Mowlem secures works Saleen status

Johnny Mowlem has guaranteed himself a drive in this year's Le Mans 24 Hours after signing as a factory driver for American muscle car manufacturer Saleen

Mar 21, 2002, 10:42 AM

The marque will not run a works team at the race on June 15/16, but they have pledged to place Mowlem with one of the four factory-supported outfits. Mowlem is also contracted to carry out testing for Saleen's tyre supplier, Pirelli.

"It's really nice for me to be affiliated with Saleen to go to Le Mans," said Mowlem, who raced one of the marque's S7R GTS cars for Ray Mallock Limited at the classic race last year. "We should be able to give the Chevrolet Corvettes a run for their money.

"It is very flattering that I was their number one choice. There are big things happening with this company in the next few years, so I hope to be a part of it."

Mowlem also looks set to race a prototype for the second time this year. He is expected to share the Crawford he raced at last month's Daytona 24 Hours with NASCAR star Tony Stewart in the Watkins Glen Six Hours on June 23.