Corvette Racing have confirmed the two new drivers who will join the team for the 2011 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and the Le Mans 24 Hours.
American Tommy Milner comes in as a new regular driver joining Olivier Beretta in the no.3 Corvette. The reshuffle splits up the 'Oli' partnership of previous years, Oliver Gavin joining Jan Magnussen in the no.4 car. Johnny O'Connell, the man Milner replaces on the team has already confirmed a move to the SCCA World Challenge GT series.
Milner moves along the ALMS GT2 pitlane, after two seasons with the BMW team in the series, the most recent move in a career that has also included stints with Porsche and Panoz squads.
“With all of the team’s victories in Le Mans and the success they’ve had here in America, Corvette Racing has a history of winning,” Milner said. “To have the opportunity to be a part of the Corvette program at this point in my career is very exciting. I’m looking forward to working with the engineers, the crew, and the other drivers to make Corvette the powerhouse in endurance racing.”
Milner and Beretta will be joined by Antonio Garcia – reprising his role as third driver for the longer events – while Briton Richard Westbrook joins the team as third driver alongside Gavin and Magnussen for the three longer events.
35-year-old Westbrook brings a wealth of experience to the team. Two-time Porsche Supercup champion and 2009 FIA GT2 winner he raced for Prospeed Competition in the 2010 LMS, as well as for Matech Competition in the FIA GT1 World Championship.
“I’ve raced against the Corvette enough times to know it’s better to be driving one than racing against one,” Westbrook remarked. “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining the Corvette Racing program for 2011. The Corvette C6.R is an amazing piece of machinery, very well engineered, and it’s just an honor to drive one.”
“We look at our competition continuously and intensely, and it became very clear that Tommy Milner and Richard Westbrook have the qualities we value at Corvette Racing,” said Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan. “They are quick, intelligent, team-oriented, and disciplined in their approach. They will connect with Corvette fans and represent Chevrolet as a global brand. We are very excited to have these two talented young drivers
