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Highcroft clean up at ALMS awards

The Patron Highcroft Racing team enjoyed a successful end to its time in the LMP2 class of the American Le Mans Series after picking up multiple awards at the annual end of season banquet.

David Brabham and Scott Sharp took second in the LMP2 drivers' standings, while the team was also second in the LMP2 teams' title race behind Penske Porsche.

Brabham was also confirmed as the fans favourite ALMS driver when he was presented with both the ALMS and Motors TV 'Most Popular Driver' awards, while Sharp picked up rookie of the year honours for a fine debut season.

Team member Joel Svensson also got in on the act when he was named mechanic of the year for the LMP2 category.

"We had a fantastic season by all accounts," team boss Duncan Dayton said. "Four race victories (one overall), three pole positions, three second places, first place in the IMSA Cup, second in the drivers' championship, second in the team championship, second in the manufacturer's championship – all really quite incredible when you think about it.

"Yet I think we are all a little disappointed that we didn't win the championships. They were in our grasp and they slipped away. It will only motivate us to work even harder next year to make sure that we finish the job in 2009."

Brabham's success in the ALMS fan vote saw him take the honour away from Corvette Racing's Ron Fellows – who had lifted the award for the past four years.

The Australian enjoyed a record-breaking campaign as he become the first driver in ALMS history to win in all four classes thanks to victory in LMP2 at Long Beach following a late move on Romain Dumas. Brabham also helped both Acura and the team to a first overall win at Lime Rock.

Brabham's award, and that of team-mate Sharp, drew praise from team boss Dayton after both flew the flag in style for his team over the course of the year.

"What can one say about Brabs, other than he is the class of the field," he said. "He routinely provided heroics all year. From three pole positions to multiple late race passes for wins, he thrilled the fans all season long. He is the consummate professional and a wonderful gentleman as well. No wonder fans on both sides of the Atlantic voted him their favourite driver.

"After a long career in IndyCars, Scott transitioned to the ALMS with great results. Winning four races and finishing second three times was a huge accomplishment. His opening stint in Detroit will go down as his best drive of the year. He is a most deserving recipient of the rookie of the year award."

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Scott Sharp and David Brabham collect their LMP2 runners-up awards at the ALMS banquet
David Brabham
David Brabham
David Brabham and Scott Sharp celebrate winning the 2009 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) crown for Patrón Highcroft at Laguna Seca [pic credit: Hazel PR]
David Brabham and Scott Sharp celebrate winning the 2009 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) crown for Patrón Highcroft at Laguna Seca [pic credit: Hazel PR]
American Lemans Series. 9-11 October, 2009. Monterey Sports Car Championship. Laguna Seca Raceway. Monterey California, USA. #9 Patron HighCroft Acura.
American Lemans Series. 9-11 October, 2009. Monterey Sports Car Championship. Laguna Seca Raceway. Monterey California, USA. 2009 ALMS class winners.
American Lemans Series. 9-11 October, 2009. Monterey Sports Car Championship. Laguna Seca Raceway. Monterey California, USA. #9 Patron HighCroft Acura coming in for pitstop.
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American Lemans Series. 9-11 October, 2009. Monterey Sports Car Championship. Laguna Seca Raceway. Monterey California, USA. #9 Patron HighCroft Acura followed by field.
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American Lemans Series. 9-11 October, 2009. Monterey Sports Car Championship. Laguna Seca Raceway. Monterey California, USA. #9 Patron HighCroft Acura with David Brabham.
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American Lemans Series. 23-26 September 2009. 12th Annual Petit  Lemans. Road Atlanta. Braselton, Georgia. David Brabham.
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