The brand new 2011 Dark Horse Racing Lotus Elise line up - John Prefontaine and Ash Miller

Clear skies and temperate humidity greeted Lakeside for the first day of Top Gear series practice for 2011, and amid the thronging eager circuit-goers itching to remind themselves of why Lakeside is one of the premier circuits in Australia, Dark Horse Racing were on hand to provide the masses with their first on track appearance.

The Dark Horse Racing Lotus Elise, with drivers John Prefontaine and Ash Miller, hit the track to shake down their 2011 chassis and get a feel for what they’re dealing with come the year.

Each driver pocketed dozens of laps behind the wheel, getting a feel for the newly refreshed elise package.

“It feels awesome – so good to actually be gaining on people on the straight!”, Prefontaine said.

“It’s completely different from what I’m used to in terms of power, and it feels great.”

Miller, similarly, was impressed by the new package.

“Getting used to the rear engined setup was an experience – once that rear end comes around, it’s very hard to bring it back. But it has so much grip, the car is so pointy; it’s going to be awesome to drive this year. I think we’ll be very competitive.”

Feeling out the limits of the car right from the outset, Miller and Prefontaine matched each others times, with both drivers confident that there’s alot more time yet to be found in the car.

Despite cooling problems later in the day, DHR’s new look 2011 ride has now put valuable laps under the belt – and in the hands of Prefontaine, will be running against the biggest Prodsports field seen at Lakeside for a decade.

“We’re just out there to get used to the car, but it will be fun racing against all those guys,” he voiced.

Keep a watch out for reports on how DHR’s brand new line up perform throughout the weekend.

Miller waved goodbye to MX5's...but what's lined up for 2011?

Dark Horse Racing are set to launch their 2011 season, and reveal their challenger, at Lakeside Raceway on Saturday the 19th of February.

After months of speculation and careful behind-the-scenes planning, DHR are finally ready to hit the track, in an interim-spec car, ahead of their 2011 assault on the CUE One Hour Endurance Series.

2010 brought almost unprecedented success for DHR, as their now-for sale MX5 charger clean swept the Class 2E championship, taking home second place overall for the 2010 series. Now, with new machinery and a new challenge, coupled with a new driver, 2011 looks to be the most exciting yet.

“It’s great to have a new challenge, and I’m really thrilled to be a part of this new outfit – even more so that they asked to carry the Dark Horse Racing number 94 banner onwards,” Miller said.

As to what Miller and driver John Prefontaine will be driving, all will be announced come Saturdays test session.

The team will be on track at Lakeside from 9am to Midday – come and check out DHR’s exciting new direction for 2011, and come and say hi to the team!