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Pirro deputises for Drayson at SLC

A non-motorsport related injury to driver/owner Paul Drayson has compelled Drayson Racing to make a last-minute alteration to its planned driver line-up for this weekends Utah Grand Prix. Substituting Drayson in the No.8 Drayson Racing Lola Coupé with Judd Power this weekend will be five-time Le Mans winner Emanuele Pirro. Pirro, who will be making his fourth start with the United Kingdom-based team and will share the cockpit with long-time Drayson Racing driver Jonny Cocker. The Miller Motorsports Park event is the fourth round of the American Le Mans Series.

Drayson sustained an injury to his right foot last Saturday. It is responding well to treatment and Drayson expects to be fit to race within two weeks. He will attend the Utah event in his role as owner. Every indication is that Drayson will be back for the Lime Rock Park race in Connecticut on 24th July.

Cocker and Pirro will take part in a scheduled, private test at the 3.048-mile/4.905Km 'outer loop' of the Salt Lake City-area facility on Wednesday. The test is the first time the Lola-Judd has turned a wheel since taking the chequered flag at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on 13 June. Six races remain in the ALMS season with five events coming within the next eight weeks. The arduous schedule puts a premium on preparation of both man and machine; a leading factor in the Paul Drayson's decision to step out of the car this weekend.

Paul Drayson\\Owner/Driver:"I am very disappointed to be sitting this one out. I know that Emanuele and the team will do an outstanding job and I'm looking forward to cheering them on from the pit lane."

Follow Drayson at Miller Motorsport Park this weekend via www.draysonracing.com