Dalziel chases Atlantic title with Sierra Sierra.

Scotland's Ryan Dalziel, it was announced today, will return to the US-based Toyota Atlantic Series to fight for the 2004 championship racing the #28 ProWorks/Daily Record entry with Sierra Sierra Enterprises.

Dalziel claimed the championship runner-up position in his first season with the team in 2003. Sierra Sierra Enterprises, in addition to announcing Dalziel's return today, confirmed the young Scot's new team-mate as 2003 Fran Am Champion, Andrew Ranger.

Dalziel, duly installed as a favourite for the title, is delighted to be returning to Sierra Sierra following a stellar debut season with the Nevada-based team which included pole to flag victories at Milwaukee and Portland, before the Scottish racer concluded his year with a maiden 750-bhp Champ Car test with Walker Racing in December.

"My thanks go to Dennis and Diane Kottke for bringing me back this year. They have assembled an outstanding team with whom I have a great relationship. We have the fastest and most reliable cars in the paddock and my intentions are to take our results one step further this year and win the championship," commented Dalziel.

He continued: "It is an exciting time for Toyota Atlantics, now running under the OWRS umbrella, and I am proud to be part of it. I plan to drive Champ Cars in the future and it gives me great confidence knowing that I am getting the best preparation possible in and out of the car driving for the best team in the competitive Atlantic series."

Sierra Sierra is entering their second full season in the Toyota Atlantic series, after finishing second in the championship last year and earning nine podium finishes in the 12 race series, all courtesy of Dalziel.

Team owners Dennis and Diane Kottke commented on their driver line-up: "2003 was a year of learning and development for us and we believe in 2004 with Ryan and Andrew that Sierra Sierra clearly poses a very serious threat both to the Championship and the Rookie of the Year title."

Sierra Sierra recently completed their first test of the season with Dalziel and Ranger, manager of driver development and two-time Toyota Atlantic Champion David Empringham left the test confident for the upcoming 2004 season: "I am excited to have two gifted drivers to work with this year. We have the perfect environment to attack the 2004 Championship. I feel fortunate to be working with Ryan again."

The 2004 Toyota Atlantic Championship commences on 18th April at Long Beach, California.