news: James Davison to test LDM Commodore

James Davison celebrates his victory at Mid Ohio last year

James Davison will test the Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport Commodore VE at Winton this Monday.

Davison, the cousin of V8 Supercar stars Alex and Will, is set to get his first laps in a V8 Supercar at the official V8 test at the rural circuit in the Gulf Western Oils-sponsored car.

Davison finished second in last year’s Indy Lights series, and after five years of competing in America, is looking forward to having a one-off run with the new team.

James Davison will test the Gulf Western Oils car that Kiwi Daniel Gaunt will drive this year

“I’m excited. It will be a new challenge, considering my background has been in open-wheelers racing in the USA for the last five years. I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

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“When I came back to Australia (over the Christmas period), I went and visited Lucas Dumbrell for the first time since he had his accident. We got talking and he offered me a chance to do some laps in his V8 Supercar.

“I’m only getting minimal laps in the car, because it’s an important day for the team to get up to speed with (regular driver) Daniel Gaunt, but any opportunity you can get you should take with both hands, and that’s what I’m doing.”

Davison’s driving future is currently uncertain after the news that his Indy team – Vision Racing – has suspended its racing activities.

The 22-year-old will head back to the USA the day after the test to attempt to rescue his Indy Lights drive, as there’s a chance the Vision will still enter cars in the junior IndyCar formula.

“Vision wants to keep the Indy Lights program going with a two-car team,” he said.

“We had such a successful season as a brand-new team last year, finishing runner-up in the championship between the two Andretti cars, and we definitely feel highly confident that we can win the championship this season.

“I’ve definitely done the most I can on and off track to have a ride in 2010. It’s such a difficult time right now. I mean, Graham Rahal doesn’t even have a drive – He’s America’s fastest, youngest, most promotable driver. It’s just a tough time right now. A lot of people are being patient with the economy, and it’s the same for a lot of people out there.”