Judd Power will debut in the 1000 Mile/10 Hour Petit Le Mans on 26 September with drivers Paul Drayson (London/Gloucestershire, UK), two-time British GT Champion Jonny Cocker (Guisborough, Yorks, UK) and two-time Le Mans Series GT2 Champion Rob Bell (St Helens, UK).
Quotes
Elspeth Drayson, Owner/CEO: “I am delighted that Drayson Racing will be competing in the full American Le Mans Series next year. The Series focus on world class, green racing is a perfect fit with our team’s focus on performance and environmental innovation as we step up to the premier league of sportscar racing in LMP1. We feel confident we have placed our team in the best position to succeed in our competitive, green and business objectives.”
Paul Drayson, Driver/Owner: “I really love racing in the United States with the American Le Mans Series. The combination of great fans, great racing and great circuits makes for a world class championship that’s both hugely competitive and great fun. I’m looking forward to being a part of the full season next year.”
Dale White, Team Manager: “I am very excited we will be bringing the Drayson Racing LMP1 effort to the American Le Mans Series fulltime in 2010. We have a tremendous history in the ALMS and the racing truly is world class. This gives our programme its best opportunity to meet our goals both on-track and off against the best competition in the world. I can’t think of a better fit for us.”
Scott Atherton, President/CEO, American Le Mans Series: “The return of Lord Drayson to a full schedule in the American Le Mans Series speaks volumes about his dedication to the development of alternative fuels, energy efficiency and improved automotive technologies that benefit the environment. The fact that he has chosen the ALMS as his platform further affirms the Series as the world’s leader in such endeavors. As the U.K.’s Minister for Science and Innovation, Drayson has become one of the world’s leading voices with these initiatives. We look forward to him and Lady Elspeth bringing their Lola-Judd Coupé to the Series. We are confident they will make quite a statement – both on and off the track.”
Source : Drayson Racing