Well-known American historic racer Duncan Dayton has announced that he and his team, Highcroft Racing, have purchased an ex-Dyson Racing Lola EX257 LMP1 prototype and will compete it for all of this year’s ALMS season.
“Purchasing the Dyson car was an opportunity to jump-start the team with a proven package, and we’re hoping to get a new P1 car for 2007,” Dayton said of his plans going forward.
Dayton also announced that for the season-opening 12 Hours of Sebring, one of his co-drivers will be fellow historic Formula 1 racer Rick Knoop. Like Dayton, Knoop, 52, of Laguna Beach, California, is a versatile driver who has been successful in many different types of racecars. Among his career highlights are a Group 5 class victory at Le Mans in 1978 a class victory and 3rd place finish overall in the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1983 and even NASCAR stock car experience.
“Duncan and I have been racing together in historic Grand Prix events, which is how this relationship began,” the second-generation racer said. “I just returned from visiting his new shop in Connecticut, and I’m excited about the program. This is a first-class operation from drivers to equipment and team. Combining our experience in sports car and endurance racing with the proven Dyson car should make us competitive throughout the season.”
