DragonSpeed will return to the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January for the 62nd running of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship’s flagship enduro. After several seasons based in Europe, team principal Elton Julian brings the LMP2 class winners at Daytona in 2019, 2020, and 2022 back to America for 2024 to contest all five rounds of IMSA’s Michelin Endurance Cup, which also takes in Sebring, Watkins Glen, Indianapolis, and Petit Le Mans.
19-year-old Caymanian pilot Kyffin Simpson is the latest to join the driving squad for the number 81 DragonSpeed Oreca 07-Gibson 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.
Following Simpson’s climb up the US open-wheel ladder and recent sportscar success, 2024 will also see his rookie season in INDYCAR with Chip Ganassi Racing. CGR Managing Director Mike Hull said, “For Kyffin to have an opportunity with a team at DragonSpeed’s level not only gives him a shot at the win, but also provides a perfect warm-up for his INDYCAR debut.”
The final member of the DragonSpeed lineup will be announced in early January ahead of the ‘Roar Before the 24’ test weekend.
Kyffin Simpson: “I’m excited to join DragonSpeed for the Rolex 24. 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 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 Eric, Elton, and the rest of team understand what it takes to win at Daytona.”
James Allen: “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 2018-2019. 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.”
Eric Lux: “2024 will be my 14th Rolex 24, and my third Daytona outing with DragonSpeed. Each time, Elton has delivered 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!”
Elton Julian: “With Kyffin’s addition, I believe our driver lineup will match anyone’s in LMP2 at the Rolex in 2024. 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.”
Fans can follow Kyffin’s progress via Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and Threads.
Kyffin is an NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver for Chip Ganassi Racing. He is supported by Visit Cayman Islands, Boddens Legal, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Simpson Race Products and Kokoro Media.
