McLaren Formula 1 youngster Lando Norris will make his endurance racing debut at next January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona with United Autosports.
Norris, 17, has stood out as one of Britain’s brightest racing talents for a number of years, and is currently racing in the FIA European Formula 3 Championship with Carlin.
Norris was picked up by McLaren to join its prestigious junior program earlier this year, with graduates including Lewis Hamilton, Kevin Magnussen and Stoffel Vandoorne.
While his 2018 racing plans remain far from confirmed, Norris can put at least one date in his diary after United Autosports announced on Thursday he would be joining Will Owen in its Ligier JS P217 for the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway on January 27-28.
“I’m really excited to be racing for United Autosports and at Daytona. The team have proved themselves to be front runners in prototype racing and they had a great performance at the Le Mans 24 Hours last month so I’m hoping I can add to their LMP2 success,” Norris said.
“To race at Daytona will be fantastic. It will be my first 24-hour event but I can’t wait to get out in the car round such an iconic track.”
Zak Brown, co-owner of United Autosports and executive director at McLaren, added: “Lando is a great talent and I’m thrilled we have worked out a deal to have him drive for United Autosports at Daytona.
“Although he doesn’t know the car, I’m sure he will pick it up and learn from his now relatively experienced team mate Will. I’m excited to see how he gets on.”