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9th November 2007

Lord Drayson, the UK government’s defence procurement minister responsible is taking a ‘leave of absence’ to race in the American Le Mans Series sports car racing championship in 2008.

In a letter to Prime Minister Gordon Brown Lord Drayson said, “As you know I have a passion for motor racing and over the past year have competed in the British GT championship racing a unique bio-ethanol-fuelled race car, achieving a "historic first" win for a green-fuelled car and coming second overall in the championship.

“A number of special circumstances have now presented me with a once in a lifetime opportunity to take my racing to the next level. I have the opportunity to race next year in the American Le Mans series in the United States, a key step towards my eventual dream of success in the Le Mans 24 hours endurance race.

“For the first time next year the American Le Mans Series will allow bio-ethanol cars to compete and so this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase British motorsport technology for environmentally friendly racing.

“It has also coincided with my development as a driver to the point where I am now able to compete at this level.

“Unfortunately, it cannot be combined with the challenge of full-time government office so, as we discussed, I am writing to inform you that I wish to take a leave of absence from the government to enable me to do this. Thank you for your support in understanding why I am so keen to pursue my racing ambition.”

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