Derek Johnston, winner of the inaugural 2009 Rolex 24 At Daytona Driver Challenge presented by Sunoco, will find himself in good company in the gruelling endurance race on 30-31 January; he's driving with Doran Racing, a team for which the adjective “legendary” simply doesn't do justice.

The Brit, who first raced cars just four years ago, will pilot the Doran Racing #77 Dallara Ford Daytona Prototype along with Memo Gidley, Fabrizio Gollin and one other driver, the name yet to be disclosed.

It's not, of course, the first British “Derek” to have driven for the team. As team leader and owner Kevin Doran pointed out, ace Brit driver Derek Bell was part of the crew for many years.

Doran has kept a keen eye on Johnston's progress and offered his thoughts on the Brit. “I've heard that Derek [Johnston] made good progress and adapted quickly to both Virginia International Raceway in November and at Daytona International Speedway last month.

“I'll be there to make sure he gets to know all the potential pitfalls and make sure he doesn't find himself in the bad spots,” he commented.