PWC: DragonSpeed confirms 4-car Mercedes SLS program

The driver lineup will be led by returnee Henrik Hedman, 46, who was GT-A class runner-up in his and the team's debut PWC season, the Swedish native and Fort Lauderdale resident celebrating his U.S. citizenship with a special livery in 2015. He will be teamed with a pair of young yet seasoned American endurance racers, Eric Lux (26) and Frankie Montecalvo (23). Puerto Rican teenager Victor Gomez Jr (18) joins the PWC ranks following a promising showing in the Ferrari Challenge in his first year of racing.

"We found the home we were looking for in PWC this year and, just as we hoped, the series has made it possible for us to expand our program," said DragonSpeed team principal Elton Julian. "We have terrific drivers who are here because of the talent and spirit of the crew as much as the results we put down in 2014. We're also honored to have the opportunity to fly the flag for Mercedes with an amazing car backed up by outstanding support, and look forward to delivering for them in PWC."

The core of the DragonSpeed crew is unchanged for 2015, with Mark Schomann continuing as the team's chief engineer supported by performance engineer Leon Gutfreund, and chief mechanic Steve Gysin overseeing a crew led by Matt Lobrutto and Josh Ferguson. The team is also adding a trackside team manager and team administrator to its strength this season.

"For me, it's a no-brainer to continue in the Pirelli World Challenge," said Henrik Hedman. "2015 will be more competitive than ever, so it won't be easy to repeat last year's results, but we are progressing as well. With the switch to the Mercedes for 2015, we believe we have a car better suited to the PWC circuits, especially the street courses. Being with DragonSpeed is a big plus for me as well. Even though the team is getting bigger, everyone is committed to keeping the family feeling which made 2014 such a great season – on and off track."

Added Lux: "I've enjoyed racing a lot of different cars in endurance competition over the last decade, but never tried sprint racing before, so I'm really looking forward to racing flat out and no fuel strategy. It's also great to be heading back to GTs full time, and the Mercedes looks like one quick taxi cab! With DragonSpeed, I'm confident I have the right team to go with the right car. They had an awesome rookie season in the series last season and I'm looking forward to working with Elton and his first-class crew again."