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  • December 2008, Volume 8, No. 12
    • Daytona 24: Turner to Race for Krohn:

      Having made a positive impact on both his team and the event itself earlier this year, Darren Turner will once again be a key part of the Krohn Racing driver line up for entry in the season-starting Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway on 24/25th January 2009

    • Daytona 24: Five Porsches for TRG:

      When the TRG armada of transporters unloads for the Grand-Am Rolex Series Rolex 24 Hours At Daytona, the numbers will be trumped by quality and speed. TRG will field five cars for the twice around the clock race on January 24-25 with the hope and expectation of bringing home their third Rolex 24 Hour GT win.

    • Daziel Joins Algera Motorsports' Graduation to Daytona Prototype:

      Orlando, Florida. (December 22, 2008) -- Scotland's Ryan Dalziel heads into the Christmas period eagerly anticipating the New Year and a brand new challenge in 2009. The 26-year-old has now finalized his plans to return to the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Presented by Crown Royal Cask No.16 competing for the Miami-based Alegra Motorsports squad -- the former 'Rolex 24 at Daytona' GT Champions graduating up to the Daytona Prototype class next season.

    • Daytona 24: Jimmy Johnson Joins GAINSCO/Bob Stallings:

      DALLAS (December 19, 2008) -- Reigning three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson will return to GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing for the 2009 Rolex 24 At Daytona, reuniting this year's all-star lineup of Johnson and fellow champions Alex Gurney, Jon Fogarty and Jimmy Vasser. The season-opening Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race takes place at Daytona International Speedway January 24--25.

    • Telmex Continues With Ganassi To Defend Title In 2009:

      Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today that its longtime partner, TELMEX will return to the No. 01 Lexus Riley in 2009 with Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas to defend their 2008 Rolex Grand-Am Series title.

    • Daytona 24: Porsche's Best to Drive for Wright Motorsports:

      Wright Motorsports owner John Wright is pleased to announce that his Batavia, Ohio-based racing team will enter a 2009 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car sponsored by Phillips Way Racing in selected Rolex Series races in 2009, beginning with the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. on Jan. 24-25.

    • Farnbacher Loles Confirm 2009 Campaign:

      Farnbacher Loles Racing will continue its strong association with Porsche in 2009. The team will again field a host of Porsche race cars in the American Le Mans Series, Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series and Patrón GT3 Cup Challenge.

    • Max Papis to Compete in the Rolex 24 at Daytona with Team Mastercar:

      Max Papis, who in 2009 will be behind the wheel of the #13 GEICO Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with Germain Racing, will open the season driving a Ferrari. Max will participate in the Grand-Am Rolex 24 at Daytona, piloting a F430 for Team Mastercar.

    • Daytona 24: A Change in Start Time for the 2009 Race:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 11, 2008) -- The starting time for the 47th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 24-25 will be at 3:30 p.m., Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig announced.

    • New Logos for Grand Am to Reflect Partnership with NASCAR:

      ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 11, 2008) - Grand-Am Road Racing unveiled a new set of logos today that will be used to identify America's premier sports car competition series, reflecting NASCAR Holdings new ownership of the Daytona Beach, Fla.-based organization.

    • A Racing Alternative in These Bad Economic Times:

      In hard economic times, hard decisions have to be made - as we have seen with Audi reducing their sportscar efforts and Honda pulling out of F1. Generally, it seems that over many racing series, 2009 will see a 20-30% drop in entrants. But what could you do to keep your racing shop open or your driving career on track?

    • Mazda Announces 2009 Racing Program:

      December 11, 2008 (Orlando, Florida). The number one brand in road racing went to the countries biggest motorsports trade show to make a number of early announcements for the 2009 season. MAZDASPEED executives gathered at the annual Performance Racing Industry show to share updates on a half-dozen topics.

    • Daytona 24: Lamy Joins Suntrust Racing for Rolex 24:

      ATLANTA (Dec. 9, 2008) -- The lineup is complete for the No. 10 SunTrust Racing team at the 2009 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona endurance classic at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway

    • Daytona 24: AIM Autosport Announces Rolex 24 Driver Lineup:

      Woodbridge, Ontario - December 7, 2008: AIM Autosport announces the complete driver lineup in the No. 61 Ford Riley for the 2009 Rolex 24 at Daytona teaming regular drivers Mark Mark Wilkins and Burt Frisselle with Alex Figge and John Farano. Alex and John will be at the wheel of AIM's No. 51 Ford Riley the rest of the season.

    • Daytona 24: Spirit of Daytona Announces Driver Lineup:

      DAYTONA, FL, 5 December 08- Spirit of Daytona Racing has officially entered the 47th running of Rolex 24 At Daytona with drivers Scott Russell, Jeff Ward, and Jason Pridmore posted to drive the No. 09 Porsche V8-powered Coyote at Daytona International Speedway in the season-opening event for the 2009 Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal.

    • Penske to Race 1 Car for 2009 in Grand Am:

      MOORESVILLE, N.C. (December 4, 2008) -- Penske Racing today announced that the organization will campaign the No. 7 Penske Porsche Riley Daytona Prototype in the 2009 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, continuing one of the most successful and enduring partnerships in all of motorsports -- Penske Racing and Porsche. Porsche's history with Penske Racing dates back to 1972, and since the relationship started, the two organizations have shared more than 35 wins and five championships.

    • Aim Autosports, Mark Wilkins Wins Prestigious Canadian Award:

      Woodbridge, Ontario - November 30, 2008: The Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs - Ontario Region presented a number of awards and trophies at their annual banquet last week and to his surprise, Mark Wilkins was awarded the North American Cup which goes to a Canadian driver who excels in his achievements in a North American or international racing series. Mark received the award based on his back-to-back wins and overall showing in the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal cask No. 16.

    • Lexus Drivers Named to AARWBA All-AmericaTeam:

      TORRANCE, Calif. (December 3, 2008) -- Lexus-powered drivers Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas capped off a memorable season by being selected to the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) 2008 All-American First-Team in the Road Racing category. Pruett and Rojas partnered to win the Grand-American Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Prototype championship with six victories, including the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona and combined for a host of records in the process.

  • November 2008, Volume 8, No. 11
    • SunTrust Racing To Be Powered by Ford:

      ATLANTA (Nov. 24, 2008) -- The No. 10 SunTrust Dallara Daytona Prototype of Wayne Taylor Racing will enter its sixth season of Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series competition in 2009 with a new engine manufacturer for the very first time.

    • Honda Engine Approved For Grand-Am Rolex Series Competition:

      Margraf Racing, working in conjunction with Comptech USA, has successfully completed the approval process of a Honda engine for use in Daytona Prototypes of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16. The Honda engine is a production based 24 valve, DOHC V6, displacing 3.9 liters.

    • MazdaSpeed Ladder Drivers Try Out For Rolex 24 At Daytona:

      Sylvain Tremblay has a "good problem". He is seeking to lead the SpeedSource Castrol Mazda RX-8 team to a repeat win at the 2009 Rolex 24 at Daytona. Sylvain is searching for a fourth driver to join the team of Tremblay, Nick Ham, and David Haskell. While every team owner has a stack of driver resumes to consider, Tremblay has a list of several dozen who have all won with Mazda power in the past year.

    • Daytona January Test Dates Adjusted:

      Grand-Am Road Racing Adjusts January Test Days at Daytona International Speedway; Three-day Rolex Series/KONI Challenge Series test will now commence Jan. 3 and end Jan. 5

    • November Test Days at Daytona - Day 2 Notebook:

      Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 competitors finished off the two-day November Test Days on Wednesday at Daytona International Speedway, learning much about the 2009-specification Pirelli P Zero tires and coming away with sufficient track time.

    • November Test Days At Daytona - Day 1 Notebook:

      Forty cars were on hand for the first of two days of Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 testing Tuesday at Daytona International Speedway, as teams and drivers logged nearly eight-and-a-half hours of quality track time at the 3.56-mile track.

    • Penske Headlines November Grand Am Test:

      Penske Racing will field a second Daytona Prototype, while Childress-Howard Motorsports will test for the first time at Daytona International Speedway next week during a two-day test for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16.

    • Valiante Joins Michael Shank Racing:

      COLUMBUS, Ohio (Nov. 6, 2008) - After a breakout 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 season, which saw Columbus-based Michael Shank Racing team take a record-setting pole for the Rolex 24 At Daytona and close out the year with two consecutive race wins, the team is already getting a fast start on 2009 with the signing of Michael Valiante. The Canadian-born racer will co-drive the No. 6 Michael Shank Racing Ford Riley with John Pew.

    • Krohn Racing Announces Plans For 2009 Rolex 24 At Daytona Grand-Am Race:

      Krohn Racing returns to the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series for the Rolex 24 At Daytona in 2009 for its fourth time as an independent race team of owner/driver Tracy W. Krohn.

    • Suntrust Announces that Frisselle will Join Team for 2009:

      ATLANTA (Nov. 3, 2008) -- Brian Frisselle, the 24-year-old American who scored a pair of breakthrough Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series victories this past August, has joined the No. 10 SunTrust team of Wayne Taylor Racing as co-driver with Italian former series champion Max Angelelli for the 2009 season.

    • AIM Autosport Announces Drivers for the #61 Ford Riley:

      AIM Autosport announced today that Mark Wilkins is back at the wheel of the No. 61 Ford Riley and for the 2009 season he will be joined by former team mate Burt Frisselle. The pair last raced together in 2007 as Burt worked with the team through its first full season in the Rolex Sports Car Series. The twenty-seven year old Frisselle first raced in the series in 2004.

  • October 2008, Volume 8, No. 10
    • The News from Grand Am's October Test - Day 3:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 29, 2008) - After three days of the October Test Days at Daytona International Speedway, Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 drivers and teams will focus their efforts on next month's two-day test Nov. 11-12 on the 2009 Pirelli tires.

    • The News from Grand Am's October Test - Day 2:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 28, 2008) - Day two of the three-day October Test Days for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 at Daytona International Speedway gave several drivers the opportunity to become reacquainted with the track, while others their first chance with a new team or ever running in a Daytona Prototype or GT car.

    • The News from Grand Am's October Test - Day 1:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 27, 2008) - Twenty-four cars were on hand for the first of three days of Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 testing at Daytona International Speedway, as teams and drivers earned nearly nine hours of quality track time at the 3.56-mile track.

    • Grand Am Announces 13 Race 2009 Schedule:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 9, 2008) - A featured endurance race in Mexico City and a new home in South Florida for the season finale join the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona as highlights on the 2009 schedule for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16.

  • September 2008, Volume 8, No. 9
    • Championships Culminate Lexus' Record-Breaking Season In Grand-Am Competition:

      Two championships, a Rolex 24 at Daytona victory and a host of records were among the many highlights for Lexus during the 2008 Grand-American Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Prototype season.

    • Grand Am Champions Crowned at Post Season Banquet:

      LAS VEGAS (Sept. 23, 2008) - The top performers of 2008 were honored Monday night at the Bellagio Resort before a record crowd in the annual Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 Champions Banquet.

    • Miller: Selected Recaps After the Race:

      Miller: Selected Recaps After the Race
      GM Racing
      Lexus
      Porsche
      Ganassi Racing
      Michael Shank Racing

    • Miller: Shank and Banner Racing Take the Wins:

      TOOELE, Utah (Sept. 20, 2008) - Raphael Matos bookended the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 season. After winning the GT class in the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona back in January, Matos made his return to the series by winning in his first Daytona Prototype start.

    • Miller: Race Results:

      Miller: Race Results

    • Utah: Krohn Racing Take Pole in Season Finale:

      SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Sept. 19, 2008) - It's been a learning season for Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 rookie Ricardo Zonta, racing on unfamiliar circuits while his team developed a new Daytona Prototype chassis. Friday, it all came together on the final lap of qualifying, as the Brazilian Formula One veteran captured the pole for the 2008 season finale in the No. 76 Krohn Racing Pontiac Lola.

    • Utah: Qualifying Times:

      Utah: Qualifying Times

    • Miller: Bouchut and Levefive Join Forces for Season Finale:

      Overland Park, Kan. (September 16, 2008): It's that time of year again as the days count down to the season finale for the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, at the third annual SunRichGourmet.com 1000 held at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah on September 20th.

    • Utah: A Preview of the Grand Am Season Closer:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 16, 2008) - The Daytona Prototype and GT championships will be on the line as the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 visits Miller Motorsports Park for Saturday's season-ending SunRichGourmet.com 1000 presented by the Grand and Little America Hotels.

    • Burt Frisselle Joins Kodak Dallara for Miller Finale:

      12 September 08- (Cincinnati, OH) -- It will be in a different car and with different co-drivers, but for Burt Frisselle things will have a familiar feel as he moves from one Ford-powered Dallara to another to drive the No. 77 Kodak with Memo Gidley and Brad Jaeger in the Rolex Sports Car Series season-finale SunRichGourmet.com 1000 next weekend.

    • Porsche Factory Driver Pat Long Joins TRG for Rolex Finale:

      Patrick Long will join Andy Lally and Tim George Jr. for the Grand-Am Rolex Series presented by Cask No. 16 season finale Sunrichgourmet.com 1000k to be run at Miller Motorsports Park on September 20. The trio will be behind the wheel of the No. 67 Cabana Cachaça/ Tantra South Beach/ Johnnie-O Clothing Porsche GT3 for the seven hour Rolex season ender.

    • Pontiac Grand-Am GT Teams To Decide Championship:

      Pontiac Grand-Am GT teams will be involved in a three way battle for the Rolex Series GT championship in the final round of the Grand-Am Rolex Series Sunrichgourmet.com 1000-kilometer race to be held at Miller Motorsport Park on September 20. Kelly Collins and Paul Edwards have their Banner Racing Pontiac GXP.R in the lead with Stevenson Motorsports drivers Robin Liddell and Andrew Davis a close second in the points.

    • Matos Joins Daziel, Michael Shank Racing for Season Finale:

      (Columbus, OH) 5 September 08 - Fresh from a Rolex Sports Car Series race victory in the Supercar Life 250 at New Jersey Motorsports Park on Labor Day weekend, Michael Shank Racing will look to return to victory lane once again in the SunRichGourmet.com 1000 at Miller Motorsports Park on September 21 after signing Raffa Matos and Ryan Dalziel to the Columbus, Ohio-based teams two-car Daytona Prototype effort.

    • Ryan Daziel Set for Grand Am Return at Miller:

      Orlando, Florida (September 05, 2008) -- Scotland's Ryan Dalziel will make a welcome return to the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Presented by Crown Royal Cask No.16 driving for Michael Shank Racing in the season-ending 'SunRichGourmet.com 1000' at Miller Motorsports Park just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, Friday 19th -- Sunday 21st September.

    • NASCAR Holdings to Aquire Grand Am:

      NASCAR Holdings today announced an agreement to acquire the Grand-American Road Racing Association (Grand-Am). The future move will allow for resource sharing between Grand-Am and NASCAR while both organizations continue to operate independently. NASCAR Holdings is the legal operating entity that includes the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and many of its subsidiaries.

    • Miller: Cristiano da Matta to Return to Grand Am:

      AIM Autosport today announced their driver lineup for the SunRichGourmet.com1000 presented by The Grand and Little America Hotels at Miller Motorsport Park in Tooele, Utah. Joining Brian Frisselle and Mark Wilkins in the Exchange Traded Gold No. 61 Ford Riley will be 2002 CART champion Cristiano da Matta. Making his return to racing in May 2008, da Matta drove a Riley Daytona Prototype at Laguna Seca Raceway.

    • New Jersey: Selected Post Race Grand Am Recaps:

      New Jersey: Selected Post Race Grand Am Recaps
      General Motors
      Ganassi
      Michael Shank Racing
      Alex Job Racing
      Farnbacher Loles

    • New Jersey: Michael Shank Racing Takes Out a Thriller:

      MILLVILLE, N.J. (Aug. 31, 2008) - Oswaldo Negri held off Max Angelelli by .459 seconds Sunday to win the first professional feature race at New Jersey Motorsports Park, the Supercar Life 250, while Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas clinched the Daytona Prototype team championship with a ninth-place finish in a backup car.

  • August 2008, Volume 8, No. 8
    • New Jersey: Aim On Pole as their Form Continues:

      MILLVILLE, N.J. (Aug. 30, 2008) -Mark Wilkins saved his best for last Saturday at Thunderbolt Raceway at New Jersey Motorsports Park, winning the pole for Sunday's Supercar Life 250, the penultimate of 14 rounds for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16. The race takes the green flag at 1:07 p.m. ET (SPEED, Live, 1 p.m. ET Sunday).

    • New Jersey: Pruett Escapes Injury in Massive Accident in Practice:

      Scott Pruett was involved in a practice crash Thursday at New Jersey Motorsports Park while testing for Sunday's Supercar Life 250. The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 championship leader was taken to South Jersey HealthCare Regional Medical Center, where he was evaluated and released.

    • New Jersey: A New Track To Play a Part of a Title Hunt:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 27, 2008) - America's newest road circuit is set to hold its first professional racing weekend, as the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 visits New Jersey Motorsports Park for Sunday's Supercar Life 250. The Daytona Prototype and GT classes will tackle the 14-turn, 2.25-mile Thunderbolt Raceway in the event - which will cover 250 miles (112 laps) with a two-hour and 45-minute time limit - at 1:07 p.m. Sunday. The race will be televised live on SPEED (1 p.m. ET Sunday).

    • Q & A With Memo Gidley:

      Memo Gidley and Brad Jaeger, co-drivers of the No. 77 Ford-Dallara Daytona Prototype, have five top-10 finishes for the season entering this weekend's Grand-Am Rolex series race at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, N.J. Gidley talks about the new track and what it will take to finish on the podium.

    • Infineon: Selected Post Race Grand Am Recaps:

      Infineon: Selected Post Race Grand Am Recaps
      Pontiac
      Lexus
      Bob Stallings/Gainsco
      Krohn

    • Infineon: Suntrust Finally Gets a Reward in a Tough Season:

      SONOMA, Calif. (Aug. 23, 2008) - In a season where just about everything has gone wrong for the SunTrust Racing team in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, everything went right for Michael Valiante and Max Angelelli Saturday at Infineon Raceway. Valiante led the opening 24 laps before handing over the No. 10 Pontiac Dallara to Angelelli, who led the final 58 laps to win the Armed Forces 250. The Daytona Prototype race will be televised Sunday at noon ET.

    • Infineon: Suntrust on Pole as Penalites Shake Up Grid:

      SONOMA, Calif. (Aug. 22, 2008) - Michael Valiante was awarded his third Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 pole position of the season in Friday's qualifying for the Armed Forces Grand-Am 250 at Infineon Raceway.

    • Infineon: AIM Looking to Make it Three from Three:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 19, 2008) - Brian Frisselle and Mark Wilkins look to capture their third consecutive Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 victory Saturday in the Armed Forces Grand-Am 250 at Infineon Raceway while Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas seek to regain championship form (SPEED, noon ET Sunday).

    • Watkins Glen: Selected Post Race Recaps:

      Watkins Glen: Selected Post Race Recaps
      Pontiac
      Lexus
      Ganassi Racing
      Michael Shank Racing

    • Watkins Glen: AIM Take Second Win in Two Weeks:

      WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (August 8, 2008) -- One week after scoring an improbable first victory in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, AIM Autosport made victory number two look easy Friday night at Watkins Glen International.

    • Watkins Glen: Lap Record Puts AIM Autosport on Pole:

      WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (Aug. 7, 2008) -- One week after scoring his first Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 victory, Brian Frisselle captured his first career pole position Thursday in qualifying for the Crown Royal 200 at The Glen, shattering the Watkins Glen International 2.45-mile short course record in the process.

    • Childress-Howard Motorsports To Make Grand-Am Series Debut:

      The No. 4 AT&T Daytona Prototype Pontiac Crawford fielded by Childress-Howard Motorsports will make its 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series debut Aug. 8 in the Crown Royal 200 at the Glen at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.

    • Watkins Glen: Grand Am Fans Looking for Another Close Finish:

      Close racing and close finishes have been more than evident in Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 racing. Just ask Scott Pruett, Memo Rojas, Mark Wilkins or Brian Frisselle how they've felt after winning three of the closest five races in Rolex Series history over the last month-and-a-half.

    • Montreal: AIM Autosport Take a Thilling Victory on the Line:

      MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada (Aug. 1, 2008) - Close finishes continue to be a common occurrence in the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 season, and Friday's Montreal 200 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve became the closest in series history.

    • Montreal: Post Race Grand Am Recaps:

      Montreal: Post Race Grand Am Recaps
      Lexus
      GM Racing
      Cheever Racing
      Farnbacher Loles

    • Montreal: Another Pole for Pruett as Farnbacher Loles Leads GT:

      MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada - Scott Pruett broke the Grand-Am Rolex Series track record early this afternoon at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve with a lap of 1:33.199 (104.641 mph) and will lead the field to the green flag of the Montreal 200, a 74-lap race with a two-hour time limit, which is set to fall at 4:21 this afternoon (SPEED, 8 p.m. ET).

  • July 2008, Volume 8, No. 7
    • July 2008
    • Montreal: Canadians Looking to Make the Most of the Home Ground Advantage:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 29, 2008) - A trio of Canadian drivers will be looking to win in their home country Friday when the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 visits Montreal and the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for the Montreal 200 (SPEED, 8 p.m. ET Friday).

    • Motorcycle Star Tests a Daytona Prototype:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 22, 2008) - Motorcycle star Ben Bostrom doubled his two wheels to four Monday at Barber Motorsports Park, testing the No. 91 Riley Matthews Motorsports Pontiac Riley.

    • Barber: Ganassi Take Another Win and Extend the Title Lead + Results:

      LEEDS, Ala. (July 20, 2008) - Scott Pruett loves winning close races. One race after scoring the closest finish in the history of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, Pruett beat Darren Law to the start/finish line by .341 seconds to win the Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant, the fourth-closest finish in series history.

    • Barber: Selected Post Race Grand Am Recaps:

      Barber: Selected Post Race Grand Am Recaps
      Lexus
      GM Racing
      Bob Stallings Racing
      Farnbacher Loles

    • Barber: Suntrust Takes Pole + Times:

      BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (July 19, 2008) - The SunTrust Racing Pontiac Dallara will start from the pole for tomorrow's Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant. The Banner Racing Pontiac GXP.R of Kelly Collins and Paul Edwards will start from the second position in GT.

    • Barber: Grand Am Race Preview:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 15, 2008) -- Coming off a podium finish in the recent Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona International Speedway, Krohn Racing's Pontiac Lolas continue to improve in Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Cask No. 16 competition. The Atlanta-based team will be looking to score its first Daytona Prototype victory Sunday, July 20, in the Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant, which starts at 2:07 p.m. CT at Barber Motorsports Park (SPEED, Live at 3 p.m. ET).

    • Ruby Tuesday Grand Am Team To Debut Riley Chassis At Barber:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team today announced that it will campaign a Riley chassis for the remainder of the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series season beginning with the round nine race at Barber Motorsports Park on July 18-20.

    • Suntrust Extends Commitment to Grand Am:

      ATLANTA (July 3, 2008) - SunTrust Banks, Inc., midway through its fifth season as "Official Bank of Grand-Am" and sponsor of the No. 10 SunTrust Pontiac team of Wayne Taylor Racing that competes in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, announced Thursday a multi-year extension of both commitments while preparing its brand new Dallara chassis for competition in Thursday night's Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona International Speedway.

    • Daytona: Ganassi Wins Closest Race in Grand Am History:

      Scott Pruett beat Alex Gurney in a sprint to the checkered flag to win Thursday's Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona International Speedway in the closest finish in the history of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16.

    • Daytona: Selected Post Race Recaps:

      Daytona: Selected Post Race Recaps
      Lexus
      GM Racing
      Porsche
      Ganassi
      Suntrust Racing

    • Daytona: Aim for the Pole as Grand Am Makes Second 2008 Visit to Daytona:

      Two years ago, AIM Autosports debuted in Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 competition at Daytona International Speedway for the Brumos Porsche 250. Thursday, Mark Wilkins gave the team its first pole position, winning the pole for the Brumos Porsche 250.

    • Keeping it in the Family:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 1, 2008) - Jared Beyer kept it in the Taylor family when choosing a teammate for the Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona International Speedway. After co-driving with Ricky Taylor in the No. 19 Beyer Racing Ford Crawford at Virginia International Raceway in April, 18-year-old Beyer will co-drive with Jordan Taylor Thursday evening.

  • June 2008, Volume 8, No. 6
    • June 2008
    • Mid Ohio: Selected Post Race Team and Manufacturer Reports:

      Mid Ohio: Selected Post Race Team and Manufacturer Reports
      GM Racing
      Lexus
      Bob Stallings/GAINSCO
      Wayne Taylor/Suntrust

    • Mid Ohio: GAINSCO Team Return to Winning Ways In the Wet:

      LEXINGTON, Ohio (June 21, 2008) -- While it rained -- and sometimes poured -- during Saturday's EMCO Gears Classic for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, defending series champions and race winners Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty found a ray of sunshine at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in their first victory of the 2008 season.

    • Mid Ohio: Brumos Takes Pole as Ganassi Pushed to Second Row + Grid:

      LEXINGTON, Ohio (June 20, 2008) -- Running with a new Porsche engine and limited practice time, David Donohue waited until the final minutes of qualifying to shatter the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course track record in qualifying for the EMCO Gears Classic presented by KeyBank, Round 8 of the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 season.

    • Mid Ohio: Selected Recaps After Qualifying:

      Mid Ohio: Selected Recaps After Qualifying
      Lexus
      GM Racing
      Banner
      Farnbacher Loles

    • Mid Ohio: Three Teams Looking to Win at Home:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 17, 2008) - The three Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 Daytona Prototype teams based in Ohio - Michael Shank Racing, Southard Motorsports and Doran Racing - have all shown strong at least some time during the 2008 season. But there is another thing all three teams have in common - they are all still searching for that elusive first victory of the season.

    • Grand Am: Ganassi Takes 4th Win as SpeedSource Takes GT Win:

      WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (June 7, 2008) -- Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas scored their fourth Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Prototype victory of the season Saturday at Watkins Glen International, capturing the 27th running of the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen.

    • Watkins Glen: Selected Post Race Recaps:

      Watkins Glen: Selected Post Race Recaps
      GM Racing
      Porsche
      Ganassi
      Suntrust

    • Watkins Glen: Suntrust Take an Inspirational Pole + Grid:

      WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (June 6, 2008) -- Max Angelelli ran a record lap in qualifying Friday at Watkins Glen International to capture the pole position for Saturday's Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, only 18 days after a transporter fire destroyed its primary race car and equipment.

    • Sahlen's Retains Title Sponsorship Of Famed Six Hours Race Through 2010:

      Sahlen Packaging Company, the title sponsor of The Glen’s June Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race since 2003, has renewed its partnership with the historic road course for another three years. Sahlen’s will continue as the title sponsor of the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen and is currently the longest running, ongoing title sponsorship at WGI. The 27th Running of the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen will be part of an action packed race weekend at The Soul of American Road Racing featuring five races and four different racing series, June 6-8.

    • Watkins Glen: GAINSCO Going for Race Win Defence and First Win of '08:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 3, 2008) -- While both Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty hail from California, they found a home on the East Coast last season in the Finger Lakes region of New York. The two drivers combined to win both races in 2007 at Watkins Glen International, powering their way to the Daytona Prototype title by a slim two points.

    • Watkins Glen: Suntrust's Appearance is a Victory:

      WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (June 3, 2008) -- Before the race cars even take to the track for Friday morning's first practice session, SunTrust and the entire Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) organization already know that Saturday's Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen will be a race they will never forget.

    • Watkins Glen: Selected Grand Am Previews:

      Watkins Glen: Selected Grand Am Previews
      Lexus
      Pontiac
      Bob Stallings
      SAMAX

    • Doran Adds to the Driving Roster for Watkins Glen:

      Richard Antinucci, the current championship points leader in the Firestone Indy Lights series, will join the Doran Racing driver lineup for this weekend's Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen.

  • May 2008, Volume 8, No. 5
    • May 2008
    • Grand-Am Announces Immediate Rules Adjustment for GT Class:

      In an attempt to maintain a competitive balance in the ACXIOM GT category of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, the sanctioning body announced Wednesday that Pontiac GXP.R and GTO.R entries will race with an additional 100 pounds of vehicle weight. In addition, the maximum rear weight percentage for these Pontiac entries will be 49 percent, meaning that 51 percent or more of the weight must be on the front tires.

    • Lime Rock: Grand Am GT Results:

      The Results of Lime Rock GT Classic 250

    • Lime Rock: Lewis, Pontiac Dominate Qualifying:

      Tim Lewis Jr. led a Pontiac GXP.R assault on the front two rows in qualifying for Monday's Grand-Am GT Classic at Lime Rock Park, winning the pole for Round 6 of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16.

    • Q&A: Grand Am Driver Ryan Dalziel:

      Scotland’s Ryan Dalziel added his name to a prestigious list of Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series winners last Saturday, 17th May, having steered the #2 SAMAX Motorsport BMW-Riley Daytona Prototype to victory alongside team-mate Henri Zogaib in the ‘Rum Bum.com 250’ in California.

    • VIDEO - A Fiery DP:

      Last weekend at Laguna Seca, the pace got a little hot for Matt Plumb in the Rum Bum Racing Riley BMW.

    • Wayne Taylor Racing Truck Catches Fire, Car Damaged - Team Statement:

      INDIANAPOLIS (May 19, 2008) -- The transporter used by Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series team Wayne Taylor Racing was severely damaged Monday afternoon as it traveled east on Interstate 40 in Texas. The transporter caught fire while it was returning to its headquarters in Indianapolis from the Rolex Sports Car Series race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca near Monterey, Calif.

    • Laguna: Selected Post Race Recaps pt3:

      Laguna: Selected Post Race Recaps pt3
      Pontiac
      Lexus
      Michael Shank Racing
      Stevenson Motorsports

    • Laguna: Selected Post Race Recaps pt2:

      Laguna: Selected Post Race Recaps pt2
      Chip Ganassi
      Suntrust Racing
      AIM Autosport
      Farnbacher Loles

    • Laguna: Selected Post Race Recaps pt1:

      Laguna: Selected Post Race Recaps pt1
      SAMAX
      Krohn Racing
      Alex Job Racing
      Bob Stallings/GAINSCO

    • Laguna: Samax Take an Unexpected Win + Results:

      MONTEREY, Calif. (May 17, 2008) -- Ryan Dalziel took the lead from Scott Pruett on a three-wide pass on Lap 76 of the 98-lap RumBum.com 250 on Saturday at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and held off Marc Goossens by 1.504 seconds to give himself, co-driver Henri Zogaib and SAMAX their first Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 victory. The race will be televised on SPEED at noon ET Sunday.

      While Dalziel led the final 23 laps, he had one close call late in the race. Following a restart with 15 minutes remaining, Goossens managed to pull alongside the Scotsman as the pair approached the famed Corkscrew turn. Both cars, as did the car driven by point co-leader and third-place runner Scott Pruett, went through the gravel before reentering the track -- all three managing to maintain control -- with Dalziel holding the lead at the exit of the fast downhill corner.

      Dalziel gave the No. 2 SAMAX BMW Riley its first Rolex Series Daytona Prototype victory after three runner-up finishes. Zogaib started the car 17th before turning to over to Dalziel 14 laps into the race, and once in front, Dalziel never fell from the top position. Goossens and Jim Matthews were seeking their second victory of the season in the No. 91 Bob Stallings Racing/Riley-Matthews Motorsports Pontiac Riley, as the pair won the Mexico City 250.

      Pruett, seeking his fourth victory of the season in the No. 01 TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Lexus Riley started by Memo Rojas, had taken the lead from Cristiano da Matta on a restart following a caution for a fire that damaged Matt Plumb's No. 7 Rum Bum Racing BMW Riley. Moments later, Goossens made his move on Pruett. Dalziel, seeing his opportunity, went by on to take the lead, although was pressured by Goossens for the remainder of the race.

      Pruett and Rojas finished third and left the race with a 19-point advantage (167-148) over Goossens and Matthews. Following in fourth was the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley of Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney, and fifth was the No. 58 Brumos Porsche Riley of polesitter David Donohue and Darren Law. Donohue led a race-high 27 circuits.

      Michael Valiante also led early in the No. 10 SunTrust Racing Pontiac Riley, which he turned over to Angelelli on a pit stop. The No. 23 Ruby Tuesday Porsche Crawford of Bill Auberlen and the No. 7 Rum Bum Racing BMW Riley of Plumb were side-by-side exiting the pits, and Angelelli pulled from his pit stall into the side of Auberlen, causing minor bodywork damage on both cars. The SunTrust and Ruby Tuesday cars served drive-through penalties following the incident.

      Da Matta made his return to professional racing in the No. 98 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley, and led 10 laps after taking control of the car from co-driver Jimmy Vasser. However, the duo retired after completing 83 laps.

      Eight cautions -- all for cars off the track -- slowed the race's overall average speed to 79.559 mph.

      Edwards, Collins Take Rolex Series GT Win in Final Laps

      In GT, Paul Edwards took advantage of a miscue by Sylvain Tremblay on the next-to-last lap and gave himself, co-driver Kelly Collins and the No. 07 Banner Racing Banner Engineering Pontiac GXP.R their second Rolex Series GT triumph of the 2008 season.

      Tremblay took the lead into Lap 96 before getting off the track in the Corkscrew. He returned to the track, but couldn't hold off a charging Edwards, who completed the pass in Turn 9 and held onto a 1.131-second advantage over Spencer Pumpelly. Edwards and Collins -- who collected Pontiac's fourth consecutive GT triumph -- also extended their Rolex Series GT point lead by nine over Pumpelly and No. 67 TRG Porsche GT3 co-driver Tim George Jr. (154-145).

      Tremblay and co-driver Nick Ham -- who started on the GT pole -- combined to lead 48 laps (Ham 32 of them) in the No. 70 SpeedSource Mazdaspeed/Castrol Syntec Mazda RX-8 in their third-place effort.

      Finishing fourth were the No. 21 Matt Connolly Motorsports Pontiac GTO.R co-drivers Diego Alessi and local driver Ryan Phinny, while No. 86 Farnbacher Loles Racing Porsche GT3 co-drivers Eric Lux and Leh Keen finished fifth after combining to lead three laps.

      Seventeen drivers were responsible for a 23 car lead changes, and 15 different cars led at least one lap.

      Rolex Series GT competitors continue action with their sixth race of the season, the GT Classic at Lime Rock Park, May 26 in Lakeville, Conn.

      NEWS & NOTES

      - The victory was the first career for Ryan Dalziel and Henri Zogaib in Rolex Series competition and the first ever for their SAMAX team.

      - Dalziel and Zogaib's victory was the team's second straight podium finish, as the duo finished second in the Bosch Engineering 250 at Virginia International Raceway. Dalziel led 25 of the 98 laps in the race at Laguna Seca.

      - This is BMW's third career Rolex Series Daytona Prototype victory and first since the Grand Prix of Miami in 2007. This season, Lexus has three victories, followed by Pontiac and BMW with one each.

      - Riley has won all five Daytona Prototype races and 15 straight dating back to Watkins Glen International in June 2007.

      - Marc Goossens and Jim Matthews recorded their third straight podium finish with their second-place finish. It also marked the duo's ninth straight top-10 finish, and the pair moved to within 19 points of the lead.

      - Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas' third-place finish was their fifth podium finish of the season. Together, the pair has won three races and have one second- and one third-place finish in 2008.

      - Thirteen Daytona Prototypes finished on the lead lap.

      - Max Angelelli and Michael Valiante posted their first top-10 finish since the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona, as the pair earned eighth. Angelelli was issued a stop-and-go penalty after contact with Bill Auberlen on pit road.

      - Nine cars and 10 drivers led at least one lap in Daytona Prototype competition. Seventeen Daytona Prototypes have led races this season, three more than last season overall. David Donohue, co-driving with Darren Law, led a race-high 27 laps after starting on the pole.

      - Though the No. 75 Krohn Racing Pontiac Lola started 18th due to a post-qualifying engine change, both Eric van de Poele and Tracy Krohn led at least one lap.

      - All five engine manufacturers were in the top six; Pontiac finished second and fourth.

      - Riley Chassis swept the top seven finishing positions.

      - The GT win by Kelly Collins and Paul Edwards was the pair's second victory of the season and fourth in the series' last eight races.

      - Collins and Edwards' win was the fourth straight victory by Pontiac. Mazda was the only other power plant to win in Rolex Series GT competition this season (Rolex 24 At Daytona).

      - Collins and Edwards are now tied with Robin Liddell and Andrew Davis for most Rolex Series GT wins this season; all four have two wins in 2008.

      - Collins and Edwards have eight straight top-10 finishes, dating back to last season.

      -Three of the five GT races this season have been won from the front row (RumBum.com 250 from third and Mexico City 250 from fourth).

      - After its fifth class victory this season, Pontiac now has 49 career Rolex Series class victories, tying it with Porsche. Porsche, on the other hand, has yet to win a Rolex Series race in 2008.

      - Spencer Pumpelly and Tim George Jr.'s second-place run was their fourth podium finish in five races this season.

      - Sylvain Tremblay and Nick Ham's third-place finish was their second podium finish this season and first since their triumph in the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

      - The top four cars in GT were all different -- Pontiac GXP.R (first), Porsche GT3 (second), Mazda RX-8 (third) and Pontiac GTO.R (fourth). The Porsche GT3 of Eric Lux and Leh Keen was fifth.

      POST-RACE QUOTES

      Ryan Dalziel (No. 2 SAMAX BMW Riley): "It was pretty emotional the last few laps, when I got a good jump on the restart and saw I had the legs on them. I'm a little bit angry at myself. I made a mistake on a restart and got a tire off. But there was absolutely no way I was going to give up a victory for myself, for Henri and for the team. It was going to end up in the tires or end up in victory lane.

      "I've always have mixed emotions coming back to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. I lost the Atlantic championship here in 2004, and since then I've had an up-and-down battle here. It's doubly special for me to come here and win for SAMAX. Everything went well today in practice and in the race. The car was phenomenal, and I don't think we've lost a position in the pits all year."

      Henri Zogaib (No. 2 SAMAX BMW Riley): "I never set foot on this track until yesterday. We missed the whole first session due to a fuel cell replacement. So I was under a lot of pressure to learn this track and find some speed. Ryan was pure magic. I'm very proud of him. There's a lot more to come from SAMAX. I'm a happy man."

      Jim Matthews (No. 91 Riley Matthews Pontiac Riley): "It's always great to be on the podium. You always want to win, so it's a little bit of a disappointment when you finish second. My biggest moment came early in the race, when a hole opened up going into Turn 1 and I picked up a few positions. We more or less maintained position and Mark (Goossens) did an awesome job when he took over."

      Marc Goossens (No. 91 Riley Matthews Pontiac Riley): "That's what we're here for, the close racing, and it worked out pretty well. We were both running real hard, trying to get the win, and that's what this series is all about. We just have to try and be on the podium every single race."

      Scott Pruett (No. 01 TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Lexus Riley): "We just ran our race. We knew what we wanted, strategy-wise. You never know how it's going to turn out. There were actually less cautions at the start of the race than we had expected, and probably more cautions at the end of the race than we had expected. It had to be great for the fans because we kept jamming it up and we would be in line -- all the top Daytona Prototypes cars -- and all hell broke loose for a couple of laps until we stretched it out."

      "Our goal is to finish on the podium every race. That's what our goal is for the whole season. So far we have been doing what we needed to do. We didn't have the fastest car today, but we made the most of it and everybody did a great job."

      Kelly Collins (No. 07 Banner Racing Banner Engineering Pontiac GXP.): "The Banner Racing Car was fantastic. The car was working good. I gave it to Paul after an hour and 20 minutes. Paul did a fantastic job of bringing it home. We were stuck in third place, and I'm sorry to Sylvain (Tremblay), and a couple of other cars, but we'll take what we can get."

      Paul Edwards (No. 07 Banner Racing Banner Engineering Pontiac GXP.): "The last lap was probably the easiest lap. Once Sylvain hit the marbles up there, I mean, we were both pushing really hard. We both thought, we'll give it everything we've got, and we did pretty good even though our tires were pretty much shot by then and our fuel was getting down as well. It was a great job by Sylvain and it was a great race. Today we were patient. I thought Sylvain had it in the bag, but our patience paid off and we got lucky. Still it was pretty equal. I don't know that I could have gotten by Sylvain because he did really well. But we'll take it. Lime Rock coming up -- which we know is pretty bumpy -- is a great track for us. It suits our car as it handles the bumps pretty good. We're happy to have the points today and we're looking forward to Lime Rock."

      Nick Ham (No. 70 SpeedSource Mazdaspeed/Castrol Syntec Mazda RX-8): "We're driving a good consistent race, finishing up third after being in a bit of a slump for the past few races. It was a good team effort. I feel bad for the guys in the No. 40 car, because basically I threw away a top-10 finish for them. I was trying to be a nice guy and let Scott Pruett by at Turn 9. I got a little bit in the marbles -- which I shouldn't have done since that was the same car that hit me in Turn 3 earlier in the race for no reason at all -- but anyway, it was a good finish for Mazda and Castrol. I'm very happy."

      Sylvain Tremblay (No. 70 SpeedSource Mazdaspeed/Castrol Syntec Mazda RX-8): "The last lap was interesting. We got into the Corkscrew and it was so much gravel and so much dirt. The car is fast. It's still not the fastest, but we've got some work to do. And now we're getting ready for Lime Rock which is a really big challenge. Today was disappointing, but I'm still happy."

    • Laguna: Brumos on Pole as GT Records Smashed + Grid:

      MONTEREY, Calif. (May 16, 2008) -- David Donohue saved his best qualifying lap for his last Friday afternoon at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, running his fastest lap near the end of the session to win the pole for Saturday's RumBum.com 250 at the 2.238-mile, 11-turn track, the fifth race on the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 schedule.

    • Laguna Seca: Da Matta Returns to Racing as Grand Am Returns to the Corkscrew:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 13, 2008) -- It's been nearly two years since he's raced competitively, but popular open-wheel champion Cristiano da Matta is set to make his return to racing Saturday in the RumBum.com 250, Round 5 of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, highlighting this weekend's Monterey Festival of Speed at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (SPEED, 1 p.m. ET Sunday).

    • Laguna Seca: Seleted Previews For Round 5 pt2:

      Laguna Seca: Seleted Previews For Round 5 pt2
      Lexus
      Bob Stallings/GAINSCO
      Michael Shank Racing
      Farnbacher Loles

    • Laguna Seca: Seleted Previews For Round 5:

      Laguna Seca: Seleted Previews For Round 5
      Suntrust
      TRG
      AIM Autosport
      Southard

    • Patrick Dempsey Entered In Sahlen's Six Hours Of The Glen:

      The entry list for the upcoming Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen has a name that both non-race and race fans alike should know – Patrick Dempsey. The popular actor is scheduled to compete in the GT class of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Race on Saturday, June 7 at 11:15 AM. Dempsey was entered to compete at The Glen in 2007 as part of the KONI Challenge Series but withdrew at the last second due to a conflict associated with a movie he was shooting for SONY.

    • BryanMark Financial Group Joins Krohn Racing:

      Krohn Racing announces a new team partner for the No. 75 and No. 76 Krohn Racing Pontiac Lolas with BryanMark Financial Group. BryanMark logos will run on both Krohn cars beginning at the Monterey Festival of Speed at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, on May 17, 2008.

  • April 2008, Volume 8, No. 4
    • April 2008
  • March 2008, Volume 8, No. 3
    • March 2008
    • Homestead: Porsche Grand Am Race Recap:

      David Donohue captured the Daytona Prototype pole in the #58 Brumos Porsche Riley for the Saturday’s Gainsco Grand Prix of Miami, and led the first eleven laps of the race, but it was the #23 Ruby Tuesday Alex Job Porsche Crawford of Joey Hand and Bill Auberlen that led 14 laps mid-way through the event and finished a close second in the end.

    • Homestead: Ganassi Takes Second Win in a Row + Results:

      HOMESTEAD, Fla. (March 29, 2008) -- Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas extended their Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 point lead Saturday with their second consecutive Rolex Series win in the young 2008 season. The pilots of the No. 01 TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Lexus Riley captured Saturday's GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

    • Homestead: Selected Reviews After the Race:

      Homestead: Selected Reviews After the Race
      Lexus
      Pontiac
      GAINSCO
      Michael Shank

    • Homestead: Additional Post-Race Reviews:

      Homestead: Additional Post-Race Reviews
      Krohn
      Ruby Tuedsay
      TRG
      Farnbacher Loles

    • Miami: Donohue Takes Brumos Porsche to Grand-Am Pole + Grid:

      David Donohue of Malvern, Pa., turned the fastest lap in the No. 58 Brumos Porsche Riley on the pole during Friday’s Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series qualifying for Saturday’s GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

    • Homestead: Lexus Grand Am Race Preview:

      GANASSI, LEXUS LOOK TO MAKE IT TWO-IN-A-ROW AT HOMESTEAD – After a record third-straight Rolex 24 at Daytona victory, the #01 Ganassi Lexus team and drivers Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas will try for two consecutive wins at Saturday’s Grand Prix of Miami. In four previous appearances at Homestead, the #01 has finished seventh or higher and has registered third-place finishes in each of the last two seasons.

    • Homestead: Krohn Grand Am Race Preview - Two New Lola DP Cars:

      Krohn Racing will arrive at Homestead-Miami Speedway with its two new Proto-Auto Lola DP cars for the inaugural sprint race of the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series season, March 27-29. After an extensive testing schedule with the new cars, the Krohn team and drivers are ready to debut them against the challenging Grand-Am Prototype field of 19 cars and 26 GT cars at the Gainsco Grand Prix of Miami.

    • Homestead: Ruby Tuesday Grand Am Race Preview - Can History Repeat ?:

      If history is any indicator of future results, then Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team drivers Bill Auberlen and Joey Hand should find themselves a top the podium following this weekend's round two of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

    • Dalziel Confirms Full Season of Grand-Am Competition:

      Scotland’s Ryan Dalziel is delighted to announce his full-time participation in the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Presented by Crown Royal Cask No.16 having been signed by Florida-based SAMAX Motorsport to co-pilot the #2 BMW-Riley Daytona Prototype alongside Orlando’s Henri Zogaib.

    • Da Matta Returns to Racing!:

      After being out of a race car for more than 19 months while recovering from a critical 2006 accident, championship-winning race car driver Cristiano da Matta didn't mind waiting another two days before his highly anticipated return to competitive driving in a test with GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing last week in Texas.

    • Homestead: Pontiac Grand Am Race Preview:

      Pontiac powered Grand-Am teams are ready to take on the Homestead-Miami Speedway and round two of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami to be run on March 29.

    • Homestead: GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Grand Am Race Preview:

      Ready to return to Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series action after a strong second-place finish in January's season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona, GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing and champion drivers Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty will bring the team's best start of a season to Saturday's GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami, where nothing short of taking the championship lead is the goal.

    • Cigarette Racing, The Miami Garage Join Samax Motorsport for Homestead:

      So it comes as no surprise that the Orlando-based racer will see the No. 2 Samax Motorsport BMW-Riley adorned with two ultra-fast team partners for the Homestead Rolex Sports Car Series race weekend as famed off-shore boat maker Cigarette Racing Team and high-end automobile retailer The Miami Garage have joined the Samax Motorsport race effort.

    • Level Ten Communications Inks Deal with AIM Autosport:

      Level Ten Communications (Level Ten) and AIM Autosport (AIM) are pleased to announce the two companies have reached an agreement for the provision of services. The deal effective immediately, will see Level Ten provide media, marketing and public relations support for AIM’s Grand AM Daytona Prototype and Star Mazda programs. The deal also includes the development of new web site for the team and expanded web-based initiatives.

    • Zogaib and Dalziel Pair Up for Samax Motorsport:

      Henri Zogaib and Ryan Dalziel will team up for Samax Motorsport for round two of the Rolex Sports Car Series season and the GAINSCO Grand Prix at Homestead Miami Speedway March 27-29.

    • Grand-Am Machinery Draws a Crowd in New York City:

      The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 will play a prominent role in the New York International Auto Show over the next ten days, including opening the auto show with a drag race down 11th Avenue in Manhattan.

    • Pontiac Grand-Am Contingency Program Set To Support GT Racers:

      Pontiac announced today that starting with the GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami on March 29 the brand will offer contingency support to teams campaigning the Pontiac GXP.R in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 Rolex GT class.

    • Pirelli, Grand-Am Announce “PaceSetters” Program For 2008 Rolex Series:

      The top teams in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 will be eligible for $300,000 in cash bonuses during the 2008 season under the Rolex Series’ Pirelli PaceSetters program that goes into effect today. At the end of the season, the Italian tire manufacturer will award a $100,000 bonus to the top Daytona Prototype team.

    • Gainsco-Bob Stallings Team Keep Busy At Gainsco Grand Prix Of Miami Test:

      A full schedule of business at and away from the race track kept reigning Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Champions GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing busy in Miami last week where two-days of testing at Homestead-Miami Speedway was combined with a corporate visit to the Miami-based headquarters of GAINSCO Auto Insurance. The Homestead test was in preparation for next month's GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami, which is the kick-off event of a Saturday, March 29, double-header that also includes the GAINSCO Auto Insurance Indy 300.

  • February 2008, Volume 8, No. 2
    • February 2008
    • Negri, Pumpelly Fastest Again in Homestead-Miami Speedway Test:

      The second day of Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 testing at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Tuesday ended the same as it did Monday, at least at the top of the charts.

    • Michael Shank Racing Laying the Framework For a Championship ?:

      The hottest team in the Rolex Series this winter may just be the two-car effort of Michael Shank Racing. To this point in 2008, the orange No. 60 Ford Riley and the blue No. 6 Ford Riley have posted the fastest times in January Test Days and swept the front row with both cars at the Rolex 24. Negri, the Rolex 24 at Daytona polesitter, was fastest again Tuesday.

    • Samax Switches Power for Homestead Test:

      With a disappointing finish at the Rolex 24 in the rearview mirror, SAMAX racing has shown up at Homestead-Miami Speedway with BMW power in the No. 2 BMW Riley. Defending GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami winner Team Sigalsport is the only other team to be powered by BMW.

    • Sigalsport Prepares To Defend Race Title:

      Gene Sigal and Matt Plumb were on hand at Homestead-Miami Speedway, taking the first steps in defending their team’s GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami race win from a year ago.

    • GAINSCO Ready With New Riley Bodywork For Homestead Test:

      DALLAS (February 22, 2008) - Returning to the race track for the first time in nearly a month after a strong second-place finish in the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona, reigning Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Champions GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing and drivers Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty will debut the team's new Pontiac Riley Mk XX bodywork in a special two-day Grand-Am test session this Monday and Tuesday at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

    • GAINSCO Drivers Happy to Be Back on Track:

      HOMESTEAD, Fla. (Feb. 25, 2008) - After spending the morning making some final minor adjustments to the new Riley Mk XX bodywork, GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing took to the track right at the beginning of the afternoon session with Jon Fogarty driving and his co-champion teammate Alex Gurney on the headset in the pits. Although the team's Pontiac Riley wore the familiar No. 99, the car being used for the test is actually an ex-George Robinson race car that was last driven in the 2007 Rolex 24 At Daytona. The GAINSCO team acquired the race car - that they call "No. 98" - last year and is using it for testing and possibly as second entry in a race or two later in the season.

    • Krohn Racing Puts Lolas Back on Track:

      HOMESTEAD, Fla. (Feb. 25, 2008) - Krohn Racing returned to the track Monday for the first time with the Lola Chassis since the January Test Days, piloting two Pontiac Lolas at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

    • Doran Signs Burt Frisselle, Gabriele Gardel to Campaign Ford Dallara:

      HOMESTEAD, Fla. (Feb. 25, 2008) - As the Daytona Prototype class of the Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 moves into the second stage of its history and welcomes a new group of chassis manufacturers to the ranks, Burt Frisselle will have a front row seat for all the developments.

    • Rolex Series Drivers on Track at Homestead:

      HOMESTEAD, Fla. (Feb. 25, 2008) - The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 returned to the race track today at Homestead-Miami Speedway in preparation for the upcoming GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami. The two-day test is open to all Rolex Series teams.

    • Grand-Am Teams Return to Track Next Week For Two-Day Test:

      The Daytona Prototypes and the GT machines of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 return to the track next week for a two-day test at Homestead-Miami Speedway in preparation for next month’s GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami. Included on the entry list for the Feb. 25-26 test are 19 Daytona Prototypes and 15 GT cars.

    • A Look Back At Lexus' Three Consecutive Rolex 24 At Daytona Victories:

      When Scott Pruett took the checkered flag at the Rolex 24 at Daytona this past weekend, it marked the third consecutive victory for Lexus in America’s most prestigious sports car race. With the win, Lexus joins Porsche as the only manufacturer to earn three consecutive overall wins at Daytona.

  • January 2008, Volume 8, No. 1
    • January 2008
    • Outstanding Pirelli Performance In Grand-Am Debut:

      Providing even more P-Zero racing tires to competitors in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 than preliminary plans called for, Pirelli Tire capably answered the call of America’s toughest endurance race with a record-setting performance at this past weekend’s Rolex 24 At Daytona.

    • Daytona 24: Ganassi Takes Third Straight Win:

      Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates continued its dominance of North America’s most prestigious sports car race winning their third straight overall victory on Sunday at Daytona International Speedway.

    • Daytona 24: Ganassi Makes History:

      Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) became the first team in history to win three straight Rolex 24 at Daytona’s after Scott Pruett crossed the finish line in the No.01 TELMEX/Target Riley. Pruett, along with CGRFS NASCAR Sprint Cup teammates Juan Pablo Montoya and Dario Franchitti, and his Rolex Series full time co-driver Memo Rojas, combined to lead 252 of the race’s 695 laps in an event that featured Rolex Series and Rolex 24 records for car leaders (15), driver leaders (25) and lead changes (60). The two-time defending race champions stayed out of trouble, and more importantly the garage, to march to a two-lap victory.

    • Daytona 24: Gainsco Battle to 2nd:

      Reigning Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Champions Lowe's/GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing recovered from an early Sunday morning gearbox change to finish second in this weekend's 46th Annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, avenging last year's early defeat in this race with the team's best start to a racing season in its young history.

    • Penske-Taylor Team Scores Podium Finish In Daytona 24:

      There is a long-standing motto associated with Penske Racing and that is "Effort Equals Results." Perhaps there is no better example of that slogan being demonstrated than in the team effort that produced an impressive podium finish for Penske Racing drivers Kurt Busch, Helio Castroneves & Ryan Briscoe in this weekend’s Rolex 24 Grand-Am race at Daytona International Speedway.

    • Daytona 24: Speedsource Mazda RX-8 Wins GT Class At 2008 Daytona 24:

      After 24 hours of close competition among 41 cars, the SpeedSource Castrol Syntec Mazda RX-8 team won the GT class at the Rolex 24 at Daytona to kick off the 2008 GrandAm season. The SpeedSource driving team of Sylvain Tremblay, David Haskell, Nick Ham, and Raphael Matos started from the pole, and led 323 of 664 laps, on their way to ninth overall and the class win.

    • Subaru Factory Team Suffers "Yellow Flag Fever" at Daytona:

      Eleventh and twelfth place finishes were ultimately the places in which ICY/Phoenix Racing's Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Spec.B Sedans finished in Friday's Grand-Am KONI Challenge series three-hour road race at Daytona International Speedway. The simple reason: bad luck-of-the-draw on when full-course caution flags came out.

    • Daytona 24: The 24 Hours as Seen by Lexus:

      Daytona 24: The 24 Hours as Seen by Lexus
      3 Hours
      6 Hours
      9 Hours
      15 Hours
      18 Hours
      24 Hours

    • Daytona 24: The 24 Hours as Seen by Pontiac:

      Daytona 24: The 24 Hours as Seen by Pontiac
      6 Hours
      12 Hours
      18 Hours
      24 Hours

    • Daytona 24: The 24 Hours as Seen by Porsche:

      Daytona 24: The 24 Hours as Seen by Porsche
      6 Hours
      12 Hours
      18 Hours
      24 Hours

    • Daytona 24: The 24 Hours as Seen by Ford:

      Daytona 24: The 24 Hours as Seen by Ford
      4 Hours
      8 Hours
      18 Hours
      24 Hours

    • Daytona 24: The Results:

      Daytona 24: The Results

    • Daytona 24: Negri, Allmendinger Give Michael Shank Racing Front Row Sweep + Times!:

      Michael Shank Racing used Ford power to sweep the front row Thursday during qualifying for the 46th running of Rolex 24 At Daytona, which starts at 1:30 p.m. ET Saturday, for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 at Daytona International Speedway.

    • Daytona 24: Porsche Fairs Well in Qualifying:

      Stuttgart. The drivers of 67 race cars fought for the top 30 grid positions for this year's Rolex 24 at Daytona in Thursday's first qualifying session on the 5.6 kilometre circuit located on the Florida coast. Race cars start in two classes: The purpose built, full bred Daytona Prototypes, and the near standard Grand Touring sportscars (GT).

    • Daytona 24: DP Qualifying Recaps:

      Daytona 24: DP Qualifying Recaps
      Pontiac
      Lexus
      Gainsco
      Ruby Tuesday

    • Daytona 24: Selected Qualifying Recaps:

      Daytona 24: Selected Qualifying Recaps
      Farnbacher Loles
      TRG
      Memo Gidley
      Fall-Line Motorsports

    • Primat Targets First Daytona Finish After Signing For Samax Motorsport:

      Geneva-based racing driver Harold Primat has been confirmed as part of Samax Motorsport’s driving strength for this weekend’s Rolex Daytona 24 Hours. The 32-year-old is targeting a first finish in his second visit to the famous event, with a team and driver package he believes has ‘podium potential’.

    • Stars of Racing Converge on Season-Opening 24 At Daytona:

      Racing stars from around the world will converge on the "World Center of Racing" this weekend with the 46th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, the top endurance race in North America and the official start to the 2008 international motorsports calendar.

    • All the Facts You Need To Know about the Rolex 24 at Daytona:

      All the Facts You Need To Know about the Rolex 24 at Daytona
      Fast Facts
      Random Facts
      Former Winners
      Manufacturers Milestones
      Streaks

    • Daytona 24: DP Team Previews of the Event:

      Daytona 24: DP Team Previews of the Event
      Ganisco
      Krohn
      SAMAX

    • Daytona 24: Team Previews Coming into Daytona:

      Daytona 24: Team Previews Coming into Daytona
      Pirelli
      Automatic
      TRG

    • Grand-Am Inks Three-Year Agreement With Greenlight Collectibles:

      Fans of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 will have something extra to look forward to this season with the announcement that GreenLight Collectibles (GL) and Grand-Am have teamed up to produce die-cast replicas of select Rolex Series Riley Daytona Prototype machines. The die-cast replicas will go on sale in mid-2008.

    • Interview: Pruett Talks About the 24 at Daytona:

      Lexus driver Scott Pruett is the defending champion at the Rolex 24 – and the event’s all-time leader in wins with seven. He recently had a chance to sit down and talk about this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona where he’ll co-drive the #01 TELMEX/Lexus with Juan Montoya, Dario Franchitti and Memo Rojas for Chip Ganassi Racing.

    • Six Drivers Looking to Join Fathers as Winners of the Daytona 24:

      Since the beginning of time, sons have followed fathers into the family trade, passing the family’s "business" from one generation to the next. Past and present fathers competing in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 are no different, having passed along their enthusiasm and love of competition to offspring who on Jan. 26-27 will also compete in the 46th Rolex 24 At Daytona.

    • Daytona 24: Pontiac Preview - 19 Cars Gunning for Glory:

      Pontiac powered Daytona Prototype (DP) and GT sports cars are ready for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 46th running of the Rolex 24 Hour At Daytona to be run this weekend, January 26-27. With 19 cars running Pontiac power, 14 DP and five GT of the 66-car field, Pontiac has an excellent chance to double at Daytona by winning both the overall DP and GT races.

    • Daytona 24: Lexus Preview - Ganassi To Attempt To Make History:

      The Lexus-powered Chip Ganassi Racing team will attempt to make history as the first team ever to win the overall Rolex 24 at Daytona crown three consecutive years, when the cars take to the track in this year’s twice-around-the-clock extravaganza on Jan. 26-27.

    • Gleason Joins Defending GT Winners For This Weekend's Daytona 24:

      Chris Gleason will not only compete in this weekend's Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway, the Johnstown, Pa.-based driver has a great ride.

    • Le Mans Winning Line-up Faces Another 24 Hours... At Daytona!:

      Two-times Le Mans-winners Mike Newton and Thomas Erdos begin their sixth season together as co-drivers by facing the challenge of another twenty-four hour marathon - next weekend's Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. The RML AD Group racing duo will be sharing the all-new #51 Cheever Racing Coyote-Pontiac with another Le Mans winner, Briton Tom Kimber-Smith, and two American drivers; Brent Sherman and Scott Mayer.

    • Daytona 24: Penske-Taylor Grand Am Race Preview:

      While the trio of Penske-Taylor Racing Team drivers may be entering this weekend’s Rolex 24 endurance racing classic armed with various degrees of experience, their desire to excel is a definite common bond between them.

    • NASCAR Champ Jimmie Johnson Ready To Roll In 24 At Daytona:

      Jimmie Johnson remembers exactly when and where he was when he decided to get serious about winning the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the yearly kick-off race of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series season which has become an annual and all-day All-Star showcase of the world's top auto racing talent the last few years.

    • NASCAR's Colin Braun Kicks Off His Season With Rolex 24 Race:

      Roush Fenway Racing driver Colin Braun is going to start Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway a bit earlier than most of his fellow competitors in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Braun will be racing this weekend in the Rolex 24 event which starts Saturday afternoon, and concludes Sunday.

    • Eric Curran Joins Winning 2007 Rolex GT Team for 2008 Daytona 24hr Assault:

      "I’m incredibly happy to be starting off 2008 with such a strong team and car for the Rolex 24 hour race!" noted Eric Curran. "Farnbacher-Loles showed their speed and abilities last year by winning the Rolex GT division, and I’m positive I can help the team earn two-in-a-row."

    • 2008 Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series Events To Be Televised on SPEED:

      Motorsports fans will be able to see some of the hottest production-based racing on television this season as a total of six events on the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series schedule will be televised on SPEED in 2008.

    • A Short NASCAR History Lesson for Daytona 24:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 18, 2008) -- Renewing a tradition while reinvigorating a classic event, NASCAR drivers are returning again to the sports car spectacle that annually kicks off Speedweeks -- the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Jan. 26-27.

    • Vision Racing To Compete Again In Grand Am 24 At Daytona:

      In spite of finding themselves behind the ideal timeline for preparation, Vision Racing will make its second appearance in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve. Signed drivers John Andretti, Ed Carpenter, A.J. Foyt IV and Vitor Meira will join team owner, Tony George, behind the wheel of the No. 03 Vision Racing Porsche Crawford Daytona Prototype in the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

    • Sports Car Legend Derek Bell Joins RVO Pontiac Team For Rolex 24 At Daytona:

      Three time Rolex 24 Hour At Daytona winner Derek Bell returns to the World Center of Racing to drive the No. 12 RVO Motorsports Pontiac Riley in next week’s twice around the clock Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 season opener.

    • Rolex 24 At Daytona Points The Way Toward A Championship:

      The Rolex 24 At Daytona, much like the Sprint Cup’s Daytona 500 in NASCAR, if not most important is unarguably the highest profile race for the Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16.

    • Grand-Am Announces Television Package for 2008:

      The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 will continue its relationship with SPEED for 2008, with the motorsports channel broadcasting 62.5 hours of Rolex Series competition in the U.S., Canada and Mexico and the Rolex Series broadcast around the world on a variety of major networks – complete with the Rolex Series debut in high-definition television.

    • Grand-Am Trio Honored:

      Defending Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 champions Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty and series runner-up Scott Pruett were honored by the nation’s top motorsports press members Saturday night at the American Automobile Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association’s 38th annual banquet at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis.

    • Ricardo Zonta No Worse for Wear After Off-Track Excursion:

      The Proto-Auto test program with the new Lolas continued at Daytona International Speedway January 4-6, 2008, when Krohn Racing brought the two new Lola chassis for testing in preparation for the 2008 season.

    • Speed, Fox Sports Team To Offer Coverage Of Famed Rolex 24 At Daytona:

      SPEED and FOX Sports will offer 17 hours of team coverage from the 46th running of the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona on Jan. 26-27, with the first 90 minutes of the event simulcast on the 1,400-square foot News Astrovision by Panasonic Screen prominently located at One Times Square in New York.

    • Lola: Technology to Win Then and Now, 50 Years of Success:

      In 2008 Lola will have plenty to celebrate both on and off the track, when they reach a memorable 50 years in motorsport. During this period the Huntingdon based marque have manufactured almost 4000 competitive cars, recording more race and championship wins than any other racing car manufacturer in the world.

    • Grand-Am Test A Huge Success For Penske-Taylor Racing Team:

      The three days of testing last weekend at Daytona International Speedway in advance of the Jan. 26-27 Rolex 24 proved to be much more beneficial for the Penske-Taylor Racing Team than one might expect.

    • Daytona Test Days Mark Pirelli's Biggest Weekend Of North American Competition In History:

      Pirelli’s official debut as the new series-standard tire of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 during Daytona Test Days, January 4 – 6, was nothing short of the biggest weekend of North American competition for Pirelli Tire in the company’s illustrious history as nearly 70 racing teams put new Pirelli P-Zero racing tires through three days and one night of hard testing.

    • Daytona Test Days Bodes Well for Automatic Racing:

      Automatic Racing completed their first official test of the 2008 season during last weekend’s Grand-Am Test Days at Daytona International Speedway, where the new No. 90 BMW M6 had a successful run with consistent times and performance.

    • RUMOUR: Grand Am - da Matta To Return to Racing - UPDATE:

      Further to this article, more news has surfaced that Cristiano da Matta is seeking a return to racing.

    • Three-time Rolex 24 Winner Derek Bell Tests Daytona Prototype:

      Three-time Rolex 24 At Daytona race winner and motorsports legend Derek Bell turned a handful of laps Saturday and Sunday in the No. 12 RVO Motorsports Rock Valley Oil Pontiac Riley, the Daytona Prototype debut for the former World Sportscar champion.

    • Pruett, Montoya Happy with Grand-Am Test at Daytona:

      Defending race champion Scott Pruett registered the fastest overall time in the three-day Rolex 24 test at the Daytona International Speedway as his Lexus-powered Chip Ganassi Racing team continued to prepare for a run at a record third consecutive Rolex 24 at Daytona team victory.

    • NASCAR Champ Jimmie Johnson 'Here Strictly To Win' Rolex 24:

      Two-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson isn’t just competing in the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 26-27 to unwind and relax before the start of the new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.

    • Ruby Tuesday Tests 2008 Package at Daytona:

      When a race team goes testing, the results may find the team asking more questions than the test sessions answered. It was no different for the Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team this past weekend following three days of Grand-Am Rolex Sports Cars Series testing at the Daytona International Speedway.

    • Robert Doornbos Joins Leitz and Huisman at Synergy for Daytona:

      Famed Porsche campaigner Synergy Racing announced on Saturday a two-car assault for the 46th Annual Rolex 24 At Daytona as the team looks to start the 2008 Rolex Sports Car Series season with a new chapter of success. One of Grand-Am’s winningest teams will utilize the Grand-Am specification Porsche GT3. The two GT Class entries will carry on the Synergy tradition, once again carrying the traditional team Nos. 80 and 81.

    • Bill Lester To Run Rolex Series Fulltime in 2008:

      Steve Southard, Southard Motorsports team owner, announced Sunday veteran racer Bill Lester will join Shane Lewis in the No. 3 Southard Motorsports Lexus Riley for the full 2008 Rolex Series season.

    • Riley-Matthews Tops the Final Day of Testing at Daytona:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 6, 2008) -- The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 completed a successful January Test Days on Sunday, setting the stage for the 46th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona Jan. 25-27 with three days of on-track testing at Daytona International Speedway.

    • Penske-Taylor Racing Announces Official Two-Car Effort:

      Wayne Taylor made certain everyone knows exactly the name of the No. 9 Pontiac Riley team.

      “It’s Penske-Taylor Racing,” he said. “Not Taylor-Penske Racing.”

    • NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson Tests Grand-Am Prototype at Daytona:

      Two-time reigning NASCAR Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson joined his GAINSCO/Bob Stallings teammates for the third and final day of Daytona Test Days Sunday and handled the majority of the driving as the team went through its final preparations for the 46 th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 26 – 27.

    • Pontiac Grand-Am Teams Test In Preparation For 24 At Daytona:

      Pontiac powered Daytona Prototype (DP) and GT teams exercised their racers this weekend at the “Roar Before the Rolex 24” in preparation for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 46th running of the Rolex 24 Hour At Daytona January 26-27. The top Pontiac DP team, Penske-Taylor Racing, turned a time of 1:42.261 which resulted in second place on the time sheet at the end of the weekend. In GT, the Connolly Motorsports GTO.R was the fast Pontiac with a time of 1:51.774, eighteenth on the time sheet.

    • Former Rolex 24 Winners Bergmeister, Papis Getting Acclimated to GT Cars:

      Jörg Bergmeister and Max Papis - former Rolex 24 champions as well as Rolex Series Daytona Prototype titlists - will compete in this year’s twice-around-the-clock classic in the GT class.

    • Michael Shank Racing Fastest on Day 2:

      AJ Allmendinger turned the fastest lap on the second day of Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 January Test Days, besting a field of 21 Daytona Prototypes at Daytona International Speedway preparing for the 46th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

    • Rolex Series Gets their First Test Under Lights for 2008:

      After two days of testing under the sun, drivers got their first test on Saturday night of what the early-morning hours may feel like during the Rolex 24. Rolex Series teams used a 90-minute session in darkness to test under the lights.

    • Gainsco-Stallings Ready To Roll As Reigning Grand-Am Champions:

      GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing will take their familiar No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley back to the race track for the first time in 2008 as the reigning Champions of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 at this weekend's Daytona Test Days at Daytona International Speedway, January 4 – 6.

    • XPEL Announces Official Partnership with Grand-Am:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 3, 2008) -- XPEL Technologies Corp. (TSXV:DAP.U) announced today an official partnership with the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series and designation as official category partner of Grand-Am. This three year contract commences in 2008 through the completion of the 2010 season. XPEL is also proud to be the sponsor of the XPEL Daytona Prototype Pole Award. The official press conference announcing the partnership will take place during the Rolex 24 At Daytona starting on Jan. 26, 2008.

    • Audi's Best to Race for SAMAX at Daytona:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 2, 2008) -- Henri Zogaib accomplished a long-held dream as he crossed the finish line in his Daytona Prototype to complete the 45th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona after a grueling twice-around-the-clock test of man and machine last January. While merely finishing the brutal race is considered a tremendous accomplishment to those who understand the mammoth effort that a race like the 24 requires, Zogaib knows he's already checked that box off his list, and has his sights set considerably higher for the 2008 running of the esteemed event.

    • Motorsports Biggest Names Drawn to Rolex 24 at Daytona:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 2, 2008) -- Superstars from around the world of motorsports will ring in the new year with the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 this weekend, as 64 Daytona Prototype and GT machines are scheduled to visit the "World Center of Racing" January 4-6 for the January Test Days in preparation for the 46th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona later this month.

    • Kelleners and Lazzaro Lead Autometrics Daytona Effort:

      Championship drivers Ralf Kelleners and Anthony Lazzaro will head to Daytona for this year’s Rolex 24 hour race to compete with what will be the strongest team assembled by Autometrics Motorsports. Current team drivers Cory Friedman and Mac McGehee will also drive the grueling 3.56 mile course beginning Saturday, January 26 at 1:30 pm and finishing 24 hours later. The team of four will drive the No.14 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup car sponsored by Jacksonville, Fla. based Mac Papers Company. Autometrics will also enter the No. 74 Porsche GT3 Cup driven by drivers Derek Skea, Bransen Patch and Jim Hamblin.

    • Putnam and Espenlaub Sign with Automatic Racing for ‘08:

      Charlie Putnam and Charles Espenlaub are bringing their proven success as teammates to Automatic Racing for the 2008 season, where they will co-drive a BMW M3 in the KONI Challenge Series.

Volume 7

  • December 2007, Volume 7, No. 12
    • December 2007
    • Porsche Factory Drivers Lend Support to 7 Car TRG Daytona Bid:

      Petaluma, CA -- Setting out for next week's Daytona Test Days, TRG has one goal for the 2008 Rolex 24 at Daytona, continue the winning streak. Having sat on the podium for five of the last six years, including winning once in class and once overall, the team is one of the favorites to win in the GT class at the Rolex 24 next month.

    • Andy Wallace Completes Stellar Ruby Tuesday Daytona Lineup:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team announced today that Englishman Andy Wallace is the fourth and final driver added to the team’s roster for next year’s Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Rolex 24 at Daytona Jan. 26-27.

    • Pat Long and Ruby Tuesday for Daytona:

      After piloting the No. 23 Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Porsche-powered Crawford Daytona Prototype for two seasons, driver Patrick Long, of Belleair, Fla., returns to the Alex Job Racing stable as its third driver for the upcoming Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Rolex 24 at Daytona Jan. 26-27.

    • Personnel Developments at Grand Am:

      Following tremendous expansion since the inception of the Daytona Prototype formula to the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 only five years ago, Grand-Am President Roger Edmondson announced today the addition of a pair of motorsports industry veterans which will help the series maintain continued growth

    • SPEED, FOX Sports Team Again For Coverage of the Rolex 24 At Daytona:

      For the second consecutive year, motorsports fans across the nation will be able to catch Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 stars battle with and against racing superstars from around the world on network television as SPEED and FOX Sports will combine to offer 17 hours of television coverage from the 46th Rolex 24 At Daytona January 26-27.

    • Bill Auberlen: Going for Multiple Titles in 2008:

      Bill Auberlen will chase at least two championships in 2008, aiming for the top in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series and KONI Challenge Series. The Redondo Beach, Calif., driver has won two of his six professional auto-racing championships in Grand-Am competition, with 30 victories, 46 podiums, 11 pole positions and 26 records in the two series to date.

    • Gunnar Jeannette Joins Stevenson Motorsport for Daytona:

      With the new Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 season almost ready to form up its first racing grid in 2008, the Stevenson Motorsports Team couldn’t be happier about the head start they will be taking into the opening race. When the Rolex 24 at Daytona weekend arrives at the end of January, the #57 Stevenson Pontiac GXP-R will be in the hands of four of racings finest drivers. And the team will enter the new season with a brand new sponsor in the BryanMark Financial Group, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.

    • Max Papis Joins Autohaus Motorsports for Daytona:

      DELRAY BEACH, Fla. December 17, 2007 -- Autohaus Motorsports officially announced their intent to compete for the 2008 GT championship in the Grand Am Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, with driver duo Lawson Aschenbach and Tim Lewis, Jr. Completing the driver lineup for the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona will be two veteran drivers, Craig Stanton and Max Papis. "We are absolutely thrilled to have a driver lineup with such depth and experience for the 24 hours," said Team Owner Bob Kirland. "We are so excited to be making the change to Grand Am, and I really look forward to what we can accomplish this year with such a strong team."

    • Actor Patrick Dempsey Makes House Call On Daytona:

      The Rolex 24 At Daytona is attracting racing stars from across the world to compete in the twice-round-the-clock sports car challenge. But the kickoff event to the international motorsports calendar is also attracting actor Patrick Dempsey, the star of the hit ABC show "Grey’s Anatomy."

    • NASCAR and IRL Stars to Help Defend Rolex 24 Title:

      While TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates has been among the handful of teams participating in a two-day Riley test at Daytona International Speedway, the team – which has won the past two Rolex 24s – also finalized its driver lineups for the 46th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

    • AIM Autosport Looking Forward to Stepping Up in 2008:

      Mark Wilkins made it apparent AIM Autosport is shooting for loftier goals in 2008.

      "We want to win races," Wilkins said. "We want to be up and running with these guys, and we really think we have a shot to do that. Last year, we had some strong results – our fifth at the Rolex was really good, and we had some strong runs at the end of the year. We’re confident that we had a good enough package to be right up at the front and challenge for wins."

    • Racers Edge Makes Move to Mazda RX-8 For 2007:

      Racers Edge Motorsports showed promising in 2007 in a Pontiac GXP, and the team hopes to continue that with the acquisition of a Mazda RX-8 for the 2008 season.

    • Grand-Am Drivers Sweep First Team All-America Honors:

      Alex Gurney, Jon Fogarty, Scott Pruett and Max Angelelli battled to the season’s final laps for the 2007 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 Daytona Prototype championship. Each of the four Daytona Prototype drivers has been recognized for their accomplishments with selections to the 2007 All-America Auto Racing Team as selected by the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA).

    • Labor Day Weekend Race at New Jersey Motorsports Park:

      Grand-Am officials confirmed today a Labor Day weekend feature event at Thunderbolt Raceway at New Jersey Motorsports Park in the greater New York Metropolitan area. The Aug. 30-31 event is the crown jewel on the NJMP inaugural schedule and will feature both the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 and the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series.

    • Valiante Announced at Suntrust for 2008:

      ATLANTA (Dec. 3, 2007) -- Max Angelelli and the No. 10 SunTrust Pontiac team of Wayne Taylor Racing received an early holiday gift as they prepare for their pursuit of the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series championship. Canadian Michael Valiante, the 28-year-old veteran of open-wheel and sports prototype racing, has been named Angelelli's full-time co-driver for the entire 14-race campaign, which kicks off Jan. 26-27 with the traditional, season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona.

    • Penkse and Wayne Taylor Bring All Star Lineup to Daytona:

      INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 3, 2007) -- Wayne Taylor Racing, which in 2008 will campaign the No. 10 SunTrust Pontiac and championship-winning driver Max Angelelli for its fifth Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series season, has entered into a partnership with Penske Racing to field a second entry at the 2008 season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona featuring an all-star lineup of Penske drivers from the NASCAR Sprint Cup (formerly Nextel Cup) Series, the IRL IndyCar Series, and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).

  • November 2007, Volume 7, No. 11
    • November 2007
    • Former F1 Pilots Joins Krohn Racing:

      Krohn Racing returns to the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series in 2008 for its third season as an independent race team of owner/driver Tracy W. Krohn.

    • Joey Hand Joins Ruby Tuesday Grand-Am Team for 2008:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team announced today that Joey Hand, of Sacramento, Calif., will co-drive with Bill Auberlen during the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series season.

    • Grand Am Titlists Finalists For Economacki Champion of Champions Award:

      Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 champions Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty are among 10 finalists for the 2007 Economacki Champion of Champions Award, presented by Rockett Brand Racing Fuel and National Speed Sport News.

    • Grand-Am Stars Gurney and Fogarty, Papis and Angelelli Nominated for Awards:

      Fans of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 can help on-track rivals Max Angelelli and Max Papis battle one last time in 2007, and push Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty to another championship by voting for the annual SPEED Performance Awards. SPEED, which televises all events on the Rolex Sports Car Series schedule, will announce the winners of all nine popular vote categories as well as the SPEED Performer of the Year during a one-hour show in February.

    • RUMOUR: Grand Am - Cristiano da Matta to Return to Racing?:

      After his dreadful crash in 2006, Brazilian, Cristiano da Matta could be on the way back to the track.

    • New Pirelli Grand-Am Tires Shine At Daytona Test Sessions:

      Pirelli’s inaugural pre-season test session with the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 took place in sunny weather and track temperatures of 90°F. The two day session was marked by highly favorable comments from the drivers and record lap times from the cars. Pirelli debuted its new motorsport support team and fleet which brought 2400 tires to support the 44 teams that attended.

    • Colin Braun To Compete in Roush Fenway’s No. 6 Truck in 2008:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 18, 2007) -- Colin Braun can be regarded as one of the best young talents in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 over the past two seasons.

    • Lally Steps Out of Sportscars to Race Trucks:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 17, 2007) -- Andy Lally has made a name for himself in Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 competition over the past several years, completing a number of improbable runs to the front of the field to win races and help solidify the TRG team as an annual contender for a Grand-Am Rolex Series GT Championship.

    • Michael Shank Racing Adds Ford And A New Team Energy:

      Michael Shank Racing has been among the frontrunners in Grand-Am Rolex Series action for a number of seasons. In case the team had been overlooked, Negri unofficially posted the fastest time in yesterday’s opening day and added the third fastest time in Thursday’s session in the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing Ford Riley.

    • NASCAR Ace Takes a Break to Test Grand Am:

      So how does Jimmie Johnson unwind before racing for a second NEXTEL Cup title in the upcoming Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway?

    • Le Mans Series Racer to Grand Am in 2008:

      For the past two seasons, Joao Barbosa has been the "third man" for Brumos Racing, joining Hurley Haywood and JC France in No. 59 Porsche Riley in the endurance races on the Rolex Series schedule.

    • Bill Auberlen Signs with Ruby Tuesday Grand Am Team for 2008:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team announced today that it signed two-time Grand-Am Rolex Series champion Bill Auberlen, of Redondo Beach, Calif., to co-pilot its No. 23 Porsche Crawford Daytona Prototype during the 2008 Grand-Am season.

  • October 2007, Volume 7, No. 10
    • October 2007
    • Pirelli Makes 'Grand-American' Return To Motorsports:

      In 2008, Pirelli will become the specified tire for the Rolex Grand-Am Sports Car Series, presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve. This will mark the re-emergence of Pirelli Tire into American Motorsports after a one-year hiatus from large sanctioned competition on the continent.

    • Italian Race Car Builder Picchio to Collaborate with Cheever Group:

      INDIANAPOLIS (October 25, 2007) -- Italian racecar engineering and manufacturing firm Picchio will serve as a primary technical partner to Cheever Group in launching a new Grand-Am Daytona Prototype sports car competing in The Rolex Sports Car Series, it was announced today. The Ancarano, Italy-based company will apply its technical staff to the development of the new car, which will be built at Cheever Racing headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana.

    • Grand Am Announces 2008 Series Schedule:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 3, 2007) -- Reinforcing its position as the only sports car series to race in major markets throughout North America, Grand-Am officials announced today a 2008 race schedule for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve that will once again see the series visit premier road courses in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

    • The FMSC Review: Grand Am - A Tale of Two Halves:

      First there was the competitive half. Different winners each round with it being near on impossible to pick the winner.

      The second half was all about GAINSCO Bob Stallings Racing. Win after win after win. They became unstoppable and it was that ability that won them the title.

  • September 2007, Volume 7, No. 9
    • September 2007
    • Top Rolex Series Competitors Honoured At Annual Champions Banquet:

      LAS VEGAS, Nev. (September 18, 2007) -- The top performers of 2007 were honored Monday night at the Venetian before a record crowd in the annual Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Champions Banquet.

    • Automatic Racing to Enter Rolex Series GT Class in a BMW M6:

      TOOELE, Utah (September 15, 2007) -- Automatic Racing will enter a BMW M6 in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series GT class in 2008, the team announced in a press conference this morning at Miller Motorsports Park.

    • Porsche Claims GT Title – Dirk Werner Drivers Champion:

      Stuttgart. Dirk Werner (Germany), teaming with rookie Bryce Miller (USA) and Wolf Henzler (Germany), clinched the 2007 Rolex Grand-Am GT Series drivers championship in the #87 Farnbacher Loles Motorsports IPC/Marquis Jet Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car with a third-place finish at Saturday’s Sunchaser 1000 at Miller Motorsports Park. The final race of the season also saw Porsche clinch the GT Manufacturers Championship and Farnbacher Loles wrap up the GT Team Championship. Porsche has won the GT manufacturers title seven times of the eight years the series has been in existence.

    • Miller: Selected Team Reviews after the Race:

      Miller: Selected Team Reviews after the Race
      GAINSCO
      Krohn
      Suntrust
      Spirit of Daytona

    • RUMOUR: Grand Am/ALMS - Ganassi to Join ALMS:

      It has been rumoured that Chip Ganassi could bring his team from the Grand Am Championship to the American Le Mans Series.

    • Miller: Riley-Matthews Race, Gainsco's Championship + Results!:

      TOOELE, Utah (September 15, 2007) -- From championship to heartbreak, Saturday's Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve season finale at Miller Motorsports Park was a true representation of the season as a whole - including one team's championship hopes literally going up in smoke.

    • Miller: Team Reports after Qualifying:

      Miller: Team Reports after Qualifying
      GAINSCO
      Lexus
      Ruby Tuesday
      Aim & Doncaster

    • SunTrust Rolex Series Team to Campaign Dallara Chassis in ’08:

      ATLANTA, Ga. (September 14, 2007) -- Wayne Taylor Racing, which campaigns the No. 10 SunTrust Pontiac in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, announced today that it will be the first team to field a Daytona Prototype chassis produced by Dallara Automobili Spa of Parma, Italy, beginning with Round 2 of the 2008 Rolex Series season.

    • Miller: Ganassi Draws First Blood After Qualifying + Grid !:

      TOOELE, Utah (September 14, 2007) -- Scott Pruett fired the first shot among the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Daytona Prototype championship contenders Friday at Miller Motorsports Park, grabbing the pole position for Saturday's Sunchaser 1000.

    • Miller: DP, GT Title Battles Come Down To Wire:

      With only Saturday’s Sunchaser 1000k at Miller Motorsports Park remaining in Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve competition, both the Daytona Prototype and GT driver and team championships remain up for grabs. The 1000k, seven-and-a-half hour race is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. MT (SPEED, Live from 1-2:30 p.m. ET and 5:30 p.m.-finish).

    • Interview: Grand Am Title Contenders Gurney, Fogarty, Pruett and Team Owner Taylor:

      An interview with Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Daytona Prototype contenders Alex Gurney, Jon Fogarty, Scott Pruett and team owner Wayne Taylor, substituting for contending driver Max Angelelli.

    • Spirit of Daytona Relaunches for Miller:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 10, 2007) -- The 2007 season of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve may be coming to an end, but this weekend's SunChaser 1000k finale will mark the beginning of the newest entry and era in Daytona Prototype competition.

    • Miller: Justin Wilson Joins Michael Shank Racing for the Final Round:

      COLUMBUS, Ohio (September 11, 2007) -- Team owner Mike Shank announced today that Champ Car championship contender Justin Wilson has signed on to race the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing Lexus-Riley in Saturdays SunChaser 1000 at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah.

    • Miller: The Teams Preview the Title Fight Before the Final Round:

      Miller: The Teams Preview the Title Fight Before the Final Round
      GAINSCO
      Ganassi
      Suntrust
      Krohn
      AIM & Doncaster

    • Miller: Bill Auberlen - 350 Races:

      Bill Auberlen will start his 350th auto race this weekend, competing in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series race at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, on Friday. The Redondo Beach, Calif., driver will set another mark during the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race at the same track on Saturday – his 210th start in a BMW-powered car.

    • Miller: Rockenfellar and Ruby Tuesday Team Up for Final Round:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team announced today that Mike Rockenfeller will co-drive with teammates Patrick Long and Jörg Bergmeister in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve season finale at Miller Motorsports Park.

    • Miller: GT Championship Up for Grabs!:

      While much of the focus of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve season has fallen on the Daytona Prototype class, the GT Championship also remains on the line with only one race remaining.

    • Utah: Jimmy Vasser to Race with GAINSCO for the Grand Am Finale:

      Bringing his veteran perspective back to a young team on the rise, 1996 Champ Car champion Jimmy Vasser will return to the cockpit of GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing’s championship-leading No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac-powered Riley Daytona Prototype next week in the 2007 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series season finale, the Sunchaser 1000k at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah on Sept. 15.

  • August 2007, Volume 7, No. 8
    • August 2007
    • Gainsco Drivers Receive International Recognition:

      It’s been a sensational season for the GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Team and the International press is taking notice. With seven victories and 11 pole positions, American duo Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty are currently rated the best sports car drivers in the world.

    • Sonoma: Selected Team Reports after the Race:

      Sonoma: Selected Team Reports after the Race
      GAINSCO
      Suntrust
      Lexus
      Krohn

    • Sonoma: GAINSCO Take Another Win + Results!:

      SONOMA, Calif. (August 25, 2007) -- A hard-fought weekend by the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley team has given Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty a Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve single-season win record and placed the duo in the Daytona Prototype championship lead with a win Saturday during the Armed Forces Grand-Am 250 at Infineon Raceway.

    • Sonoma: GAINSCO Again Take Pole + Grid!:

      SONOMA, Calif. (August 24, 2007) -- With the top three cars in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve separated by just four points with only two races remaining, the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley put a leg up on the competition by qualifying on the pole for Friday's Armed Forces Grand-Am 250 at Infineon Raceway.

    • Sonoma: DP Team Reports after Qualifying:

      Sonoma: DP Team Reports after Qualifying
      GAINSCO
      Suntrust
      AIM Autosport
      Ruby Tuesday

    • Sonoma: Selected Team Preview Ahead of Race Weekend:

      Sonoma: Selected Team Preview Ahead of Race Weekend
      AIM Autosport
      GAINSCO
      Southard Motorsports
      Michael Shank Racing

    • Krohn Racing Confused by Colin Braun Suspension:

      Krohn Racing team driver Colin Braun appealed the suspension levied by Grand-Am Road Racing officials on Thursday, August 16th on the advice of his team.

    • Colin Braun Suspended from Grand Am Competition:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 14, 2007) -- Colin Braun, the 18-year-old driver of the No. 75 Krohn Racing Pontiac Riley in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve, has been suspended by Grand-Am Managing Director of Competition Mark Raffauf following the latest in a series of on-track incidents during last Friday's Crown Royal 200 at Watkins Glen International.

    • Ganassi Team Mourns Loss Of Crew Member:

      Target Chip Ganassi Racing is mourning the loss of Travis Bickel, a member of the Chip Ganassi Racing Grand Am team, who also worked with IndyCar Series and Indy Pro Series teams.

    • Watkins Glen: The Reports after the Race:

      Watkins Glen: The Reports after the Race
      GAINSCO
      Krohn
      Suntrust
      Ruby Tuesday
      Lexus

    • Watkins Glen: Fogarty and Gurney Tie Season Win Record + Results:

      WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (August 10, 2007) -- After setting a track record in qualifying and posting a record-breaking pole position in Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Daytona Prototype competition, the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley of Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney continued their record-setting theme Friday in the Crown Royal 200 at The Glen. The duo led virtually flag-to-flag at Wakins Glen International Raceway for their sixth win of the 2007 season.

    • Watkins Glen: It's GAINSCO Again + Grid!:

      WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (August 9, 2007) -- With a record-breaking performance, Jon Fogarty and co-driver Alex Gurney will lead the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Daytona Prototypes to the green flag in Friday's Crown Royal 200 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International.

    • Montreal: Team Reports After the Race:

      Montreal: Team Reports After the Race
      Suntrust
      Krohn
      SAMAX
      Ruby Tuesday
      Michael Shank

    • Montreal: Suntrust Closes Championship Gap with Win + Results!:

      MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada (August 3, 2007) -- Max Angelelli closed the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Daytona Prototype championship series points lead to a scant two markers behind leader Scott Pruett on Friday evening at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to give himself, co-driver Jan Magnussen and the No. 10 SunTrust Racing Pontiac Riley team its second victory of 2007 in the 68-lap, two-and-a-half hour Montreal 400k.

    • Montreal: Pontiac Drivers Dominate Qualifying + Grid!:

      MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada (August 3, 2007) -- Jon Fogarty grew closer to the single-season record for overall pole positions Friday morning at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Daytona Prototypes, as he earned his fifth straight pole and sixth overall in 2007 and the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stalling Racing GAINSCO Pontiac Riley team's 12th consecutive front row start.

    • Montreal: Daytona Prototype Race Weekend Previews:

      Montreal: Daytona Prototype Race Weekend Previews
      GAINSCO
      Samax
      Ruby Tuesday
      Suntrust

  • July 2007, Volume 7, No. 7
    • July 2007
    • Barber: Team Reports after the Race:

      Barber: Team Reports after the Race
      GAINSCO
      Krohn
      Suntrust
      Lexus

    • Barber: GAINSCO Return to the Top + Results!:

      BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (July 22, 2007) -- The No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley of Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty pulled within one victory of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve single-season Daytona Prototype record with a 6.033-second win in Sunday's Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant at Barber Motorsports Park.

    • Barber: DP Qualifying Reports:

      Barber: DP Qualifying Reports
      GAINSCO
      Suntrust
      Michal Shank
      AIM & Doncaster

    • Barber: GAINSCO Continues Run with Pole + Grid!:

      BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (July 21, 2007) -- For the sixth consecutive race, the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley will lead the Daytona Prototypes of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve to the green flag in Sunday's 109-lap Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant at Barber Motorsports Park.

    • Barber: Banner Dominate from Pole + Results!:

      BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (July 21, 2007) -- No. 07 Banner Racing/Banner Engineering Pontiac GXP.R drivers Paul Edwards and Kelly Collins dominated the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve GT competition Saturday afternoon at Barber Motorsports Park, racing to the checkered flag 30.591 seconds ahead of the field in the two-and-a-half hour Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant.

    • Barber: Banner Racing Dominate GT Qualifying:

      BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (July 20, 2007) -- If qualifying is any indication, things are shaping up for a banner weekend for Banner Racing in Saturday's Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve GT class race at Barber Motorsports Park.

    • Barber: Grand Am Previews Coming into the Barber Race:

      Barber: Grand Am Previews Coming into the Barber Race
      Krohn
      Michael Shank
      Ruby Tuesday
      Brumos

    • Iowa: More Recaps from the Race:

      Iowa: More Recaps from the Race
      Suntrust
      GAINSCO
      Ganassi

    • Iowa: Team Reports from the Race:

      Iowa: Team Reports from the Race
      Banner
      Krohn
      Ruby Tuesday
      SAMAX

    • Iowa: Ganassi Take Iowa DP Glory + Results!:

      NEWTON, Iowa (July 14, 2007) -- Daytona Prototype championship points leader Scott Pruett and his points-leading No. 01 TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates team rewrote the record books Friday in Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve competition, as both became leaders in overall Rolex Series victories at Iowa Speedway with a narrow triumph at the 1.3-mile, nine-turn stadium road course. Pruett shared the victory in the Daytona Prototype feature race with Mexican rookie Memo Rojas before a crowd of 13,464.

    • Iowa: Team TRG Take GT Race Win + Results:

      NEWTON, Iowa (July 14, 2007) -- Despite falling a lap behind early in Saturday's Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve GT race at Iowa Speedway, Andy Lally put the No. 66 TRG CRG/Maxter Porsche GT3 into the lead with 20 laps remaining in the two-and-a-half hour race and came away with the team's series-leading fourth victory of 2007.

    • Iowa: GAINSCO Takes Pole Yet Again + Grid!:

      NEWTON, Iowa (July 13, 2007) -- Long, intermediate and now, short courses, too. Jon Fogarty scored the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley team's fourth straight pole position Friday in Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Daytona Prototype competition for Friday evening's two-and-a-half hour race at Iowa Speedway.

    • Iowa: Banner Racing Takes GT Pole:

      NEWTON, Iowa (July 14, 2007) -- Kelly Collins and the No. 07 Banner Racing/Banner Engineering Pontiac GXP.R mustered their third pole in the last four Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve GT races Saturday morning and will lead the field to the green flag in Saturday afternoon's two-and-a-half hour race at the 1.3-mile, nine-turn stadium road course at Iowa Speedway.

    • Iowa: The Teams Preview the Race Weekend:

      Iowa: The Teams Preview the Race Weekend
      Krohn
      Ruby Tuesday
      Gainsco
      Lexus

    • Daytona: Pontaic Dominate in the Second Trip to Daytona + Results!:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 6, 2007) -- Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney piloted the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley to their third consecutive win during tonight's 70 lap Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona International Speedway under the lights on the 3.56-mile road course at the "World Center of Racing." The win was a series-leading fourth of the season for the GAINSCO team and Gurney crossed the finish line 7.48 seconds ahead of the No. 10 SunTrust Racing Pontiac Riley of Max Angelelli and Jonathan Cochet.

    • Grand-Am Sports Car Race Attendance up 10% at Mid-Year Mark:

      With tonight’s Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona marking the beginning of the second half of the 2007 racing season, event attendance to date at Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve races is up an average of 10%, Grand-Am officials announced today.

    • Daytona: Grand Am Team Reports from Qualifying:

      Daytona: Grand Am Team Reports from Qualifying
      Suntrust
      Gainsco
      Pontiac
      Michael Shank

    • Daytona: Gainsco Keeps the Momentum + Grid!:

      For the fifth time this season, the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley driven by Jon Fogarty and Dan Gurney will lead the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve field to the green flag for tonight’s Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona International Speedway (SPEED, Live at 8 p.m. ET).

    • Daytona: Team News Heading to Race Weekend:

      Daytona: Team News Heading to Race Weekend
      TRG
      Krohn Racing
      Gainsco
      Michael Shank
      Ruby Tuesday

  • June 2007, Volume 7, No. 6
    • June 2007
    • Mid Ohio - The Teams Recap the Race:

      Mid Ohio - The Teams Recap the Race
      Gainsco
      Krohn Racing
      Michael Shank
      Ruby Tuesday

    • Mid Ohio - Lally and Valentine Score GT Win:

      LEXINGTON, Ohio (June 24, 2007) -- Andy Lally put the No. 66 TRG CRG/Maxter Porsche GT3 in victory lane for the third time in the last four Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve GT races Sunday in the EMCO Gears Classic presented by KeyBank at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, as he held off Sylvain Tremblay in the two-and-a-half hour, 94-lap race.

    • Mid Ohio: From Pole to Victory for Gainsco + Results!:

      LEXINGTON, Ohio (June 23, 2007) -- As they did two weeks ago in the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International, No. 99 Bob Stallings Racing GAINSCO Pontiac Riley drivers Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney put the pounding on fellow Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve competitors in Saturday's EMCO Gears Classic presented by KeyBank at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, leading all but six of the 111 laps in the caution-free race.

    • Ruby Tuesday Extends Sponsorship of Alex Job Racing:

      Ruby Tuesday announced today that it will extend its sponsorship of Alex Job Racing and the No. 23 Porsche Crawford Daytona Prototype for the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series' season.

    • Mid Ohio: Krohn Confident after Le Mans:

      Coming off of an exciting podium finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last weekend, the Krohn Racing drivers are elated. They hope this will give them an emotional edge heading into the EMCO Gears Classic Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course this Saturday, June 23rd in Lexington, Ohio.

    • Mid Ohio: TRG Looks for a Thrid Win in a Short Time:

      Team TRG looks for a repeat of its two recent GT-class wins when the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve heads to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the June 24th EMCO Gears Classic and Round Nine of the 2007 schedule.

    • Mid Ohio: Pruett, Werner Look to Improve Grand Am Championship Leads:

      As the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve nears the halfway point of 2007, championship leading drivers will look to their teammates for additional consistent finishes and a strong push toward individual Daytona Prototype and GT class driving titles. They’re next chances come Saturday and Sunday respectively in the EMCO Gears Classic presented by KeyBank at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

    • Mid Ohio: Ruby Tuesday Going for Win #2 for the Year:

      Almost halfway through the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Prototype season, the Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team and its drivers Jörg Bergmeister and Patrick Long are in contention to win the coveted Daytona Prototype Team and Drivers’ Championships, respectively.

    • Watkins Glen: The Race from the Teams Perspective - DP:

      Watkins Glen: The Race from the Teams Perspective - DP
      Gainsco
      SAMAX
      Suntrust
      Michael Shank

    • Watkins Glen: Finally - A Repeat Winner in 2007 + Results!:

      WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (June 9, 2007) -- Polesitter Alex Gurney and co-driver Jon Fogarty became the first pair of drivers to record multiple Daytona Prototype victories in the 2007 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve season Saturday with a win in the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International.

    • Watkins Glen: The DP Teams and Qualifying:

      Watkins Glen: The DP Teams and Qualifying
      Michael Shank
      Ruby Tuesday
      Suntrust

    • Watkins Glen: GT Teams Tell You About Qualifying:

      Watkins Glen: GT Teams Tell You About Qualifying
      Banner
      Speedsource

    • Watkins Glen: GAINSCO Domiate to Take Pole + Grid!:

      WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (June 8, 2007) -- For the sixth time in as many races this season, the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Pontiac Riley will start on the front row in Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve competition, as Alex Gurney earned the pole Friday for Saturday's Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International.

    • Watkins Glen: Could it be Six From Six after the Six Hours?:

      Heading into this weekend’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Daytona Prototype division is riding a record streak of five different winners in as many races.

    • Watkins Glen: DP's Best Preview the Race:

      Watkins Glen: DP's Best Preview the Race
      Ganassi
      Ruby Tuesday
      Gainsco
      Southard

    • Watkins Glen to Make Special Tribute to Robert Snodgrass:

      Watkins Glen International will make a special tribute to the life of Elmira, NY native Robert “Bob” Snodgrass during this weekend’s Grand-Am Rolex Sports car Series presented by Crown Royal race. The Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 9th.

    • Watkins Glen: Nascar Lures One of Sportscar's Emerging Stars:

      This is your first chance to catch Roush Racing’s newest driver, Colin Braun, as he competes as driver of the No. 75 Krohn Racing Pontiac Riley in this weekend’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen. Braun, is currently third in owner points going into this weekend’s race at Watkins Glen International. Roush Fenway Racing announced earlier this week that they have signed 18-year old Braun to their driver development program. According to a press release issued on Wednesday he will be entered in select ARCA races in 2007, and will compete for Rookie-of-the-Year honors as well as the ARCA RE/MAX Series championship in 2008.

    • Watkins Glen: Krohn Team Talks About the Upcoming Event:

      As the defending Six Hours at the Glen winner for the past two years, Krohn Racing is looking for a three-peat this Saturday, June 9th at the Sahlen’s Six Hours at the Glen in Watkins Glen, New York.

    • Watkins Glen: Enge to Partner Carpentier at the Glen:

      Tomas Enge will join SAMAX Motorsport team driver Patrick Carpentier for the upcoming Six Hours of the Glen, Round 6 of the 14-race Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, scheduled to start this Saturday at 11 a.m. at Watkins Glen, New York. A regular competitor in the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2002, Enge is also a seasoned veteran of open-wheel racing. In 2005, he competed against Carpentier in the Indy Racing League. This will be the Czech drivers second start of the 2007 season with the South Florida-based SAMAX Motorsport team. SAMAX is currently third overall in the Team Standings after five races with 134 points, just 14 behind SunTrust Racing in first place. The team, which has four top-five results including a second-place finish in the season opener at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, is looking for its first win of 2007.

    • Wakins Glen: Jeff Altenburg and Jeff Courtney Preview the Race:

      Wakins Glen: Jeff Altenburg and Jeff Courtney Preview the Race

    • Watkins Glen: Both Classes Hit the Glen!:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 5, 2007) -- With a record-setting season likely to continue Saturday heading into the third longest race of the year, the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve's Daytona Prototype and GT classes reunite this weekend for the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International (SPEED, Live, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday).

    • Watkins Glen: Pontiac Teams Looking Forward to 6 Hours at the Glen:

      Pontiac Daytona Prototype (DP) and GT teams are gearing up for the second distance race of the season, the Sahlen’s Six Hours at the Glen and round six of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve to be run on Saturday, June 9.

    • Watkins Glen: Lexus Hopes to Continue Endurance Form at the Glen:

      LEXUS MEANS ENDURANCE – Heading into this week’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, Lexus is the only manufacturer in Daytona Prototype competition to win each of the three endurance races on the schedule – at Daytona, Watkins Glen and Miller Motorsports Park in Utah.

    • Watkins Glen: TRG Previews the Upcoming Round:

      TRG looks to add a new chapter to its successful history at Watkins Glen International Raceway during the upcoming Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen. The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve arrives at the historic New York road course on Saturday, June 9 for Round Seven of the 2007 schedule.

    • 2007 Rolex Sports Car Series Champions Will Be Honored in Las Vegas:

      Grand-Am officials announced today that for the third time in the past four years, Las Vegas will once again be the host city for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Champions Banquet, which will be held on Monday, September 17 at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino.

  • May 2007, Volume 7, No. 5
    • May 2007
    • Lime Rock: Pontiac and Banner Pick Up Their First Win + Results:

      LAKEVILLE, Conn. (May 28, 2007) -- No. 06 Banner Engineering Pontiac GXP.R co-drivers Leighton Reese and Tim Lewis Jr. picked up the first Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve GT victory for themselves, the Banner Racing team and the new Pontiac GXP.R in Monday's Grand-Am GT Classic at Lime Rock Park.

    • Lime Rock: Henzler Takes Pole in GT Classic + Grid!:

      LAKEVILLE, Conn. (May 26, 2007) -- For the second consecutive Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve GT class qualifying session at Lime Rock Park, German racer Wolf Henzler was the fastest qualifier and will start from the pole position in Monday's Grand-Am GT Classic (SPEED, 3 p.m. ET).

    • Lime Rock: GT's To Go It Alone:

      After completing Round 5 of their 13-race 2007 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve GT schedule last Saturday at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, the teams and drivers loaded up and headed east for Monday’s Round 6, the Grand-Am GT Classic at Lime Rock Park (SPEED, 3:00 p.m. ET).

    • Sportscars and the Indy 500: We Have a Look at Sportscars Runners:

      With one of the other great motor races on this weekend, FeedMeSportsCars would like to bring you a rundown on the sportscar drivers taking on the Indy 500.

    • Laguna Seca: DP Race Reports:

      Laguna Seca: DP Race Reports
      Ruby Tuesday
      Samax
      Krohn
      Michael Shank Racing

    • Laguna Seca: GT Race Reports:

      Laguna Seca: GT Race Reports
      BSI Racing
      AIM & Doncaster
      ROUSH Performance
      Turner Motorsport

    • Laguna Seca: 5 Winners in 5 Races as Ruby Tuesday Wins + Results!:

      MONTEREY, Calif. (May 20, 2007) -- No. 23 Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Porsche Crawford co-drivers Jörg Bergmeister and Patrick Long helped establish a new Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve record by becoming the fifth different winners in five races to start the season in Sunday's U.S. Sports Car Invitational delivered by Luggage Express at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

    • Laguna Seca: TRG 1-2 in GT Race + Results!:

      MONTEREY, Calif. (May 19, 2007) -- With just a few drops of fuel left in his tank, defending Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve GT champion Andy Lally delivered the TRG team a home state victory in Saturday's U.S. Sports Car Invitational delivered by Luggage Express, leading TRG teammate Daniel DiLeo in a 1-2 finish under caution in the two-and-a-half hour, 92-lap race.

    • Laguna Seca: Pole and Track Record for Gainsco #99 + DP Grid!:

      MONTEREY, Calif. (May 19, 2007) -- The No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley kept its streak of 2007 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve front-row starting spots alive on Saturday at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, as Jon Fogarty put the No. 99 machine on the pole position for Sunday's U.S. Sports Car Invitational delivered by Luggage Express (SPEED, Live, 4:00 p.m. ET).

    • Laguna Seca: Speedsource Mazda Takes GT Pole + GT Grid!:

      MONTEREY, Calif. (May 18, 2007) -- Outside of perhaps the Rolex 24 At Daytona, no Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve event is more important to the No. 70 SpeedSource Mazda RX-8 team than Saturday's U.S. Sports Car Invitational delivered by Luggage Express at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (SPEED, 5/26, 8:00 p.m. ET).

    • Laguna Seca: Gurney Quick in DP Practice:

      Alex Gurney logged a best lap at 1:20.844 (99.659 mph) in the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley to lead the first day of practice for Daytona Prototypes in preparation for Sunday's Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve U.S. Sports Car Invitational delivered by Luggage Express at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (SPEED, Live, 4:00 p.m. ET).

    • Laguna Seca: Previews Going into Round 5:

      Laguna Seca: Team Previews Going into Round 5
      Krohn
      Lexus
      Tafel
      James Gue

    • Laguna Seca: Records Could Tumble This Weekend:

      With four different cars and nine different drivers visiting Victory Lane through the first four races in the 2007 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve, the series is poised to set a new record should another different car take the win in Sunday’s U.S. Sports Car Invitational delivered by Luggage Express (SPEED, Live, 4:00 p.m. ET).

    • Laguna Seca: Pontiac Grand Am Race Preview:

      Pontiac Daytona Prototype (DP) and GT teams are headed west to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for round five of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve to be run on May 19 and 20. Once again GT and DP cars will race in separate events.

    • Grand-Am Driver Alex Gurney to Appear on 'Wind Tunnel':

      Driver of the #99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac-powered Riley Daytona Prototype in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve, with one victory, four poles and six podiums to his credit, including the pole for the 2007 Rolex 24 at Daytona. In his second full season of Rolex Series competition, Gurney is currently sixth in the points chase.

    • Four Wheels or Four Legs - Tafel Family Racing:

      James Tafel and Jim Tafel share an urge for competition, but take very different mounts to get to the finish line.

    • Family, Friends and Competitors Gather to Celebrate the Life of Bob Snodgrass:

      In a tribute befitting of his numerous contributions to motorsports, the City of Jacksonville and the automotive retail industry, nearly 1,800 family members, friends and competitors gathered at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the life of Brumos Racing President and CEO and Grand-Am Vice Chairman Bob Snodgrass, who died last week at the age of 64.

    • VIR: DP Team Race Reports:

      VIR: DP Team Race Reports
      Suntrust
      Krohn
      Ruby Tuesday
      SAMAX

    • VIR: GT Race Reports:

      VIR: GT Race Reports
      Farnbacher Loles
      Banner Racing
      AIM and Doncaster
      Pontiac

  • April 2007, Volume 7, No. 4
    • April 2007
    • VIR: Angelelli and Magnussen Take Over Daytona Prototype Points Lead with Win + Results!:

      ALTON, Va. (April 29, 2007) -- Continuing a run of top finishes that stretches back for nearly a full year, No. 10 SunTrust Pontiac Riley co-drivers Max Angelelli and Jan Magnussen took over the 2007 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Daytona Prototype points lead with their first victory of the season in the VIR 400 at Virginia International Raceway.

    • VIR: Werner and Miller Score First Career Grand-Am Rolex Series Win + GT Results!:

      ALTON, Va. (April 28, 2007) -- After running near the front of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve GT class throughout the early portion of the 2007 season, No. 87 Marquis Jet/IPC/Recaro Porsche GT3 co-drivers Bryce Miller and Dirk Werner broke through for their first career Rolex Series victory in Saturday's VIR 400.

    • VIR: Braun Breaks Track Record En Route to Third Career Rolex Series Pole + Grid:

      ALTON, Va. (April 28, 2007) -- With a best lap at 1:45.003 (112.111 mph), 18-year-old phenom Colin Braun earned his third career Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and will start from the inside of the front row for Sunday's VIR 400 at Virginia International Raceway (SPEED, Live, 1:00 p.m. ET).

    • VIR: DP Team Qualifying Reports:

      VIR: DP Team Qualifying Reports
      Pontiac
      Ganassi
      Michael Shank
      Suntrust

    • VIR: Gurney Quickest in Open Testing + GT Report!:

      ALTON, Va. (April 27, 2007) -- Driving the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley, Alex Gurney posted the quickest lap in Friday's track test day in preparation for Sunday's Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve VIR 400 at Virginia International Raceway (SPEED, Live, 1:00 p.m. ET).

    • VIR: DP Team Race Previews (Part 2):

      VIR: DP Team Race Previews (Part 2)
      Pontiac
      Krohn
      Ruby Tuesday

    • VIR: DP Teams Race Previews (Part 1):

      VIR: DP Teams Race Previews (Part 1)
      Ganassi
      Gainsco
      Southard
      Samax

    • VIR: GT Team Race Previews:

      VIR: GT Team Race Previews
      Tafel
      James Gue

    • Robert F. “Bob” Snodgrass, Jr. Passes Away:

      Last evening while at home Robert F. Snodgrass, Jr. peacefully passed away at the age of 64. Mr. Snodgrass, a native of Elmira, New York, was President and CEO of Brumos Motor Cars, Inc., Brumos Porsche, Lexus of Jacksonville and Brumos Racing.

    • VIR: Lexus Grand Am Race Preview:

      PRUETT, GANASSI TAKE POINTS LEADS INTO VIR – Scott Pruett will take a one-point lead in the Grand-Am Driver’s Championship into the VIR 400, while his Chip Ganassi Racing team maintains the same lead in the Team Championship standings.

    • Bill Fenton Motorsports Earns Third in ST Race at Homestead:

      Bill Fenton and Bob Beede made it through Sunday's wild KONI Challege Street Tuner race at Homestead-Miami Speedway to finish third in the No. 29 Bill Fenton Motorsports Acura RSX-S.

    • Ganassi Expanding Grand-Am Program to Two Prototypes:

      TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates unveiled plans today to expand their Rolex Grand American Sports Car Series program to two Daytona Prototype entries for the rest of the 2007 season. The team has reached an agreement with Finlay Motorsports to operate the #19 Z-Line Designs, Mission Residential, Make-A-Wish Daytona Prototype under the CGRFS umbrella.

    • Grand-Am to Have Strong Presence at New York Auto Show:

      The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve will have a strong presence at the New York International Auto Show this weekend, with a major television appearance kicking off the festivities.

    • New Racing Reality Show Coming to SPEED:

      Intense. It’s a word that won’t be taken lightly in the new SPEED reality series, Setup. Beginning April 18 at 8 p.m. ET, 10 drivers will slip behind the wheel of identically prepared Pontiac Solstice GXP race cars for a chance at $100,000; but maybe more importantly, a real-life opportunity to compete for a factory ride in the 2008 Grand-Am Series Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway.

    • Pirelli Grand-Am Tire Test a Success!:

      Pirelli engineers have concluded their opening round of testing for the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and have achieved favorable results. Race teams, drivers and series officials already have their eye on next year as evidenced by this week's test sessions of the new Pirelli P Zero tires that all Daytona Prototype and GT cars will use beginning with next year's Rolex 24 at Daytona.

  • March 2007, Volume 7, No. 3
    • March 2007
    • Pirelli Tires Have Successful First Test in Preparation for 2008 Rolex Series Debut:

      While there is still a long way to go in the 2007 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve, race teams, drivers and series officials already have their eye on 2008 as evidenced by this week’s test sessions of the new Pirelli P Zero tires that all Daytona Prototype and GT cars will use beginning with next year’s Rolex 24 At Daytona.

    • EMCO Gears to Return for Three More Years as Sponsor of Rolex Series Event at Mid-Ohio:

      EMCO Gears, Inc. which has served as title sponsor of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve event since 2004, today announced that it is renewing its commitment to the Rolex Series event at Mid-Ohio for another three years.

    • Auberlen and Alhadeff Score Win in Miami + GT Report and Results!:

      HOMESTEAD, Fla. (March 24, 2007) -- In just their eighth Daytona Prototype start as a team, No. 05 Luggage Express Team Sigalsport BMW Riley co-drivers Bill Auberlen and Matthew Alhadeff scored their first career Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve overall victory in Saturday's Linder Industrial Komatsu Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

    • Homestead: DP Teams Race Reports:

      Homestead: DP Teams Race Reports
      Krohn
      Suntrust
      Michael Shank
      CITGO/SAMAX

    • Magnussen Claims Pole in Linder Industrial Komatsu Grand Prix of Miami Qualifying + Grid:

      HOMESTEAD, Fla. (March 23, 2007) -- For second time in his Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve career, Danish racer Jan Magnussen will start from the pole position when the field takes the green flag in Saturday's Linder Industrial Komatsu Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead-Miami Speedway (SPEED, Live, 2:00 p.m. ET).

    • Homestead: Manufacturer Reports from Qualifying:

      Manufacturer Reports
      Pontiac
      Lexus

    • Homestead: Top DP Team Reports - Qualifying:

      DP Qualifying Reports
      Suntrust Racing
      Michael Shank Racing
      AIM Autosport

    • Homestead: Top GT Teams Qualifying Reports:

      GT Team Reports:
      Tafel
      Banner

    • Lola to Produce Daytona Prototype Chassis for Grand Am in 2008:

      Lola Cars International Ltd and Krohn Racing are pleased to announce a new partnership that will produce Lola Daytona Prototypes to race in the 2008 Grand-Am series.

    • Homestead: Ganassi Grand-Am Race Preview:

      TEAM: Rolex Series points-leading TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix
      Sabates drivers Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas in the No.01 TELMEX
      Lexus-Riley.

    • Homestead: Lexus Grand-Am Race Preview:

      LEXUS LOOKS TO BREAK HOMESTEAD HEX – A manufacturer’s championship, two team titles and a pair of Rolex 24 victories proves that Lexus-powered Daytona Prototypes can win every time the green flag flies. Yet, despite winning 16 of 42 races that the manufacturer has entered, the checkered flag has eluded Lexus at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.

    • Homestead: SAMAX Grand-Am Race Preview - Duno Visits Favorite Track:

      Florida-based SAMAX Motorsport is heading to its home track for this weekend's Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead-Miami Speedway road course. Round 3 of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, a 400k sprint race, is scheduled to start Saturday March 24 at 2:00 p.m. Canadian driver Patrick Carpentier will share duties on the No. 11 Pontiac Riley Daytona Prototype with Milka Duno who makes her home in Miami.

    • Homestead: Ian Bass Grand-Am Race Preview:

      Last week Ian Baas wasn't quite sure what to think about his chances in Saturday afternoon's Linder Industrial Komatsu Grand Prix of Miami Rolex Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla.

    • Homestead: Southard Grand Am Race Preview - Back on the Road:

      The Southard Motorsports team is back on the road and headed to Homestead, Florida with the No. 3 Preformed Line Products Lexus Riley for this weekend's Round Three of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve. The team showed their strength at the Mexico City race where they qualified tenth and battled as one of the front running cars in the Daytona Prototype field. With Shane Lewis and Randy Ruhlman once again at the helm, the No. 3 Lexus-Riley will be ready for Saturday's race action at the Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

    • Homestead: Grand Am Fast Facts:

      Daytona Prototype points leader Scott Pruett has finished inside the top 10 in the last seven Rolex Series events dating to last year. Included in the run was his season-opening victory in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, as well as victories in events at Infineon Raceway and Watkins Glen International last August…

    • Pontiac Grand-Am Teams On A Roll Going Into Homestead:

      Pontiac Daytona Prototype and GT teams are heading to Homestead-Miami Speedway for round three of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve to be run on Saturday, March 24th.

    • Homestead: Ruby Tuesday Grand-Am Race Preview:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team looks to defend its Grand Prix of Miami race title from a year ago, when they take to the track Saturday, March 24 for Round Three of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

    • Manufacturer Recaps from Mexico:

      Manufacturer reports from:
      Pontiac
      Lexus

    • Team Reports From Mexico:

      Race reports from:
      GAINSCO
      Ganassi
      Ruby Tuesday
      Samax

    • #99 GAINSCO Takes a Thrilling Victory in Mexico + Results:

      MEXICO CITY, Mexico (March 3, 2007) -- In a thrilling battle over the last 12 laps of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Mexico City 400k, Alex Gurney claimed the lead from Max Papis for the final time with slightly more than two laps to go to claim a hard-earned first Rolex Series victory for himself, co-driver Jon Fogarty and the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley team.

    • Tremblay and Ham Give SpeedSource Team First Rolex Series GT Class Win in Mexico City:

      MEXICO CITY, Mexico (March 3, 2007) -- SpeedSource team owner Sylvain Tremblay and co-driver Nick Ham scored their first-career Rolex Series GT victory in the Mexico City 400k driving the No. 70 Mazda/Mazdaspeed RX-8, giving Mazda its first-ever Rolex Series win.

    • Braun Takes Pole and the Track Record in Mexico + Grid:

      MEXICO CITY, Mexico (March 2, 2007) -- One year after claiming his first career Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve podium result at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, 18-year-old Colin Braun broke the Rolex Series track record and will start from the pole position in Saturday's Mexico City 400k (SPEED, Live, 4 p.m. ET).

    • Ham Claims First Career Rolex Class Pole in Mexico City:

      Qualifying for just his fifth career Rolex Series race, Nick Ham placed the No. 70 Mazda/Mazdaspeed RX-8 on the GT class pole position with a class track record lap at 1:28.902 (101.235 mph). In addition to it being Ham’s first pole, it was also the first-ever GT pole for the Mazda RX-8, which is competing full-time in the Rolex Series for the first time this year. Ham and SpeedSource team owner/co-driver Sylvain Tremblay head into the Mexico City 400k looking for their first class victories in the series.

    • All Pontiac Front Row In Mexico City:

      Pontiac driver Colin Braun qualified his Krohn Roacing Daytona Prototype (DP) car on the pole for tomorrow's running of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Mexico City 400k.

    • Mexico City: Lexus Grand-Am Qualifying Recap - Rojas Will Start Third:

      Memo Rojas qualified third in just his second Grand-Am Daytona Prototype event to lead the Lexus-powered contingent in qualifying for Saturday’s Mexico City 400k at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.

    • Mexico City: Gainsco Grand Am Qualifying Recap - Front Row:

      For the second-consecutive Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race, the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac-powered Riley will be at the front of the grid, as Jon Fogarty stuck the specially-painted GAINSCO Seguros de Autos car on the outside pole for tomorrow’s Rolex Series Mexico City 400k, where he’ll share the car with co-driver Alex Gurney.

    • Mexico City: Ruby Tuesday Grand Am Qualifying Recap:

      Jörg Bergmeister will start the No. 23 Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Porsche Crawford Daytona Prototype on the outside of row four following qualifying for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Mexico City 400k at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

    • Pumpelly Takes Top Spot in Grand Am GT Practice at Mexico City:

      With slightly more than 10 minutes remaining in the session, Spencer Pumpelly turned a lap at 1:29.966 (100.038 mph) to claim the top spot in Rolex Series GT class practice at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Pumpelly was the only GT driver to top the 100-mph barrier in Thursday’s practice sessions.

    • Mexico City: Gainsco Grand Am Practice Recap:

      Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty put their No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac-powered Riley up front and in the spotlight today at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez during the first day of practice for Saturday’s Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Mexico City 400k.

    • Mexico City: GAINSCO Grand Am Race Preview:

      For the first time ever, the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley will wear colors other than red, as a set of striking white and green stripes down the side will set Alex Gurney, Jon Fogarty and the GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing team apart in the 2007 Rolex Sports Car Series’ only race south of the border — Saturday afternoon’s Mexico City 400k at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Coupled with the new paint are Spanish-language “GAINSCO Seguros de Autos” logos on the nose and tail, all of which are tied to the Dallas-based insurance company’s expanded marketing efforts to the booming Hispanic auto insurance market.

    • Mexico City: Samax Grand Am Race Preview:

      Following up on last month's second-place finish at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, SAMAX Motorsport is ready for this weekend's challenging Mexico City 250 race, March 1st - 3rd, at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Round two of the 14-race 2007 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series schedule will feature a combined record entry list of 38 Daytona Prototypes (DP) and GT class cars driving for 2.5 hours around the 2.788-mile (4.487-kilometer) road course on Saturday afternoon.

    • Mexico City: Ganassi Grand Am Race Preview:

      TEAM: Recently-crowned back-to-back Rolex 24 At Daytona Champions TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates drivers Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas in the No.01 TELMEX Lexus-Riley.

  • February 2007, Volume 7, No. 2
    • February 2007
    • Tafel Racing Announces 2007 Grand-Am Drivers and Sponsors:

      As Tafel Racing gears up for their third season of competition, team owner Jim Tafel has hardly had time to enjoy the success that the team had during its rapid growth over the last two seasons. Tafel and the entire team have been busy at their Cumming, Ga. shop preparing for the 2007 season of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve.

    • Pontiac Grand-Am Teams Head For The Border:

      The Pontiac contingent, pursuing the season ending championships, will travel to Mexico City for round two of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve to be run on Saturday, March 3rd.

    • Speedcom Communications Named Official Communications Supplier of Grand-Am and Moto-ST:

      When looking for a new communications supplier, officials from Grand-Am and the SunTrust MOTO-ST motorcycle racing series did not have to look beyond the Daytona Beach area to find SPEEDCOM Communications, which was today named the “Official Communications Supplier” of Grand-Am and MOTO-ST.

    • Grand-Am to Have Strong Presence on Inaugural SPEED Performance Awards:

      The inaugural SPEED Performance Awards premiering tonight at 9:00 p.m. ET will have a distinctive Grand-Am feel, as several competitors in the Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and the KONI Challenge Series and moments from the 2006 racing season will be featured in the one-hour special.

    • Kinetic Motorsports Announces New Crew Chief for KONI Challenge Team:

      Kinetic Speed Shop has acquired two new team members for the Motorsports and Speed Shop divisions of the company located just outside of Atlanta. After its first full year in existence, Kinetic has experienced incredible growth in all aspects of the organization. James Pauly has taken on the position of Crew Chief for Kinetic Motorsports' three car Grand Am KONI Challenge effort while John Ghaemmaghami has accepted the roll of Service Manager for Kinetic Speed Shop.

    • Daytona 24 Champions Will Challenge the Glen in 2007:

      The 2007 racing season got off to a fast start with an exciting Rolex 24 at Daytona and the thrilling road racing points to a great season at historic Watkins Glen International. Juan Pablo Montoya and Scott Pruett, teammates on the Rolex 24 winning No. 01 TELMEX Chip Ganassi with Felix Sabates team, will both hit the twists and turns of the legendary road course this season.

    • 24 at Daytona: Historic Accomplishments:

      While much was made of No. 01 TELMEX/Target Chip Ganassi Racing Lexus Riley co-drivers Scott Pruett, who became the all-time leader in Rolex 24 At Daytona class wins with his seventh in last weekend’s race, and Juan Pablo Montoya—who became the first driver to win a 24-hour race at Daytona in addition to owning victories in the Indianapolis 500, Formula 1 races and an open-wheel racing championship—the team’s third driver, Salvador Duran, also made a little bit of history.

    • Rolex 24 At Daytona Most-Watched Event in Series History:

      The 2007 Rolex 24 At Daytona—which included the inaugural network television appearance for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve—was viewed by more people than any race in Rolex Series history and was the most-watched North American sports car race of any kind since 2004.

    • Huge Day for Huge Daytona Crowd:

      Huge Day for Huge Daytona Crowd

    • 24 at Daytona Sets Ratings Records:

      The LIVE broadcast of the 2007 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Rolex 24 At Daytona on SPEED set ratings records for the network over this past weekend. According to Nielsen Media Research, overall household viewership rose 26 percent (.43 to .54) from year-over-year totals as Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Pruett, Juan Pablo Montoya and Salvador Duran teamed up for a dramatic overall victory in the No. 01 TELMEX/Target Lexus Riley.

  • January 2007, Volume 7, No. 1
    • January 2007
    • Pruett, Montoya and Duran Take 45th Rolex 24 At Daytona + Results:

      In one of the most spectacular finishes in the 45-race history of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the No. 01 TELMEX/Target Chip Ganassi Racing Lexus Riley trio of Scott Pruett, Juan Pablo Montoya and Salvador Duran emerged on top in a three-car battle over the final hours of the race to win the season-opening event of the 2007 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve.

    • Daytona: More Post Race Team Recaps:

      Brumos Porsche
      Samex
      Chris Gleason

    • Daytona: Post Race Recaps:

      Synergy Racing
      Dyson
      Ryan Dalziel
      Brembo

    • Alegra Motorsports/Fiorano Racing Claims Rolex 24 GT Class Victory:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 28, 2007) -- In a 24-hour battle of speed, weather, fatigue and the largest single class to compete in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Scooter Gabel, Jean-Francois Dumoulin, Carlos de Quesada and Marc Basseng overcame them all, claiming the GT victory in the 45th anniversary of North America's premier endurance race in the No. 22 Alegra Motorsports/Fiorano Racing Porsche GT3.

    • Daytona: Team Reports at the Finish Including the Winner:

      Ganassi
      Tafel Racing
      Blackforest Motorsports
      Cheever Racing

    • Daytona: More Team Reviews from the 24 Hour Event:

      Feeds the Need/Doran Racing
      Krohn Racing
      AIM Autosport
      TRG
      EMC Mechanical

    • Daytona: More Post Race Team Reports:

      CITGO Racing
      Pontiac
      Banner Racing
      Ruby Tuesday

    • Daytona: Post Race Team Reports:

      Daytona: Post Race Team Reports
      Southard Motorsports
      Finlay Motorsports
      Michael Shank Racing

    • Duran Continues Strong Rolex 24 Run for No. 01 Ganassi Team with Lead At 18-Hour Mark:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 28, 2007) -- At the three-quarter mark of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Mexican rising star Salvador Duran held the lead in the No. 01 TELMEX/Target Chip Ganassi Racing Lexus Riley. The car--which is being driven by Duran, Scott Pruett and Juan Pablo Montoya--has been a consistent front-runner throughout the 18 hours of racing, and has avoided any trips to the garage for lengthy repairs.

    • Daytona: Team Reports at 18 Hours:

      Daytona: Team Reports at 18 Hours

    • Dalziel Holds Lead at Halfway Point of Rolex 24 As Race Is Red-Flagged:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 28, 2007) -- Ryan Dalziel in the No. 11 CITGO/SAMAX Pontiac Riley leads at the halfway point in the Rolex 24 At Daytona under a red flag as track workers make repairs to a damaged guardrail in Turn 1 near pit out. The guardrail was damaged as a result of heavy contact from the No. 82 Synergy Racing/Team Seattle Porsche GT3 being driven by Chris Pallis, who got out of the car under his own power with no apparent injuries.

    • Daytona Team Reports at Half Distance:

      Daytona Team Reports at Half Distance

    • Pruett Leads Rolex 24 At Daytona After Six Hours:

      DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 27, 2007) -- In search of his second overall victory and record seventh class triumph in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Scott Pruett led through the first quarter of the 45th Rolex 24 At Daytona.

    • Daytona Team Reports after 6 Hours:

      Daytona Team Reports after 6 Hours

    • Early Daytona Team Reports:

      Early Daytona Team Reports

    • SunTrust Doubles Grand-Am Rolex Series ‘Improve Your Position Award':

      SunTrust Bank will once again sponsor the “SunTrust Improve Your Position Award” for the 2007 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and, for the first time, extends the bonus program to the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series.

    • Grand-Am Contingency Sponsorship Tops $2.5 Million:

      As the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series gets underway at Daytona International Speedway this weekend, Grand-Am has secured more than $2.5 million in posted contingency sponsorships and awards.

    • Pirelli to Be Official Partner of Grand-Am from 2008-2010:

      Pirelli Competizioni, which is celebrating its 100th year in top level motor sport during 2007, are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of an agreement with Grand-Am under which the Italian manufacturer will supply its P Zero Racing tires to the teams competing for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve during the three year period from 2008-2010. Both the Daytona Prototype and GT categories of Grand-Am’s premier series will be able to take full advantage of Pirelli’s technology and know-how in racing.

    • Hoosier Extends Agreement to Provide Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series Tires:

      Continuing a relationship that began when the Grand-Am Cup Series was formed in 2001, officials from Grand-Am and Hoosier Tire Corp. today announced that Hoosier has extended its agreement as exclusive tire supplier to the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series (which was formerly known as Grand-Am Cup) for another three years.

    • Brake Champion Brembo Hopes to Help SunTrust Win Rolex for Second Time:

      Indianapolis 500, Monaco Grand Prix, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Daytona 500. Whether four-wheel or two, open-wheel or prototype, since Brembo began racing with Ferrari in 1975, the Italian manufacturer of high-performance braking systems has won more world championships at more great venues than any other competitor.

    • Daytona: Synergy Grand-Am Challenge Race Recap - Clean Race:

      Michael Avenatti (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Ben McCrackin (Corpus Christi, Texas) piloted the No. 71 Hole in the Wall Camps Porsche 997 of Synergy Racing to a 25th-place finish in a field of 103 during the KONI Challenge Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Friday.

    • Empringham, Nastasi Score Victory for Blackforest in KONI Challenge Opener:

      Canadian hotshoe David Empringham passed fellow countryman Scott Maxwell on Lap 61 of the 64-lap Fresh From Florida 200 at Daytona International Speedway, scoring himself and co-driver Tom Nastasi an overall victory in the No. 5 Blackforest Motorsports Ford Mustang GT in the 2007 Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series season opener.

    • Daytona: Pontiac Grand-Am Qualifying Recap - Gainsco on Pole:

      Pontiac powered Daytona Prototypes (DP) will fill the first three places on the grid for the 45th running of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve season opening Rolex 24 at Daytona Jan. 27-28.

    • Alex Gurney Breaks Prototype Record En Route to 24 At Daytona Pole + Grid:

      Forty-five years after his father, Dan Gurney, won the first sports car race at Daytona International Speedway, Alex Gurney took the pole position for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Rolex 24 At Daytona and will lead a star-studded to the green flag at 1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday (Live television coverage begins at 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX Sports).

    • Huisman, Henzler Score Front Row GT Starts in Rolex 24:

      Dutchman Patrick Huisman will start the 45th Rolex 24 At Daytona from the GT class pole position aboard the No. 81 Synergy Racing Porsche GT3 after logging a qualifying-best lap time of 1:51.800 (114.633 mph) Thursday afternoon at Daytona International Speedway.

    • Joe Foster Claims Grand-Am Challenge Series Pole at Daytona:

      No. 55 Supercuts Ford Mustang GT co-driver Joe Foster logged a qualifying-best lap time of 2:01.846 (105.182 mph) and will lead the field to the green flag in Friday’s Fresh From Florida 200 at Daytona International Speedway, Round 1 of the 2007 Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series.

    • Daytona: Ruby Tuesday Grand-Am Qualifying Recap - Possible Pole:

      Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team driver Patrick Long, of Las Vegas, Nev., qualified the No. 23 Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Porsche Crawford Daytona Prototype seventh with at time of 1:44.205 (122.988 mph), in preparation for the Grand-Am Rolex Series Rolex 24 at Daytona Jan. 27-28.

    • Daytona: Doran Grand-Am Qualifying Recap - Gidley 15th:

      It was not without drama, but Memo Gidley qualified a solid 15th Thursday afternoon for this weekend's Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway with the Lebanon, Ohio-based Feeds the Need/Doran Racing Kodak DORAN JE4 Ford No. 77.

    • Daytona: Porsche Grand-Am Qualifying Recap - Donahue, Huisman:

      David Donohue, from Malvern, Penn., driving the #58 Red Bull Brumos Porsche Riley, qualified fourth overall and first among the Porsche Daytona Prototypes for Saturday's 45th running of the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona.

    • Patrick Carpentier Qualifies SAMAX Motorsport in Fifth Place:

      Patrick Carpentier qualified the #11 CITGO/ SAMAX Pontiac Riley in fifth place on Thursday, lapping the track in 1 minute 43.959 seconds. The Canadian driver secured the inside of the third row on the grid for the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the opening round of the 15-race Grand-American Rolex Sports Car Series 2007 schedule. The 15-minute session was red flagged for more than half the allowed period after an incident involving several cars on the first lap.

    • Patrick Huisman Earns Rolex 24 At Daytona GT Pole:

      Dutchman Patrick Huisman put the No. 81 EMC Mechanical/Gamewell Mechanical Porsche GT3 Cup of Synergy Racing on the GT pole for the Rolex 24 At Daytona. He shattered Daytona International Speedway's previous GT qualifying record by more than 1.5 seconds with his 1:51.800 lap at 114.633 mph.

    • Daytona: GAINSCO Grand-Am Qualifying Recap - Pole Run Demolishes Record:

      The fabled Gurney name was driven into the Daytona International Speedway recordbooks again this afternoon, as Alex Gurney won the pole Saturday’s Rolex Sports Car Series Rolex 24 At Daytona behind the wheel of the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac-powered Riley.

    • Daytona: Vision Grand-Am Qualifying Recap - 19th:

      Vision Racing driver, Tomas Scheckter, drove Vision Racing and their No. 00 Porsche Crawford Daytona Prototype in the team’s first-ever qualifying attempt for the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve today. Maneuvering the 3.56-mile Daytona International Speedway road course, Scheckter was able to notch nineteenth in qualifying for the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

    • Daytona: Kinetic Grand-Am KONI Race Preview:

      Kinetic Motorsports has arrived at the world famous Daytona International Speedway for its first official race debut in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series. Kinetic will field three BMWs all powered by Kinetic Sunbelt Engines in the three-hour event which is scheduled to begin on Friday January, 26th at 2:15 EDT.

    • Bill Fenton Motorsports Announces KONI Challenge Lineup:

      Bill Fenton Motorsports returns to the Street Tuner class of the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series during this weekend’s season opener at Daytona International Raceway. The team will be racing the No. 27 and 29 Southern Auto Auction Acura RSXs.

    • Automatic Racing and Fresh from Florida Ready for KONI Challenge:

      Automatic Racing’s four-car lineup will be a team to watch during this weekend’s Fresh from Florida 200, the season opener for the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series.

    • Synergy Racing to Promote Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Camps:

      Synergy Racing and driver Michael Avenatti, of Los Angeles, Calif., unveiled the racing livery of the No. 71 Porsche 997 featuring Camp Boggy Creek and other Hole in the Wall Camps at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday. In place of a traditional sponsor, Avenatti chose to campaign the No. 71 Porsche in the 2007 Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series with a paint scheme to promote awareness of the no-charge camps for seriously ill children founded by Academy Award Winner Paul Newman.

    • Rolex 24 at Daytona Stats and Race Facts:

      Rolex 24 at Daytona Stats and Race Facts

    • Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series Era Begins with 106-Car Field:

      The first race of the 2007 Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series season will take the green flag on Friday, January 26 at 2:15 p.m. ET and is sure to bring action-packed racing to the 3.56-mile, 14-turn Daytona International Speedway road course, as more than 100 cars comprised of talented road racing pilots are entered in the Fresh From Florida 200.

    • Record-Setting Rolex 24 At Daytona Field Looks to Make History on Several Levels:

      A Rolex 24 At Daytona record 78 champions from throughout the world of motorsports are set to take on North America’s most prestigious and grueling endurance event as the 2007 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve gets underway just after 1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday for the twice-around-the-clock spectacular at Daytona International Speedway (Live television coverage begins at 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX Sports).

    • Record-Setting Class Looks to Take Top GT Honors in Rolex 24:

      In what could potentially be the largest single class to ever start the Rolex 24 At Daytona, a field of 43 GT machines are entered to take the green flag of the 45th Rolex 24 At Daytona Saturday, with a chance to eclipse a record set more than 20 years ago.

    • Daytona: SAMAX Grand-Am Race Preview - Ready to Challenge the World's Best:

      Florida-based SAMAX Motorsports is ready to challenge the world's best drivers and teams this weekend at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the opening round of the 15-race Grand-American Rolex Sports Car Series 2007 schedule. The twice around the clock race at the 3.56-mile (5.73 Km) Daytona International Speedway road course will feature a combined entry list of 70 Daytona Prototypes (DP) and GT sports cars. SAMAX will field two Pontiac Riley prototypes for the 45th annual classic edition. Eight drivers from seven countries will share duties for SAMAX.

    • Daytona: Gainsco/Stallings Grand-Am Race Preview - First Step to Championship:

      On Saturday, Alex Gurney, Jon Fogarty and Jimmy Vasser will kick off GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing’s 2007 hunt for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series title as they pilot the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac-powered Riley in the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona on the high-banks of the famed Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The green flag will drop at 1:30 p.m. EST Saturday live on FOX, with the checkered falling exactly 24 hours later, at 1:30 p.m. Sunday – making the Rolex 24 one of the toughest and most prestigious races in all of motorsports.

    • Daytona: Tafel Racing Grand-Am Race Preview - Podium Finish:

      Tafel Racing is ready to put what they have learned in the off season to the test in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona, one of the toughest challenges any race team can set itself up for. After finishing second in the 2006 championship, Tafel is fielding a three–car effort in GT again this year with a driver lineup that includes a great depth of experience and skill. All of the drivers have previously competed at this legendary event with many enjoying podium finishes and victories there.

    • Team Seattle hopes to raise $500,000 during Rolex 24 At Daytona for Children's Hospital:

      A contingent of more than 150 will travel from Seattle, Wash., to Daytona International Speedway this week to support Team Seattle's quest to raise $500,000 for Children's Hospital during the Rolex 24 At Daytona. The philanthropic racing organization accepts pledges for each lap completed during the historic 24-hour race. As of Friday, the group had pledges for approximately $530 per lap, but Team Seattle founder Don Kitch says he hopes to have that up to $600 or more per lap when the race starts on Saturday afternoon.

    • Vici Racing, XM Satellite to Team Up for 24 at Daytona:

      VICI RACING and XM Satellite Radio will team up to take part in this weekend’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, Fla. XM, the nation’s largest satellite radio company and the exclusive home to racing’s biggest stars, Miami-based VICI Racing are now set to enter the third year of a partnership that has seen them successfully join forces on the international race tracks. XM is the exclusive satellite radio partner to Porsche Cars of North America, Inc.

    • Superstar Line-up for 24 at Daytona:

      Beginning Thursday, Daytona International Speedway will welcome the Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve for the 45th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona weekend.

    • Six Indy 500, four Brickyard champs in field at Daytona:

      Six Indianapolis 500 winners and four Allstate 400 at the Brickyard winners lead a large group of drivers with major-event starts at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway competing this weekend in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the traditional opener of the North American auto racing season.

    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Looks To Win First Rolex 24 at Daytona:

      After an impressive third-place finish in last year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team returns this year with drivers Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long and Romain Dumas hoping to capture its first Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series Rolex 24 at Daytona win Jan. 27-28.

    • Forbes-Robinson to Join Southard Line-up for 24 at Daytona:

      Veteran sports car driver Elliott Forbes-Robinson will join the driver lineup for Southard Motorsports at the next weekend's 45th running of the endurance classic, the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Forbes-Robinson will be part of the four driver team for the Saturday, January 27th premier test of endurance that includes Shane Lewis, Randy Ruhlman and top newcomer Graham Rahal in the #3 Southard Motorsports/Preformed Line Products Lexus Riley.

    • Pontiac Teams Headed to Daytona for Rolex 24:

      Pontiac powered Daytona Prototype and GT teams are headed to the World Center of Racing for the 45th running of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve season opening Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona to be run January 27-28.

    • Ryan Hunter-Reay's Busy Schedule: A1GP, NASCAR, 24 at Daytona:

      Over the next three weeks Ryan Hunter-Reay may be the busiest man in motorsports. Hunter-Reay will fly over 15,000 miles to compete in three entirely different disciplines of race cars and race formats. Starting this Friday, January 19, Hunter-Reay will compete in the New Zealand Grand Prix, five days later he starts his duties for the legendary Rolex 24 Hour at Daytona and finally he will get behind the wheel for tests in the NASCAR Busch Series.

    • Miller and Trinkler Ready to Take on Daytona with Automatic Racing:

      Jon Miller and Owen Trinkler are teaming up to pilot the No. 90 Automatic Racing BMW M3 during next week’s Fresh from Florida 200 at Daytona International Raceway.

    • Jourdain, Servia, Gollin and Gidley To Represent Doran Racing in 24 at Daytona:

      Doran Racing, the Lebanon, Ohio-based team that is always a favorite at the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway, has assembled a star-studded driver roster for the 45th edition of the famed race that opens Speedweeks at the Florida track on Jan. 27-28.

    • Raise Money for Team Seattle, Children's Hospital Each Time You Search the Web:

      Live Search and Team Seattle have partnered to benefit Children's Hospital, and Internet users can add to their contribution by simply searching the Web. In addition to sponsoring Team Seattle's No. 82 Porsche GT3 Cup fielded by Synergy Racing in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Microsoft will add $1 to its donation every time a Live Search originates from http://teamseattle.live.combetween January 8 and January 29, 2007.

    • Porsche Supercup All-Stars Confident Heading into Rolex 24 At Daytona with Synergy Racing:

      Three of Europe's top Porsche racers are eager to join Synergy Racing in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 27-28. Englishman Richard Westbrook, Dutchman Patrick Huisman and Austrian Richard Lietz will travel to Daytona Beach, Fla., next week to team with American Steve Johnson in the No. 80 EMC Mechanical/Gamewell Mechanical Porsche GT3 Cup for the historic 24-hour race.

    • Racers Edge Motorsports To Run Pontiac GXP.R in Grand-Am for 2007:

      Racers Edge Motorsports will campaign a new Pontiac GXP.R in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve GT class in 2007. The team has entered the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona to be run January 27 – 28.

    • From Battling Cancer to Battling for the Checkered, Pickering Readies for Rolex 24 At Daytona:

      Four months ago, Don Pickering was in a fight for his life. After two major surgeries to counter an extremely aggressive form of testicular cancer, the 35 year old underwent six weeks of harsh chemotherapy.

    • Daytona: Tafel Grand Am Test - Learning What's New on the Car:

      Tafel Racing came to Daytona International Speedway recently for three days of testing to prepare for Rolex 24 at Daytona, an event that will challenge everything about the performance and preparation of their cars.

    • Dyson to be Powered by Porsche in Rolex Series in 2007:

      In a furthering strengthening of the relationship between Porsche and Dyson Racing, the team’s Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series effort will be running Porsche’s Daytona Prototype 3.8 liter engine in 2007 starting with the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

    • SPEED and FOX Sports to Offer 15 Hours of Live Coverage from Rolex 24 At Daytona:

      With a 70-car entry list featuring superstar drivers from throughout the world of motorsports, SPEED and FOX Sports will combine to offer 15 hours of television coverage from the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve 45th Rolex 24 At Daytona on January 27-28.

    • 2007 Rolex 24 At Daytona Entry List Features Superstar Drivers, Previous Winners and 70 Cars:

      The 2007 Rolex 24 At Daytona entry list includes 21 former overall winners and 47 previous class winners of America’s most prestigious endurance race in addition to a host of champions and superstar drivers from various forms of motorsport.

    • Graham Rahal to Race in 24 at Daytona:

      Graham Rahal will join Shane Lewis and Randy Ruhlman in the No.3 Southard Motorsports/Preformed Line Products Lexus Riley for the 2007 Rolex 24 at Daytona later this month. The 18-year-old from New Albany, Ohio, was given his first taste of the team’s new car at a recent pre-season test and although his track time was limited, the youngster quickly settled in, turning competitive lap times as he acclimatised himself to the Lexus-powered sports racer.

    • Southard Motorsports Announces 24 at Daytona Driver Line-up:

      Southard Motorsports announced today its driver lineup for the 45th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, featuring Shane Lewis, Randy Ruhlman and Graham Rahal. Top newcomer Graham Rahal, son of Indy 500 winner and racing legend Bobby Rahal, will join Shane Lewis and Randy Ruhlman for the 24-hour test of endurance in the No. 3 Southard Motorsports/Preformed Line Products Lexus Riley.

    • Wrap Up from Days 2 & 3 of Grand Am Testing:

      Actor Patrick Dempsey, who stars as Dr. Derek Shepherd on the ABC hit television series Grey’s Anatomy, made a house call at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday during the final day of Rolex 24 At Daytona testing.

    • Juan Montoya Included in Chip Ganassi 24 at Daytona Line-up:

      Defending Grand American Team Champions and Rolex 24 At Daytona winners Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today a two-car effort for the Rolex Sports Car Series’ 45th running of the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona, featuring six drivers representing some of the best talent the motor racing world has to offer. Scott Pruett, Juan Pablo Montoya and Salvador Duran will unite for the twice-round-the-clock classic to form the driver lineup in the No.01 TELMEX/Target Daytona Prototype, while the team’s IndyCar pilots Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon join Pruett’s new fulltime series teammate Memo Rojas in the No.02 Target/TELMEX Daytona Prototype.

    • More News as Teams Prepare for the Daytona 24 Hours:

      More News as Teams Prepare for the Daytona 24 Hours

    • Vision Racing to Make Grand Am Debut at Daytona:

      Vision Racing will make its debut in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve as team drivers, Ed Carpenter and Tomas Scheckter and A.J. Foyt IV will join team owner, Tony George, behind the wheel of the No. 00 Vision Racing Porsche Crawford Daytona Prototype in the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

    • News from Grand Am Testing from Daytona
    • Daytona: Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Begins 2007 Season:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team is poised to start the 2007 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve with Porsche factory drivers Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long and Romain Dumas. The 14-race series begins with the 44th running of the Rolex 24 Hour at Daytona Jan. 27 - 28.

    • Daytona 24 Hours: Kinetic Motorsports Arrives to Test for 24 Hour Classic:

      Kinetic Motorsports has arrived at Daytona International Speedway for the annual Grand-Am January Tests at Daytona. Created by Kinetic owners Russell Smith and Nic Jonsson, this will be the first professional appearance of the effort anchored by Jonsson as well as world renowned driver Boris Said. Kinetic has chosen BMWs as the racing platform and will utilize Kinetic Sunbelt Engines for the power under the hood. The new team will field multiple cars throughout the 2007 season and have signed Savvion President and CEO, Shawn Price as well as seventeen year old expert Puerto Rican driver Bryan Ortiz as additional drivers. Tracy Krohn who competes with Jonsson in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve has also signed on with Kinetic and will drive one of the BMWs at select companion events this season along with co-driver John Kotts.

    • Daytona: Solid Testing for GAINSCO with Fogarty and Vasser:

      Jon Fogarty and Jimmy Vasser kicked off the 2007 Rolex Sports Car Series season today in fine fashion, giving the GAINSCO Auto Insurance No. 99 Pontiac Riley strong runs in the day’s opening sessions of the Roar Before the Rolex 24 pre-season test at the Daytona International Speedway. An electronics issue cost the team valuable track time in the morning, making GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing’s showing all the more impressive.

    • SPEED, FOX to Cover 24 Hours of Daytona:

      SPEED and FOX Sports will offer team coverage of the 45th running of the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona on Jan. 27-28, adding Sports Car racing to the growing list of events benefiting from expanded audience reach in 2007. In addition to the Rolex 24, SPEED and FOX Sports also recently announced they will work together on coverage of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for the next eight years and Formula One™ for the next three years.

    • Vici Racing Ready for Daytona Test:

      VICI Racing will be at the Daytona International Speedway this week as they take part in the annual official Daytona Test Days (January 4-6). The Miami, Florida-based team will run the #18 Porsche-Fabcar in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve 24 Hours of Daytona on 25-28th January.

Volume 6

  • December 2006, Volume 6, No. 12
    • December 2006
    • Grand Am Partnership Support Sets Record in 2006:

      The unparalleled on-track action in both the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and the Grand-Am Cup Series was matched by an unprecedented level of partnership support for both series in 2006.

    • Daytona Test Days Entry List Boasts Huge Field and Champion Drivers:

      Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve teams have been busy putting the finishing touches on their Daytona Prototypes and GT machines, and with good reason. Just four days after the calendar turns from 2006 to 2007, those teams and race cars will be at Daytona International Speedway for the annual Daytona Test Days, scheduled for January 4-6.

    • Fellows to Represent ALMS at North American Auto Show:

      Ron Fellows will represent the American Le Mans Series and participate Jan. 17 in "Auto Racing Day" at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Fellows who has won three GT1 championships, ranks second in career starts (68) and is tied for third in wins (25) recently had surgery on his right shoulder to repair ligament and rotator cuff damage. The surgery was performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephen Kollias who also repaired Fellows' left shoulder in December 2003.

    • Wolf Henzler Wins Porsche Cup Based on U.S. Road Racing Results:

      Wolf Henzler, from Nuertingen, Germany, on the basis of wins in both the American Le Mans Series and the Grand American Rolex Series, has won the 2007 Porsche Cup - the trophy awarded annually to the most successful driver in privately-run race cars, by Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, in Stuttgart, Germany.

    • Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series Offers Record $100,000 Race Purses for 2007:

      The 2007 Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series will offer the richest purses in series history with today’s announcement at the 2006 Grand-Am Cup Series Awards Celebration that each of the 12 races will pay out $100,000 per event, including up to $10,000 for a victory in the Grand Sport (GS) class.

    • Bergmeister, Pruett and Diaz Earn First Team Selections to 2006 AARWBA All-America Team:

      For the third consecutive year, the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Daytona Prototype champion has earned a First Team selection to the prestigious American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) Auto Racing All-America Team.

    • GAINSCO Grand-Am Team Builds Confidence:

      Alex Gurney, Jon Fogarty and the GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing team concluded a two-day test at Homestead-Miami Speedway today, and both drivers left the track with renewed confidence in the GAINSCO team’s ability to challenge for the 2007 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Prototype championship.

    • Grand-Am Unveils New Logo Family for 2007:

      As the last on-track activity of 2006 for the Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve winds down at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Grand-Am President Roger Edmondson unveiled Wednesday a new logo family for the company heading into 2007.

    • Speed, Fox Sports to Cover 24 Hours at Daytona:

      SPEED and FOX Sports will offer team coverage of the 45th running of the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona on Jan. 27-28, adding Sports Car racing to the growing list of events benefiting from expanded audience reach in 2007. In addition to the Rolex 24, SPEED and FOX Sports also recently announced they will work together on coverage of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for the next eight years and Formula One™ for the next three years.

    • More Grand Am Testing News:

      More Grand Am Testing News

    • Interviews - 4 Drivers Look to the Daytona 24 Hours
    • What's Montoya Driving Next ?:

      Current Chip Ganassi Racing NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rookie Juan Pablo Montoya, a Miami resident, visited Homestead-Miami Speedway on Tuesday, although no announcement has been made regarding the Colombian’s long-rumored participation in the 2007 Rolex 24 At Daytona.

    • Scott Pruett Nominated for Award:

      Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates’ (CGRFS) Daytona Prototype driver Scott Pruett and former driver Luis Diaz have been nominated in the Road Racing category for the 2006 American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) Auto Racing All-America Team.

    • News from Grand Am Testing
    • Southard Motorsports Returns for 2007 Daytona Prototype Season:

      Southard Motorsports will be returning to the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve, combining the team's experience with some new additions for the 2007 season. Southard Motorsports is one of the only teams to have competed in every Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series event since 2004, and announced the signing of top drivers Shane Lewis and Randy Ruhlman to pilot its newly designed No. 3 Southard Motorsports/Preformed Line Products Daytona Prototype.

    • PHOTOS: 6 Memories from Grand Am 2006 I:

      Throughout the off season FeedMeSportscars will be bringing in some new additions to the site to give you your sportscar fix until the 2007 season starts again. This is the first of these. Picture sets will be posted regularly throught December, January and Febuary featuring the best pictures from 2006 with action from the WTCC, DTM, ALMS, Le Mans Series, Grand Am and the FIA GT all to be posted in the coming weeks.

    • Kinetic Motorsports to Make Grand American Debut with Boris Said:

      Kinetic Motorsports is heading for the Grand American Koni Challenge in 2007 with some impressive cars and driver support. BMW M3s will be the chosen platform, powered by Sunbelt engines, the same engines that won the Championship in '06 and will be anchored by Boris Said and Kinetic's own Nic Jonsson. Kinetic will compete in the Grand Sport class within the series made up of cars capable of 405 horsepower with performance modifications and full safety systems. The effort will be run out of the 42,000-square-foot Kinetic Speed Shop, owned by Russell Smith and Jonsson, based just outside of Atlanta.

    • Rolex Series Testing at Homestead-Miami Speedway to Feature Big Names:

      While the month of December is traditionally “down time” in the world of motorsports, Homestead-Miami Speedway will be a hotbed of activity next week as the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve will converge on the South Florida circuit for testing in preparation for the 2007 season, and more specifically, the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona.

  • November 2006, Volume 6, No. 11
    • November 2006
    • Seven Rolex Series Drivers on Ballot for 2006 AARWBA Auto Racing All-America Team:

      Led by 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Daytona Prototype champion Jörg Bergmeister, seven Rolex Series drivers have been listed on the ballot for the 2006 American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) Auto Racing All-America Team.

    • Rolex Series Ratings, Attendance and Media Placements Up for Third-Consecutive Year:

      New racing venues, close on-track action and championships that came down to the final laps of the season all contributed to record numbers in television viewership, attendance and media placements for the 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve.

    • Rule Changes Announced For Daytona Prototypes:

      A number of rule changes all designed to control costs in the Daytona Prototype category of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve were announced today by series officials and will be enforced commencing with the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 27 – 28.

    • Grand American Announces Two-Year Agreement with Piloti Footwear:

      Officials from Grand American Road Racing Association announced today the addition of Piloti to the long list of distinguished series partners, becoming the “Preferred Footwear Partner” of both the Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and KONI Challenge Series.

    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Testing at Daytona:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team closed out two days of testing yesterday in preparation for the running of the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona January 27 – 28. The team from nearby Tavares, Florida finished near the top of the time sheets on both days.

    • Riley Motorsports Ramps Up for 2007:

      It's been a busy off-season for Riley Motorsports with its recent move from Indianapolis to Mooresville, N.C. and the launching of its new No. 91 Riley Matthews Motorsports Pontiac Riley for co-drivers Jim Matthews and Marc Goossens. The work continued this week as the team put the No. 91 through its testing paces at Daytona.

    • Richard Petty Named Grand Marshal For 45th Anniversary Of The Rolex 24:

      Richard Petty, international motorsports icon and NASCAR’s all-time wins leader with 200 victories, has been named Grand Marshal for the 45th anniversary of the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 27-28.

    • More GT News from Testing at Daytona
    • Farnbacher Loles Motorsports to Field Two Cars for Full 2007 Grand-Am Season:

      Farnbacher Loles Motorsports, which earned a GT class victory in the 2005 Rolex 24 At Daytona and had another strong performance in the 24-hour race this year, will contest the full 2007 Rolex Series schedule with a pair of Porsches according to team manager Peter Goebel. The team will field a third entry for the Rolex 24.

    • Team HLM Debuts New Infiniti G35 at Daytona:

      The long-awaited Infiniti G35 for Team HLM made its first official appearance at the Rolex Series Daytona test with 2003 Daytona Prototype champion Terry Borcheller and American road racing standout Bryan Sellers sharing the controls of the No. 45 machine. As is the case with most new cars, the Crawford-designed Infiniti had its share of teething problems during the test, but Sellers was optimistic for the car's future.

    • Gollin Eyes Return to Rolex Series in 2007:

      Italian racer Fabrizio Gollin-who competed with fellow countryman Matteo Bobbi for Doran Racing in the Rolex Series full-time in 2005-was back behind the wheel of the No. 77 Kodak/Sirius Ford Doran at Daytona Monday, eying a return to Rolex Series competition in 2007.

    • Ganassi Returns to Daytona to Prepare for 24 Hour Title Defense:

      Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates celebrated its first Rolex 24 At Daytona victory in January with No. 02 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Lexus Riley co-drivers Scott Dixon, Dan Wheldon and Casey Mears taking an impressive victory, and the team returned this week to prepare for its title defense.

    • Fusion Interactive Secures Exclusive Rights to Grand-Am Game Development through 2009:

      Fusion Interactive announced an exclusive relationship with the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series for worldwide rights to develop, publish and distribute Grand-Am-branded interactive racing games through 2009.

    • Krohn Racing Looking to Build on 2006 Momentum:

      Krohn Racing came into the 2006 Rolex Series season with mild expectations, but limitless potential. Three wins, a driver’s championship and a runner-up performance in the Daytona Prototype team standings has forced the team to change its outlook.

    • Angelelli's Speed and Desire Never Waiver at Daytona:

      For 2005 Daytona Prototype co-champion Max Angelelli, getting around Daytona International Speedway must feel like second-nature. In his championship season alongside Wayne Taylor in the No. 10 SunTrust Pontiac Riley, the Italian proved to be one of the fastest in the paddock.

    • Labonte Joins Finlay Motorsports for Daytona Test:

      Bobby Labonte’s Daytona Prototype adventure began a new chapter at Daytona on Tuesday, as the 2000 NASCAR champion joined No. 19 Make A Wish/Z-Line Designs/Finlay Motorsports Ford Crawford co-drivers Michael Valiante and Rob Finlay to turn some laps. Labonte made his way to Daytona after spending Monday preparing for this weekend’s penultimate round of the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season at Phoenix.

    • Indy 500 Winnder Castroneves, Hornish Jr. Join Michael Shank Racing for Rolex 24:

      Penske Racing Indy Racing League teammates Helio Castroneves and Sam Hornish Jr. will join 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona runners-up Oswaldo Negri Jr. and Mark Patterson in the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing Lexus Riley for the famed twice-around-the-clock classic on Jan. 27-28.

    • Defending Rolex 24 at Daytona GT Winner Teams Up with Speedsource:

      Randy Pobst, who won the GT class in the 2006 Rolex 24 in the No. 36 TPC Racing Porsche GT3, tested for the first time in the No. 70 SpeedSource Mazda RX-8, joining team regulars Sylvain Tremblay and David Haskell.

    • Carpentier Quickly Up to Speed with New Grand-Am Team:

      It was announced last month that Canadian racer Patrick Carpentier would drive a the SAMAX Pontiac Riley for the full 2007 Rolex Series calendar. Now, with time to adjust to the car and the team, Carpentier is excited about the prospects in 2007.

    • Truspeed Motorsports Eyes Increased Grand-Am Series Involvement in 2007:

      TruSpeed Motorsports, which made six starts in Rolex Series competition in 2006 campaigning the No. 47 Querencia Golf Club Porsche Riley with the father-son combination of Rob and Charles Morgan, is looking for increased involvement in the series in 2007.

    • Daytona Test Wraps with Rolex 24 Buzz Stirring:

      The final day of the two-day Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve test session at Daytona International Speedway brought more than just on-track action to the “World Center of Racing,” including the announcement that two-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves and defending IRL champion Sam Hornish, Jr. will join Michael Shank Racing in the 2007 Rolex 24 At Daytona.

    • Team Sahlen Rolls Out Veritable Smorgasbord of Race Cars at Test:

      While Team Sahlen brought a four-car fleet comprised of three different marques, they did not have the Corvettes they will campaign in 2007.Instead, they tested a Porsche that the team raced in 2006; the Corvette raced by Zak Arnold; and a pair of Pontiac GTOs obtained from Jim Harrell's Horizon Motorsports.

    • Signalsport Hopes to Add Second Entry for Rolex 24 at Daytona:

      Los Angeles-based team Sigalsport, which announced last month their plans to enter the No. 05 Sigalsport BMW Riley for drivers Bill Auberlen and Matt Alhadeff for the full 2007 Rolex Series season, are in the early stages of negotiations to add a second car to the roster, at least for the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

    • Alex Job Racing Focuses on Run at Daytona Prototype Title in 2007:

      One of the busier teams since the 2006 Rolex Series season finale at Miller Motorsports Park has been Alex Job Racing. The team, which finished fifth in the 2006 Daytona Prototype championship, will complete its sixth day of testing on Tuesday and is working hard to challenge for the 2007 Daytona Prototype championship with the No. 23 Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Porsche Crawford. The team recently announced that it is focusing all of its efforts for the 2007 season on the Daytona Prototype program after 18 years of running GT Porsches.

    • Patrick Carpentier Third Quickest in Grand-Am Test at Daytona:

      Canadian driver Patrick Carpentier turned in third quickest time in the first of the two-day test sessions held Monday at Daytona International Speedway. Carpentier drove his SAMAX Motorsport Pontiac Riley Daytona Prototype around the 5.72-kilometer (3.56-mile) road course in 1 minute 44.215 seconds, half a second from the day's leader Max Angelelli of Italy (1:43.728 at 198.840 km/h), and one- hundredth of second behind Patrick Long of Oak Park, California (1:44.202). Fourth place went to 18-year old Colin Braun of Ovalo Texas. Last season, Braun became the youngest winner of a major league auto race in North America at the age of 17 when he won the Rolex Series race at the 14-turn road course of the Daytona International Speedway in June.

    • TRG Ramps Up for Multi-Car Program for 2007 Season:

      Over the past few years, one whole row of garages has been dedicated to a massive fleet of vehicles from TRG, which earned an overall victory in the 2003 Rolex 24 At Daytona and the 2002 GT victory in the twice around the clock spectacular. This week is no exception, as TRG brought five Porsche GT3s to Daytona and an army of drivers in preparation for another run at Rolex 24 glory.

    • Cheever Racing Divides Efforts Among Two Different Chassis:

      Cheever Racing used the test to evaluate the No. 51 Fabcar chassis in a side-by-side comparison with the No. 39 Crown Royal Special Reserve Porsche Crawford it raced throughout 2006.

    • Champ Car Driver Katherine Legge Turns First Laps in Daytona Prototype:

      Champ Car World Series rookie Katherine Legge made her first laps in a Daytona Prototype on Monday, running in the No. 84 Robinson Racing 74 Ranch Resort Pontiac Riley.

    • Bill Lester Testing with Michael Shank Racing at Daytona:

      NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competitor Bill Lester was back at Daytona International Speedway Monday, turning laps in the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing Lexus Riley. Lester turned his first laps aboard a Daytona Prototype earlier this year also at the “World Center of Racing.”

    • Howard Motorsports Prepares for Another Run at Rolex 24 Glory:

      Howard Motorsports brought its pair of Pontiac Crawfords to Daytona International Speedway, and quickly went to work on becoming familiar with the new BOSCH ECU. The team’s No. 20 Pontiac Crawford was set up with the new Robert Bosch 4.3 electrical system, while the No. 2 machine used the system the team raced in 2006.

    • Testing Underway at Daytona International Speedway in Preparation for 2007 Rolex 24:

      A total of 25 teams and 40 cars from the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve took to the 3.56-mile, 14-turn road course of Daytona International Speedway Monday for the first of a two-day test session in preparation for the 2007 Rolex 24 At Daytona.

    • Howard Motorsports Disappointed But Withdraws Danica Patrick Entry:

      Howard Motorsports, which had entered Danica Patrick to drive both its No. 2 Crawford Composites Inc. Pontiac Crawford and the No. 20 Crawford Race Cars LLC Pontiac Crawford alongside co-drivers Andy Wallace and Butch Leitzinger in next week's test sessions at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the 2007 Rolex 24 At Daytona, has withdrawn Patrick from the entries. Rick Howard, President of Howard Motorsports, issued the following statement.

    • Stars Set to Shine in First Tune Up for 2007 Rolex 24 At Daytona:

      If next week’s Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve test sessions at Daytona International Speedway are any indication, the 2007 Rolex 24 At Daytona—which has attracted star-studded lineups for the past several years—will be bigger and better than ever.

    • KONI Signs On As New Title Sponsor of Grand-Am Cup; Series to be Renamed KONI Challenge Series:

      As part of the 40th SEMA show in Las Vegas—the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world—one of the world’s leading brands of shock absorbers and North America’s premier road racing organization joined forces, as officials from KONI and the Grand American Road Racing Association today announced that KONI has become the title sponsor of the Grand-Am Cup Series, which will be renamed the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series.

  • October 2006, Volume 6, No. 10
    • October 2006
    • Randy Ruhlman Rides for the Lance Armstrong Foundation:

      After finishing the 2006 season of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve, Randy Ruhlman got to work again this past weekend. But rather than driving his 500 horsepower Preformed Line Products Daytona Prototype race car in preparation for the 2007 season, Ruhlman pedaled his bicycle up and down the steep Utah mountain slopes at the Moab Century Tour for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Ruhlman also presented the Lance Armstrong Foundation with a sizable contribution, donated by his sponsor Preformed Line Products and the philanthropic, Cleveland-based T.F. Peterson Foundation.

    • Henzler and Huffmaster Top Wet Friday Practice at VIR:

      Porsche stalwart Wolf Henzler, driving the No. 175 Rembrandt Charms Porsche 996, and No. 65 SpeedSource Mazda RX-8 pilot Rob Huffmaster paced their respective classes Friday in a wet opening day of practice for this weekend’s Twin Six Hour Grand-Am Cup Series races at VIRginia International Raceway.

    • First Endurance Races in Grand-Am Cup History to Determine Championships at VIR:

      The Grand Sport (GS) and Street Tuner (ST) machines from the Grand-Am Cup Series will descend upon Virginia International Raceway this weekend for the first six-hour endurance races in series history to decide the driver, team and engine manufacturer championships in Round 10 of the 10-race 2006 schedule.

    • Grand-Am Announces 2007 Schedule:

      Two new events, an expanded number of split-class races and visits to key markets in the United States, Canada and Mexico highlight the 2007 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve schedule, which was unveiled today by Grand American Road Racing Association President Roger Edmondson.

    • Grand-Am 2007 Press Conference - Roger Edmondson, Scott Pruett, Rusty Wallace:

      MODERATOR: Good afternoon, everyone. Thanks for taking a few minutes out of your schedule to join us today for the announcement of the 2007 schedule for the Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve. A few key pieces of the schedule have fallen into place over the course of the last two months, including as recently as yesterday in Montreal, but we wanted to give the complete calendar which is being sent out via email and being posted on GrandAmerican.com right now.

    • Team Cobalt Looks to Win First Grand-Am Cup Series Championship for Chevrolet:

      Team Cobalt began the 2006 Grand-Am Cup Series season with the goal of winning Chevrolet's first Street Tuner class Manufacturer's Championship, and heading into the final race of the season next weekend at Virginia International Raceway, the goal is still within reach.

    • Grand-Am Returns to Canada in 2007 with Inaugural Event in Montreal:

      A major piece of the 2007 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve schedule was unveiled today as series officials announced that the Rolex Series will make its first appearance at Montreal’s famed Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Friday, August 3, 2007.

  • September 2006, Volume 6, No. 9
    • September 2006
    • Grand-Am Cup Points Battles to be Decided in Six-Hour Enduros at VIR:

      With less than two weeks until the Grand-Am Cup Series twin six-hour finales at Virginia International Raceway—October 6-8—teams, drivers and manufacturers are undoubtedly feeling the pressure as every points battle is tight heading down to the wire.

    • Wheel Enhancement, EMC Mechanical Named Sponsors of Grand-Am Cup GS Season Finale at VIR:

      Wheel Enhancement and EMC Mechanical will serve as title sponsors of the Grand-Am Cup Series six-hour Grand Sport race at VIRginia International Raceway, October 6-8. The Wheel Enhancement GS Enduro presented by EMC Mechanical is the 2006 Grand-Am Cup season finale and will be the deciding factor in its tightly fought GS points race.

    • Hoosier PaceSetter Program to Include 25 Teams and a Record $810K Bonus:

      Officials from the Grand American Road Racing Association and Hoosier Racing Tire announced earlier this week the expansion of the Hoosier PaceSetter program for the 2007 season of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve, now including the top 15 teams in the Daytona Prototype class and top 10 teams in the GT class that competed in each round of the 2006 season. The record bonus pool will offer $810,000 in available prize money next season.

    • Electrical Gremlins Deprive SunTrust of 9-Hour Race Win:

      Angelelli, Taylor and Hunter-Reay combine to lead a race-high 53 laps in season finale at Miller but electrical problems thwarts Championship drive

    • 2006 Grand-Am Series Champions Honored in Las Vegas:

      In an elaborate celebration with nearly 500 guests on Monday evening, 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Daytona Prototype champion Jörg Bergmeister and GT class co-champions Marc Bunting and Andy Lally headlined the list of honorees in the Rolex Champions Banquet at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.

    • Utah: Pacific Coast Grand-Am Race Recap - Front-running Pace:

      Saturday’s Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series season-finale, Round 14’s ‘Discount Tire Chaser’ hosted at Miller Motorsports Park, turned out to be a microcosm of Pacific Coast Motorsports’ rookie year in the Daytona Prototype class campaigning the #89 Playboy/Vonage/Palms Pontiac Riley.

    • CompUSA Ganassi Takes Grand-Am Titles:

      Following nine grueling hours of endurance racing at the inaugural Discount Tire Sunchaser at Miller Motorsports Park, Scott Pruett put the finishes touches on a fourth-place finish with co-drivers Luis Diaz and Target IndyCar pilot Scott Dixon to secure the Rolex Sports Car Series Team Championship for the second time in three years. The race-winning no.60 Lexus-Riley of Michael Shank Racing added to CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates’ series-leading six victories to give engine manufacturer Lexus its first-ever Daytona Prototype Championship over Pontiac (521-514).

    • Negri, Patterson Score First Grand American Victory in 9-hour Miller Marathon:

      In a breathtaking final hour of racing in the season-ending Discount Tire Sunchaser at Miller Motorsports Park, Oswaldo Negri Jr. held off a hard-charging Michael McDowell to score the first Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve victory for himself and co-driver Mark Patterson, while German driver Jörg Bergmeister wrapped-up his first Daytona Prototype driver championship with a sixth-place performance.

    • Utah: TRG Grand-Am Race Recap - GT Win & Championships:

      TRG’s Marc Bunting and Andy Lally won the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve GT drivers championship today with a first place finish in their Pontiac GTOR. TRG also won the team championship and carried Pontiac to the GT manufacturer title.

    • Utah: Gainsco Grand-Am Race Recap - Team Fights Back From Early Adversity:

      For the GAINSCO 99, it’s ninth place in a nine-hour race after team fights back from early adversity

    • Utah: Ruby Tuesday Grand-Am Race Recap - 10th:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team finished 10th for the final round of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve run at Miller Motorsport Park today.

    • Utah: Lowe's Fernandez Grand-Am Race Recap - Mechanical Failure:

      A promising run in the nine-hour Grand American Rolex Series season finale for the #12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley team of Adrian Fernandez, Mario Haberfeld and Vitor Meira was cut about four hours short due to terminal mechanical trouble today at Miller Motorsports Park outside Salt Lake City.

    • Utah: Derhaag Motorsports Grand-Am Race Recap - Team Falls Short:

      In a season of ups and down, the #40 Preformed Line Products Pontiac Riley has faired well in the Daytona Prototype field that has included some of the most talented drivers in the world. But today, in the season finale at Miller Motorsports Park, the race gods were not working in their favor. Derhaag Motorsports was forced to retired the car driven by Paul Dallenbach, Randy Ruhlman, and Justin Bell just 35 laps into the nine-hour event, when the engine failed and a full engine replacement was not allowed by the rules.

    • Pacific Coast Confirms 2007 Champ Car World Series and Grand American Programs:

      Pacific Coast Motorsports confirmed plans today that 2007 will see the Ventura-based team field a two car operation in the Champ Car World Series and a two car line-up in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series.

    • Pontiacs Qualify High At Miller Motorsports Park:

      Both Daytona Prototype (DP) and GT-class Pontiacs qualified well for the final race of the 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve. In the Daytona Prototype class, Alex Gurney was third fastest taking his No. 99 GAINSCO/Blackhawk Racing Pontiac Riley through the track at Miller Motorsports Park with a time of 2:38.253 (102.049 mph) - he was the fastest Pontiac out of five in the top 10. In the GT class, the three Pontiac GTO.Rs ran 2-3-4 with driver co-champion hopeful Andy Lally leading the pack.

    • Utah: CompUSA Qualifying Recap - Pruett Takes Pole:

      Scott Pruett paced Rolex Series Daytona Prototype qualifying for a record ninth time today in preparation for Saturday’s nine-hour Grand American season finale at Miller Motorsports Park. Pruett and co-driver Luis Diaz lead the Team and Manufacturer championship races, but trail Jorg Bergmeister by 19 points for the Driver’s title.

    • Utah: Sun Trust Grand-Am Q&A with Ryan Hunter-Reay:

      With a title fight in its Daytona Prototype division, it's appropriate the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series holds its season-ending banquet in Las Vegas.

    • Utah: GAINSCO Grand-Am Qualifying - Another Top-5 Start:

      With his fastest lap of the weekend, Alex Gurney recorded another strong qualifying result today at Miller Motorsports Park he’ll start third on the grid for tomorrow’s Rolex Sports Car Series Discount Tire Sunchaser, leaving just two cars and nine hours ahead of him and the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley.

    • Utah: TRG Grand-Am Qualifying Recap - Second & Third in GT Quest:

      TRG qualified second and third at the new Miller Motorsport Park in their quest to win three championships in the final round of the Grand American Rolex GT Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve to be run tomorrow at noon.

    • Utah: Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Qualifying Recap - Ninth:

      The #12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley of Adrian Fernandez, Mario Haberfeld and Vitor Meira will start Saturday’s Grand American Rolex Series 9-hour season finale from the inside of the fifth row after qualifying this afternoon on the brand new 4.5-mile Miller Motorsports Park road circuit outside Salt Lake City, Utah.

    • GAINSCO Team Goes into the Night at Miller Motorsports Park:

      Today in a trio of practice sessions, Alex Gurney, Jon Fogarty, Jimmy Vasser and their No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley officially kicked off the inaugural Discount Tire Sunchaser weekend at the immense 4.5-mile Miller Motorsports Park in the desert west of Salt Lake City.

    • Law Scores Pole for Inaugural Grand-Am Cup 200 at Miller Motorsports Park:

      In qualifying for the first-ever Grand-Am Cup Series race at the 4.486-mile Miller Motorsports Park, Darren Law clocked a best lap at 3:09.967 (85.013 mph) to take the pole position for Friday’s Grand-Am Cup 200 (SPEED, September 23, 1:00 p.m. ET).

    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Adds Borcheller for Miller:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team has added road racing stalwart Terry Borcheller to the driving lineup which includes regular Mike Rockenfeller and another newcomer Ralf Kelleners for the final round of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve to be run this Saturday, September 2nd at Utah’s Miller Motorsport Park.

    • Utah: CompUSA Grand-Am Race Preview - Dixon to Join Pruett, Diaz:

      EXHAUST NOTES: Following the team’s series-leading (and record-tying) fifth win of the season at Sonoma, Pruett continues to be the winningest driver in the history of the Daytona Prototype class (12), and is now one victory shy of James Weaver's Rolex Series record for overall wins (13). Pruett increased his lead in the Rolex Series Laps Led category (243) after pacing 26 laps at Infineon Raceway, and Diaz remains in second with 149…CGRFS engine supplier Lexus took the overall lead in the Manufacturer Standings (486-484) over Pontiac following Round 13…CGRFS constructor Riley leads Crawford (+58) in the Chassis Standings…on the strength of six team wins through 13 rounds in 2006 (no.01 and no.02 cars), CGRFS has led 734 of 2024 total laps, or 36%.

    • IndyCar Stars Racing in Utah:

      IndyCar Series title contender Scott Dixon will join CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates regular drivers Scott Pruett and Luis Diaz to compete this weekend in the nine-hour Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series season finale at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah.

    • Utah: Gainsco/Blackhawk Grand-Am Race Preview - Vasser is Back!:

      Vasser is Back! Champ Car champion Jimmy Vasser returns to the GAINSCO stable for this weekend’s 9-hour enduro. Vasser drove the #99 GAINSCO machine in this season’s kick off at the 24 at Daytona, as well as at the Miami Grand Prix at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Vasser will close the season with the team at Miller, which will be his first professional stint since the Champ Car season opener at Long Beach. Vasser is familiar with the 4.5-mile road course in Salt Lake City, having completed a successful two-day test there with the GAINSCO team last month.

    • Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Rolls Into Salt Lake City - Joined by IndyCar Driver Vitor Meira:

      The curtain falls on the 2006 Grand American Rolex Series season for Lowe’s Fernandez Racing as it travels to the outskirts of Salt Lake City and the brand new Miller Motorsports Park road circuit for Saturday’s nine-hour endurance marathon.

  • August 2006, Volume 6, No. 8
    • August 2006
    • Fernandez Racing’s Acura Lola LMP2 Turns Its First Laps:

      The Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Acura-powered Lola LMP2 prototype turned its first-ever laps this week in a extremely successful two-day test that concluded today at Firebird International Raceway in Chandler, Ariz. Adrian Fernandez logged over 200 problem-free laps on the 1.2-mile road course as Lowe’s Fernandez Racing and Acura engineers worked through their initial checklist for the team’s 2007 American Le Mans Series entry.

    • Utah: Grand-Am Pre-Race Notebook:

      Heading into Saturday’s Discount Tire Sunchaser at Miller Motorsports Park, the season finale of the 14-race 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve (SPEED, September 2 at 2 p.m. ET and 8:30 p.m. ET), here are some pre-race notes and interesting trends to follow:

    • Wide-Open Grand-Am Championship, Star-Studded Driver Lineups Highlight Season Finale:

      Virtually all of the 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve championships will be decided among a star-studded entry list second only to the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona as the Rolex Series makes its inaugural visit to Miller Motorsports Park for Saturday’s nine-hour Discount Tire Sunchaser (SPEED, Live, Part 1 – 2:00 p.m. ET, Park 2 – 8:30 p.m. ET).

    • Utah: TRG Grand-Am Race Preview - Looking to Win Championship:

      TRG is heading to the new Miller Motorsport Park looking to win the Grand American Rolex Series GT drivers, manufacturers and team championships. The nine- hour Discount Tire Sunchaser will take the green flag on Saturday, September 2nd. Long time road racers Spencer Pumpelly and Kris Wilson will assist the TRG regulars as third drivers at Miller this weekend.

    • Utah: Ruby Tuesday Grand-Am Preview - Final Round:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team moved operation from Sonoma to Salt Lake City today in preparation for the final round of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve to be run this Saturday, September 2nd at Utah’s Miller Motorsport Park.

    • Sonoma: Fellows, Ruhlman Grand-Am Race Recap:

      Ron Fellows and Randy Ruhlman took on the hilly road course at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California on Saturday, August 26th against a full field of 26 Daytona Prototype and 14 GT cars. The #40 Preformed Line Products Pontiac Riley ended the day in fourteenth, after losing a lap early after they were forced to pit a second time to retighten the driver safety harnesses. With twelve cars managing to stay on the lead lap of the 99-lap, 250-mile race, the fourteenth place finish was a disappointing, but respectable, showing for the Derhaag Motorsports Daytona Prototype at the 2.52-mile Infineon Raceway.

    • Chip Ganassi Racing Reaches Historic 75th Win:

      Scott Pruett and Luis Diaz’ Rolex Sports Car series-leading fifth win at Infineon Raceway Saturday marked Chip Ganassi Racing Teams, Inc.’s 75th win in motorsports (1990-2006)– a landmark achievement for team owner Chip Ganassi who started his first effort with Target stores in 1990 with the creation of a one-car IndyCar team.

    • Sonoma: Fellows, Ruhlman Grand-Am Race Recap:

      Ron Fellows and Randy Ruhlman took on the hilly road course at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California on Saturday, August 26th against a full field of 26 Daytona Prototype and 14 GT cars. The #40 Preformed Line Products Pontiac Riley ended the day in fourteenth, after losing a lap early after they were forced to pit a second time to retighten the driver safety harnesses. With twelve cars managing to stay on the lead lap of the 99-lap, 250-mile race, the fourteenth place finish was a disappointing, but respectable, showing for the Derhaag Motorsports Daytona Prototype at the 2.52-mile Infineon Raceway.

    • Sonoma: Ruby Tuesday Grand-Am Race Recap - Fuel Fire Thwarts Podium Finish:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team finished 20th in round 13 of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve run at Infineon Raceway today. A small fuel fire during the team’s last pit stop thwarted what would have been a possible podium finish.

    • Sonoma: TRG Grand-Am Race Recap - Second & Sixth:

      TRG’s Marc Bunting and Andy Lally continued their quest for the Grand Am GT championship by finishing second in today’s running of the Grand American Rolex Series race at Infineon Raceway. Teammates Paul Edwards and Kelly Collins had a misstep in their last pit stop and finished sixth on the day.

    • Magnussen Scores First-Career Rolex Series Pole at Infineon Raceway:

      Denmark’s Jan Magnussen logged a qualifying-best lap time of 1:28.234 (102.818 mph) in the No. 10 SunTrust Pontiac Riley to score the pole position for Saturday afternoon’s Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Sonoma 250 at Infineon Raceway (SPEED, August 27 at 3:00 p.m. ET), with the hopes of keeping the championship aspirations alive for co-driver Max Angelelli.

    • Sonoma: CompUSA Ganassi Grand-Am Qualifying - Diaz Fourth:

      Luis Diaz qualified fourth for Saturday afternoon’s Sonoma 250 after posting a best lap time of 1:28.798 (102.164mph) on his sixth of 10 timed laps around the 2.52-mile layout at Infineon Raceway.

    • Sonoma: TRG Grand-Am Qualifying - Third Row Starting Slot:

      TRG’s Kelly Collins qualified second at Infineon Raceway for tomorrow’s running of the Grand American Rolex Series GT race. Teammate Marc Bunting was able to qualify his GTO.R in sixth for a third row starting position.

    • Sonoma: Gainsco Grand-Am Qualifying - Fogarty Preserves Fifth:

      Despite fighting a pushing racecar and getting stuck in tricky traffic jams, Jon Fogarty persevered to qualify his No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley in fifth place for tomorrow’s Grand-Am Rolex Series Sonoma 250 at Infineon Raceway. Fogarty, who will share the No. 99 with co-driver Alex Gurney, also will share the challenge of bringing the GAINSCO car to the front.

    • Sonoma: Lowe's Fernandez Grand-Am Qualifying - Sixth:

      The #12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley duo of Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld will start Saturday’s Grand American Rolex Series 250-mile race at Infineon Raceway from the outside of the third row after qualifying today on the scenic 2.2-mile hillside road circuit outside Sonoma, Calif.

    • Sonoma: GAINSCO Grand-Am Practice Report:

      Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty kicked off the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series Sonoma 250 weekend today with a set of blistering laps of the 2.52-mile Infineon Raceway, and Gurney put the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley right at the top of the leaderboard once again.

    • Angelelli Leads First Practice Session for Sonoma 250 at Infineon Raceway:

      Under perfect weather conditions for the first-ever Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve practice session at Infineon Raceway, defending Daytona Prototype champion Max Angelelli posted the quickest lap in preparation for Saturday’s Sonoma 250 (SPEED, August 27, 3:00 p.m. ET).

    • Pontiac Close to Reaching Its Goal in Grand Am:

      With the 2006 Rolex Series season quickly coming to a close, several championships – related to manufacturer, team and driver – are on the line and Pontiac teams can directly influence the outcome. Pontiac is looking for its first GT manufacturers championship and with a 24 point lead over Porsche, the brand stands a good chance of reaching its goal.

    • Meira to Team with Lowe’s Fernandez Racing in Season Finale:

      IndyCar Series talent Vitor Meira will join the Lowe’s Fernandez Racing duo of Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld for the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series’ Discount Tire Sunchaser at Miller Motorsports Park on September 2. The nine-hour endurance race will be held on the 4.5-mile, 24-turn road course at the state-of-the-art facility located near Salt Lake City, Utah, and will close the books on the 2006 Rolex Series racing season.

    • Sonoma: CompUSA Ganassi Grand-Am Race Preview - Busy Place:

      TEAM: CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates and co-pilots Scott Pruett and Luis Diaz

      VENUE: Infineon Raceway this Saturday, August 26th (3:00pm PT), on the 2.52-mile permanent road course in Sonoma, Calif. – the penultimate round of the 14-race Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series season.

    • Sonoma: GAINSCO Grand-Am Race Preview - Looking to Close on a High Note:

      Saturday’s Sonoma 250 at Infineon Raceway is the penultimate round of the 2006 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, and after their disappointing finish at Watkins Glen, Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty will look to go out in style as they and the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance team seek their first-ever Daytona Prototype victory in the season’s final two weekends.

    • Fellows and Ruhlman Slated to run #40 Daytona Prototype at Infineon:

      Ron Fellows and Randy Ruhlman are slated to drive the #40 Preformed Line Products Pontiac Riley in this weekend's Daytona Prototype race at Infineon Raceway. The Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Sonoma 250 gets underway on Saturday, August 26th at 3 p.m. PT.

    • Sonoma: Fernandez Grand-Am Race Preview - Get Back on the Winning Track:

      The Lowe’s Fernandez Racing duo of Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld look to get back on the winning track during Saturday’s next-to-last Grand American Rolex Series race of the season at Infineon

    • Bergmeister Heads West Looking to Clinch 2006 Daytona Prototype Title:

      Under a number of different scenarios, German racer Jörg Bergmeister can wrap up the 2006 Daytona Prototype driver championship in Saturday’s Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Sonoma 250 (SPEED, Sunday, August 27, 3:00 p.m. ET).

    • Featherlite Luxury Coaches to Honor Champions at Rolex Series Banquet in Las Vegas:

      Representatives of Featherlite Luxury Coaches announced today that the company will honor the 2006 team champions of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve with the free use of a motorcoach for next season’s Rolex 24 At Daytona. The awards will be presented at the season-ending Rolex Champions Banquet at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, September 4th.

    • Sonoma: Ruby Tuesday Grand-Am Race Preview - A Very Good Chance for a Top Finish:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team is taking their streak of three podiums in a row to Infineon Raceway for round 12 of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve to be run on Saturday, August 26th.

    • Sonoma: TRG Grand-Am Race Preview - Looking to Increase Lead:

      TRG will be looking to increase their Grand American Rolex Series GT points lead as they head over the hill for round 12 to be held at Infineon Raceway on Saturday, August 26th. TRG is currently leading the drivers and team championships while powering Pontiac to the lead in the manufacturer race.

    • News, Notes & Quotes from the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series:

      When the 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve season finale was announced to be a nine-hour extravaganza at the state-of-the-art Miller Motorsports Park near Salt Lake City, Utah, most of the attention was duly focused on the awesome 4.5-mile, 24-turn track configuration.

    • Rumour: Grand Am - Braun off to NASCAR?:

      Is Colin Braun off to race in NASCAR?

    • TRG’s Fueled NOW Playing on iNHD:

      TRG’s trials and tribulations leading up to and including the 24 Hours at Daytona has become a documentary film titled Fueled: GTO'Rs Return to Racing. The team, crew, drivers and everyone associated with the TRG Daytona program are the subject of a six-part documentary story that was produced by noted film maker Sean Heckman and Michael Hacker.

    • Watkins Glen: Derhaag Grand-Am Race Recap - Ran as High as Eighth:

      The No. 40 Preformed Line Products Derhaag Motorsports Pontiac Riley, running as high as eighth overall, took the checkered flag in sixteenth overall in Friday evening's 200-mile Grand American Rolex Cup race at Watkins Glen International. Veteran race car driver Paul Dallenbach joined long-time team driver Randy Ruhlman for some very promising days of racing in the Daytona Prototypes at The Royal Crown 200 at The Glen. The 200-mile, two-hour race showcased the twenty-six car, Daytona Prototype-only, field on the 2.45-mile, short course track at Watkins Glen International, as part of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup weekend.

    • Pruett, Diaz Pickup Fourth Win of the Season:

      Scott Pruett held off a hard-charging Max Angelelli following a restart with two laps remaining in the Crown Royal 200 at Watkins Glen to score CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates’ fourth win of the Rolex Sports Car Series season. CGRFS co-driver Luis Diaz started fourth, and Pruett took the point on Lap 43 and never relinquished the lead.

    • Early Retirement for Lowe’s Fernandez Racing at Watkins Glen:

      Friday night’s Grand American Rolex Series race at Watkins Glen International came to an early end for the #12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley duo of Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld as their car was spun from behind on a Lap 8 restart, then sustained terminal rear suspension damage when hit in the right rear by another competitor.

    • Fuel Probe Woes Deny GAINSCO Team a Chance at Watkins Glen Glory:

      With 32 laps in the books at today’s Crown Royal 200, the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley looked unstoppable – Alex Gurney had led every lap from the pole and with a perfect pit stop to hand the car over to Jon Fogarty, the team’s first-ever Rolex Series victory seemed within reach. But it was not to be, as Fogarty left the pit box with the fuel hose attached, resulting in a penalty that all of Jon’s efforts could not overcome. A second penalty assessed post-race added insult to injury, relegating the GAINSCO 99 to 13th place.

    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Finishes Third at The Glen:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team finished third today at Watkins Glen International Raceway for round 12 of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve for the Crown Royal 200.

    • Interview: Boris Said, Burt Frisselle and Tommy Kendall:

      Interview: Boris Said, Burt Frisselle and Tommy Kendall

    • Watkins Glen: Lowe's Fernandez Grand-Am Qualifying - 'It Was a Good Day':

      The #12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley duo of Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld will start Friday night’s Grand American Rolex Series 200-mile race at Watkins Glen International from the inside of the third row after a full day of practice and qualifying today.

    • Watkins Glen: Ruby Tuesday Grand-Am Qualifying - Third:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team qualified third today at Watkins Glen International Raceway for round 12 of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve for the Crown Royal 200 to be run tomorrow evening.

    • Watkins Glen: Gainsco Grand-Am Qualifying - Gurney Demolishes Track Record:

      With a blistering series of laps that shattered the Daytona Prototype track record, Alex Gurney seized his third career pole in the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley for tomorrow’s Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Crown Royal 200 at Watkins Glen International — giving himself and co-driver Jon Fogarty perhaps their best chance this year to win their first-ever Daytona Prototype race.

    • Past Podiums at The Glen Give GAINSCO Team an Optimistic Outlook:

      Today, the Rolex Sports Car Series rolls into the fabled Watkins Glen International, and in Friday evening’s Crown Royal 200 at the Glen, Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty will attempt to write a new chapter in the track’s storied history – a chapter that ends with the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley in Victory Lane for the first time.

    • Champ Car Driver Tonis Kasemets Set to Make Grand-Am Debut:

      Rocketsports Racing driver Tonis Kasemets will have a busy time this weekend, as he will be making his debut in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series with Rocketsports Racing driving the #50 Rocketsports Ford-Crawford and teaming up with Tomy Drissi at Watkins Glen for the Crown Royal 250 at The Glen on Friday night, then he will meet up with his fans on the East Coast to watch the Grand Prix of Denver Presented by Bridgestone on Sunday.

    • Watkins Glen: CompUSA Qualifying Recap - Fourth on the Grid:

      CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates pilot Luis Diaz turned in a top time of 1:08.012 (129.683mph) over his 12 timed qualifying laps at Watkins Glen this afternoon to place the no.01 CompUSA Lexus-Riley fourth on the grid for Round 12 of the Rolex Sports Car Series.

    • Pontiac Leads in Rolex Series Manufacturers Points Heading to Watkins Glen:

      Pontiac’s Daytona Prototype (DP) teams are gearing up for the 13th round of the 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series held at Watkins Glen International and three Pontiac teams, in particular, are enjoying momentum that has, as of late, propelled the brand to the top of the manufacturers championship points. SunTrust Racing, GAINSCO/Blackhawk Racing and Lowe’s Fernandez Racing have all scored wins or podium finishes recently and if past performance is any indication of what is still to come, Pontiac stands a very good chance of boosting that points lead as the series heads into the last three races of the season.

    • Watkins Glen: CompUSA Grand-Am Race Preview - Triple Duty for Pruett:

      VENUE: Watkins Glen International this Friday, August 11th (6:30pm ET), on the 2.45-mile permanent road course in Watkins Glen, N.Y. Round 12 of 14 on the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series season.

    • Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Returns to Watkins Glen for Friday Night’s Grand-Am Sprint:

      The Lowe’s Fernandez Racing duo of Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld are riding a streak of three top-five finishes in their last five events as they make a return trip to Watkins Glen International to help kick off a weekend of NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series racing with Friday night’s 200-mile Grand American Rolex Series event.

    • Bergmeister & Braun Look for “Hat Trick” in Crown Royal 250 at The Glen:

      Sports fans in upstate New York are undoubtedly familiar with the hockey term “hat trick”—which to the uninitiated means a player has scored three goals in a game—especially given the recent success enjoyed by the Buffalo Sabres in the National Hockey League.

    • Fernandez Named One of Mexico’s Most Influential People:

      Adrian Fernandez is more than just a race car driver. And now a national magazine in his native Mexico has once again acknowledged his popularity, naming him one of the 300 most influential people in the country.

    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Looks for Third Podium at The Glen:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team is traveling to Watkins Glen International Raceway for round 12 of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve for the Crown Royal 200 to be run on Friday, August 11th. The team will be going for their third straight podium finish.

    • Ruhlman, Dallenbach to drive the #40 Daytona Prototype for Derhaag Motorsports:

      Derhaag Motorsports announced the driver line-up of the #40 Preformed Line Products Daytona Prototype for this weekend's Grand American Rolex Cup race, The Royal Crown 200 At The Glen. Long-time team driver Randy Ruhlman will be joined by veteran Paul Dallenbach for the 200-mile, two hour race on the 2.45-mile short course track at Watkins Glen, part of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup weekend at Watkins Glen, New York.

    • Patrick Dempsey to be Featured on Entertainment Tonight Tuesday Evening:

      Grand-Am Cup Series No. 54 New York & Company Ford Mustang GT co-driver Patrick Dempsey—also the star of the critically acclaimed TV show Grey’s Anatomy—will be featured Tuesday evening on the popular entertainment newsmagazine, Entertainment Tonight, regarding his Grand-Am Cup racing career. Check local television listings for the show’s airtime in your area.

    • Champ Car Driver Tonis Kasemets to Try Daytona Prototype at Watkins Glen:

      Tonis Kasemets may have only signed a six-race Champ Car deal with the Rocketsports Racing team, but his talent has taken him to another level with the team as he will join Tomy Drissi behind the wheel of the #50 Rocketsports Ford-Crawford Daytona Prototype to race in the upcoming Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series event at Watkins Glen, August 10-11.

    • Long and Martini Grab Grand Sport Points Lead with Victory:

      Patrick Long and Brent Martini ascended to the top of the Grand-Am Cup Series Grand Sport class point standings with a victory Sunday in Le Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres in the No. 81 Wheel Enhancement/Synergy Racing Porsche 997.

    • Hometown Favorite Camirand Scores Grand-Am Cup Street Tuner Victory:

      Hometown favorite Marc-Antoine Camirand made a triumphant return to the historic 1.52-mile, 10-turn Trois-Rivieres temporary street course, scoring a Grand-Am Cup Series Street Tuner victory for himself and co-driver David Thilenius Saturday afternoon in the No. 86 Collision Craft Chevrolet Cobalt.

    • Murry Claims Grand-Am Pole for Le Grand Prix de Trois Rivieres:

      David Murry logged a qualifying-best lap at 1:12.036 (76.012 mph) in the No. 33 Playboy Racing Nissan 350Z and will start from the pole position in Sunday’s Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres, Round 8 of the 10-race 2006 Grand-Am Cup Series schedule.

    • Maxwell Paces Grand-Am Practice Day at Trois-Rivieres:

      Toronto native Scott Maxwell logged a lap at 1:12.588 (75.434 mph) in the No. 55 Hyper Sport Engineering Ford Mustang GT to top Friday’s practice sessions on the 1.52-mile, 10-turn Quebec street course in preparation for this weekend’s Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres, Round 8 of the 10-race 2006 Grand-Am Cup Series schedule.

    • Grand-Am Cup Heads North for Trois-Rivieres Street Fight:

      With only three races remaining on the 2006 Grand-Am Cup Series schedule—and a scant four points separating the first seven drivers in the Grand Sport class point standings—many teams will look to make statements in the championship chase as a pair of split-class races are slated this weekend in Le Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres in Canada.

    • Daytona International Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway to Host Off-season Testing:

      While the 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve draws to a close on September 2 with the Discount Tire Sunchaser 9 Hour at the brand-new Miller Motorsports Park, teams and drivers will not have to wait long to begin preparations for the 2007 season.

    • IRL IndyCar Star Scott Dixon to Join CompUSA Ganassi Grand-Am at Miller Motorsports Park:

      CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates has confirmed 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona winner Scott Dixon as part of its driver trio with regulars Scott Pruett and Luis Diaz for the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series season finale September 2nd at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah.

    • Rocketsports Testing Grand-Am Prototype and Champ Car:

      The East Lansing-based Rocketsports Racing’s race shop will be pretty empty this week, as the Grand American Rolex Series Rocketsports Daytona Prototype car will be out testing at the GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan on Tuesday and Wednesday followed by a two-day Champ Car test at Road American in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin at the end of the week.

    • Derhaag Motorsports Barber Motorsports Park Recap:

      The Derhaag Motorsports #40 Preformed Line Products Pontiac Riley with drivers Jonathan Cochet and Randy Ruhlman took the start at yesterday's three-hour Grand American Daytona Prototype race at Barber Motorsports Park. Though rain and extreme humidity made on and off track conditions uncomfortable throughout the weekend, the practice and qualifying sessions had the team excited about the prospects for the race, as the handling and power problems of previous races seemed to have been overcome.

  • July 2006, Volume 6, No. 7
    • July 2006
    • Results: Grand Am from Barber Motorsports Park:

      Results: Grand Am from Barber Motorsports Park

    • Bergmeister and Braun Go Back-to-Back at Barber Motorsports Park:

      Jörg Bergmeister and the No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Riley team tightened their grasp on the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Daytona Prototype championship with a second-consecutive victory by Bergmeister and 17-year-old co-driver Colin Braun in Sunday’s Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant at Barber Motorsports Park.

    • Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Takes Fifth at Birmingham Rolex Series 250:

      Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld drove the #12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley to a fifth-place finish at today’s Grand American Rolex Series 250 at Barber Motorsports Park just outside Birmingham, Ala.

    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Finishes on the Podium at Barber:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team raced to a third place finish today at Barber Motorsport Park for round 11 of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve Porsche 250

    • Gurney, Fogarty Score Fourth-Straight top-5 Grand-Am Finish:

      The Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant was another near thing for the GAINSCO/Blackhawk team, as Alex Gurney led 18 laps and Jon Fogarty set the fastest lap of the race en route to a fourth-place finish for the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley at Barber Motorsports Park. The solid result for Gurney and Fogarty was their eighth consecutive top-10 finish, dating back to the qualifying race at Laguna Seca in May. The 99 has also finished in the top-5 at the last four races. Both drivers put in flawless drives and had a late-race caution not drained precious minutes from the clock, Fogarty could very well have challenged for the victory — as he turned the race’s fastest lap, a 1:22.679 at an average speed of 100.146 mph, just one lap from the checkered flag.

    • CompUSA Car Dropped From Sixth to 10th on Final Lap at Barber:

      CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates driver Scott Pruett all but had the checkered flag in his sights and a sixth-place result under his belt, but the Krohn Racing no.75 forced the 2004 Rolex Series champion off course in the final circuit of the 2.3-mile road course, dropping the no.01 CompUSA Lexus-Riley to a 10th-place finish.

    • Second-row Grand-Am Start for Gurney, Fogarty:

      In a qualifying session that was determined by thousandths of a second, Alex Gurney put the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley fourth on the grid for tomorrow’s Rolex Sports Car Series Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant at Barber Motorsports Park. Gurney’s time of 1:22.524, set at an average speed of 100.334 mph, was less than three-hundredths of a second off the outside pole – it was just that close in Alex’s bid to repeat his pole-winning feat here last year.

    • McDowell and Finlay Victorious in Rain-Shortened Grand-Am Cup 200:

      With approximately 30 minutes remaining in Saturday’s Grand-Am Cup 200 at Barber Motorsports Park, high winds, lightning and torrential rain showers descended upon the 2.3-mile, 16-turn Alabama circuit, forcing Grand-Am Cup Series officials to cancel the final portion of the 200-mile timed event, and handing the victory to No. 15 Playboy/Palms Casino Ford Mustang GT co-drivers Michael McDowell and Rob Finlay.

    • Braun Continues Krohn Racing Hot Streak with Porsche 250 Presented by Bradley Arant Pole:

      Krohn Racing’s recent performances in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve were a perfect match for the hot temperatures during qualifying for Sunday’s Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant (SPEED, Live, 3 p.m. ET), as 17-year-old Colin Braun put the No. 76 Ford Riley on the pole position.

    • New York & Company Announces Sponsorship of Patrick Dempsey in Grand-Am Cup:

      In conjunction with his starring role in the women’s clothing brand’s Fall Fashion Campaign, Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey and principals from Hyper Sport today unveiled New York & Company as the new sponsor for the No. 54 Ford Mustang GT that Dempsey co-drives with Rick Skelton in the Grand-Am Cup Series.

    • Diaz, CompUSA Ganassi Racing will Start 7th at Barber Motorsports Park:

      CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates’ Luis Diaz turned in a top time of 1:22.797 (100.004mph) on his seventh of 11 timed qualifying laps at Barber Motorsports Park this afternoon to place the no.01 CompUSA Lexus-Riley seventh on the grid for Round 11 of the Rolex Sports Car Series.

    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Qualifies on Front Row at Barber:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team qualified on the front row at Barber Motorsport Park for round 11 of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve Porsche 250 to be run tomorrow afternoon.

    • Derhaag Motorsports Will Start on the 9th Row at Barber Motorsports Park:

      The Derhaag Motorsports #40 Preformed Line Products Pontiac Riley will start on the outside of the 9th row in the 43-car combined DP and GT field in tomorrow's Grand American Daytona Prototype race at Barber Motorsports Park. The #40 Daytona Prototype will be driven by team driver Randy Ruhlman and Jonathan Cochet, when the three-hour race gets underway at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 30th at the Alabama track. Cochet will be starting the race, having qualified the car with a time of 1:24.574 on the 2.3-mile course.

    • Fifth-Row Qualifying Result at Birmingham for Lowe’s Fernandez Racing:

      The #12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley of Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld will start Sunday’s Round 11 of the Grand American Rolex Series from the inside of the fifth row after qualifying today on the Barber Motorsports Park road circuit just west of Birmingham, Ala.

    • GAINSCO Team Goes Quick Again as Gurney, Fogarty Heat up Barber Park:

      The number 99 has become a familiar sight atop Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series scoreboards around the country — and today’s pair of practice sessions at Barber Motorsports Park for Sunday’s Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant proved to be no exception. This morning, Alex Gurney recorded the second-quickest time of the day in the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley, lapping the 2.3-mile road course in 1 minute, 22.487 seconds at an average speed of 100.379 mph. Even more remarkably, Gurney set the time in a car that both he and co-driver Jon Fogarty have been struggling to get a handle on, after testing revealed that last year’s pole-winning setup needed substantial changes.

    • Fittipaldi Leads Practice for Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant at Barber Motorsports Park:

      On a hot and sunny opening day of practice for Sunday’s Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant (SPEED, Live, 3 p.m. ET), Brazilian Christian Fittipaldi turned in the day’s fastest time around the gorgeous 2.3-mile Barber Motorsports Park road course.

    • Gurney and Fogarty get the GAINSCO Pontiac up to Speed in Alabama:

      In a pair of unofficial testing sessions today at the Barber Motorsports Park in preparation for Sunday afternoon’s Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant, Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty got the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley tuned up and dialed in for practice and qualifying tomorrow and Saturday.

    • Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Hits Birmingham to Begin Home Stretch of Rolex Series Season:

      After a three-week hiatus in the Grand American Rolex Series schedule, the Lowe’s Fernandez Racing duo of Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld are rested and ready for their first-ever appearance at the scenic Barber Motorsports Park 2.3-mile road circuit just east of Birmingham, Ala., for Sunday’s 250-mile featured event.

    • Said and Cunningham to Co-Drive No. 8 Porsche Doran at Barber:

      Road racing stalwart Boris Said and third-generation racer Brian Cunningham
      will share the No. 8 Synergy Racing Porsche Doran in this weekend’s Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant at Barber Motorsports Park (LIVE on SPEED, Sunday, July 30 at 3 p.m. ET), Round 11 of the 14-race 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve.

    • Gurney, Fogarty Look to Repeat Polesitting Performance for GAINSCO Team at Barber:

      This weekend at the Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant at Barber Motorsports Park, Alex Gurney, Jon Fogarty and the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley will look to defend the team’s first-ever pole position, which Gurney seized last year at this very race. If not for a late-race penalty, it could have very nearly been the team’s first-ever Rolex Series victory. This time, Gurney and Fogarty again figure to be two of the drivers to beat.

    • Frisselles to Pilot Third Pontiac GTO.R At Barber:

      Having just completed a successful test of the No. 10 SunTrust Pontiac Riley Daytona Prototype at the new Miller Motorsports Park near Salt Lake City, Brian Frisselle will join brother Burt to drive the #98 Pacific Coast Motorsports Pontiac GTO.R in round 12 of the 2006 Rolex Series season at Barber Motorsports Park. The third Pontiac to compete in the GT class of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series, the No. 98 machine joins the #64 and #65 TRG cars in an attempt to pad Pontiac’s GT manufacturer points lead, extend Pontiac’s GT podium streak to 17 or even add another win to an already-impressive six wins collected this season.

    • Team Cobalt Heads to Birmingham in Firm Command of Grand-Am Cup Point Standings:

      With four races left in the 2006 Grand-Am Cup Series season, Team Cobalt heads to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. this Saturday, July 29, looking for its fifth win of the season, and holding commanding leads in both the Manufacturer and Driver point standings.

    • Porsche 250 Kicks Off Four-Race Stretch to Decide 2006 Championships:

      With a 31-point lead in the Daytona Prototype driver standings and four races remaining on the schedule, German racer Jörg Bergmeister in the No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Riley finds himself in the catbird seat heading into Sunday’s Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant at the state-of-the-art Barber Motorsports Park (SPEED, Live, 3 p.m. ET).

    • Derhaag Motorsports Ready For Final Races of 2006 Daytona Prototype Season:

      With the first ten races of the season behind them, Derhaag Motorsports and drivers Chris Bingham and Randy Ruhlman are looking forward to getting back to the action in the #40 Preformed Line Products Pontiac Riley for the final four races in the 2006 Grand American Daytona Prototype Series. The team heads to the steamy hill country of northern Alabama and the beautiful, 2.3-mile Barber Park Raceway for a three-hour race on Sunday afternoon, July 30th.

    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Takes Momentum to Barber:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team is headed to Barber Motorsport Park for round 11 of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve Porsche 250 to be run at the track located just outside of Birmingham, Alabama on Sunday, July 30th.

    • Former Champ Car Star Jimmy Vasser Joins GAINSCO Team for Nine-Hour Grand-Am Finale:

      On July 16 and 17, 1996 Champ Car World Series champion Jimmy Vasser got behind the wheel of the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley for the first time since February, as he joined GAINSCO/Blackhawk Racing’s regular drivers Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty in testing at Miller Motorsports Park. The two-day tune-up session will help the team prepare for the 9-hour Discount Tire Sunchaser, the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series season finale here on Labor Day weekend.

    • Grand-Am Cup Finale at Virginia International Raceway to Feature Twin Six-Hour Events:

      In deference to huge car counts at every 2006 race event, officials from the Grand American Road Racing Association announced today that the Grand-Am Cup Series season finale at Virginia International Raceway—originally schedule to be a 12-hour event on October 8—has been changed to two six-hour, split-class races that will decide the Grand Sport (GS) and Street Tuner (ST) championships.

    • Rolex Series Teams Turn First Laps at Miller Motorsports Park:

      With only four races remaining on the 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve schedule—and two weeks until the Porsche 250 presented by Bradley Arant (LIVE on SPEED, July 30 at 3 p.m. ET)—many teams used a break in the schedule to turn their first laps at the brand-new Miller Motorsports Park Sunday and today. The 4.5-mile, 24-turn Salt Lake City circuit will host the season-ending Discount Tire Sun Chaser, a nine-hour race to decide the Daytona Prototype and GT championships.

  • June 2006, Volume 6, No. 6
    • Pontiac’s Year Of Success With GTO.R Continues In Daytona:

      Well-thought out fuel strategy or stroke of luck, a win here at Daytona International Speedway by Andy Lally and Marc Bunting of the #65 TRG/F1 Air Pontiac GTO.R was more poetic justice than anything else. Lally crossed the finish line with roughly three liters of fuel left but it was enough to finish the race ahead of the car of Wolf Henzler and Robin Liddell, which had to pit for fuel and therefore relinquish its lead. It was an arguably deserved victory, however, as it was here at Daytona a year ago where the GTO.R made its debut with Lally and Bunting behind the wheel. What was looking like a podium finish for the pair was cut short by an errant Daytona Prototype (DP) that took Lally out late in the race. This time, it was the fuel strategy by TRG and the production-based Pontiac engine’s fuel economy that put the pair at the top of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series’ GT-class podium.

    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Finishes Second at Daytona:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team finished second this evening in round ten of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve Brumos Porsche 250 run at Daytona International Speedway.

    • CompUSA Saves Third in Fuel Mileage Race at Daytona:

      Scott Pruett pitted out of second place for fuel with only four laps remaining but managed to cycle back into the top three for a podium result in the Brumos Porsche 250 under the lights at Daytona International Speedway.

    • Jim Matthews Racing and Riley Motorsports Outline Plans for 2007 Grand-Am Series:

      Riley Technologies, the winningest chassis constructor in Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve history, and its satellite Riley Motorsports—which won the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the Rolex Series Daytona Prototype team title in 2005—today unveiled its plans for 2007.

    • Fernandez To Drive No. 57 Lowe’s Chevrolet At “The Glen” Busch Race:

      Lowe’s and Hendrick Motorsports announced today that Adrian Fernandez will drive the No. 57 Lowe’s Chevrolet in the Busch Series race at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 12.

    • Four-Time NASCAR Champion Jeff Gordon to Race in 2007 Rolex 24 At Daytona:

      In a press conference at Daytona International Speedway today, SunTrust Racing car owner/driver Wayne Taylor (and his Surrey Sport LLC company) and SunTrust Racing announced that four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon will co-drive the No. 10 SunTrust Racing car with Taylor and his fellow 2005 Daytona Prototype co-champion Max Angelelli in the 45th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 27-28, 2007.

    • Guess the Grand American Race Winner... Not a Chance!:

      Predicting an overall race winner in Rolex Series competition is a difficult task, as evidenced by the fact that six different driver/car combinations have won in nine races this season.

    • Rolex Series Set for Battle Under the Lights at Daytona in Brumos Porsche 250:

      Just five days after Round 9 of the 14-race 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, the Rolex Series teams will return to action on Thursday night at Daytona International Speedway for the Brumos Porsche 250 (SPEED, Live, 7 p.m. ET).

    • One Year Later: Pontiac GTO.Rs On Top In Rolex Series:

      Exactly a year has passed since Pontiac’s GTO.R ran its first Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series race, the Brumos Porsche 250, at Daytona International Speedway. With the #64 TRG Pontiac GTO.R of Paul Edwards and Jan Magnussen not entering that race due to a cracked bellhousing, it was up to Marc Bunting and Andy Lally of the #65 TRG GTO.R to give Pontiac the good start in GT-class racing it had spent months preparing for. It was not to be, at least for that race. Lally was forced into the wall by an errant Daytona Prototype late in the race, ending the team’s strong run. But as time would tell (in only a very short while) the end to that race proved to be happily uncharacteristic of how the two production-based race cars performed over the following year.

    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Returns to Daytona:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team is headed back to the World Center of Speed for round ten of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve Brumos Porsche 250 to be run at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday.

    • Derhaag Motorsports Daytona Prototype Finishes Twelfth at Mid-Ohio:

      It was a wild weekend in Mid-Ohio, as intense weather and racing made for an action-packed Round 9 of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve. Derhaag Motorsports with drivers Chris Bingham and Randy Ruhlman made the most of it by taking the #40 Preformed Line Products Pontiac Riley to a twelfth place finish in Saturday's Daytona Prototype endurance race. On hand for the three-hour EMCO Gears Classic presented by KeyBank at the a 2.258-mile Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course were over 350 guests from the team's major sponsors, Preformed Line Products and KeyBank, both local Cleveland-area companies.

    • Auberlen & Gleason Take Second Straight Win in Grand-Am Cup 200 at Mid-Ohio:

      In a race featuring seven lead changes among eight drivers, No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW co-drivers Chris Gleason and Bill Auberlen picked up their second-consecutive Grand-Am Cup Series victory in the Grand-Am Cup 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (SPEED, July 9, 11:00 a.m. ET).

    • Fernandez and Haberfeld Earn First Rolex Series Victory in EMCO Gears Classic:

      After starting last on the Daytona Prototype grid, No. 12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley co-drivers Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld drove all the way through the field to earn their first career Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve victory in Saturday’s EMCO Gears Classic presented by KeyBank at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (SPEED, 3 p.m. ET, June 25).

    • CompUSA Car Caught Up in Late-Race Melee at Mid-Ohio:

      CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates clawed their way back from the 26th starting position Saturday night at the EMCO Gears Classic at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, but Scott Pruett was taken out of competition on Lap 85 when he had contact with the spinning no.8 Porsche-Doran in Turn 9, ending the team’s night 14 laps shy of the checkered flag in the 99-lap sprint race.

    • Joey Hand Recounts Events Surrounding Spectacular Crash at Mid-Ohio:

      No. 21 Matt Connolly Motorsports BMW M3 driver Joey Hand, who was involved in a spectacular, end-over-end crash while battling for the lead with Paul Edwards in the No. 64 TRG/iRise Pontiac GTO.R late in Saturday’s EMCO Gears Classic presented by KeyBank at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, was released from Mansfield/MedCentral Hospital at 12:40 a.m. ET.

    • Mid-Ohio: Gurney and Fogarty Seize Second Consecutive Podium:

      In a wild race that featured six full-course cautions, Alex Gurney, Jon Fogarty and the GAINSCO Auto Insurance No. 99 Pontiac Riley led 31 of 99 laps at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on their way to a third-place finish in this afternoon’s Rolex Sports Car Series EMCO Gears Classic. The race was cut short by a massive accident on the backstretch involving Joey Hand in the #21 Matt Connolly Motorsports BMW M3, and the yellow flag for that incident briefly led to scoring confusion. The No. 10 SunTrust car, driven by Max Angelelli, passed both Gurney and second-place Jorg Bergmeister on the final lap, but the pass was disallowed by stewards as they determined it occurred under the caution.

    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Finishes 20th at Mid-Ohio:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team finished 20th in round nine of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve EMCO Gears Classic run at Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course today.

    • First Victory at Mid-Ohio for Lowe’s Fernandez Racing:

      The Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley duo of Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld captured their first Grand American Rolex Series victory at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in dramatic fashion today, coming from last on the Daytona Prototype-class starting grid and cutting their way to the front of the pack and holding off all competitors for the final 27 laps. The victory comes in only the 10th Rolex Series start for the first-year team.

    • Segal Takes Pole for Sunday’s Grand-Am Cup 200 at Mid-Ohio:

      Jeff Segal posted a lap time of 1:34.450 (86.065 mph) in the No. 90 Engine Studios/Land Air BMW M3 for Automatic Racing to claim the pole position for Sunday’s Grand-Am Cup 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

    • Mid-Ohio: Disqualifications Help GAINSCO Team to Best Start of the Season:

      Jon Fogarty will start the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley from the outside pole in Saturday’s EMCO Gears Classic presented by KeyBank at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, after the top three cars in this afternoon’s Rolex Series qualifying were disqualified for failing technical inspection. The second-place start is the best this season for GAINSCO/Blackhawk Racing, and along with Alex Gurney, the pair now have one goal: chase down the polesitting No. 23 Ruby Tuesday Porsche and seize the GAINSCO Auto Insurance team’s first-ever Rolex Series victory.

    • Mid-Ohio: Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Qualifies Third, Then Sent to Back:

      The Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley duo of Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld qualified third for Saturday night’s Grand American Rolex Series race at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, but will start from the back of the Daytona Prototype-class field after the No. 12 car, along with both front-row qualifiers, failed post-qualifying inspection.

    • Mid-Ohio: Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team on Pole:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team will start from the pole for round nine of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve EMCO Gears Classic to be run at Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course tomorrow.

    • Mid-Ohio: CompUSA Grand-Am Qualifying - Diaz Posts Second Fastest Lap, Fails Inspection:

      Although Rolex Series team points leader Luis Diaz of CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates posted the second fastest time in qualifying with a lap of 1:20.325 (101.199mph), the no.01 CompUSA Lexus-Riley will start tomorrow’s EMCO Gears Classic at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 26th after failing post-qualifying technical inspection.

    • Grand American Renews With Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Through End of Decade:

      Officials from the Grand American Road Racing Association and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course today announced that the two organizations will continue their relationship through the end of the decade.

    • Mid-Ohio: Fernandez Grand-Am Race Preview:

      Lowe’s Fernandez Racing returns to action this weekend for the series’ annual stop at the scenic Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for Saturday night’s 2-hour, 45-minute Grand American Rolex Series main event.

    • Mid-Ohio: CompUSA Grand-Am Race Preview:

      DOUBLE DUTY: Pruett will flip flop between Daytona Prototypes and stock cars this weekend while competing in the first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series road course race of the season at Infineon Raceway this Sunday. Pruett will pilot the No. 40 Coors Light Dodge entry for the Cup race at his home track in Sonoma, Calif. No stranger to NEXTEL Cup racing with 37 career starts, he has had six starts over the past five seasons for CGRFS, producing three top-five and four top-10 finishes. Two of those starts came at Infineon Raceway, with a best showing of third in 2004. In 2005, Pruett drove the No. 40 Coors Light Dodge at Watkins Glen International when he subbed for Sterling Marlin. After a fourth CGRFS-prepared car was unable to qualify for the race due to inclement weather, Pruett stepped into Marlin’s car, started 43rd and finished fourth – marking the highest finish for the No. 40 car in 2005.

    • Mid-Ohio: Gurney, Fogarty and the GAINSCO Team Look to Continue Mid-Season Success:

      With three podiums and five top-10 finishes in the last five races, Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty have put the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley on the cusp of the team’s first-ever Rolex Sports Car Series victory. This weekend, the GAINSCO team will continue its quest for the top of the podium at the tricky and technical Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in the rolling hills of central Ohio, in Saturday evening’s EMCO Gears Classic presented by KeyBank, the ninth round of the 2006 Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve.

    • Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Heads to Mid-Ohio for Grand American Rolex Series Showdown:

      Lowe’s Fernandez Racing returns to action this weekend for the series’ annual stop at the scenic Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for Saturday night’s 2-hour, 45-minute Grand American Rolex Series main event.

    • Mid-Ohio: Grand-Am Fast Facts:

      EMCO Gears Classic Fast Facts

    • Tight Daytona Prototype Points Battle Heads to Mid-Ohio:

      With six races remaining on the 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve calendar, the stretch drive gets underway in the Daytona Prototype title chase with Saturday’s EMCO Gears Classic presented by KeyBank at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (SPEED, June 25, 3:00 p.m. ET).

    • Mid-Ohio: Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Ready:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team is on its way to round nine of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve EMCO Gears Classic to be run at Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course on Saturday. Ruby Tuesday drivers Patrick Long and Mike Rockenfeller are ready to take on Mid-Ohio and get back in the championship fight.

    • Watkins Glen: No. 40 Derhaag Motorsports Post-Race Report:

      Storm clouds swirled over Watkins Glen this weekend as the No. 40 Preformed Line Products Pontiac Riley got ready for the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen. Derhaag Motorsports drivers Randy Ruhlman and Hugo Guenette, who was filling in this week for Chris Bingham, were set to get on track for the first practice sessions Thursday afternoon. But the teams soon found out, the stormy forecast was for more than just rain clouds plaguing the track.

    • Houston’s Mission from Watkins Glen Victory to Le Mans:

      From winning a six hour race at Watkins Glen to getting into the 2006 Le Mans car, Krohn Racing with White Lightning was a team on a mission akin to the space programmes run from Team Owner Tracy Krohn’s home town of Houston.

    • Watkins Glen: Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Finishes 15th:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team finished 15th today at Watkins Glen International Raceway for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen and round eight of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve.

    • Watkins Glen: Wet and Wild Conditions Take Bite Out of Lowe’s Fernandez Racing's Fortunes:

      Lowe’s Fernandez Racing drivers Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld each battled their way into the top five during today’s Grand American Rolex Series' Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, but a persistent drizzle that made tire selection a six-hour-long guessing game for all competitors today led to a collision that took the No. 12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley team out of contention by the race’s midpoint.

    • Watkins Glen: CompUSA Takes Pole After Qualifying Cancelled:

      Although Rolex Series points leaders Scott Pruett and Luis Diaz of CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates finished ninth in today’s final practice with a top time of 1:46.377 (115.062mph), the duo will start tomorrow’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen on pole position after the field was set on team points.

    • Watkins Glen: Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Duo Paces Opening Practice:

      The Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley duo of Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld started the day with the fastest race car on the 3.4-mile Watkins Glen International Raceway road course, then settled more and more into race setup mode as they continued preparations for Saturday’s Grand American Rolex Series Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen.

    • Watkins Glen: Ruby Tuesday to Start Fifth:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team will start from the third row tomorrow at Watkins Glen International Raceway for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen and round eight of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve.

    • Grand American Race at the Glen Will Run As Scheduled, 17-year Old Driver Replaced:

      The Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen weekend schedule will proceed as originally planned—with Daytona Prototypes and GT cars competing simultaneously—as officials from the Grand American Road Racing Association have reached a settlement agreement with Krohn Racing.

    • Status of Daytona Prototype Race at Watkins Glen Pending Friday Appeal:

      Following an injunction granted today to Krohn Racing and driver Colin Braun by New York State Supreme Court Judge Judith O’Shea, Thursday’s Daytona Prototype practice sessions for Saturday’s Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International were canceled.

    • Watkins Glen: CompUSA Grand-Am Preview:

      Scott Pruett and Luis Diaz, no.01 CompUSA Lexus-Riley
      Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen – Watkins Glen International

    • GlycoMax Endurance Challenge To Contest Second Round at Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen:

      The "GlycoMax Endurance Challenge," a contingency program that was announced earlier this season at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, will contest its second round at Watkins Glen International for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, June 2-3. The award provides $4,000 to the highest combined points earners in both the Daytona Prototype and GT classes from the three endurance races on the schedule.

    • Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Set for Watkins Glen Six-Hour Grand American Rolex Series Marathon:

      The Lowe’s Fernandez Racing duo of Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld are set to take on the grueling Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen Grand American Rolex Series race Saturday at the legendary Watkins Glen International Raceway.

  • May 2006, Volume 6, No. 5
    • May 2006
    • Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen Fast Facts:

      Rundown of events at the Grand Am event at Watkins Glen

    • Pruett & Diaz Look to Extend Points Lead in Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen:

      With a series-leading three victories from seven 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve events, No. 01 CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing Lexus Riley co-drivers Scott Pruett and Luis Diaz head into Saturday’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen (SPEED, Live, 2:30 p.m. ET) as the co-leaders in the Daytona Prototype driver point standings.

    • Auberlen & Gleason Win Grand-Am Cup GS 200 at Lime Rock Park:

      Bill Auberlen held off Turner Motorsport teammate Boris Said in Monday’s Grand-Am Cup Grand Sport (GS) 200 at Lime Rock Park to score a Memorial Day victory for himself and co-driver Chris Gleason in the No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M3.

    • Bunting & Lally Extend Points Lead with Victory in Rolex GT Series Challenge:

      In the first Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve event at Lime Rock Park since 2001, No. 65 TRG/F1 Air Pontiac GTO.R co-drivers Andy Lally and Marc Bunting turned in a dominating performance en route to their second victory of the season in the Rolex GT Series Challenge.

    • Curran, Holtom Extend Points Lead with Grand-Am Cup Victory at Lime Rock:

      Eric Curran and Jamie Holtom scored their class-leading third victory—and fifth top-four finish—of the 2006 season Saturday, scoring the Street Tuner race victory in Round 5 of the 2006 Grand-Am Cup Series at historic Lime Rock Park in the No. 01 Clearscada/GM Performance Division Chevrolet Cobalt.

    • Henzler Takes GT Class Leading Fourth Pole of 2006 in Rolex GT Series Challenge Qualifying:

      Under sunny skies at Lime Rock Park, German hotshoe Wolf Henzler turned a best lap at 55.535 seconds (99.181 mph) in the No. 72 NEC Porsche GT3 to secure the pole position for Monday’s Rolex GT Series Challenge (SPEED, 2:30 p.m. ET).

    • Liddell, Henzler Lead Rookie of the Year Race Heading to Lime Rock:

      With Round 7 of the Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve GT class scheduled to take to the track this weekend at Lime Rock Park, No. 72 NEC Porsche GT3 co-drivers Robin Liddell and Wolf Henzler will have a little more pressure on them. The Tafel Racing duo currently leads the standings for the inaugural MESCO Building For the Future Rookie of the Year Award with 267 points.

    • NASCAR Star Ricky Rudd Turns Laps in No. 8 Synergy Racing Porsche Doran at Mid-Ohio:

      On the heels of this morning's announcement that legendary racer Al Unser Jr. will co-drive the No. 8 GlycoMax Porsche Doran with brothers Burt and Brian Frisselle in next weekend's Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen, NASCAR star Ricky Rudd turned laps in the Synergy Racing Daytona Prototype at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course today with an eye toward competing in future Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve events.

    • Bunting & Lally Lead Rolex Series Back to Lime Rock Park for First Time Since 2001:

      Riding a streak of five podium finishes in six 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve races, No. 65 TRG/F1 Air Pontiac GTO.R co-drivers Marc Bunting and Andy Lally lead the Rolex Series GT class back to the historic Lime Rock Park circuit for the first time since 2001 in Monday’s Rolex GT Series Challenge (SPEED, 2:30 p.m. ET).

    • Interview: Al Unser Jr. - Unser to Race Daytona Prototype in Grand-Am Series:

      MODERATOR: Good morning, everybody. Thanks for joining us on our Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series Presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve media teleconference. We have an exciting announcement today as Al Unser Jr. the two‑time Indianapolis 500 winner, two‑time IndyCar champion, and two-time overall winner of the Rolex 24 At Daytona is joining Burt and Brian Frisselle to co‑drive the No. 8 GlycoMax Porsche Doran for Synergy Racing, and Al is also bringing with him some sponsorship from A1 Team USA, so that's great news.

    • An Interview with Two-Time Rolex Series GT Champion Bill Auberlen:

      This evening we're joined by two-time Rolex Series GT champion Bill Auberlen, driver of the No. 05 Sigalsport BMW M3. Bill will be racing in this weekend's Rolex Series GT Challenge at Lime Rock Park a week from today. Bill will also be participating in the Grand-Am Cup Series event earlier in the day.

    • 2006 Indy 500 Field Chock Full of Rolex Series Star Power:

      While Sunday's 90th running of the Indianapolis 500 is the world's longest and most prestigious open-wheel race, many of the drivers and teams in the field have also competed in North America's longest and most prestigious sports car race, the Rolex 24 At Daytona, and other events in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve.

    • Bingham, Ruhlman Recover from Qualifying Race Crash to Finish Thirteenth:

      Despite getting caught up in a qualifying crash that took out six of the top Daytona Prototypes in the Rolex Cup field, drivers Chris Bingham and Randy Ruhlman and the Derhaag Motorsports team recovered to finish thirteenth in the #40 Preformed Line Products Pontiac Riley in Saturday night's The GAINSCO Grand Prix at Phoenix International Raceway. Starting from the back of the grid, the drivers and team marched the car forward through the twenty four-car field of "all-star" Daytona Prototype drivers to a thirteenth place finish in class and a thirteenth place overall finish in the 37-car combined DP and GT field.

    • Big Win for No. 01 CompUSA Lexus Riley at Phoenix, Back in First Place:

      After taking the lead on Lap 95 from their second place starting position under the lights at Phoenix International Raceway, the no.01 CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Lexus Riley never looked back and took their third win of the 2006 season. The victory enabled the CompUSA team to jump ahead in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series Championship standings with a 7 point lead.

    • Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Captures First Top-Five Finish:

      The Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley followed up Friday night’s qualifying race victory with its first top-five finish of the season during last night's Grand American Rolex Series Gainsco Grand Prix on the 1.51-mile road circuit at Phoenix International Raceway.

    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Snake Bit in Desert:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team endured a difficult weekend to finish 20th tonight in round seven of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve Gainsco Grand Prix to be run at Phoenix International Raceway.

    • GT Class Podium Sweep For Pontiac GTO.Rs At Phoenix:

      Pontiac’s three production-based GTO.R race cars swept the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series GT class podium tonight with its two TRG cars taking 1-2 and the new-entry Pacific Coast Motorsports Pontiac GTO.R rounding out the podium with its best finish yet. Paul Edwards and Kelly Collins of the #64 TRG GTO.R won their third race of the season – the GAINSCO Grand Prix at Phoenix International Raceway – with their teammates Andy Lally and Marc Bunting of the #65 Pontiac GTO.R taking second, extending their lead in GT team and driver points. The newest Pontiac GT entry, the #98 Pacific Coast Motorsports GTO.R of Ross Thompson and Boris Said, scored a third place finish in only their second race of the Rolex Series to mark Pontiac’s first GT podium sweep ever.

    • Pumpelly & Lally Take Grand-Am Cup Victory in Avondale Mazda GS 200:

      Spencer Pumpelly started from the pole position in the No. 49 Porsche of Lexington/CDOC Porsche 997 and led throughout his stint before handing off to co-driver Andy Lally, who went on to win the Avondale Mazda GS 200 by 11.808 seconds over Anders Hainer and Boris Said in the No. 97 Under Armour BMW M3 in Saturday’s Avondale Mazda Grand Sport 200 at Phoenix International Raceway.

    • Endicott & Galati Win Grand-Am Cup Avondale Mazda ST 200 in Phoenix:

      Six-time Grand-Am Cup Series class race winner Bob Endicott took control of the No. 144 Davis Motorsports Acura RSX-S during a green flag pit stop on Lap 64 and charged to the checkered flag to claim the seventh class victory of his career in the Avondale Mazda Street Tuner 200 at Phoenix International Raceway.

    • Rolex Series Returns to Traditional Timed Qualifications for Remainder of 2006:

      Grand American Road Racing Association President Roger Edmondson has instructed the Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve competition department to return to traditional timed qualifying procedures to determine grid positions for the remainder of the 2006 Rolex Series season. The Rolex Series contested three qualifying races in 2006, at Virginia International Raceway on April 22, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on May 6 and at Phoenix International Raceway last night.

    • Front Row Start for CompUSA Grand-Am Team:

      The no.01 CompUSA Lexus Riley’s top practice time of 57.316 seconds (94.843 mph) gridded the team second for the Rolex Sports Car Series qualifying race at Phoenix International Raceway, alongside pole sitter and the hometown favorite no.12 Lowe’s Fernandez Pontiac Riley.

    • Lowe’s Fernandez Racing on the Pole for Phoenix Gainsco Grand Prix:

      The Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley will start Saturday night’s Grand American Rolex Series Gainsco Grand Prix from the pole position after Adrian Fernandez led all 20 laps of Friday night’s qualifying race on the 1.51-mile road circuit at Phoenix International Raceway.

    • Hometown Favorite Fernandez Takes Qualifying Race for GAINSCO Grand Prix:

      Scottsdale, Ariz.-resident Adrian Fernandez—driving his No. 12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley—led wire-to-wire en route to his first victory in Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve competition in Friday’s 30-minute qualifying race for the GAINSCO Grand Prix at Phoenix International Raceway (SPEED, May 14, 3:00 p.m. ET).

    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Crashes Out of Phoenix Qualifying Race:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team was collected in a three car crash in tonight’s qualifying race for round seven of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve Gainsco Grand Prix to be run at Phoenix International Raceway. The team will start 19th for tomorrow evenings main event.

    • Pumpelly Takes Pole for Grand-Am Cup Avondale Mazda 200 GS Race:

      Spencer Pumpelly posted a best lap at 1:07.332 (80.734 mph) in Thursday’s qualifying session at Phoenix International Raceway to take the pole position for Saturday’s Grand-Am Cup Series Avondale Mazda 200 Grand Sport (GS) race.

    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Looks for Redemption in Phoenix:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team heads to the Valley of the Sun for round seven of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve Gainsco Grand Prix to be run at Phoenix International Raceway Saturday night. The team will be seeking to return to front running form after a part failure dropped them from the lead at Laguna Seca three days ago. Drivers Mike Rockenfeller and Patrick Long will do double duty with Marcel Tiemann doing early work for the team at PIR.

    • Derhaag Ready for Saturday's Phoenix Daytona Prototype Race:

      In a dramatic up and down race this weekend at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway, Derhaag Motorsports showed considerable promise in the #40 Preformed Line Products Daytona Prototype. Good pit strategy and heads up driving by Chris Bingham and Randy Ruhlman demonstrated the progress the team is making in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve, as the 28 Daytona Prototype cars now head directly to Phoenix International Raceway for the next race this Saturday, May 13th.

    • Defending GAINSCO GP Winner Jörg Bergmeister Returns to Phoenix as Points Leader:

      Still looking for his first 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve race victory, Daytona Prototype points leader Jörg Bergmeister returns to the site of his most recent Rolex Series triumph and will lead a strong field into Saturday’s GAINSCO Grand Prix at Phoenix International Raceway (SPEED, May 14, 3:00 p.m. ET).

    • Fernandez, Haberfeld Duo Prepared for Grand-Am Phoenix Race:

      Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld take their No. 12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley to the 1.51-mile “roval” course at Phoenix International Raceway for Saturday night’s 2-hour, 45-minute Rolex Grand American Series Gainsco Grand Prix.

    • Marcel Tiemann to Sub in #23 Ruby Tuesday Daytona Prototype at Phoenix:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team will put Marcel Tiemann behind the wheel of the number 23 Porsche powered Crawford at Phoenix for round seven of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve to be held at Phoenix International Raceway on May 13th.

    • Laguna Seca: Ruby Tuesday Grand-Am Race Recap - Rough Outing:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team had their first tough outing of the Daytona Prototype season with a 24th place finish today in round six of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve U.S. Sportscar Invitational at Laguna Seca.

    • Laguna Seca: Fernandez Racing Grand-Am Race Recap:

      It was an up-and-down day for the No. 12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley of Mario Haberfeld and Adrian Fernandez, which utilized pit strategy to lead some 20 laps of today’s Grand American Rolex Series Road & Track 250 at Laguna Seca Raceway near Monterey, Calif., but ultimately had to settle for a 15th-place finish after an untimely yellow flag and a multi-car pileup on the final lap.

    • Laguna Seca: Top 10 for CompUSA Grand-Am Prototype:

      Only 88 of the scheduled 112 tours of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca were completed in today’s Road & Track 250, forcing Round 6 of the Rolex Sports Car Series to be run within the constraints of the 2:45-minute time window. CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates’ Scott Pruett and Luis Diaz spent most of the event trying to make up ground over a trying sprint race that saw 35 laps run under the yellow flag.

    • Californians Bernheim, Dement Victorious in Eventful Grand-Am Cup 200 at Laguna Seca:

      Car owner/driver Steve Bernheim and Dwain Dement shared the No. 03 BernheimLaw.com Porsche 996 in Saturday’s Grand-Am Cup 200 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, with the latter taking the checkered flag to score the first career series win for Bernheim Racing and a win for both drivers in their native California.

    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Wins Laguna DP Qualifying Race:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team won the Daytona Prototype qualifying race today in preparation for round six of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve U.S. Sportscar Invitational to be held at Laguna Seca tomorrow.

    • Sixth Place Finish Drops Ganassi Drivers out of Second in Title Hunt:

      Scott Pruett’s top Saturday practice time of 1:24.216 (95.668mph) gridded him seventh for the Rolex Sports Car Series qualifying race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, but the 2004 Series Champion could only move up one position in the 30-minute sprint, relegating the no.01 CompUSA Lexus-Riley to a sixth-place result.

    • Collins Leads 1-2 Sweep for TRG in GT Qualifier at Laguna Seca:

      Kelly Collins passed Robin Liddell in Turn 2 on the third lap of Saturday's Road & Track 250 GT qualifying race and never looked back, clinching the victory in the No. 64 TRG Pontiac GTO.R by more than 10 seconds. With the win, Collins' co-driver, Paul Edwards, will start from the front of the GT class grid in tomorrow afternoon's Road & Track 250 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

    • Long Continues Front-Row Streak for Alex Job Racing with Road & Track 250 Qualifying Race Win:

      American Patrick Long started from the pole position and led the entire way in Saturday afternoon's Daytona Prototype qualifying race for Sunday’s Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Road & Track 250 (SPEED, Live, 3 p.m. ET), securing the win for himself and teammate Mike Rockenfeller in the No. 23 Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Porsche Crawford.

    • Lowe’s Fernandez Racing 13th in Laguna Seca Qualifying Race:

      The No. 12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley will start 13th in Sunday’s Grand American Rolex Series Road & Track 250 at Laguna Seca Raceway near Monterey, Calif., after this afternoon’s 30-minute qualifying race.

    • MESCO Building Solutions to Sponsor New Rolex Series Rookie of the Year Program:

      For the first time in Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve history, 2006 newcomers to Daytona Prototype and GT competition will compete for a $10,000 prize and the distinction of being the “MESCO Building for the Future Rookie of the Year.”

    • Lally Takes Pole for Saturday’s U.S. Sports Car Invitational Grand-Am Cup Series Battle:

      Andy Lally posted a qualifying-best lap time of 1:39.139 (81.268 mph) in the No. 49 Porsche of Lexington/TGB Scooters/Cobra Powersports Porsche 997 for Marcus Motorsports, and will lead the field into Round 3 of the 2006 Grand-Am Cup Series (Saturday, 2:45 p.m. PT; Tape Delayed on SPEED, May 15 at 12 p.m.) part of the U.S. Sports Car Invitational at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

    • Max Angelelli Gives Pontiac Best Lap in Daytona Prototype Class:

      Pontiac had the fastest GT class lap of the day in the first of the practice sessions for the sixth round of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Andy Lally, who shares the #65 TRG GTO.R with Marc Bunting, posted a time of 1:33.049 in the morning practice session which was not to be beaten. However, the #98 Pacific Coast Motorsports Pontiac GTO.R – a car which turned its first official Rolex Series practice laps today – almost came close to beating Lally’s time in the afternoon session. Co-driver David Empringham ran a fast lap of 133.188 and posted the fastest GT lap of the second session.

    • Laguna Seca: Scott Pruett, Luis Diaz Grand-Am Race Preview:

      Scott Pruett and Luis Diaz, no.01 CompUSA Lexus-Riley U.S. Sports Car Invitational – Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

    • Fernandez, Haberfeld Bring Their Lowe’s Daytona Prototype To Familiar Laguna Seca:

      Lowe’s Fernandez Racing heads west for a pair of back-to-back Grand American Rolex Series events beginning with this weekend’s U.S. Sports Car Invitational at scenic Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca near Monterey, Calif. Sunday’s 2-hour, 45-minute main event will be the sixth Rolex Series start for the No. 12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley driving duo of Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld. It comes at the legendary 2.238-mile hillside road circuit where each has enjoyed open-wheel racing success in recent years. Fernandez has a podium and three top-five finishes at Laguna Seca in 11 Champ Car starts from 1993-2003, and also capped his 1992 Indy Lights Series Rookie of the Year season with a fifth-place finish. Haberfeld has a fifth and a seventh-place finish at Laguna Seca in a pair of Champ Car starts in 2003 and 2004.

    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Takes Lead to Laguna:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team will take their Daytona Prototype lead into round six of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve U.S. Sportscar Invitational to be held at Laguna Seca next week.

    • Ruhlman and Bingham set for Back-to-Back Rolex Cup Races at Laguna Seca and Phoenix:

      Derhaag Motorsports and drivers Randy Ruhlman and Chris Bingham are ready with the #40 Preformed Line Products Pontiac Riley for the first back-to-back races of the 2006 Rolex Cup Series season, as Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca hosts Round 6 of the Grand American Daytona Prototype cars. A full points qualifying race on Saturday will be followed Sunday, May 7th by the main feature, a 250-mile race on the 2.238-mile, hilly road course in Monterey, California. The 48 teams of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve then head straight south for Round 7, an evening feature race at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday, May 13th.

    • Rockenfeller, Long Look to Extend Daytona Prototype Points Lead at Laguna Seca:

      On the heels of a full-time team sponsorship and a last lap pass for the win and points lead two weeks ago at Virginia International Raceway, No. 23 Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Porsche Crawford co-drivers Patrick Long and Mike Rockenfeller head into this weekend’s Road & Track 250 (LIVE on SPEED, Sunday, May 7 at 3 p.m. ET) carrying plenty of momentum into Round 6 of the 14-race 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve, part of the U.S. Sports Car Invitational weekend at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

    • Laguna Seca: Grand Am Fast Facts:

      U.S. Sports Car Invitational Weekend Fast Facts

    • Doran Racing Starts Important May-June Swing:

      LEBANON, Ohio, May 1 - Two races at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey,
      Calif. this weekend begin the two most important months of the 2006 Rolex Series
      for the Daytona Prototype class and the Feeds the Need/Doran Racing team, as
      eight of 19 Daytona Prototypes races for 2006 are scheduled to be held in May
      and June.

    • Miller Motorsports Park Draws Rave Reviews from Rolex Series Drivers:

      A handful of Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve teams got their two-week west coast road trip off to an early start on Monday by taking advantage of an opportunity to test the brand- new Miller Motorsports Park nestled among the mountains just west of Salt Lake City.

  • April 2006, Volume 6, No. 4
    • April 2006
    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team’s Patrick Long Live on Wind Tunnel:

      Patrick Long, driver of the number 23 Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Porsche Crawford Daytona Prototype in the Grand American Rolex Series will be a featured guest on Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain, Sunday, April 30th on the Speed Channel. Wind Tunnel airs on Sunday evenings starting at 9:00 p.m. EST.

    • Derhaag Motorsports Daytona Prototype Gains Valuable Points at Virginia:

      The weekend at Virginia International Raceway saw beautiful, sunny Spring skies and torrential downpours, as Derhaag Motorsports with drivers Randy Ruhlman and Chris Bingham scored valuable points in the races of Round 5 of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve. The #40 Preformed Line Products Pontiac Riley was up to the challenges of the large combined field of DP and GT cars on the fast and demanding 3.27-mile road course located in the scenic hilly area on the central Virginia/North Carolina border.

    • Virginia: Porsche Weekend Recap:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team, making its debut as a partner with Alex Job Racing, started that relationship on a high note as Mike Rockenfeller and Patrick Long scored a come-from-behind, last-lap victory yesterday in their Porsche Crawford at the Virginia International Raceway 400 to take the points lead in the Rolex Grand American Sports Car championship..

    • Rockenfeller and Long Win VIR 400 in Last-Lap Thriller to Take Daytona Prototype Points Lead:

      In a race where the front runners ran nose-to-tail for the final 20 laps, No. 23 Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Porsche Crawford driver Mike Rockenfeller saved his best move for last to take a thrilling, last-lap victory in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve VIR 400 at Virginia International Raceway.

    • Virginia: Mike Rockenfeller, Patrick Long Grand-Am Race Recap:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team won the VIR 400 today at Virginia International Raceway. A thrilling last lap, last turn pass from third position by Mike Rockenfeller sealed the team’s second victory of the year in round five of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal. The victory also vaults Rockenfeller and teammate Patrick Long into the drivers points lead in the Daytona Prototype category.

    • Virginia: Adrian Fernandez, Mario Haberfeld Grand-am Race Recap:

      Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld appeared headed to a podium finish in the No. 12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley in the early going of today’s Grand American Rolex Series VIR 400 at Virginia International Raceway before a flat tire took them out of contention and left them fighting their way back to an eighth-place finish.

    • Virginia: Luis Diaz, Scott Pruett Grand-Am Race Report:

      After a post-qualifying engine change put Luis Diaz of CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates on pit lane for the start of the VIR 400K, the third-year Daytona Prototype driver moved the no.01 CompUSA Lexus-Riley from 22nd to the lead before the driver change for co-pilot Scott Pruett on Lap 46 of 77.

    • Virginia: Adrian Fernandez, Mario Haberfeld Qualifying Race Recap:

      The No. 12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley will start 13th in Sunday’s VIR 400 at Virginia International Raceway after this afternoon’s first-ever 30-minute qualifying race for the Grand American Rolex Series’ Daytona Prototypes.

    • Rosser, Murry Survive Wet and Wild VIR 200:

      In a race marred by five caution periods and sporadic rainfall, No. 33 Playboy Racing Nissan 350Z co-drivers Blake Rosser and David Murry outlasted the field of 83 cars to claim victory in Saturday’s VIR 200, Round 2 of the 2006 Grand-Am Cup Series.

    • McDowell Wins First-Ever Daytona Prototype Qualifying Race at VIR:

      In Saturday’s inaugural Daytona Prototype qualifying race for the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve VIR 400 (SPEED, Live, 1 p.m. ET) No. 19 Playboy/Uniden/Palms Ford Crawford driver Michael McDowell took the lead from Mike Rockenfeller in the No. 23 Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Porsche Crawford on the final lap to earn the victory.

    • Virginia: Luis Diaz, Scott Pruett Qualifying - Electrical Issues:

      Luis Diaz of CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates could only sit and watch while co-driver Scott Pruett encountered electrical issues and fell out of the lead in the Rolex Series Daytona Prototype’s first-ever qualifying “race” at Virginia International Raceway. Pruett started the 30-minute rain-soaked session on pole based on the team’s top position in the point standings, and led the first six laps before surrendering to the problem. The 2004 Rolex Series Champion safely guided the car back to the pits where the team did everything in its power to keep them in the hunt. The no.01 CompUSA Lexus-Riley eventually rolled back out off pit lane, but only to finish 22nd out of 26 DPs entered this weekend.

    • Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team Finishes Second in Qualifying Race at VIR:

      The Ruby Tuesday Championship Racing Team finished second today in the qualifying race to set the field for tomorrow's Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve VIR 400 at Virginia International Raceway. The finish of the Alex Job Racing prepared Porsche Crawford vaulted the Ruby Tuesday Team into the Daytona Prototype team championship lead. The finish has also brought the drivers within four points of the overall lead in the Daytona Prototype driver's championship going into Sunday's two-hour-and-forty-five-minute main event.

    • Negri Clocks Best Lap of Opening Practice Day for VIR 400:

      In practice for Sunday’s Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve VIR 400 (SPEED, 1 p.m. ET), Brazil’s Oswaldo Negri Jr. got his weekend off to a good start by posting the day’s quickest lap in the No. 60 Flight Options Lexus Riley.

    • Series-Leading TRG Pontiac GTO.Rs Return To V.I.R.:

      Pontiac’s Rolex Series GT class leaders, the #64 and #65 TRG Pontiac GTO.Rs, will again rejoin the series at Virginia International Raceway this weekend. Pontiac’s two production-based race cars – which were absent along with the entire GT class from the Daytona Prototype (DP)-only format at the previous race at Long Beach – hope to increase their lead in the GT class after Sunday’s 400 kilometer race at legendary V.I.R. Since their last race at Homestead-Miami Speedway in late March, Pontiac has led the GT class in manufacturers points (102 to Porsche’s 97) and team points (the #64 car leads with 88 points and its sister car, #65 is second with 84). Paul Edwards and Kelly Collins, drivers of the #64 car, also lead in driver points with #65 teammates Andy Lally and Marc Bunting in second (with co-driver R. J. Valentine in ninth – Valentine only drives part-time and did not drive at Mexico City).

    • Bernheim Improve Your Position Award Set to Reward Grand-Am Cup Teams:

      As part of Bernheim Group’s contingency sponsorship of the Grand-Am Cup Series, which was announced in January at Daytona International Speedway, the Southern California-based group of firms will add to the coffers of two Grand-Am Cup teams following Saturday’s VIR 200.

    • Virginia: Scott Pruett, Luis Diaz Grand-Am Race Preview:

      Scott Pruett and Luis Diaz, no.01 CompUSA Lexus-Riley

    • Time to Settle - Feedmesportscars Looks Back at the LMS and Grand Am Events:

      As the Grand Am series was entering it’s forth round in Long Beach, the boys and girls on the other side of the pond were preparing to kick of their season with the Turkish round of the Le Mans Series.

    • VIR 400 Weekend Fast Facts:

      VIR 400 Weekend Fast Facts

    • Grand American Paddock is Packed Nearly 140 Race Cars Entered:

      Between the Rolex Series and Grand-Am Cup Series races at Virginia International Raceway this weekend, 139 race cars have been entered.

    • Grand-Am Streaks Heading into Virginia:

      Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates has had at least one of its cars on the podium in seven consecutive races dating to the Crown Royal 250 at The Glen last September.

    • Bingham and Ruhlman Look for Another Top-Ten Finish at VIR:

      Ready to capture another top position this weekend at Virginia International Raceway in Round 5 of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve are Daytona Prototype drivers Chris Bingham and Randy Ruhlman. The pair, driving for Derhaag Motorsports, is fresh from a top ten finish at the Long Beach Grand Prix in only their fourth outing in the #40 Preformed Line Products Pontiac Riley, engineered by Buddy Fey.

    • Diaz & Pruett Look to Extend Rolex Series Daytona Prototype Points Lead:

      For Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Daytona Prototype points co-leaders Scott Pruett and Luis Diaz, a return to Virginia International Raceway for this Sunday’s VIR 400 (SPEED, Live, 1:00 p.m. ET) is welcome news given their past record at the 3.27-mile road course.

    • Fernandez and Haberfeld Ready for Virginia International Raceway:

      Lowe’s Fernandez Racing prepares for its fifth race on the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series tour this weekend at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in Alton, Va. Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld will pilot the No. 12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley in Sunday’s 2:45 hour event on the 3.27-mile road course.

    • Memo Gidley's Recovery Begins:

      Memo Gidley, driver of the No.19 Playboy/Uniden/Palms Ford-powered Crawford Daytona Prototype will not compete at Virginia International Raceway on April 23 due to an injury sustained in the morning warm-up for last weekend's running of the Crown Royal Grand American Challenge of Long Beach.

    • Alex Job Finishes on the Podium at Long Beach:

      LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Despite carrying an extra 75 pounds and increased air intake restrictorslegislated by the sanctioning body, Porsche-powered Daytona prototypes continue to compete for the 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car series championship - this time with a second place at theCrown Royal Grand American Challenge of Long Beach Saturday.

    • Derhaag Motorsports gets Top Ten Finish in Daytona Prototype at the Long Beach:

      In just their fourth start in the Grand American Daytona Prototype Series, Derhaag Motorsports with drivers Chris Bingham and Randy Ruhlman got their first top ten of the season at the Grand Prix of Long Beach. The team, who last year won the Trans-Am race here, combined solid crew work with fast driving to claim the tenth place position in the 90-minute, 52 lap race at the street course of the Crown Royal Grand American Challenge of Long Beach.

    • Pruett & Diaz Claim Victory in Inaugural Grand American Challenge of Long Beach:

      In front of a huge and enthusiastic crowd, No. 01 CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing Lexus Riley co-drivers Scott Pruett and Luis Diaz made Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve history by claiming victory in the inaugural Crown Royal Grand American Challenge of Long Beach.

    • Diaz, Pruett win Long Beach Grand Am Challenge:

      CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates co-drivers Scott Pruett and Luis Diaz started the inaugural Grand American Challenge of Long Beach first and led 39 of 52 laps en route to the team’s second victory of the Rolex Sports Car Series season (Mexico City).

    • Lowe's Fernandez Racing 11th at Long Beach:

      The No. 12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley finished 11th in today’s Grand American Challenge on the city streets of Long Beach, California. In the 90-minute race, the Daytona Prototype driven by Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld survived three on-track encounters but persevered to finish in the top half of the field. Haberfeld assumed the initial driving duties starting the race in fourth, but fell to seventh when another car squeezed the Lowe’s Pontiac in one of the opening corners.

    • Memo Gidley Medical Update:

      No. 19 Playboy/Uniden Racing Ford Crawford driver Memo Gidley sustained a compression to the L1 vertebra and a minimal compression to the T12 vertebra according to Dr. Lawrence of St. Mary’s Medical Center in Long Beach.

    • Diaz on Pole, Pruett Revealing Secrets:

      Luis Diaz of CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates beat 25 other Daytona Prototypes in qualifying for the first-ever Rolex Sports Car Series race on the streets of Long Beach. With a top time of 1:19.891 (88.681mph) around the 1.97-mile, 11-turn course, Diaz steered the no.01 CompUSA Lexus-Riley to his third career Grand American pole position, and his first since Virginia International Raceway in 2005.

    • Fernandez Will Start Grand-Am Long Beach Race Fifth:

      The No. 12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley will start fifth in Saturday’s Grand American Challenge on the city streets of Long Beach, California. After an early morning 45-minute practice session on Friday, the 26 Daytona Prototypes took to the downtown circuit in two groups to determine the starting order for Saturday’s 90-minute event. Each group was given 30 minutes for the individual cars to post their best laps. Co-driver Mario Haberfeld qualified the No. 12 second-quickest in his group and fifth overall. Haberfeld will start the race before handing driving duties over to Adrian Fernandez. Saturday’s race begins at 7 p.m. EST. SPEED will broadcast the race on a tape delayed basis at 9 p.m.

    • Diaz Takes Pole for Crown Royal Grand American Challenge of Long Beach:

      Mexican Luis Diaz claimed his third career Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve pole Friday afternoon, establishing a Daytona Prototype track record in the No. 01 CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing Lexus Riley with a lap time of 1:19.891 (88.681 mph) in the second of two qualifying sessions, and will lead the field in tomorrow’s inaugural Crown Royal Grand American Challenge of Long Beach (SPEED, 9:00 p.m. ET).

    • Long Beach: Grand American Fast Facts:

      Long Beach: Grand American Fast Facts

    • Ruhlman and Bingham Set to Take on the Streets of Long Beach in Daytona Prototype:

      This weekend marks a return to the streets of Long Beach California for the drivers of the #40 Preformed Line Products Pontiac Riley for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Both Chris Bingham and Randy Ruhlman have driving experience at the Long Beach Grand Prix race and are looking forward to the challenges of this fast, 1.968-mile street course that runs along the beautiful Long Beach harbor. Bingham, who has concentrated on Grand American racing for the past few years, was at Long Beach in the Indy Lights program in 1997. Ruhlman's win at last year's Long Beach Grand Prix Trans-Am race marked the beginning of his run for the 2005 Trans-Am Drivers' Championship with Derhaag Motorsports.

    • Fernandez and Haberfeld Ready for Streets of Long Beach:

      Lowe’s Fernandez Racing prepares for its fourth race on the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series tour this weekend with the inaugural Grand American Challenge of Long Beach, part of the 32nd annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld will pilot the No. 12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley in Saturday night’s 90-minute event on the 1.968-mile temporary circuit.

    • RocketSports Duo of Gentilozzi & Drissi Head to Familiar Ground:

      With a long history of competing and winning on the legendary streets of Long Beach, the Rocketsports duo of Paul Gentilozzi and Tomy Drissi look forward to returning to Southern California for the Crown Royal Grand American Challenge of Long Beach. The Grand American Rolex Road Racing Series Presented by Crown Royal Premium Select will hold a 90-minute “sprint” race as part of the 32nd Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

    • Crown Royal Special Reserve to Sponsor Inaugural Rolex Series Visit to Long Beach:

      Crown Royal Special Reserve whisky will be the title sponsor of the inaugural Crown Royal Grand American Challenge of Long Beach on Saturday, April 8, part of the 32nd Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend.

    • Randy Ruhlman Will be Featured on SpeedFreaks:

      Randy Ruhlman won the Long Beach Grand Prix Trans-Am race last year in his #49 Preformed Line Products Corvette with Derhaag Motorsports. He will be returning to the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach this year, not to defend that win, but to race in the Grand American Rolex Cup race in the new #40 Derhaag Motorsports Daytona Prototype. Ruhlman will be featured this weekend on SpeedFreaks radio and on the "Reece on Racing" show to talk about the upcoming 2006 Long Beach Grand Prix Rolex Cup race and his change from Trans-Am to the Daytona Prototypes.

  • March 2006, Volume 6, No. 3
    • March 2006
    • Daytona Prototypes Turn First Street-Circuit Lap in Long Beach:

      As part of Tuesday’s Toyota Pro/Celebrity Press Day at the historic Long Beach street circuit, Bill Margraf earned the distinction of being the first person to drive a Daytona Prototype on a street course. Despite rainy conditions and in front of a massive media turnout, Margraf did two demonstration runs in the Pickett Racing Pontiac Riley.

    • Grand-Am Cup Entry List for VIR Nears 100 Cars:

      When the Grand-Am Cup Series reconvenes for Round 2 of the 10-race championship at Virginia International Raceway, the entry list will feature 99 cars between the Grand Sport (GS) and Street Tuner (ST) classes. In GS, 54 cars have been entered, with 45 entries for the ST class.

    • New Minimum Weight Limits for Grand-Am Competitors:

      The hallmark of Rolex Series competition has long been close competition in the Daytona Prototype category. Over the past few years, Daytona Prototype races have featured many close finishes among a wide variety of engine and chassis combinations. In fact, each of the last two races has seen eight of the top 10 cars use combinations of different chassis and engines.

    • Derhaag Motorsports Top Ten Finish Thwarted in Pits:

      The Derhaag Motorsports team was on a path to pick up its first top ten of the 2006 season at the Grand Prix of Miami in the #40 Preformed Line Products Pontiac Riley at Round Three of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve. The drivers, Justin Bell and Randy Ruhlman, worked hard to keep on the lead laps, and maintain the front group, but were stopped short when a pit stop was severely slowed by a fuel rig malfunction.

    • Long and Rockenfeller's First Career Rolex Series Win in Linder Industrial Grand Prix of Miami:

      No. 23 10th & M Seafoods Alaska Porsche Crawford co-drivers Patrick Long and Mike Rockenfeller earned their first career Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve victories and gave Porsche its first Rolex Series overall victory in two-and-a-half years Saturday night in the Linder Industrial Komatsu Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

    • TRG GTO.R Wins GT at Homestead:

      TRG’s Kelly Collins and Paul Edwards drove their number 64/iRise/Pontiac GTO.R to victory today in GT for round three of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve run at Homestead Miami Speedway. Teammates RJ Valentine, Marc Bunting and Andy Lally finished their number 65/TRG/GTO/F1 Air/Alpine Bagel/GTO.R in ninth.

    • CompUSA Team Leaves GP of Miami with Podium Finish:

      Luis Diaz started the 107-lap Grand Prix of Miami fourth amongst a sea of Porches at the front of the Daytona Prototype grid, turned the car over to co-pilot Scott Pruett on Lap 37, and the no.01 CompUSA Lexus-Riley finished third overall in Round 3 of the Rolex Sports Car Series at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

    • Feeds the Need/Doran Racing Kodak EasyShare DORAN JE4 Ford No. 77 Finishes 19th at Homestead:

      HOMESTEAD, Fla., March 25 - After two hours and 45 minutes of yellow-plagued Rolex Series racing Saturday night at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the Feeds the Need/Doran Racing Kodak EasyShare/Amp'd Mobile/SIRIUS DORAN JE4 Ford No. 77 finished exactly where it started, in 19th place.

    • Long/Rockenfeller Lead 1-2 Porsche-Powered Daytona Prototype Finish:

      MIAMI- March 25, 2006 – Patrick Long, of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Mike Rockenfeller,
      the German-born driver now living in Monaco, lost the lead several times after startingthe Grand Prix of Miami from the pole, but piloted their Alex Job Racing/Emory Motorsports Porsche Crawford to 4.89-second victory here Saturday night.

    • Diaz Qualifies CompUSA Car Fourth for GP of Miami:

      Coming off the biggest race of his career in Mexico City, Luis Diaz piloted the no.01 CompUSA Lexus-Riley to a fourth-place qualifying effort for tomorrow’s 250-mile Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Diaz will start the 109-lap “sprint” race before handing the off the driving duties to co-pilot Scott Pruett.

    • Lowe’s Fernandez Pontiac Starts 11th at Homestead:

      The Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac will start 11th Saturday night in the Grand American Rolex Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Mario Haberfeld drove the No. 12 Daytona Prototype during the 15-minute session dominated by four Porsche-powered entries that took all but one of the top-five spots. The Lowe’s Pontiac was the second-quickest Pontiac among the 26 Prototypes. SPEED will televise Saturday night’s race on a tape-delayed basis at 8 p.m. EST.

    • TRG GTO.Rs Qualify 5th and 14th in GT at Homestead:

      TRG’s Kelly Collins drove his number 64/iRise/Pontiac GTO.R to a fifth place qualifying position in GT for round three of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve to be run at Homestead Miami Speedway. Teammate RJ Valentine qualified his number 65/TRG/GTO/F1 Air/Alpine Bagel/GTO.R in fourteenth for tomorrow’s two-hour-and-forty-five-minute race.

    • Porsche-Power Daytana Prototypes Grab Pole, and Four of Top Five Qualifying Positions:

      The two Porsche factory drivers that joined the company together as teenagers, Mike Rockenfeller and Patrick Long, have put the Alex Job Racing/Emory Motorsports Porsche Crawford on the pole for Saturday's Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead Miami Speedway.

    • TRG Porsche of Johnson and Nearn Qualify 11th at Homestead:

      Robert Nearn qualified the number 66/TRG/Comfort Systems/Porsche 997 in eleventh position for tomorrow’s running of round three of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve race at Homestead Miami Speedway.

    • Grand Am's Latin Flavour:

      Miami is well-known for its Latin flavor, plenty of which may also be found in the Rolex Series paddock.

    • Homestead: Grand-Am Fast Facts
    • Homestead is Close to Home for Many Grand-Am Participants:

      Several drivers competing in the Linder Industrial Komatsu Grand Prix of Miami will not require air travel this weekend as they make their homes in the Sunshine State. No. 3 Southard Motorsports BMW Riley co-drivers Shane Lewis (Jupiter) and John Pew (North Palm Beach) both make their homes in Florida, as does No. 6 Graydon Elliott Fusion Racing with MSR Lexus Riley pilot Mike Borkowski, who hails from Miami Beach.

    • Multitude of Winning Combinations in Grand-Am Series:

      With six different manufacturers (Pontiac, Porsche, BMW, Ford, Lexus and Infiniti) and seven chassis constructors (Riley Technologies, Doran Designs, Crawford Race Cars, Fabcar Engineering, Chase Competition Engineering, Picchio and Multimatic) to choose from in the Daytona Prototype category, there is bound to be a variety of combinations on any starting grid.

    • Ganassi Grand-Am Team on a Streak:

      NASCAR driver Casey Mears and Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champions Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon co-drove the team’s No. 02 Target Lexus Riley to victory in the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona, while Scott Pruett and Luis Diaz continued the streak in the Mexico City 250 aboard the No. 01 Telmex Lexus Riley.

    • Pruett Claims Top Spot in Practice for Linder Industrial Komatsu Grand Prix of Miami:

      On a practice day that saw the top 12 cars covered by less than one second, Scott Pruett put the No. 01 CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing Lexus Riley atop the time charts in preparation for Saturday’s Linder Industrial Komatsu Grand Prix of Miami (SPEED, 8 p.m. ET).

    • Rocketsports Grand-Am Drivers Drissi & Gentilozzi Look Forward to Miami Heat:

      After using Mexico City as a test to become familiar with the No. 50 Nacho Libre the Movie Ford Crawford, the Rocketsports duo of Tomy Drissi and Paul Gentilozzi head to the Miami-Homestead Speedway to continue the development of the newly formed Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve effort.

    • TRG Porsche of Johnson and Nearn Tested for Homestead:

      Steve Johnson and Robert Nearn are heading into the Grand Prix of Miami and round three of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve in third place in the GT driver point standings.

    • Track At Miami Favored By Pontiac DP and GT Teams Alike:

      Andy Wallace and Butch Leitzinger, both long-time sports car racers, have had good results at Homestead-Miami Speedway. In 2004, Wallace (then with teammate Milka Duno) won both Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series races held there. The following year, Howard-Boss Motorsports teammate Leitzinger finished second at Miami with Elliott Forbes-Robinson. Now, after successful December tests at the 2.3-mile road course, Wallace and Leitzinger are looking forward to the 250-mile event, especially since the two successful drivers are in the same car this season - the #4 BOSS Snowplow Pontiac Crawford Daytona Prototype (DP).

    • Fernandez and Haberfeld Hope Testing Pays Off at Homestead:

      Lowe’s Fernandez Racing prepares for its third race on the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series tour this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld will pilot the No. 12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley in Saturday night’s 250-mile event on the challenging 2.3-mile road course. The team made its debut in the Rolex 24 At Daytona where it climbed as high as third place before overheating problems ended a promising run. In Mexico City, the duo started fourth and finished seventh. Fernandez will race Saturday night then watch his IndyCar Series teams with drivers Scott Sharp and Kosuke Matsuura compete on the Homestead oval Sunday.

      ADRIAN FERNANDEZ ON RACING IN HOMESTEAD: “We tested there a few weeks ago and learned a lot about what it takes to run fast. The road course is smooth and fast. It’s quite different from Mexico City where the track was very bumpy. People might look at the two circuits and say they are similar in appearance, but to the drivers and engineers they are worlds apart. I think we will do better at Homestead, and feel this will be our best race so far this year. We are getting more and more familiar with the cars, and our crew is catching up to everyone else.”

      FERNANDEZ ON THE NO. 12 LOWE’S FERNANDEZ TEAM: “We were a lot better in Mexico City than our seventh place finish. Unfortunately, Mario got a penalty early in the race and that dropped us back in the field. I think what we learned in testing will pay dividends this weekend.”

      ON CO-DRIVER MARIO HABERFELD: “The more I am around Mario the more I realize what a good choice we made in hiring him. He is a quiet guy, but very knowledgeable about race cars. He really works well with our engineers. On top of all that, he is very fast. I feel Mario is one of the most talented drivers in racing, and we feel fortunate to have him on our team.”

      ON WATCHING SHARP AND MATSUURA – “I hope we can win Saturday night and put the pressure on those guys to win on Sunday. I know our two IRL teams are very optimistic for the start of the season this weekend. We tested very well here. I wouldn’t mind going to victory lane as a driver and an owner this weekend.”

      MARIO HABERFELD ON HOMESTEAD: “I live in Key Biscayne now so this is as close to a home race as I am going to have this season. I have lots of friends and family coming to the race. You want to do well every race but when you have a lot of people you know watching, it makes that desire a little bit stronger. I think this weekend you will see how good our team really is. We had a chance to test here and learned a lot about what the Lowe’s car likes and doesn’t like. There are a lot of slow corners and you have the oval corners that aren’t easy corners to be flat every lap. We tested a little at night as well. This is the best prepared we have been for a race, and I expect that will show on the track.”

    • Ganassi Team Looking to Stay Hot as Rolex Series Heads to Homestead-Miami Speedway:

      After missing out on a second-consecutive Daytona Prototype title last year, the Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates team came out with both guns blazing in 2006 and is looking to continue its hot streak this weekend as the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve visits Homestead-Miami Speedway for Saturday’s Linder Industrial Komatsu Grand Prix of Miami (SPEED, 8 p.m. ET).

    • Derhaag Motorsports Ready for Homestead Daytona Prototype Race:

      The Derhaag Motorsports team is back on the road and headed to Homestead, Florida with the #40 Preformed Line Products Pontiac Riley for this weekend's Round Three of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve. The team showed their strength, as they returned from the Mexico City race and turned around the damaged Daytona Prototype in less than a week. The car, which suffered a hard hit and impact during the Mexico City race, is ready for this Saturday's race action at Miami-Homestead Speedway with Randy Ruhlman and Justin Bell at the helm.

    • GAINSCO Announces Title Sponsorship Rolex Race at Phoenix International Raceway:

      GAINSCO Auto Insurance, a provider of personal auto insurance and primary sponsor of the No. 99 Blackhawk Motorsports Pontiac Riley Daytona Prototype, announced today that it will be the title sponsor of Round 7 of the 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve at Phoenix International Raceway, May 12-13, 2006.

    • TRG Takes GTO.R Momentum to Homestead:

      TRG is on a roll as the team heads to round three of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Marc Bunting and Andy Lally, driving the number 65/TRG/F1 Air/Alpine Bagel/GTO.R, are leading the GT points battle. Teammates Paul Edwards and Kelly Collins, piloting the number 64/TRG/iRise/GTO.R are coming off of their first win this season at Mexico City and currently sit second in the driver’s points standings.

    • Champ Car's Jimmy Vasser to Team with Moreno, Bell for Grand-Am Homestead Event:

      When the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve reconvenes for Round 3 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on the weekend of March 23-25, some familiar faces will join the regular Daytona Prototype competitors.

      English sports car racing standout Justin Bell, Brazilian hotshoe Roberto Moreno and 1996 Champ Car World Series champion Jimmy Vasser have all been entered for the Linder Industrial Komatsu Grand Prix of Miami.

    • Promising Mexico City Weekend for Derhaag Motorsports, Ends Early:

      The #40 Preformed Line Products Derhaag Motorsports Daytona Prototype had a very promising weekend at the Mexico City Grand American race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. The car started in the eighth row and moved up quickly with Randy Ruhlman at the helm for the first stint of the 250-mile race at the 2.518-mile 8-turn track. Traffic was a problem throughout the day, and finally took its toll for Chris Bingham, who took over driving duties midway. After marking the car's fastest times of the weekend, Bingham end up the victim of a slower car, which ended the #40 Preformed Line Products Daytona Prototype's day early.

    • Grand-Am Drivers Bingham, France Issue Apologies Following Mexico City Altercation:

      Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve drivers Chris Bingham and JC France have issued public apologies following their altercation during the Mexico City 250 on Saturday, March 4.

    • Feeds the Need/Doran Racing Team Finishes Fifth:

      Hopefully the Feeds the Need/Doran Racing photographer took lots of Kodak EasyShare digital photos of Terry Borcheller and Harrison Brix's run in Saturday's Rolex series race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in the Kodak EasyShare/Amp'd Mobile/SIRIUS car, because it was certainly memorable.

    • Final Results - Mexico City:

      Final Results for Round 2 from Mexico City

    • Diaz & Pruett Score Wildly Popular Victory in Mexico City, Paul Tracy Grabs Podium:

      In front of a raucous Mexico City crowd, hometown favorite Luis Diaz and his No. 01 TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing Lexus Riley co-driver Scott Pruett turned in a dominating performance en route to victory in Saturday’s Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Mexico City 250 at the historic Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit.

    • TRG Wins GT in Mexico City:

      TRG’s Kelly Collins and Paul Edwards drove their number 64/iRise/Pontiac GTO.R to victory today at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in round two of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve. Marc Bunting and Andy Lally finished a strong third to take the GT points lead back to North America.

    • Brix Qualifies Seventh in Mexico:

      MEXICO CITY, Mexico, March 3 — It doesn't matter that Harrison Brix doesn't
      speak Spanish. He let his accelerator do the talking Friday morning at the
      Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez here during qualifying for tomorrow's Rolex series
      race.

    • TRG GTO.R on Pole in GT in Mexico City:

      TRG’s Kelly Collins drove his number 64/iRise/Pontiac GTO.R to pole position today in Mexico City for round two of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve. Marc Bunting will start the companion GTO.R in fifth.

    • Pruett Puts Telmex Lexus-Riley on Pole in Mexico City:

      Qualifying Results from Mexico City
      1. no.01 TELMEX Lexus-Riley (1:22.732/108.785mph)
      2. no.8 Glycomax Porsche-Doran (1:23.139/108.252mph)
      3. no.19 Playboy/Uniden Ford-Crawford (1:23.143/108.247mph)

    • TRG Porsche of Johnson and Nearn to Start 12th in GT in Mexico City:

      Steve Johnson behind the wheel of his number 66/TRG/Comfort Systems/Porsche 997 will start round two of the Grand American Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Reserve from the sixth row tomorrow.

    • Negri Tops Time Charts in Opening Day of Practice at Mexico City:

      Under nearly perfect weather conditions for the opening day of Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve practice in Mexico City, Brazil’s Oswaldo Negri Jr. posted the day’s quickest time in preparation for Saturday’s Mexico City 250 (SPEED, 8:00 p.m. ET).

    • Second Trip South of the Border for Grand-Am:

      When the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve made its inaugural trip to Mexico City for the season finale last November, the championship battle was all but decided. With the Daytona Prototypes and GT machines traveling back to Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez this weekend—March 4 at 4:15 p.m. ET, tape delayed on SPEED, 8:00 p.m. ET—for this season’s second race, the title chase couldn’t be more wide open.

  • February 2006, Volume 6, No. 2
    • February 2006
    • A Quick Refresher - Grand-Am:

      Need a quick introduction to the world of Grand-Am??? The basics are here including a quick description of the cars, the calender, the rules and the series history.

    • Bosch To Become Sole Supplier of ECUs for Rolex Series and Grand-Am Cup in 2007:

      The world’s leading manufacturer of automotive parts and electrical components and systems has formed an official partnership with the Grand American Road Racing Association, as officials from Bosch and Grand American announced today that Bosch will become the sole supplier of Engine Control Units (ECUs) for the Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and the Grand-Am Cup Series in 2007.

    • SunTrust Continues Improve Your Position Award:

      Officials from SunTrust Bank and the Grand American Road Racing Association today confirmed the renewal of the “SunTrust Improve Your Position Award” for the Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and announced the creation of the “SunTrust Challenge Award” for the Grand-Am Cup Series.

    • Ruhlman, Bingham ready to drive the #40 Derhaag Daytona Prototype at Mexico City:

      This weekend marks the return of the Grand American Daytona Prototype cars to Mexico City for the second race of the 2006 Rolex Cup season--the Mexico City 250 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez. And ready to follow up their finish at last month's Rolex 24 At Daytona is the #40 Preformed Line Products Daytona Prototype of Derhaag Motorsports. Saturday's 250-mile race will feature full season drivers Randy Ruhlman and Chris Bingham sharing the driving duties of the Buddy Fey-engineered Pontiac Riley.

    • 2006 Grand-Am Drivers Standings
    • Fernandez and Haberfeld Ready to Challenge in Mexico City:

      Lowe’s Fernandez Racing prepares for its second race on the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series tour this weekend at Mexico City’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld will pilot the No. 12 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley in Saturday’s 250-lap event on the challenging 2.786-mile, 17-turn road course. The team made its debut in the Rolex 24 At Daytona where it climbed as high as third place before overheating problems ended a promising run. Fernandez, competing in front of his hometown crowd, will perform double duty this weekend racing Saturday in the Rolex Series and Sunday in the No. 57 Lowe’s Chevrolet field by Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Busch Series.

    • Doran Racing Heads to Mexico:

      LEBANON, Ohio, Feb. 24 - After its strong seventh-place finish in the Rolex
      24 at Daytona, Fla Jan. 28-29, the Feeds the Need/Doran Racing team of Lebanon,
      Ohio is looking forward to visiting Mexico City, Mexico for the Rolex Series at the Autodramo Hermanos Rodriguez on Saturday afternoon, March 4.

    • Daytona 24 Makes History: First American Race to Offer On-track Video Podcast:

      Although the extremely successful 44th Rolex 24 At Daytona, Round 1 of the 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve, took the checkered flag more than two weeks ago, the twice-around-the-clock classic is still making noise in the motorsports world, as the video podcast of the event made it the first race in the United States to be available to fans worldwide using this cutting edge technology.

    • 2006 Grand-Am Standings - Grand Touring
    • Target Team Wins Prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona:

      In the team’s third season of Grand American competition, the Target Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates No. 02 Daytona Prototype entry took the checkered flag after 24 hours and 734 laps to claim the team’s first ever win at the prestigious 44th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona International Speedway.

      The line-up of Target IndyCar drivers Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon along with the team’s NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver Casey Mears overcame difficulties early in the race and again in the very early morning hours, but as of 6:29 am (lap 557) the No.02 Target Riley took the overall lead and never relinquished it.