American LMP2 team DragonSpeed has completed its driver line-up for the Rolex 24 Hours, signing new Ganassi IndyCar driver Kyffin Simpson to race alongside James Allen and Eric Lux in its #81 ORECA.
The team has also confirmed that it will compete in all five IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup rounds in 2024, after becoming a late addition to the Rolex 24 entry.
Its ORECA has been added in place of the second GTD class MDK Porsche (the #53), which has been withdrawn from the event. That change sees DragonSpeed return to the IMSA SportsCar Championship after focusing on its ELMS effort in 2023.
For 19-year-old Caymanian Simpson, this Rolex drive sees him reunite with Allen, whom he won the ELMS LMP2 title with this year.
“I’m excited to join DragonSpeed for the Rolex 24,” he said. “The team has such a great pedigree, and I’m sure we’ll hit the ground running. Sportscar racing has been a crucial component of my development as a driver and I’m glad to continue that with a winning team. It’s nice to be back with James for another race, and of course, James, Eric, Elton, and the rest of the team all know what it takes to win at Daytona.”
It will also serve as a precursor to his forthcoming rookie IndyCar Series campaign with Ganassi.
“For Kyffin to have an opportunity with a team at DragonSpeed’s level not only gives him a shot at winning but is also an ideal warm-up for his INDYCAR season,” said CGR managing director Mike Hull.
Team boss Elton Julian meanwhile, is bullish about DragonSpeed’s chances at Datytona.
“With Kyffin’s addition, I believe our driver line-up will match anyone’s in LMP2 at the Rolex in 2024,” he said. “We’re really looking forward to taking full advantage of his phenomenal growth as a driver over the last couple of years.
“Having Eric and James back in the fold just strengthens our chances of being in contention going into the final stages of this great event. I think we’re positioned for a strong homecoming to, and future in, IMSA, who really put out the welcome mat to make this programme possible.”
The final member of DragonSpeed’s Daytona driver-crew will be announced in early January ahead of the ‘Roar Before the 24’ test.
