Having already extended Warren Hughes' deal into next season, Embassy Racing has confirmed the signing of Jonny Kane and Joey Foster for the 2008 Le Mans Series campaign.
Kane joins the team having already displayed his talent in the sportscars scene, moving on from a career in single-seaters to compete in a range of series, including
British GTs and the LMS – where he competed in recent seasons for both the factory Spyker and satellite Speedy Racing teams.
“I am delighted to be joining such a dynamic and progressive team,” he said. “I have been aware of Embassy right from their first foray into
British GT and have always been impressed with the way they have competed and presented themselves. I have seen them grow into one of the most professional outfits racing today and jumped at the chance to talk to them about a drive in 2008. I already knew Jonathan quite well and was keen to make the deal happen. I am looking forward to next year and am very excited about the possibilities especially with the new car.”
Having been forced to the sidelines by an accident in the German Formula 3 series that left him with a broken back, Foster will be making a full-time return to racing after spending much of 2007 on the sidelines, although outings in the Walter Hayes Trophy and in Formula Ford have shown him to be fully back to fitness and ready to get back behind the wheel.
“This is a dream return for me,” he said. “To get the opportunity, after everything I have been through, to work with Embassy and Jonathan France is more than I could have imagined. All the disappointment of the accident is behind me now; I am 100 per cent fit and ready to accept the challenge of the Le Mans Series. I am fully committed and will do whatever it takes to repay Jonathan for the faith he has placed in me. Bring on 2008, I can't wait.”
Both drivers will be at the wheel of the new Embassy WF01, which is currently expected to hit the track for the first time in the new year.
With his driver line-up continuing to take shape, team principal Jonathan France said he was even more excited about the season ahead.
“Both Jonny and Joey have been on my wish list for some time,” he said. “I follow drivers careers very closely and they both caught my eye early on. Although Joey has had a difficult time over the last year or so, I am certain that he will quickly prove he has what it takes to become a leading prototype driver. Jonny has continually impressed with his skill, attitude and professional approach and has done the very best job he can in whatever he has been asked to drive.
“I believe that by balancing the combination of youth and experience we will get even more from our drivers in 2008 and Jonny and Joey are very much an integral part of my plans.”
