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Interesting News in the World of Grand Am
- Thread starter THE Phen
- Start date
GRAND-AM Cooldown Lap: Daytona
GRAND-AM Pre-Season Testing For The Rolex Sports Car Series
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011
The Story
A trio of new Corvette Daytona Prototypes shared the spotlight with new cars from Ferrari and Audi as a two-day GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series test opened at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 28-29, 2012.
Testing concludes Tuesday, with cars on track from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
One of the most eagerly anticipated debuts at the test was the new Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am, of which there were three at Daytona on Tuesday. Jeff Segal and Emil Assentato, the 2009 Rolex Series GT co-champions, will share a Ferrari 458 Italia for the entire 2012 season with AIM Autosport, and Segal and longtime co-driver Nick Longhi turned the car’s first laps on Tuesday.
Risi Competizione (with drivers Raphael Matos and Toni Vilander) and Extreme Speed Motorsports (Scott Sharp, Ed Brown, Guy Cosmo and Johannes van Overbeek) ran their first Rolex Series test with the Ferrari F458 Italia Grand Am as well. Also making its Daytona debut was the new Audi R8 GRAND-AM, which was being put through its paces by Audi factory driver Frank Stippler.
Stealing the spotlight in DP was Felipe Nasr, who was quickest in the unofficial session driving the No. 58 Action Express Porsche/Riley at 1:41.286. The 2011 British Formula 3 champion, Nasr outpointed drivers from three European series to win the Sunoco Rolex 24 At Daytona Challenge, earning a DP drive and testing for the Rolex 24.
Action Express Motorsports had a pair of new Corvette DPs, the No. 5 for David Donohue and Darren Law, joining the No. 9 of Joao Barbosa, Terry Borcheller and JC France. Max Angelelli and Ricky Taylor debuted the No. 10 SunTrust Corvette DP. Antonio Garcia and Oliver Gavin returned in the No. 90 Spirit of Daytona Corvette DP that was unveiled at Daytona three weeks ago.
Noteworthy
Defending Rolex 24 class winner Spencer Pumpelly led the GT class with a lap of 1:49.437 in the No. 67 TRG Porsche GT3. The No. 67 is one of five Porsches being fielded at the test by TRG.
In the lone incident of the seven-hour session, Gary St. Amour went off course in the chicane and damaged the front end of the No. 55 Acumen Motorsport Porsche GT3. The car has been repaired and will be ready for Wednesday’s session.
Michael Marsal filled in for Paul Dalla Lana in the No. 94 Turner Motorsport BMW M3, joining Bill Auberlen and Boris Said. Dalla Lana, who had a business commitment, recently became the first GRAND-AM driver to win the prestigious BMW Sports Trophy as the marquee’s top independent driver. He came out on top in a field of 235 participants to win the award, presented for the 50th time at BMW headquarters in Munich, Germany.
Two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip is expected to test a TRG Porsche GT3 on Wednesday. AF Waltrip, being run in collaboration with Italy’s AF Corse team, has already entered a Ferrari F458 Italia Grand Am in the Rolex 24.
The new Racers Edge Motorsports Dodge Viper did not participate in Tuesday’s session as the team worked at its DeLand, Fla. shop on the car’s new paddle shift system. The bright red Viper arrived at the track late Tuesday afternoon, and is expected to test on Wednesday.
The Quotes:
“Wow! I didn’t expect these cars to be so quick. Obviously this is a big difference from F3 with the weight, the power and the brakes, but I found this car awesome to drive. This is such a great series and I absolutely can’t wait to race here. The Action Express team did a great getting the car ready and I absolutely have to thank Ozz Negri for all of his help. I had such a great day today.” Felipe Nasr, No. 58 Action Express Racing Porsche/Riley
“This has been a thrash, because we only got the new Ferrari three days ago. But we felt it was important for us to be here and learn more about the car. That will make the January test more productive and have us better prepared for the Rolex 24. This is a big step for Extreme Speed Motorsports, and it’s nice to have all four drivers in one car. Winning the Rolex 24 (in 1996) was one of my highest accolades. The depth of drivers here is unbelievable, and it’s very prestigious to be part of it.” Scott Sharp, No. 03 Extreme Speed Motorsports Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am.
“We still have to sort some things out because this is the first time the car’s been out here with the new specifications regarding the aero and downforce. I really would like to drive the Rolex 24 and I would love if everything works out, but nothing has been finalized yet. There are a lot of interesting manufacturers in GRAND-AM like Ferrari, BMW and Porsche and it’s great that Audi is going to compete with them.” Frank Stippler, No. 51 Audi R8 GRAND-AM
"It’s good to be back in the Rolex Series, and I’m happy to be here with Magnus Racing. They’re one of the youngest teams in the paddock that wants to win the most. It’s been a productive day. John Potter, who will be my co-driver for the season, was fast right out of the box this morning, and that’s extremely encouraging for a team looking to contend for the championship.” Andy Lally, No. 44 Magnus Racing Porsche GT3.
“This is Ferrari from the factory making a statement, saying, ‘We care about the Rolex 24. We want to win this race. We’ve designed a car for this series. Let’s go do it.’ You’re only going to see four teams here at the Rolex 24 representing Ferrari. To be driving one of those four cars is amazing. It’s the experience of a lifetime.” Jeff Segal, No. 69 AIM Autosport Ferrari F458 Italia Grand Am
“There’s a long way to go between now and the Rolex 24, but we’re certainly going to take a shot at repeating our GT victory. Spencer (Pumpelly) and I are going to race the full season in the Rolex Series, and TRG is an incredible team. This is a brand new car, and it’s been quick right out of the box. It’s great to see all the new cars out there – the new Ferraris are going to be tough.” Steve Bertheau, No. 67 TRG Porsche GT3
“The last time I drove here was in 2007 and I have to tell you, I have done some PA announcing here, but being in the car is a lot cooler. You get here at Daytona and the first lap you’re just feeling out the changes; the second lap you go a little faster; the third lap you start to grin; and about the seventh or eighth lap I was like – I love this place! Depending on how we do and some sponsorship we may be able to run the whole season. This whole team came together about 14 months ago. We have a car, we have a team, we have the bits and pieces. We had a little excursion today, but those things happen. We’ll be back out tomorrow.” Frank DelVecchio, No. 55 Acumen Motorsport Porsche GT3
Coming Up:
The two-day test wraps up on Tuesday, running from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break. Teams not testing this week will have the opportunity to shake down their new cars at Daytona on Monday, Dec. 19.
The next official activity for the Rolex Series will be the Roar Before the Rolex 24 test at Daytona International Speedway on Jan. 5-8. The 2012 Rolex Series opens with the Jan 28-29 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona.
GRAND-AM Pre-Season Testing For The Rolex Sports Car Series
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011
The Story
A trio of new Corvette Daytona Prototypes shared the spotlight with new cars from Ferrari and Audi as a two-day GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series test opened at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 28-29, 2012.
Testing concludes Tuesday, with cars on track from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
One of the most eagerly anticipated debuts at the test was the new Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am, of which there were three at Daytona on Tuesday. Jeff Segal and Emil Assentato, the 2009 Rolex Series GT co-champions, will share a Ferrari 458 Italia for the entire 2012 season with AIM Autosport, and Segal and longtime co-driver Nick Longhi turned the car’s first laps on Tuesday.
Risi Competizione (with drivers Raphael Matos and Toni Vilander) and Extreme Speed Motorsports (Scott Sharp, Ed Brown, Guy Cosmo and Johannes van Overbeek) ran their first Rolex Series test with the Ferrari F458 Italia Grand Am as well. Also making its Daytona debut was the new Audi R8 GRAND-AM, which was being put through its paces by Audi factory driver Frank Stippler.
Stealing the spotlight in DP was Felipe Nasr, who was quickest in the unofficial session driving the No. 58 Action Express Porsche/Riley at 1:41.286. The 2011 British Formula 3 champion, Nasr outpointed drivers from three European series to win the Sunoco Rolex 24 At Daytona Challenge, earning a DP drive and testing for the Rolex 24.
Action Express Motorsports had a pair of new Corvette DPs, the No. 5 for David Donohue and Darren Law, joining the No. 9 of Joao Barbosa, Terry Borcheller and JC France. Max Angelelli and Ricky Taylor debuted the No. 10 SunTrust Corvette DP. Antonio Garcia and Oliver Gavin returned in the No. 90 Spirit of Daytona Corvette DP that was unveiled at Daytona three weeks ago.
Noteworthy
Defending Rolex 24 class winner Spencer Pumpelly led the GT class with a lap of 1:49.437 in the No. 67 TRG Porsche GT3. The No. 67 is one of five Porsches being fielded at the test by TRG.
In the lone incident of the seven-hour session, Gary St. Amour went off course in the chicane and damaged the front end of the No. 55 Acumen Motorsport Porsche GT3. The car has been repaired and will be ready for Wednesday’s session.
Michael Marsal filled in for Paul Dalla Lana in the No. 94 Turner Motorsport BMW M3, joining Bill Auberlen and Boris Said. Dalla Lana, who had a business commitment, recently became the first GRAND-AM driver to win the prestigious BMW Sports Trophy as the marquee’s top independent driver. He came out on top in a field of 235 participants to win the award, presented for the 50th time at BMW headquarters in Munich, Germany.
Two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip is expected to test a TRG Porsche GT3 on Wednesday. AF Waltrip, being run in collaboration with Italy’s AF Corse team, has already entered a Ferrari F458 Italia Grand Am in the Rolex 24.
The new Racers Edge Motorsports Dodge Viper did not participate in Tuesday’s session as the team worked at its DeLand, Fla. shop on the car’s new paddle shift system. The bright red Viper arrived at the track late Tuesday afternoon, and is expected to test on Wednesday.
The Quotes:
“Wow! I didn’t expect these cars to be so quick. Obviously this is a big difference from F3 with the weight, the power and the brakes, but I found this car awesome to drive. This is such a great series and I absolutely can’t wait to race here. The Action Express team did a great getting the car ready and I absolutely have to thank Ozz Negri for all of his help. I had such a great day today.” Felipe Nasr, No. 58 Action Express Racing Porsche/Riley
“This has been a thrash, because we only got the new Ferrari three days ago. But we felt it was important for us to be here and learn more about the car. That will make the January test more productive and have us better prepared for the Rolex 24. This is a big step for Extreme Speed Motorsports, and it’s nice to have all four drivers in one car. Winning the Rolex 24 (in 1996) was one of my highest accolades. The depth of drivers here is unbelievable, and it’s very prestigious to be part of it.” Scott Sharp, No. 03 Extreme Speed Motorsports Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am.
“We still have to sort some things out because this is the first time the car’s been out here with the new specifications regarding the aero and downforce. I really would like to drive the Rolex 24 and I would love if everything works out, but nothing has been finalized yet. There are a lot of interesting manufacturers in GRAND-AM like Ferrari, BMW and Porsche and it’s great that Audi is going to compete with them.” Frank Stippler, No. 51 Audi R8 GRAND-AM
"It’s good to be back in the Rolex Series, and I’m happy to be here with Magnus Racing. They’re one of the youngest teams in the paddock that wants to win the most. It’s been a productive day. John Potter, who will be my co-driver for the season, was fast right out of the box this morning, and that’s extremely encouraging for a team looking to contend for the championship.” Andy Lally, No. 44 Magnus Racing Porsche GT3.
“This is Ferrari from the factory making a statement, saying, ‘We care about the Rolex 24. We want to win this race. We’ve designed a car for this series. Let’s go do it.’ You’re only going to see four teams here at the Rolex 24 representing Ferrari. To be driving one of those four cars is amazing. It’s the experience of a lifetime.” Jeff Segal, No. 69 AIM Autosport Ferrari F458 Italia Grand Am
“There’s a long way to go between now and the Rolex 24, but we’re certainly going to take a shot at repeating our GT victory. Spencer (Pumpelly) and I are going to race the full season in the Rolex Series, and TRG is an incredible team. This is a brand new car, and it’s been quick right out of the box. It’s great to see all the new cars out there – the new Ferraris are going to be tough.” Steve Bertheau, No. 67 TRG Porsche GT3
“The last time I drove here was in 2007 and I have to tell you, I have done some PA announcing here, but being in the car is a lot cooler. You get here at Daytona and the first lap you’re just feeling out the changes; the second lap you go a little faster; the third lap you start to grin; and about the seventh or eighth lap I was like – I love this place! Depending on how we do and some sponsorship we may be able to run the whole season. This whole team came together about 14 months ago. We have a car, we have a team, we have the bits and pieces. We had a little excursion today, but those things happen. We’ll be back out tomorrow.” Frank DelVecchio, No. 55 Acumen Motorsport Porsche GT3
Coming Up:
The two-day test wraps up on Tuesday, running from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break. Teams not testing this week will have the opportunity to shake down their new cars at Daytona on Monday, Dec. 19.
The next official activity for the Rolex Series will be the Roar Before the Rolex 24 test at Daytona International Speedway on Jan. 5-8. The 2012 Rolex Series opens with the Jan 28-29 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona.
GRAND-AM Cooldown Lap: Daytona
GRAND-AM Pre-Season Testing For The Rolex Sports Car Series
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011
The Story
Spirit of Daytona, SunTrust Racing and Action Express Racing continued to work with the new Corvette Daytona Prototypes Wednesday as a two-day GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series test concluded in preparation for the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona, set for Jan. 28-29, 2012.
The four Corvette DPs showed steady improvement throughout the test, with some posting their fastest laps in the final hour. Darren Law ran an unofficial lap of 1:41.687 in the No. 5 Action Express Racing Corvette DP co-driven by David Donohue, followed by the No. 9 Action Express entry of Joao Barbosa, Terry Borcheller and JC France, the No. 10 SunTrust DP of Max Angelelli and Ricky Taylor, and Antonio Garcia and Oliver Gavin in the No. 90 Spirit of Daytona Corvette DP.
Running a previous generation Daytona Prototype, Felipe Nasr continued to impress by turning in the fastest unofficial lap of the test, 1:40.438 (127.601 mph) in the No. 58 Action Express Racing Porsche/Riley. The 19-year-old Brazilian won the 2011 British Formula 3 championship and earned his ride in the 2012 Rolex 24 by outscoring competitors in three Europeans championships to win the Sunoco Rolex 24 At Daytona Challenge.
Spencer Pumpelly was quickest in the GT class for the second straight day, running a lap of 1:50.200 (116.298 mph) in the No. 66 TRG Porsche GT3. The GT class also featured three teams running the new Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am as well as the premiere of the Audi R8 GRAND-AM. Both cars were built by the factory specifically for Rolex Series competition.
Two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip turned his first laps on the Daytona International Speedway road course in preparation for his GRAND-AM debut. Since his AF Waltrip team’s Ferrari was not yet ready, Waltrip and co-drivers Rob Kauffman and Rui Aguas practiced in a TRG Porsche GT3.
Noteworthy
While not entered in the test, Charlie Putman and Charles Espenlaub both drove in the No. 41 Dempsey Racing FishingCapital.com/Bass2Billfish Mazda RX-8 they will be sharing for the 2012 Rolex Series season. Espenlaub moves to the Rolex Series fulltime after serving as Patrick Dempsey’s standby for three seasons when the team owner was forced to miss races due to his acting schedule. The Rolex 24 will be the Rolex Series debut for Putman, who tested a GT car for the first time on Wednesday.
Eliseo Salazar hopes to make his first appearance in the Rolex 24 since 1999, driving a Porsche for TRG. The Chilean veteran of Formula One, IndyCar and sports car racing finished fifth in that year’s USRRC-sanctioned event, driving a Riley & Scott/Ford for Transatlantic Racing.
The new Racers Edge Motorsports Dodge Viper ran only three laps at the test before retiring with a broken transmission. Team owner Jon Mirachi plans to do a private test later in the month in Savannah, Ga., in preparation for January’s Roar Before the Rolex 24.
The lone incident of the day saw Doug Grunnet spin in the horseshoe and contact the barrier, sustaining front end damage to the No. 55 Acumen Motorsport Porsche GT3. He was uninjured. Co-driver Gary St. Amour had the lone incident in Tuesday’s practice, when he hit the barrier in the chicane.
The Quotes:
“I ran a lap of 1:47.3 - and did it three times in a row. I’m over the moon. I’m pleased as punch for all the boys on the team. It’s not my talent, it’s my passion that’s carrying me. The team told me to let the car come to me, and I’m going a little faster every time I go out.” Brian Johnson, AC/DC Lead Singer, No. 50 50+ Racing/Predator BMW/Riley
“Our new Corvette is very similar (to the 2011 Chevrolet/Dallara) as far as handling goes. Daytona isn’t such a critical downforce track, so I think once we go to the smaller, tighter tracks that require downforce, we’ll see a difference. Here at Daytona, we just normally trim the car out as much as possible to try to get that straight line speed.” Ricky Taylor, No. 10 SunTrust Corvette DP
“Overall we’re really pleased with the Corvette. It has good handling, it has straightaway speed and the drivers are very comfortable driving it. All of that, we hope, will translate into another good run at the Rolex 24. We’ll go back to the shop, go over our notes, and come back ready to test again in January.” Gary Nelson, team manager, No. 5 and No. 9 Action Express Corvette DP
“I remember being here in 1983, watching these cars run and marveling at the technology. I’ve always wanted to do the Rolex 24, but I’ve never really had a great opportunity before. Over the past few years I’ve gotten to do some road racing over in Europe. Now, to get the chance to come to Daytona. At least I know where the turns are – now I can work on improving my lap times. It’s not unrealistic to think we’ve got a shot at a podium finish – that’s our goal.” Michael Waltrip, No. 68 TRG Porsche GT3 (will race a Ferrari in the Rolex 24)
“I feel like I can come in and be a good complement to an already successful program. Already in the first days with the team I feel like I’m right at home and Jordan (Taylor) and I seem to like the same things with the car. Jordan did an awesome job last year. I followed him closely, so I’m looking forward to another successful season.” Paul Edwards, No. 88 Autohaus Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro GT.R
“We’re not really worried about the speed right now. We’re working with the handling of the car and trying to improve the reliability of our new Ferrari. We really want to put miles on it and see what we have to improve and be better prepared for the race.” Raphael Matos, No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am
Coming Up:
Selected teams with new cars not ready for this week’s test will have the opportunity to shake down their cars at Daytona on Monday, Dec. 19.
The next official activity for the Rolex Series will be the Roar Before the Rolex 24 test at Daytona International Speedway on Jan. 5-8. The 2012 Rolex Series opens with the Jan 28-29 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona.
GRAND-AM Pre-Season Testing For The Rolex Sports Car Series
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011
The Story
Spirit of Daytona, SunTrust Racing and Action Express Racing continued to work with the new Corvette Daytona Prototypes Wednesday as a two-day GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series test concluded in preparation for the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona, set for Jan. 28-29, 2012.
The four Corvette DPs showed steady improvement throughout the test, with some posting their fastest laps in the final hour. Darren Law ran an unofficial lap of 1:41.687 in the No. 5 Action Express Racing Corvette DP co-driven by David Donohue, followed by the No. 9 Action Express entry of Joao Barbosa, Terry Borcheller and JC France, the No. 10 SunTrust DP of Max Angelelli and Ricky Taylor, and Antonio Garcia and Oliver Gavin in the No. 90 Spirit of Daytona Corvette DP.
Running a previous generation Daytona Prototype, Felipe Nasr continued to impress by turning in the fastest unofficial lap of the test, 1:40.438 (127.601 mph) in the No. 58 Action Express Racing Porsche/Riley. The 19-year-old Brazilian won the 2011 British Formula 3 championship and earned his ride in the 2012 Rolex 24 by outscoring competitors in three Europeans championships to win the Sunoco Rolex 24 At Daytona Challenge.
Spencer Pumpelly was quickest in the GT class for the second straight day, running a lap of 1:50.200 (116.298 mph) in the No. 66 TRG Porsche GT3. The GT class also featured three teams running the new Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am as well as the premiere of the Audi R8 GRAND-AM. Both cars were built by the factory specifically for Rolex Series competition.
Two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip turned his first laps on the Daytona International Speedway road course in preparation for his GRAND-AM debut. Since his AF Waltrip team’s Ferrari was not yet ready, Waltrip and co-drivers Rob Kauffman and Rui Aguas practiced in a TRG Porsche GT3.
Noteworthy
While not entered in the test, Charlie Putman and Charles Espenlaub both drove in the No. 41 Dempsey Racing FishingCapital.com/Bass2Billfish Mazda RX-8 they will be sharing for the 2012 Rolex Series season. Espenlaub moves to the Rolex Series fulltime after serving as Patrick Dempsey’s standby for three seasons when the team owner was forced to miss races due to his acting schedule. The Rolex 24 will be the Rolex Series debut for Putman, who tested a GT car for the first time on Wednesday.
Eliseo Salazar hopes to make his first appearance in the Rolex 24 since 1999, driving a Porsche for TRG. The Chilean veteran of Formula One, IndyCar and sports car racing finished fifth in that year’s USRRC-sanctioned event, driving a Riley & Scott/Ford for Transatlantic Racing.
The new Racers Edge Motorsports Dodge Viper ran only three laps at the test before retiring with a broken transmission. Team owner Jon Mirachi plans to do a private test later in the month in Savannah, Ga., in preparation for January’s Roar Before the Rolex 24.
The lone incident of the day saw Doug Grunnet spin in the horseshoe and contact the barrier, sustaining front end damage to the No. 55 Acumen Motorsport Porsche GT3. He was uninjured. Co-driver Gary St. Amour had the lone incident in Tuesday’s practice, when he hit the barrier in the chicane.
The Quotes:
“I ran a lap of 1:47.3 - and did it three times in a row. I’m over the moon. I’m pleased as punch for all the boys on the team. It’s not my talent, it’s my passion that’s carrying me. The team told me to let the car come to me, and I’m going a little faster every time I go out.” Brian Johnson, AC/DC Lead Singer, No. 50 50+ Racing/Predator BMW/Riley
“Our new Corvette is very similar (to the 2011 Chevrolet/Dallara) as far as handling goes. Daytona isn’t such a critical downforce track, so I think once we go to the smaller, tighter tracks that require downforce, we’ll see a difference. Here at Daytona, we just normally trim the car out as much as possible to try to get that straight line speed.” Ricky Taylor, No. 10 SunTrust Corvette DP
“Overall we’re really pleased with the Corvette. It has good handling, it has straightaway speed and the drivers are very comfortable driving it. All of that, we hope, will translate into another good run at the Rolex 24. We’ll go back to the shop, go over our notes, and come back ready to test again in January.” Gary Nelson, team manager, No. 5 and No. 9 Action Express Corvette DP
“I remember being here in 1983, watching these cars run and marveling at the technology. I’ve always wanted to do the Rolex 24, but I’ve never really had a great opportunity before. Over the past few years I’ve gotten to do some road racing over in Europe. Now, to get the chance to come to Daytona. At least I know where the turns are – now I can work on improving my lap times. It’s not unrealistic to think we’ve got a shot at a podium finish – that’s our goal.” Michael Waltrip, No. 68 TRG Porsche GT3 (will race a Ferrari in the Rolex 24)
“I feel like I can come in and be a good complement to an already successful program. Already in the first days with the team I feel like I’m right at home and Jordan (Taylor) and I seem to like the same things with the car. Jordan did an awesome job last year. I followed him closely, so I’m looking forward to another successful season.” Paul Edwards, No. 88 Autohaus Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro GT.R
“We’re not really worried about the speed right now. We’re working with the handling of the car and trying to improve the reliability of our new Ferrari. We really want to put miles on it and see what we have to improve and be better prepared for the race.” Raphael Matos, No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am
Coming Up:
Selected teams with new cars not ready for this week’s test will have the opportunity to shake down their cars at Daytona on Monday, Dec. 19.
The next official activity for the Rolex Series will be the Roar Before the Rolex 24 test at Daytona International Speedway on Jan. 5-8. The 2012 Rolex Series opens with the Jan 28-29 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona.
WOOT WOOT at the 3:25 hahahah
In the epic Bill Murray shirt too!
just saw on Grand-Am's FB page
1989 Rolex 24 winner John Andretti spotted walking through the garage at Daytona with his 19-year-old son Jarett, a freshman at N.C. State. Jarett has raced sprint cars and midgets - never sports cars. Will father and son be racing together in the Rolex 24?
1989 Rolex 24 winner John Andretti spotted walking through the garage at Daytona with his 19-year-old son Jarett, a freshman at N.C. State. Jarett has raced sprint cars and midgets - never sports cars. Will father and son be racing together in the Rolex 24?
From Grand Am Press Release:
112 Cars Expected To ‘Roar’ At Daytona In Final Test For 50th Rolex 24
New Daytona Prototypes, Ferraris, Audis Part Of 57-Car Rolex Series Entry
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 5, 2012) – There will be no trophies handed out or champagne sprayed at the end of the day on Sunday at Daytona International Speedway, but GRAND-AM Road Racing teams are treating this weekend’s Roar Before the Rolex 24 At Daytona testing as seriously as any event on the 2012 schedules.
Fans can get a glimpse into the future beginning on Friday in the three-day test session, the final tune-up for Rolex Sports Car Series and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge teams before the 50th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the start of the 2012 racing season.
A strong turnout of 57 Rolex Series and 55 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge cars are entered, including top drivers and teams in a variety of new cars.
Corvette Daytona Prototypes from Action Express Racing, SunTrust Racing, Spirit of Daytona and GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing head a 14-car DP turnout which will also include a look at new Riley DPs from Michael Shank Racing and defending Rolex 24 and Rolex Series champions TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates.
DP entries have also been filed from Starworks Motorsport, Doran Racing Krohn Racing, and 50+ Racing/Predator.
The GT class will have a strong presence as well with 40 cars entered. Extreme Speed Motorsports, AF Waltrip, Risi Competizione and AIM Autosport Team FXDD will shake down the new Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am, while APR Motorsport and Oryx Racing will debut customer entries in the Audi R8 GRAND-AM.
Defending GT class champions Leh Keen and Andrew Davis return with Brumos Racing and will be joined by endurance racing legend Hurley Haywood in the No. 59 Porsche GT3.
Joey Hand and Graham Rahal will again join defending Rolex Series champs Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas in the No. 01 TELMEX BMW/Riley, while the team's second car will be driven by international racing superstars Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon, Juan Pablo Montoya and former Daytona 500 winner Jamie McMurray.
Other drivers with NASCAR ties expected to attend include Boris Said (No. 94 – Turner Motorsports), Max Papis (No. 9 – Action Express Racing), Colin Braun (No. 76 – Krohn Racing), Michael Waltrip (No. 56 – AF Waltrip), Jeffrey Earnhardt (No. 15 – Rick Ware Racing) and Michael McDowell (No. 6 – Michael Shank Racing). Reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year winner Andy Lally moves to the Rolex Series full-time in 2012 and will be piloting the No. 44 Porsche GT3 for Magnus Racing.
Hollywood actor Patrick Dempsey (No. 40 – Dempsey Racing) and AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson (No. 50 – 50+ Racing/Predator) will also take their passion of sports car racing to the high banks of Daytona.
World Series pitcher C.J. Wilson (No. 03 C.J. Wilson Racing) and GRAMMY Award-winning music producer Jim Jonsin (No. 07 Rebel Rock Racing) are part of the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge test, while Multimatic Motorsports and drivers Joe Foster and Scott Maxwell will debut the new Aston Martin Vantage eligible for GS competition.
Testing is open to the public, running from 9 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 per day. Ticket holders for the 2012 Rolex 24 At Daytona and children 12 and under will receive free admission. In addition to the testing sessions, there will also be open garage access as well as fan forums, pit stop demonstrations and tech talks.
112 Cars Expected To ‘Roar’ At Daytona In Final Test For 50th Rolex 24
New Daytona Prototypes, Ferraris, Audis Part Of 57-Car Rolex Series Entry
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 5, 2012) – There will be no trophies handed out or champagne sprayed at the end of the day on Sunday at Daytona International Speedway, but GRAND-AM Road Racing teams are treating this weekend’s Roar Before the Rolex 24 At Daytona testing as seriously as any event on the 2012 schedules.
Fans can get a glimpse into the future beginning on Friday in the three-day test session, the final tune-up for Rolex Sports Car Series and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge teams before the 50th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the start of the 2012 racing season.
A strong turnout of 57 Rolex Series and 55 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge cars are entered, including top drivers and teams in a variety of new cars.
Corvette Daytona Prototypes from Action Express Racing, SunTrust Racing, Spirit of Daytona and GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing head a 14-car DP turnout which will also include a look at new Riley DPs from Michael Shank Racing and defending Rolex 24 and Rolex Series champions TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates.
DP entries have also been filed from Starworks Motorsport, Doran Racing Krohn Racing, and 50+ Racing/Predator.
The GT class will have a strong presence as well with 40 cars entered. Extreme Speed Motorsports, AF Waltrip, Risi Competizione and AIM Autosport Team FXDD will shake down the new Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am, while APR Motorsport and Oryx Racing will debut customer entries in the Audi R8 GRAND-AM.
Defending GT class champions Leh Keen and Andrew Davis return with Brumos Racing and will be joined by endurance racing legend Hurley Haywood in the No. 59 Porsche GT3.
Joey Hand and Graham Rahal will again join defending Rolex Series champs Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas in the No. 01 TELMEX BMW/Riley, while the team's second car will be driven by international racing superstars Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon, Juan Pablo Montoya and former Daytona 500 winner Jamie McMurray.
Other drivers with NASCAR ties expected to attend include Boris Said (No. 94 – Turner Motorsports), Max Papis (No. 9 – Action Express Racing), Colin Braun (No. 76 – Krohn Racing), Michael Waltrip (No. 56 – AF Waltrip), Jeffrey Earnhardt (No. 15 – Rick Ware Racing) and Michael McDowell (No. 6 – Michael Shank Racing). Reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year winner Andy Lally moves to the Rolex Series full-time in 2012 and will be piloting the No. 44 Porsche GT3 for Magnus Racing.
Hollywood actor Patrick Dempsey (No. 40 – Dempsey Racing) and AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson (No. 50 – 50+ Racing/Predator) will also take their passion of sports car racing to the high banks of Daytona.
World Series pitcher C.J. Wilson (No. 03 C.J. Wilson Racing) and GRAMMY Award-winning music producer Jim Jonsin (No. 07 Rebel Rock Racing) are part of the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge test, while Multimatic Motorsports and drivers Joe Foster and Scott Maxwell will debut the new Aston Martin Vantage eligible for GS competition.
Testing is open to the public, running from 9 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 per day. Ticket holders for the 2012 Rolex 24 At Daytona and children 12 and under will receive free admission. In addition to the testing sessions, there will also be open garage access as well as fan forums, pit stop demonstrations and tech talks.
So....TRG has 5 Porsches entered into the 24, and a day before the 'Roar they are still searching 'Twitter' of all places trying to find enough funded available drivers...
I cannot wait for this season to begin! I totally forgot about Joe Foster and Scott Maxwell in the Aston, good for them! And now Ferrari's, Corvette DPs, and much more! Awesome field in both series this season!
I cannot wait for this season to begin! I totally forgot about Joe Foster and Scott Maxwell in the Aston, good for them! And now Ferrari's, Corvette DPs, and much more! Awesome field in both series this season!
Point System Announced For North American Endurance Championship
GRAND-AM Will Score Each Event Differently In New Three-Race Competition
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 6, 2012) – A unique point system will determine the winners of the inaugural North American Endurance Championship, announced today by GRAND-AM Road Racing officials.
The three-race series encompasses the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 28-29; Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen on July 1; and the Super Weekend at the Brickyard, the first Rolex Sports Car Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 27.
Points will be awarded on a 5-4-3-2 basis for drivers and teams in both the Daytona Prototype and GT classes. The first finishing position earns five points, with four for second, three for third and two for fourth and each following position in the field. The events will be scored differently so that drivers and teams can earn a maximum of 20 points at each of the three races.
For the Rolex 24 At Daytona, points will be awarded based on the standings in each class at six hours, 12 hours, 18 hours and the finish. At Watkins Glen International will award points at the three-hour mark and finish, with points multiplied by two. At Indianapolis, points will be awarded at the finish of the three-hour race, which will be multiplied by four.
“We wanted to come up with a point system that was different from the regular Rolex Series,” said GRAND-AM Managing Director of Competition Mark Raffauf. “We feel the new system will be fun for both fans and participants, while at the same time promoting close competition.”
Drivers must drive the minimum 30 minutes to score points at each event. Team points will be awarded for the highest-finishing car from multiple car entries, with the team’s additional cars not counted in the standings.
Ties will be broken per the 2012 Rolex Series regulations, based on number of victories, second-place finishes, etc.
The championships will be awarded on the Victory Podium at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, July 27, following the historic inaugural race on the 2.605-mile road course
GRAND-AM Will Score Each Event Differently In New Three-Race Competition
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 6, 2012) – A unique point system will determine the winners of the inaugural North American Endurance Championship, announced today by GRAND-AM Road Racing officials.
The three-race series encompasses the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 28-29; Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen on July 1; and the Super Weekend at the Brickyard, the first Rolex Sports Car Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 27.
Points will be awarded on a 5-4-3-2 basis for drivers and teams in both the Daytona Prototype and GT classes. The first finishing position earns five points, with four for second, three for third and two for fourth and each following position in the field. The events will be scored differently so that drivers and teams can earn a maximum of 20 points at each of the three races.
For the Rolex 24 At Daytona, points will be awarded based on the standings in each class at six hours, 12 hours, 18 hours and the finish. At Watkins Glen International will award points at the three-hour mark and finish, with points multiplied by two. At Indianapolis, points will be awarded at the finish of the three-hour race, which will be multiplied by four.
“We wanted to come up with a point system that was different from the regular Rolex Series,” said GRAND-AM Managing Director of Competition Mark Raffauf. “We feel the new system will be fun for both fans and participants, while at the same time promoting close competition.”
Drivers must drive the minimum 30 minutes to score points at each event. Team points will be awarded for the highest-finishing car from multiple car entries, with the team’s additional cars not counted in the standings.
Ties will be broken per the 2012 Rolex Series regulations, based on number of victories, second-place finishes, etc.
The championships will be awarded on the Victory Podium at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, July 27, following the historic inaugural race on the 2.605-mile road course
princess peach
Member
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- '92 Miata, '06 MS6
for the ones who can't make it to Daytona
Race fans will be able to follow all of the action in the historic 50th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona through SPEED and SPEED.com.
SPEED will continue to be the television home of GRAND-AM Road Racing in 2012, televising all 13 Rolex Sports Car Series events either live or on a same-day delay basis. Coverage begins with 15-and-a-half hours of coverage from the Rolex 24, which will be enhanced for the first time by continued streaming on its web site.
The Rolex 24 live broadcast kicks off with a one-hour pre-race show at 2:30 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, Jan. 28, and continues with the opening seven-and-a-half hours of the race, from 3:30-11 p.m.
A new component will then enhance the Rolex 24 coverage. SPEED.com will cover the night action with a camera located atop the grandstand, several stationary cameras, a running leaderboard and audio commentary.
SPEED television coverage resumes at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29, running through 4 p.m. including 30 minutes of interviews following the checkered flag.
Leigh Diffey, Calvin Fish and Dorsey Schroeder will anchor the Rolex 24 coverage, and will be joined in the broadcast booth by Bob Varsha, David Hobbs and Tommy Kendall. Brian Till, Chris Neville, Jamie Howe and Greg Creamer will report from the pits, while Justin Bell takes on the role of in-race reporter.
Current plans are for SPEED to televise 10 Rolex Series races live.
Among the highlights will be coverage of the three events in the North American Endurance Championship, a new competition involving the Rolex 24, the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen on July 1 at Watkins Glen International and the three-hour Rolex Series debut at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 27. The Rolex 24 and the Sahlen's Six Hour will be live; the Indianapolis race will be shown on the afternoon of July 27, on a delayed basis.
Other live coverage this season: Homestead-Miami Speedway on April 29, New Jersey Motorsports Park on May 13, Detroit Belle Isle on June 2, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on June 9, Road America on June 23, the second race at Watkins Glen International on August 11, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on September 9 and Lime Rock Park on Sept. 29.
Same-day delayed coverage is currently planned for Barber Motorsports Park on March 31 and Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Aug. 18.
"GRAND-AM continues to grow and so does our television coverage," said GRAND-AM CEO Ed Bennett. "It's all about the fans ... working with a great partner like SPEED serves those fans while reflecting the ever-increasing interest in GRfAND-AM."
SPEED's plans for the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge TV coverage are expected to be announced in the near future.
Race fans will be able to follow all of the action in the historic 50th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona through SPEED and SPEED.com.
SPEED will continue to be the television home of GRAND-AM Road Racing in 2012, televising all 13 Rolex Sports Car Series events either live or on a same-day delay basis. Coverage begins with 15-and-a-half hours of coverage from the Rolex 24, which will be enhanced for the first time by continued streaming on its web site.
The Rolex 24 live broadcast kicks off with a one-hour pre-race show at 2:30 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, Jan. 28, and continues with the opening seven-and-a-half hours of the race, from 3:30-11 p.m.
A new component will then enhance the Rolex 24 coverage. SPEED.com will cover the night action with a camera located atop the grandstand, several stationary cameras, a running leaderboard and audio commentary.
SPEED television coverage resumes at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29, running through 4 p.m. including 30 minutes of interviews following the checkered flag.
Leigh Diffey, Calvin Fish and Dorsey Schroeder will anchor the Rolex 24 coverage, and will be joined in the broadcast booth by Bob Varsha, David Hobbs and Tommy Kendall. Brian Till, Chris Neville, Jamie Howe and Greg Creamer will report from the pits, while Justin Bell takes on the role of in-race reporter.
Current plans are for SPEED to televise 10 Rolex Series races live.
Among the highlights will be coverage of the three events in the North American Endurance Championship, a new competition involving the Rolex 24, the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen on July 1 at Watkins Glen International and the three-hour Rolex Series debut at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 27. The Rolex 24 and the Sahlen's Six Hour will be live; the Indianapolis race will be shown on the afternoon of July 27, on a delayed basis.
Other live coverage this season: Homestead-Miami Speedway on April 29, New Jersey Motorsports Park on May 13, Detroit Belle Isle on June 2, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on June 9, Road America on June 23, the second race at Watkins Glen International on August 11, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on September 9 and Lime Rock Park on Sept. 29.
Same-day delayed coverage is currently planned for Barber Motorsports Park on March 31 and Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Aug. 18.
"GRAND-AM continues to grow and so does our television coverage," said GRAND-AM CEO Ed Bennett. "It's all about the fans ... working with a great partner like SPEED serves those fans while reflecting the ever-increasing interest in GRfAND-AM."
SPEED's plans for the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge TV coverage are expected to be announced in the near future.
http://www.grand-am.com/news/index.cfm?series=r&cid=51013
Paul Tracy is gonna be running for the Doran Team
Paul Tracy is gonna be running for the Doran Team
Video from Magnus Racing
http://vimeo.com/35504422
http://vimeo.com/35504422
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