British club racer and champion, Derek Johnston from Nottingham, fulfilled the first step of his dream race drive this weekend in Florida.
Derek tested his 500 bhp #77 Doran Racing Daytona Prototype this weekend at the Roar Before the Rolex 24. This official test is the final preparation for the Radical UK and European Championship winner’s prize drive from Daytona Speedway. Now he’s all set to race against Jimmie Johnson, Juan Pablo Montoya, Dario Franchitti, and Ricardo Zonta in the epic Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona at the end of January.
Derek’s $100,000 drive is his reward as winner of the first “Rolex 24 At Daytona Driver Challenge presented by Sunoco”. This fabulous prize – the best in European sportscar racing – means he has the support to make the most of his opportunity, including coaching and time in the car and on the track.
Derek’s nerve wracking first test trip was delayed by a 40 hour journey due to snow in England - the last thing he expected was the snow which greeted him at the Florida track yesterday morning!
The weather didn’t stop proceedings for long and, with team-mates Memo Gidley and Fabrizio Gollin, Derek ran consistently in the top ten finishing ready for the 24 Hours of Daytona race on 30th January.
Dave Spitzer, Vice President of Competition in Grand-Am
“We’ve had a good test with only slight disruption with the weather. Derek has been going better each time he’s been in the car and had some good night running. He’s very competent and having a real blast. We have a good quality of entry this year so expect a really good race.
“The Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona has an extraordinary history, and we’re in the process of restoring it as the global focus for motorsport, at this time of year. We’re looking to our Driver’s Challenge to convert our assets and ideas for UK fans to come visit and follow us. It also brings more exposure to racers and teams in Europe, so we want them to come here to do their thing.”
Derek Johnston, Winner of the first Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona Driver Challenge, presented by Sunoco
“The whole experience has been amazing. The Daytona people have been so friendly and welcoming. The whole spirit of Daytona Speedway has really surprised me. It’s an amazing place. It’s been helpful that the Daytona Prototype has similar characteristics to my Radical SR8 having a heavy rear-engine, in a light chassis. I’ve had great coaching from Guy Cosmo, but it’s been a massive learning process - left foot braking and a stick-shift gear change. It’s coming together. I’m pleased I’ve been able to put in a good rookie pace. It’s definitely changed my view on racing. I love the positive attitudes at Daytona and that everything’s focused on fun for the fans.”
Alana France (Director International Development, Daytona International Speedway), Dave Spitzer and Derek Johnston will be at the Autosport International Show, NEC, Birmingham, UK on Thursday 14th January and will hold a press conference at 11.30am to talk about Daytona International Speedway, Grand-Am and the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.
For more information or to book an interview slot with Alana, Dave or Derek, please contact Pippa Neilson (on behalf of Gordon Bruce Associates) by email at pn@squashlimited.com or by telephone on +44 (0)7968 564660.
