DragonSpeed’s Move to GTD Pro its “Most Important Step”
Photo: Jonathan Grace
DragonSpeed’s move into full-time IMSA GTD Pro competition with Ferrari might be considered “the most important step” in the team’s diverse history according to team principal Elton Julian.
The longtime sports car operation, which has most recently enjoyed success in LMP2 competition, is set for a season-long WeatherTech SportsCar Championship campaign with a Ferrari 296 GT3 under a technical alliance with Risi Competizione.
The car, owned by longtime DragonSpeed driver Henrik Hedman, will contest the full season with Albert Costa and a yet-to-be-determined professional co-driver.
Costa is joined by Ferrari factory drivers Davide Rigon, Miguel Molina and Thomas Neubauer for next weekend’s season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Speaking with Sportscar365, Julian explained the tie-up with Risi, which makes up roughly half of the crew, including engineer Rick Mayer, along with several pieces of equipment.
“The fun part of the story is that it all started at Petit Le Mans last year, where we were pitted next to each other,” said Julian.
“I know Rick from back in the day and Robbie [Holley, tire specialist] was my tire guy when I did LMPC, so there were a lot of familiar faces.
“The checkered flag falls and they finished second. We had our race. I went over to congratulate them and there were some long faces because they finished second.
“But the faces were extra long. I’m like, ‘What’s going on?’
“OK, the name (Risi Competizione) wasn’t on the entry list but I also then heard first-hand from them that they didn’t know if they were racing any more.
“I was like, ‘I have an idea.’
“As I said to Giuseppe, ‘We have to keep the group together.'”
Julian described the partnership as a “technical alliance” that brings the best parts of both teams together.
“We have their engineering team but DragonSpeed’s team is also here supporting Rick,” he said.
“We’re picking the best. It’s their transporter, it’s our timing stand. It’s their fuel rig. We’re just making the best of both teams.
“We’re doing whatever we need to do to get the result. That’s the aim.”
Julian said he’s cognizant of Risi’s pedigree, especially with the team returning to Daytona as reigning GTD Pro class winners.
“That’s our starting point!” he said.
“I want to fight the OEMs. I want to be in position to win against Corvette and against Aston and Mercedes. That’s why we’re in Pro.
“For DragonSpeed, it’s an important step. It might be the most important step.
“We went to IndyCar, we went to LMP1, we have done a bunch of different things but sustainability and transitioning…
“To be in GTD Pro and to prove that we’re a capable team and I’m capable in the paddock to create scenarios where the sponsors can be happy and get results, is the important part.
“We’re going to stay in IMSA. I’m happy to be home.”
Source: Sports Car 365