Randy Lanier - Motorsports Career

Motorsports Career

Prior to his career in IMSA Camel GT series, Lanier was a SCCA Southeast Regional Championship in E Production driving a Porsche 356 Speedster, he made his debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1982 driving for Preston Henn, the owner of Swap Shop, then at Lanier's fifth race at the 6 hours of Mosport, he would enter his own team, racing a March Engineering 82G Chevrolet and score his first podium finish with a third.

Lanier was joined by brothers Don and Bill Whittington driving.

The Whittingtons raced aircraft prior to cars, had also won the 1979 24 hours of Le Mans in a Porsche 935, and were the owners of the Road Atlanta circuit.

Lanier competed at IMSA GTP category for prototype cars, despite having lack of sponsorship and being a wholly independent team, unsupported by March Engineering. Despite having an adequate form two years previously finishing 16th and 28th consecutively, would surprise everybody in the championship by beating the heavily sponsored and factory supported oppositions from the likes of the Group 44 Racing Jaguar XJR-5 and Löwenbräu sponsored Holbert Racing Porsche 962 taking the 1984 GTP title as driver along with the Most Improved Driver award. Another reason for success was the fact the team employed the services of talented engine builder Ryan Falconer.

Lanier disbanded the team after the 1985 season to concentrate on his CART Indycar career, driving for Arciero Racing. For the following season, Lanier would also drive for Joest Racing for both Daytona 24 Hours and Miami. After a poor form in the previous year, Lanier would improve his form by finishing six of the nine races he entered including his 10th place finish at the Indianapolis 500, winning the Rookie of The Year honor. Prior to his arrest, he drove in 18 CART races in 1985 and 1986.