Johansson Joins Level 5 for VIR

Photo: John Dagys

In an effort to help strengthen Level 5 Motorsports’ chances of winning both the P2 teams and drivers’ championships, the Madison, Wis.-based organization has made a last-minute driver addition for this weekend’s American Le Mans Series round at Virginia International Raceway.

Sportscar365 has learned that veteran Stefan Johansson has joined Marino Franchitti and Guy Cosmo in the No. 552 HPD ARX-03b, with the Silver-ranked Swede set to complete the minimum drive time needed for the entry to score team points.

“I tested with them a while back at COTA, with the view of maybe doing something, for the fact I’m a Silver driver now,” Johansson said. “When I stepped off the plane in London on Sunday there was a message to call. I spent two days in Europe and flew back again.

“It’s exciting. I’m flattered they called me. It’s great to be with a top-level team again.”

Franchitti added: “Everyone here is fully committed to delivering on our goals for 2013: another team championship for Level 5 and driver championship for Scott Tucker.”

Tucker, who currently trails Franchitti by 12 points, will drive the No. 551 car with Ryan Briscoe, as usual.

Twenty points are awarded for a race victory, meaning the Level 5 team owner can jump to the points lead if he finishes first or second on Saturday, if Franchitti and Cosmo score zero points and title rival Extreme Speed Motorsports’ Scott Sharp, finishes behind them.

“Since the start of the year, it’s always been the goal to give Scott the best chance of winning the championship,” team manager David Stone said. “His unfortunate accident at Baltimore set us back but we’ve been able to bring Stefan into the No. 552 car this weekend with Marino and Guy to help our efforts and keep the continuity of the team.“

While the drivers’ championship is unlikely to be wrapped up this weekend, Level 5 can clinch its third consecutive P2 teams’ title with a win on Saturday.

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