Former Blancpain Endurance driver Daniel McKenzie is stepping up to the European Le Mans Series after signing a deal with championship winning team JMW Motorsport.
McKenzie made his début in sportscar racing last year driving in the Pro-Am category and was also selected to be a part of the Aston Martin Racing squad in their junior program. The team earned pole at Spa (McKenzie’s first 24-hour race) and had their best finish at Monza, finishing fourth in the Pro-Am Category.
The 25-year-old has already had a chance to drive JMW Motorsport’s Ferrari 458 GT when participating in the ELMS official test at Paul Ricard circuit at the beginning of the week. The team will compete in the LMGTE category in the five-round ELMS.”I am really happy to have signed a deal with JMW Motorsports,” said McKenzie.
“I have just been testing with the team and over the two days we tested a variety of things, which was very productive and also showed great pace. It was great to get behind the wheel of a racing car again and I need to thank my manager Mark Blundell and the Team Manager at JMW, Tim Sugden, for putting this deal together. I look forward to creating a long term working relationship with all at JMW Motorsport.”
Tim Sugden, JMW Motorsport’s Team Manager said, “I have watched Daniel since his World Series by Renault season, but never really knew him as a person. Having just finished a really successful two-day test at Paul Ricard I have to say it has been a pleasure to work with him. Quick and a real team player, we are all extremely pleased to welcome Daniel to JMW.”
The European Le Mans Series provides a training ground for the World Endurance Championship. The series will feature 42 cars this year and the five-event season will begin at Silverstone from 18-19 April.