Daniel McKenzie is to switch to sports car racing for a 2013 campaign in the Blancpain Endurance Series with Britain’s Beechdean Motorsport – and has also signed as a development and reserve driver for the prestigious Aston Martin Racing squad.
His role with Beechdean will see him compete across some of Europe’s most famous circuits in the pro-am category of the highly-competitive Blancpain Endurance Series, driving an Aston Martin Vantage alongside Jonny Adam and the team’s owner Andrew Howard.
Daniel (left in driver line-up) with his new team-mates
He will also attempt to qualify for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and will work with Aston Martin Racing and its World Endurance Championship (WEC) drivers, including such well-known names as Darren Turner, Stefan Mücke and ex-F1 driver Bruno Senna.
Daniel said: “It’s great to be part of Aston Martin Racing as the development and reserve driver – it’s good to have a strong relationship with them. Developing a sports car career opens up a completely new world of racing for me, and it’s very exciting to be part of the Beechdean Racing team.
“I have two very good team mates who are very committed and will help me adjust as I transfer my skills from single-seater to sports cars. It’s going to be a very competitive year with many cars on the grid, and with the Aston Martin Vantage I think we’ve got a very good chance of winning races.”
Aston Martin is marking its centenary year with an expanded car and driver line-up, targeting victories at Le Mans and in the WEC, as well as entering the 12 Hours of Sebring.
Daniel at the Aston Martin Racing launch
John Gaw, managing director and team principal at Aston Martin Racing, said: “Our aim is to win at Le Mans and in the WEC and we are particularly pleased to welcome such a professional driver line-up to Aston Martin Racing for this centenary year.”
David Richards, Chairman of Aston Martin, added: “There is a real sense of anticipation in the Aston Martin Racing team this year and a belief that it is once again our time to return to the top step of the podium at Le Mans. It would be a fitting way for Aston Martin, which has such a rich heritage in motorsport and particularly at Le Mans, to cap its centenary year.”