DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Heralded as the biggest prize in British motorsports, the Rolex 24 At Daytona Driver Challenge presented by Sunoco, will return in 2010, when competitors in four British racing series will vie for a coveted driver's seat in the 2011 Rolex 24 At Daytona.

Derek Johnston was the winner of the 2009 Rolex 24 At Daytona Driver Challenge presented by Sunoco, scoring the highest average point total among registered drivers competing in the Cooper Tires British F3 International Series, the Avon Tyres British GT Championship, the Radical UK Cup and the SPEED sports prototype series. As a result, Johnston earned a funded seat in a Daytona Prototype to compete in the 48th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 30-31. He will also test twice at Daytona, running in both the Dec. 8-9 and Jan. 8-10 sessions.

During 2009, drivers in the four Sunoco-fueled series went head-to-head against each other, collecting points for pole position, race results and fastest lap, with the prize of a driver's seat for the 2010 Rolex 24 At Daytona on the line.

The Driver Challenge was a nail-bitter all year long and the outcome wasn't determined until the final week. Johnston (Radical UK Cup) edged Rob Garofall (SPEED) to earn that driver's seat and will compete in America's most prestigious sports car race in a to-be-announced Daytona Prototype.

"I can't believe it," said Johnston, who will test at Daytona International Speedway in early January before competing in the Rolex 24, which is the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 season-opening race and the kick-off event on the international motorsports calendar.

"The Rolex 24 Driver Challenge presented by Sunoco has been a huge success and has generated increased awareness of the Rolex 24 At Daytona throughout Europe," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. "With the help of Sunoco, the Driver Challenge and its unique prize has generated excitement about the upcoming Rolex 24 At Daytona and we're looking forward to seeing the program continue to grow in 2010."

"The Roar Before the Rolex 24" test is set for Jan. 8-10 at Daytona International Speedway, when spectators are invited to watch competitors in the Rolex Series and GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge prepare for the 2010 season. Rolex Series competitors will also test at Daytona on Dec. 8-9.

For additional information, please visit www.Grand-Am.com or www.twitter.com/RolexSeries.