DragonSpeed will return to the Rolex 24 At Daytona for the 62nd running of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship’s flagship enduro. After several seasons based in Europe, team principal Elton Julian is bringing the three-time LMP2 class winners at Daytona back to contest all five rounds of the Michelin Endurance Cup.
Kyffin Simpson is the latest to join the driving squad for the No. 81 DragonSpeed ORECA at Daytona, alongside his 2023 European Le Mans Series co-champion — and 2023 Rolex 24 LMP2 victor — James Allen of Australia and 2022 LMP2 winning Bronze driver Eric Lux.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1406]
“With Kyffin’s addition, I believe our driver lineup will match anyone’s in LMP2 at the Rolex in 2024,” said Julian. “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 program possible.”
Following Simpson’s climb up the U.S. open-wheel ladder and recent sports car racing success in the GTD class of the WeatherTech Championship and elsewhere, 2024 will also see the 19-year-old from the Cayman Islands make his debut in the NTT IndyCar Series with Chip Ganassi Racing. CGR managing director Mike Hull welcomed his new driver’s IMSA gig.
“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 Hull.
“I’m excited to join DragonSpeed for the Rolex 24,” said Simpson. “The team has such a great pedigree, and I’m sure we’ll hit the ground running. Sports car 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 team all know what it takes to win at Daytona.”
Allen is no stranger to DragonSpeed, having competed with the team in the ELMS and WEC. His most recent success came in wining the P2 title in ELMS with Algarve Pro Racing.
“I’m delighted to continue with Kyffin as my teammate going into the Rolex 24 after our triumph in the ELMS this year, and it’s great to be back with DragonSpeed after our spell together in 2018-’19,” said Allen. “With Elton’s grasp of Daytona’s demands and Eric on board as well, all the pieces are in place to challenge for another win at the Rolex.”
New York native Lux has several LMP2 victories in the WeatherTech Championship, including the 2022 Rolex 24 victory with DragonSpeed (pictured, top).
“2024 will be my 14th Rolex 24, and my third Daytona outing with DragonSpeed,” noted Lux. “Elton always delivers a package capable of fighting for the win, and our racing partnership and friendship is stronger than ever. With Kyffin and James sharing the car, I’m confident we can challenge for the top step of the podium again. I can’t wait to get down to business with them and the team at the Roar and the race!”
The final member of the DragonSpeed lineup will be announced in early January ahead of the “Roar Before the 24” test weekend.