Action Express Racing will be fielding a second Cadillac DPi in the 2021 Rolex 24 at Daytona with a star-studded driver line-up that features seven-time NASCAR Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, run in partnership with Hendrick Motorsports.
Johnson will drive the Ally-sponsored #48 Cadillac DPi-VR alongside 2020 Rolex 24 winner Kamui Kobayashi, 2019 Indy 500 winner Simon Pagenaud and 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller.
For Johnson, it is his first appearance in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in a decade, as he last contested the race in 2011.
“The Rolex 24 at Daytona is one of the marquee races in the world,” Johnson said. “It’s such a challenging event for both team and driver and requires such a high level of concentration throughout.
“It’s just such a fun and unique race to compete in. This will be the first time I’ve raced with Action Express and have been very impressed with the team and its preparation.
“I’m also excited to have Ally on board and to be co-driving with Simon, Kamui, and Mike who are three world-class drivers with experience in this race and the DPi class.
“I’ve finished second in this event [in 2005 and 2008] so I’m looking forward to trying to get on the top step in 2021.”
After running a single car in 2020, Action Express Racing will return to running two cars as its regular #31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac has also been entered for Pipo Derani, Felipe Nasr and Mike Conway. Conway and Kobayashi will be racing for the first time since the pair locked up the World Endurance Championship last November.
We’ve been talking to Jimmie about running with us for many months,” said Action Express team manager Gary Nelson. “It all came together in November with the support of Hendrick Motorsports and their tremendous partner, Ally.
“Jimmie has a lot of experience at Daytona, not only on the oval, but turning into the infield as well. Simon brings a lot of endurance experience and Kamui adds a wealth of car set-up knowledge and speed to the car.
“We won the Rolex 24 with Mike in 2010, so he is familiar with how we operate. We’re looking at having a great ten days in Daytona starting with the Roar Before the 24.”
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