ALMS
Courtesy of the American Le Mans Series
Those who know Duncan Dayton say he is an astute observer. Case in point, Dayton began thinking about a full-season partner in his Lola LMP1 at the American Le Mans Series Winter Test in January.
The search began and ended with Andy Wallace, who tested Dayton's Highcroft Racing Lola EX257-AER at the Sebring test. The two will race for the first time as a team this weekend at Lime Rock Park, Highcroft's home track, in the New England Grand Prix.
"We couldn't have asked for a better driver in terms of speed, reliability and experience," said Dayton, whose team is based in nearby Danbury. "Plus, he's an absolute gentleman. We did discuss it at the Winter Test. He indicated that he was available for races where he did not have prior commitments to Dyson. We're thrilled."
Wallace comes to Highcroft after spending the better part of the last three years with Dyson Racing, which sold the Lola to Dayton during the offseason. Wallace and Dayton will team together at Lime Rock, Salt Lake City, Portland, Road America and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
"I originally just wanted to lend a hand to Duncan (at the Winter Test)," Wallace said. "Of course, I jumped at the chance to drive the car again."
This year, the Highcroft Lola has competed in just one Series race so far - a fourth place finish at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring after retiring with mechanical duties. But it has been anything but a quiet break between Sebring and Lime Rock.
The team has tested the car and has received a few engine updates from AER, which both Wallace and Dayton think will help chase down the Audi R8, Dyson Racing Lolas and the Autocon Motorsports Lola - all entered in LMP1.
"The car was fast there last year," Wallace said. "It's a perfect track for us, and I'm pretty hopefully that we can get a good result. The grip level is intermittent due to the differences in the track surface between the concrete patches and the asphalt. It's a great event; there are always people everywhere!"
The New England Grand Prix, Round 4 of the American Le Mans Series, is set for Saturday at Lime Rock Park. The race is scheduled for a 3 p.m. EDT start. CBS Sports will televise the event from 4 to 6 p.m. EDT on Sunday. MotorsTV will air the race from 2:30-5:30 p.m. CET on Sunday.