After a successful debut in two races in 2012, DeltaWing Racing Cars will return to action in 2013 with the DeltaWing powered by Elan.
The unique, revolutionary car that runs on half the weight, half the power and half the drag of a typical prototype will make its first start in the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida, also its first in the LMP1 class, in the American Le Mans Series season opener.
Last year, the DeltaWing premiered at Sebring with demonstration laps. Now, a year later, the car embarks on its third endurance race. It made its debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and finished a highly creditable fifth place overall in the 2012 ALMS season finale, the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.
Olivier Pla and Andy Meyrick have been confirmed as drivers for the DeltaWing at Sebring, and will work under the guidance of DeltaWing Racing Cars team boss David Price.
“As a racing driver it’s an honor to be part of this racing program, and as an OAK Racing driver I want to thank them to let me drive the DeltaWing,” said Pla. “The DeltaWing has attracted so much attention since the beginning of the project, and Don Panoz has built and done so many things for motorsports. When I got the phone call from David Price to drive the DeltaWing at Sebring, I couldn't say no!”
“It is a real privilege to be part of this racing program,” added Meyrick. “The DeltaWing is a revolutionary racing car that challenges the way we go about racing. I am excited and extremely motivated to work with Don Panoz and DeltaWing Racing Cars. Don Panoz is one of the key supporters of sports car racing in America and worldwide and I have full belief in the program and team that he has put together.”
The car varies in appearance compared to prior cars they’ve driven, but the drivers are up for the challenge.
“I don’t think the adjustment will be too big; in fact, I am really excited to race the DeltaWing for the first time,” said Meyrick. “The weight of the car should make it especially nimble and reactive to drive, and as a driver, that is a key element.”
Pla has driven in both the LMP1 and LMP2 categories in his sports car career, and describes how the DeltaWing should progress given its advancement in class. The DeltaWing ran unclassified in 2012, but was closely aligned with the LMP2 class from a technical standpoint.
“I think the DeltaWing has been built to have the minimum amount of drag, but can still produce a good amount of downforce with the floor,” said Pla. “I should get to used to it from my years in single-seaters and now with my experience in LMP1 and LMP2. I’m sure we will have a lot of things to learn, and it will be very interesting.”
Photo: Bill Murenbeeld
