IMSA: Pigot, Devlin join Mazda Prototype team for Rolex 24

Mazda Motorsports has two categories of driver development programs that support drivers on their way to the top of North American auto racing. The Mazda Road to 24 (#MRT24) is a ladder system for sports car racers while the similar Mazda Road to Indy (#MRTI) provides driver scholarships in the open-wheel ranks. For the Rolex 24 at Daytona, those two categories come together as Indy Lights champion Spencer Pigot will join the Mazda Prototype team. Veteran sports car racer Ben Devlin will also join the team for the third consecutive year at Daytona.

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The 22-year-old Pigot (LEFT) is the first driver to win four Mazda development scholarships as he climbed from grassroots racing to the top of the open-wheel ladder. He will join the Mazda Prototype No. 55 team at Daytona, pairing with full-season drivers Jonathan Bomarito and Tristan Nunez.

Following several lower-level championships with Mazda backing, Pigot won the Pro Mazda championship in 2014. The title earned him the scholarship to progress up to Indy Lights in 2015, where he won six races and the championship in his rookie season. With the Indy Lights championship, Pigot earned the $1 million Mazda scholarship, entitling him to three IndyCar races, including the historical 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 with the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team.

"The Mazda Road to Indy has been very important to my development as a driver," said Pigot. "The cars within the ladder system train you to compete at the top levels of motorsport. Because I had done a full season with the Indy Lights car with Mazda turbo power, I was able to get comfortable with the power and downforce of the Prototype pretty quickly. Driving in the Daytona 24 Hours is a new experience for me which I'm very excited about. Mazda have been a huge part of my career and I can't thank them enough for the opportunity to drive in the Rolex 24."

Briton Ben Devlin, 33 (RIGHT), will again join the Mazda Prototype team at Daytona. Devlin has an extensive sports car and prototype resume, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans as well as many starts in Grand-Am, American Le Mans Series and IMSA.

In 2009, Devlin teamed with Marino Franchitti and Butch Leitzinger in a Mazda Prototype to win the LMP2 category at the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. He will drive the No. 70 car with full-season co-drivers Tom Long and Joel Miller.

"My expectations are always high at the beginning of year," said Devlin. "But this year I think is going to be one to remember. I know I'm the old guy, but I can fill my role after driving these type of cars for over 15 years. I want to pass my experience on to the young guns, and I believe I still have the speed and, most importantly, consistency to help the team succeed."