Lola And Krohn Racing Behind The New DP
As reported on dailysportscar yesterday (March 21), Lola Cars International Ltd is behind the new, Multimatic-based, Daytona Prototype for 2008 - but in association with Krohn Racing.

Lola and Krohn Racing have formed a new company called Proto-Auto LLC which has purchased a Grand-Am constructors licence from Multimatic, whose chassis will form the basis of the 2008 Lola. The cars will be assembled at the new facility.

After research, design and development at Lola, Proto-Auto will operate from a facility in Atlanta, Georgia, and will manage the marketing, engineering, parts and logistical support for all teams which campaign the Lola Daytona Prototype.

The first team to take delivery of two new Lola cars will, naturally, be Krohn Racing and the first car is scheduled to test immediately after the end of the 2007 season. Tracy Krohn’s team currently runs a pair of Riley Pontiacs. The car will be engineered to accept the whole range of engines homologated in the DP Class.

A first artist's impression of the new car is expected in May.

Lola and Krohn Racing have provided these remarks from four of the significant individuals involved.

Martin Birrane - Executive Chairman, Lola Group: “Lola has a rich and successful history in sportscars that continues to this day. We want to build on that with this significant new project. Grand-Am is a growing series that fits perfectly with our own ambitions. Everyone at Lola is excited with this new challenge and our partnership with such a strong and competitive team as Krohn Racing. We are sure this new collaboration will open another exciting chapter for Lola Cars competing in the US.”

Tracy W. Krohn - Team Owner of Krohn Racing: “This is the second part of Krohn Racing goals, to form a viable business. Our first goal was to create a winning race car team. I am delighted to enter into a partnership with an esteemed company like Lola Cars.”

Roger Edmondson - President, Grand-Am: “We welcome Lola back to Grand-Am and are impressed that their return is in partnership with one of our top Rolex Sports Car Series teams in Krohn Racing. Lola was with us at the very first Grand-Am Rolex 24 At Daytona in 2000 and we look forward to helping them write another chapter in both their Grand-Am and overall racing history in their entry into Daytona Prototype competition.”

Larry Holt - Vice President, Multimatic Inc.: “We were able to fully develop the Multimatic chassis under the present Grand-Am rules, but could go no further. I was always satisfied with the mechanical aspects of the car but the aerodynamic program was undoubtedly lacking and the new rules will now allow this deficiency to be addressed. However, due to other business commitments, we have taken the decision to pass the torch to the new Proto-Auto LLC partnership to exploit this substantial opportunity. I am delighted that the combination of the world’s leading race car manufacture, Lola, and the top Grand-Am Rolex DP team, Krohn Racing, has chosen to take this on. We are looking forward to assisting with component supply and ultimately competing with the updated car in 2008.”