It’s the start of a new chapter in the career of Colin Braun. He joins DragonSpeed for the Rolex 24, after his time with CORE Autosport came to an end.
Braun drove with CORE team owner Jon Bennett for five years, and enjoyed tremendous success together. Despite Bennett not being a professional driver they came three points shy of winning the 2018 IMSA title.
After a long association with CORE the move to DragonSpeed is only for Daytona at the moment. It’s widely expected however that Braun will join the team for the Le Mans 24 Hours, along with further potential drives in the European Le Mans Series.
CORE Autosport closed it’s DPI program after the 2019 season, leaving long-time co-driver Braun without a full time drive for 2020. Photo: Motorsport.com
DragonSpeed are the defending Rolex 24 LMP2 class winners. They return with Ben Hanley, Henrik Hedman and Harrison Newey. In the build up to the race I asked Braun some quick questions about leaving CORE and his hopes with DragonSpeed.
How tough was it to leave the CORE Autosport team after so many successful years with them?
Tough for sure, CORE was a fantastic team with so many great team members and a long history together. But as they say nothing last forever!
What are the big differences between the Nissan DPI and the Oreca at Daytona?
Well the Nissan was in the DPi class and with the ORECA being in the LMP2 class it is a bit hard to compare as the regulations are different. The LMP2 car is restricted down on horsepower and aero configurations so certainly slower on the straight away’s but in the corners the ORECA really handles well and is very comfortable to drive!
DragonSpeed return as defending LMP2 class winners, with Braun hoping to add to his 2014 PC class win. Photo: Motorsport.com
What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of the Oreca at Daytona?
I think the ORECA is really a strong car. Very reliable and well built. I don’t think to many weakness’s with the chassis to be honest, they have run them for a few years and have so many racing around the world it is very strong! We just must protect the car on the racing and traffic side to keep all the aero bits attached!
How was the Roar test for the #81 team?
Great test. Learned a lot and for me to integrate into the Dragon Speed team was a lot of fun, such a great group of guys and they are very hungry to win! Fantastic teammates as well in Ben, Harrison, and Henrik so I am feeling good!
Who are your main rivals at the Rolex 24 this year?
I think everyone in the class will be tough honestly, I know the Starworks lineup is quite strong but also the PR1 lineup as well… I think we can’t count out anyone!
Braun and CORE Autosport became the dominant force in the PC class, with a Rolex 24 class win the highlight of their 2014 season. Photo: Motorsport.com
Could you describe your relationship with DragonSpeed, did you know many of the team before joining?
I have known Elton Julian for many years as we raced against each other back in the early PC days in ALMS. They run a great operation, so it is a pleasure to join!
How excited are you to be going back to Le Mans with DragonSpeed this year?
Well I am hopeful we get the invite, I know it is in the works but I would love a chance to get back to Le Mans again – last time I finished P2 so only 1 place to go from that!
Would you like to expand to compete in other major sportscar races such as the Spa 24 Hours etc?
Yes I would love to contest the Spa 24hr event, looks really challenging and fun. I had a chance to run in the Michelin Le Mans Cup series in 2018 in an LMP3 car which is all in Europe and really enjoyed that style of racing.
What are your racing plans for 2020 aside from Daytona and Le Mans?
I am hoping to be back in SRO again in the USA, that is a fun series and I always enjoy driving a GT3 car!
I would like to thank Colin for giving up the time to answer my questions, and wish both him and the team the best of luck this weekend! Find me on Twitter @JWjournalism if you liked this article!
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