Mike Conway Joins Toyota as Reserve Driver

Photo: John Dagys

Following a breakout first season of sports car competition, which included four LMP2 class victories, Mike Conway has joined Toyota Racing as its test and reserve driver for the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship.

The 30-year-old Briton will join the factory squad’s lineup of existing drivers, who have all been renewed for next year, as part of a full-season two-car assault beginning at Silverstone in April.

Additionally, Conway will continue competing in IndyCar, having recently signed with Ed Carpenter Racing for all of the road course and street circuit rounds in 2014.

“I am delighted to be joining Toyota Racing as test and reserve driver for 2014, a role which will fit well with my IndyCar program,” Conway said. “It is every driver’s ambition to be involved with a manufacturer-backed team at the top level of international motorsport and that’s what Toyota Racing is.”

Conway made his prototype debut this year, finishing third in the WEC LMP2 championship with G-Drive Racing by Delta-ADR, while also having made a start with Level 5 Motorsports in the American Le Mans Series, which saw a pole-winning run at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

While his initial role with Toyota may not result in any race duties, it could serve as a step towards a future full-time seat with the Japanese manufacturer.

“We have followed his career closely for the past couple of years and we see him as an exciting talent with the right attitude to fit in at Toyota Racing,” said Team President Yoshiaki Kinoshita. “He will provide support during our development program as we work on producing a race-winning car for 2014 and beyond.”

Conway will begin testing duties with Toyota’s new 2014-spec LMP1 car, believed to be called the TS040, in January.

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