CORE Nissan DPi in Retro Livery for Bennett’s Final Race

Photo: Rick Dole/CORE autosport

CORE autosport has paid tribute to Jon Bennett for his final race in this weekend’s Motul Petit Le Mans with a special throwback livery on its Nissan DPi.

Unveiled in a presentation to the team owner Wednesday at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, the No. 54 DPi entry will carry the same orange and silver design as Bennett’s first IMSA Lites car from 2009.

Additionally, the team presented Bennett with a special helmet filled with pictures of key moments in his racing career.

The 54-year-old has claimed 16 wins in top-level IMSA competition while also earning back-to-back Prototype Challenge championships, alongside longtime co-driver Colin Braun in 2014-15.

Bennett confirmed his retirement from driving in August, which will also bring the team’s DPi program to a close.

“Pulling my gloves off at the Petit Le Mans will mark the successful conclusion of an incredible motorsports journey,” Bennett said.

“I have competed in wheel-to-wheel sports car racing for 28 consecutive seasons.

“From the beginning, racing has been my beacon and has shaped most of my life decisions. My dream goals were made possible by the extraordinary team who has surrounded me – with a special thank you to Colin Braun.

“I have been rewarded throughout my career by being smart in the cockpit and driving with sportsmanship. I look forward to continuing that tradition.

“Ensuring the well being of my teammates was the hardest part of my decision to end the DPi program. Knowing that each of my teammates will have a successful transition to new opportunities in 2020 would be the perfect way to end the season

CORE will continue to operate Porsche’s factory GT Le Mans program, which is on the brink of claiming another championship by starting Saturday’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season finale.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John