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ESM Confirms Lineup for Two-Car Ligier Nissan DPi Program

Tequila Patron ESM confirms drivers for two-car DPi program…

Photo: IMSA

Photo: IMSA

Tequila Patron ESM announced on Monday its lineup for its two-car return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The team confirmed in September that it would run two Ligier JS P217 Nissan DPis in 2017, returning to the North American series after two seasons competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Team owner Scott Sharp will be joined by Ryan Dalziel in the No. 2 car, with the Scot returning for his third season with the team. Pipo Derani will also join this lineup for the four Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup races.

“All of Patrón Tequila Patron ESM is pumped to be back a part of the IMSA WeatherTech series!” Sharp commented. “The new DPi formula is quickly gaining attention and large expectations. We are excited to take our new 2017 Ligier-Nissan to battle.

“Ryan Dalziel will be back with myself for the season in the No. 2 car. I can’t say enough good things about Ryan! We are great teammates and poised for a fantastic season.

“We are very fortunate to be joined by Pipo for all of the NAEC races. We all know what he is capable of, as he is super strong behind the wheel.”

Added Dalziel: “We have reformed our U.S.-based team for this season with a few familiar ESM faces and a bunch of new people.

“I think as a group, we’ve never been stronger and the shape of IMSA in 2017 looks mega. I can’t wait for Daytona.”

Meanwhile, Patron Spirits Company President and CEO Ed Brown will drive the No. 22 car along with Johannes van Overbeek, for their eighth year together.

They will be joined by Bruno Senna for the TPNAEC races and 2015 FIA World Endurance Champion completing the lineup for Daytona.

 

“First off, I’m excited for IMSA,” van Overbeek said. “The reception to the new DPi program has been nothing short of amazing. Teams have pulled out the stops to develop new, sexy, and exciting cars.

“I’m feel very fortunate to be back with Tequila ESM Patrón. I’m excited about defending our win in last year’s Rolex 24 Hours. Driving alongside Bruno and Brendon will only sweeten the experience.”

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.

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