IMSA – Derani will finish the season at ESM

Luis Felipe Derani will play the rest of the season IMSA in the #22 ESM Nissan Onroak DPi, replacing Ed Brown who decided to retire from prototype racing after the 6 Hours of Watkins Glen (New York) held this weekend. The Brazilian who won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring (Florida) with the team in 2016 will return to support Johannes van Overbeek after having also defended the team's colors in WEC.

“It feels good to be back in the team, comments Luis Felipe Derani. After a good race at Daytona (17th), Sebring was not our best trip (42nd). so I'm looking forward to coming back to Watkins Glen and continuing for the rest of the season. It's a pleasure to share the car with Johannes again and I hope I can help as much as possible to make this car win again. »

Ed Brown has decided to retire from prototype racing to focus on his commitments as President and CEO of Patron Spirits International, ESM's title sponsor.

“I’ve been racing for 14 years, recalls Ed Brown. It is more important than anything that I dedicate myself to the evolution of the Patron brand. The plan was always to retire from prototype racing at some point and it looks like now is the right time. »

Ed Brown won't be hanging up his helmet though since he plans to test several GT3s in the coming months, reserving the possibility of driving one of them in competition next year. ESM clarified that his withdrawal would not affect the team's program for 2018.