CARENDURANCELMS

Strakka Racing has signed Johnny Kane as the team’s third driver for the Le Mans Series and Le Mans 24 Hours.

The Northern Irish driver will join Nick Leventis and Danny Watts in the team’s HPD ARX-01 prototype which will race in the LMP2 category.

The 36-year-old Kane raced with Speedy Racing in the LMS last season and has vast sportscar racing experience in the LMS, ALMS, FIA GT Championship and at Le Mans.

“We had many options in front of us,” explained Piers Phillips, Team Manager, “and there were some really big hitters throwing their hats into the ring. It was enormously flattering to be on the receiving end of so much attention, but in the end, Jonny just fitted the bill perfectly.

“He has a wealth of experience and accomplishment, and signing him is an indication not only of the level that we are aiming for but also the goals that we have set ourselves. I believe we now have one of the strongest line-ups in P2.”

Kane has already tested the ARX-01, giving the car a run out at Misano during the Michelin tyre test shortly after Strakka received delivery of the Honda Performance Developments-designed chassis.

“He impressed us massively,” said Phillips. “He was immediately at ease, not only with the car, but also with everyone else in the team. It was apparent even then that we’d found someone we could work with very easily.”

The 1997 British F3 champion admitted he got to know the team last season as they raced against each other in the LMS and is looking forward to his new surroundings in 2010.

“I’m very pleased to be joining Strakka, and to be co-driving with Danny and Nick,” he said. “I’ve worked with Danny in Formula 3 and A1GP, and then got to know the rest of the team last season, not only through the test at Misano, but also because we had adjacent garages several times through the year.

“They have a very professional outlook, and the Misano test gave me an opportunity to witness that first-hand. The team has some very experienced and talented personnel, and they’ve chosen a fantastic product to go racing with.

“I’m sure we’ll be there or thereabouts and fighting for the championship. I’m just looking forward to getting down to work and arriving at the first race in the best shape possible.”

Strakka will begin its season with a private test in Portugal later this month.


Andy Wilkinson