British drivers hotfoot to Autosport International Show

Birmingham, Jan. 12, 2010: Some 12 Brits will be flying the Union Flag in Florida, USA, during the legendary Rolex 24 at Daytona (29/30 January).

Daytona International Speedway hosted the 'Roar Before The 24' this weekend - the teams' last chance for testing before the endurance epic - and British hopes are high after very promising performances from our boys.

The host of British stars competing includes: former F1 teammates Martin Brundle and Mark Blundell and 2010 Sunoco Daytona Challenge winner Ross Kaiser (taking his prize drive), while another Brit - Andy Green, the World's fastest man - will be waving the start flag.

Other homegrown talent on parade across the Atlantic this month includes: Dario Franchitti, Justin Wilson, Robin Liddell, Tim Sugden, Rob Bell, Ryan Dalziel, Richard Westbrook, Oliver Gavin and young Scottish sensation Glynn Geddie.

Another Scotsman, Ryan Dalziel, hit the headlines during the 'Roar', by setting the fastest time of the test and unofficially breaking the Daytona International Speedway track record, with a lap of 128.194mph. Between three and five British drivers made the Top 10 in all eight sessions, with Sunoco Daytona Challenge winner Ross Kaiser (car 77) achieving the feat on two occasions.

WHAT THE DRIVERS SAID

Ryan Dalziel, car 8

"We are contenders, and we've proved that this weekend," said Dalziel. "We do the best we can with what we've got. I think we could have gone faster. I didn't put together a perfect lap, and we didn't have a qualifying setup on the car. We know we've got more."

Martin Brundle, car 23

"Pulling on my race suit, putting on my helmet, and jumping in a race car again, I did feel a little anxious. It's ten years since I raced professionally and so it's natural to have self doubts initially. But once out on to the track, everything comes back to you, it's natural - just like swimming or riding a bike, you never forget how to do it. I quickly shook off the rust and dropped back into the groove. We progressively improved the car between us each day and my times came down. It was the first time I'd driven a DP. They don't have much downforce and are much heavier than a Formula One car, for example, but I was pleasantly surprised. The last time I was here was in 1990 and the track is now in great condition in terms of the quality of the surface, kerbs and run-off areas - the entire venue looks a million dollars."

Mark Blundell, car 23

"I drove into the Speedway for the first time in my life on Thursday morning and it was an awesome sight - let's face it, the venue and race are known worldwide. I drove on ovals in my Indycar career and I never found it to be a big deal, but the banking here at Daytona is over 30 degrees. Problems can arise coming off the banking into the infield section, which makes life interesting. There are no references at Turn One, while the high-speed chicane (called the 'bus-stop') can also be tricky for the same reason. However, after three-days, I've gradually got to know my way around and now feel comfortable. The #23 Riley worked well and I firmly believe our race prospects are promising. I've not contested the Rolex 24 previously, but having raced and been successful in 24-hour races at Le Mans, and at Spa with United Autosports last year, it's all about working towards the race, as opposed to one-lap 'fliers'. That way the car will remain useable and predictable for us all for the duration of the race."

Ross Kaiser, car 77

"I ran my quickest time on old tyres. When I have new ones, I will be faster and am really looking forward to getting stuck in when I'm back at Daytona. The testing was amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The driver lineup is fantastic this year and it's great to be alongside legends such as Martin Brundle and Mark Blundell."

Former Daytona winner and F1 driver turned TV pundit Martin Brundle, Mark Blundell, Ross Kaiser and Richard Dean will all be on the Sunoco stand 6565, Hall 6 NEC, between 2.30 and 3.30pm on Friday 14 January, to answer questions and have their photographs taken with a Daytona Prototype similar to the ones being raced.