It has been a day of announcements at the American Le Mans' Series “State of the Series Address”.
Alongside the announcement of the series' nine date 2010 calendar, and BMW's commitment to another full season with their M3 GTR GT2 class car, was Drayson Racing's confirmation that they will return to the ALMS full time in 2010.
The team, co-owned by Elspeth and Paul Drayson, competed for the full season in 2008 with its Aston Martin Vantage car, but has split their 2009 program between the American and European Le Mans series.
However, hot on their heals on the decision to debut their brand new Lola-Judd P1 car at this weekend's Petit Le Mans comes the announcement they will aim to complete a full season with the closed coupe prototype in 2010, as well as aiming to return to La Sarthe in June, after the team made its debut with the GT2 Aston Martin earlier this year.
“I am delighted that Drayson Racing will be competing in the full American Series next year,” says Elspeth Drayson. “The Series focus on world class, green racing is a perfect fit with our team's focus.”
Drayson Racing's campaign will start on March 20th with 58th 12 Hours of Sebring, ending on October 2nd, with Petit Le Mans, moved to the final date of the season for next year.
And it's these historical events at famous venues that are on of the reason's Paul Drayson enjoys the ALMS so much, “the combination of great fans, great racing and great circuits makes for a world class championship that's both hugely competitive and fun. I'm looking forward to being a part of a full season next year.”
Atherton sees the return of Drayson, who will compete this weekend alongside Jonny Cocker and Bob Bell (although the driving line-up for 2010 is unconfirmed as yet) as yet another feather in the cap of the ALMS. “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,” said the series CEO. “The fact that he has chosen the ALMS as his platform further affirms the Series as the world’s leader in such endeavours.”
“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.”
