DragonSpeed to Test at Daytona

Photo: John Dagys

With an eye towards the future, DragonSpeed will give its PC car a first taste of the Daytona high banks next week.

The Florida-based squad has scheduled a two-day private test at the famed 3.56-mile circuit for Monday and Tuesday. Team regulars Renger van der Zande and Mirco Schultis are set to handle driving duties of the spec prototype.

It’s believed to be the first time an Oreca FLM09 will lap the famed oval/infield road course, in preparation for next year’s Tudor United SportsCar Championship.

“We’re really happy to have the opportunity to test there,” team owner Elton Julian told Sportscar365.” To do it privately is special and it’s really to prepare for next year. I want to be able to sell seats and to prove that we’re a team that’s ready for the [Rolex] 24.

“I think it’s an easy task to go there and race these cars. So whatever knowledge we can gain can in advance from everybody in the field, I think will be an advantage.”

DragonSpeed is expected to run the car in the current specification that’s allowed in the ALMS. Despite rumors of a potential slowdown for 2014, Julian says he has been promised by IMSA’s Vice President of competition and technical regulations, Scot Elkins, that would not happen.

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