Allen Embracing United’s “Very Structured” LMP2 Approach

Photo: United Autosports

James Allen praised United Autosports’ “very structured” approach to racing as the LMP2 stalwart links up with the Anglo-American team for the first time at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

The Australian, who took a class victory at the Florida endurance classic two years ago, will pilot the No. 22 Oreca 07 Gibson as the fourth driver for the event, teaming up with Goldburg, Paul Di Resta and Rasmus Lindh.

It marks the first time that the 28-year-old has competed with United, having frequently raced against the team as he drove for the likes of DragonSpeed, G-Drive Racing, Panis Racing, Algarve Pro Racing and Duqueine Team in the European Le Mans Series.

“You definitely understand why they’re so successful and why they have been able to win so many races and championships,” Allen told Sportscar365.

“The environment is definitely quite a lot different from what I’m used to. Everything is taken care of, everything is very structured. You don’t have to worry about anything.

“They want to know that everything on their side is organized and as much as they can organize for you is also organized. So it’s definitely a lot different to a lot of teams I’ve driven for.

“It’s nice. We have two cars here. Obviously the idea is to get a 1-2 and I think that’s something that is realistically always the goal for a team like United.

“And I think that’s something that we all want to push for, something we all want to achieve.”

United is set to embark on the second season of its revamped WeatherTech Championship, which is operated out of a base in Mooresville, N.C. that previously served as the headquarters for Jr III Racing’s LMP3 program.

The team endured a difficult Rolex 24 last year, with its best entry finishing sixth in class, two laps down, while the No. 22 car that Allen now steps into retired after encountering early suspension damage.

“I think [last] year they’ve sort of taken a year to learn and prepare,” Allen said.

“Now this year they’ve come with a much more full understanding of the championship and a wealth of knowledge to actually push for the win.

“So I think this year will be a big step and I think United always have the resources and the ability to to be able to do that.”

Allen holds one previous LMP2 class victory in the Rolex 24, stemming from a memorable conclusion to the 2023 edition of the event, where he secured the win for Proton Competition by beating CrowdStrike Racing by APR’s Ben Hanley by a mere 0.016 seconds.

“It was probably the biggest moment of my racing career,” Allen said.

“A highlight, I think, for a lot of people because that whole weekend for Proton was an amazing weekend.

“The GTD Pro car won as well so to have both cars in the team win the race and then for one of the cars to win in that fashion, and for their debut in LMP2 was a really special thing.

“I think that’ll remain in everyone’s memories for quite a long time.”

While Allen only joins United for the Rolex 24, he recognized the potential impact he could have on the remainder of the campaign for Goldburg, Di Resta and Lindh should the No. 22 finish well on Sunday.

“The way the point system works, especially in the Endurance Cup, Daytona makes an absolutely unbelievable difference to where you are in terms of position,” he said.

“It’s like Le Mans and WEC, you win Le Mans, you get double the points and you’re set up for pretty much the rest of the year.

“So for sure, winning Daytona sets up the team for a really good rest of the championship.”