Patrón Highcroft Racing’s David Brabham will run a special livery, celebrating his 100th American Le Mans Series race start at Mosport International Raceway this weekend.
The Highcroft crew surprised the sportscar legend by unveiling special anniversary livery for the LMP championship-leading car, which will proudly boast the race #100, instead of its usual #1, to mark the major milestone.
The celebrations surrounding Brabham’s 100th anniversary couldn’t have started at a more appropriate time – 43 years ago today David’s triple F1 World Champion father, Sir Jack won the first-ever Canadian Grand Prix at the same circuit.
“This is a very special day for me, arriving at the track to see the monumental efforts the Patrón Highcroft team has put in to celebrate my 100th race,” said Brabham, who will fly to Australia early next week to conduct a test at Queensland Raceway as part of his co-driving role with IRWIN Tools Racing.
“The car looks fantastic sporting the number 100. It means a great deal to me to be sharing this special time with this team.
“It’s amazing to think my Dad won the first Canadian Grand Prix on this day in 1967 as I celebrate my 100th ALMS race. It’s been an amazing journey. Every Highcroft team member has contributed towards making some of the best memories of my career.
“My sincere thanks go to Duncan and all the Highcroft crew. I’m so grateful to be doing my 100th race with this team and for their efforts to mark the occasion. It means a lot.”
As Highcroft prepares for Friday testing at the only Canadian circuit on the ALMS calendar this afternoon, Brabham becomes only the second driver to reach 100 ALMS race starts — joining former Panoz teammate Johnny O’Connell.
The Australian made his debut in the inaugural Series race in 1999, sharing a Panoz GTR-1 with Eric Bernard. His list of teammates over the last 11 years reads like a who’s who of sportscar racers, but Brabham remains the only driver in Series history to have won and set the pole in GT1, GT2, LMP1, LMP2 and LMP.