Briton's got talent

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. Derek Johnston, winner of the 2010 Sunoco Rolex 24 At Daytona Challenge, is preparing for his final night practice in the Doran Racing Ford Dallara #77.

Johnston returned to Daytona International Speedway on January 28th 2010, with the Rolex 24 to begin a mere two days later. The weather is a world away from his previous experience at the track.

Mid-afternoon temperatures hovered around 23°C, and an otherwise near-cyan sky is peppered with an occasional cloud, which merely heightens the blueness.

And, unlike last time, there is no snow.

A heady cocktail of excitement, sunny warmth and the crackle of race engines fills the air. Fans are arriving and the infield campsite is home to scores of RVs.

A number of prangs have occurred on the hallowed tarmac of Daytona International Speedway and while the atmosphere is gentlemanly and friendly, it is also close to that of the preparations before battle.

Johnston managed a few daylight laps on the first day of testing, although his track time was curtailed by the black flag. Now he waits, again, to take to the track.

The image shows Derek Johnston (left) about to take over from Memo Gidley in the Doran Racing #77.