Dalziel lands Grand-Am ride
Dalziel’s deal for the rest of the season potentially means he’ll combine double duty at some events with forthcoming commitments ahead in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series – where he’ll continue to race in the Daytona Prototype class having earned his maiden win in the fiercely-competitive category last season at Laguna Seca.
“I have to say I’m pretty excited to be filling up my schedule for the rest of the season," stated Dalziel on completing his deal with Motorsport Technology Group. “I’ve had a bit of time on my hands lately so it’s good to know that with this deal and some other things I’m working on, I’ll be kept pretty busy in the sports car community. I’m grateful to Steve (Marcus) and Larry (Hahn) for their approach and I’m looking forward to doing my bit to keep their Porsche entry at the head of the pack!"
The team made a strong start to the 2009 Koni Sports Car Challenge with a fourth place effort in Round 1 at Daytona followed by a trip to victory lane in Round 2 in March at the Homestead Miami Speedway. A third place followed at the Thunderbolt Raceway but the team has opted for a driver shake-up with Dalziel joining the squad to continue to lead its Koni efforts through to the end of the 11-race series. Ryan will be partnered behind the wheel next weekend at Mid-Ohio by Peter Ludwig.
“Put simply we were looking for a leader and proven winner and that’s what led us to signing Ryan to drive for us,“ remarked Motorsport Technology Group owner Steve Marcus. “I had actually spoken to Ryan last season but I also knew that he’d had previous dealings with our team manager, Larry Hahn. His reputation speaks for itself quite frankly, he’s been competitive in every series he’s raced in and he’s proved himself to be particularly strong in sports car competition. We’re looking forward to working with Ryan and strengthening our position as one of the leading entries in the Koni Sports Car Challenge."