No. 55 Daytona Prototype participates in Roar before the Rolex 24 January Test Days
Overland Park, Kan. (January 3, 2009) - Nearly 50 teams lined the frontstretch this weekend at Daytona International Speedway, in which some of the most talented drivers in motorsports arrived ready for the first test of the new year.
Known as the "Roar before the Rolex 24," drivers from the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 were ready to make their mark in the three-day testing session, held January 3-5.
With a new season in front of them, drivers Scott Tucker, Christophe Bouchut and Ed Zabinski of Supercar Life Racing, were ready to get behind the wheel of a newly-debuted No. 55 Supercar Life Motorsports BMW Riley Daytona Prototype.
The car drove well in Saturday morning's test session as Tucker took his seat behind the wheel. Driving amongst the rest of the DP class, Tucker's lap times only quickened in pace as practice continued. Several cautions were thrown out during practice, but the No. 55 only drove with more determination, resulting in a best lap time of 1:45.191, 3 seconds behind team leader, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates.
Over the course of the afternoon, Bouchut took the car to a fast lap time of 1:44.926, while moving swiftly through the field. Switching gears, Tucker stepped in next driving the quickest in the No. 55 Supercar Life BMW Riley Daytona Prototype to a time of 1:44.780, completing the first day of testing.
"This weekend we were focused in preparing the No. 55 for the 24 Hours of Daytona race," said Tucker. "Overall, the car stayed consistent and with some minor adjustments, we'll be ready."
As the primary sponsor of the car, Supercar Life CEO, Brian Weaver looks to see results this season in a spectacular fashion. "We've already seen what this car is capable of doing. To ensure a successful season, we've matched this car with quality performance parts, sponsors and a line-up of skilled drivers, all with an array of championship credentials."
Specializing in the design and construction of Daytona Prototype chassis, Riley Technologies, LLC stands proud as another Daytona Prototype car takes the field in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. "We are the leading constructor of DP chassis, our chassis have become dominant in terms of the number of cars on the track and more importantly, results," stated CEO of Riley Technologies, Bill Riley. "Our chassis have won the last four 24 Hours of Daytona races, all with different engines. Our product is a sure fit for those that want to win."
Having already won the 1995 Rolex 24, Bouchut knows what it takes to win. "The DP car has taken very well to the Daytona track. I believe this car has a promising future ahead in the Daytona Prototype class. We're all very excited to learn more about this car, it's going to be an exciting season for the team in 2009. We're ready to go racing now."
Providing the new engine for the No. 55 Supercar Life Motorsports BMW Riley Daytona Prototype, Founder and CEO of Dinan Cars, Steve Dinan, is enthusiastic about the series new addition. "It's a perfect fit," said Dinan. "From a manufacturer's standpoint, we have been able to provide performance parts for various teams in the Grand-Am Rolex Series. And having a new Daytona Prototype out on the track already beating track records, this engine in this car has proven to be a perfect match."
Last October the team participated in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Cask No. 16 October Test Days. After only 24 laps, Bouchut had bested the top pole time from the 2008 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona with an unofficial circuit record of 1:39.9.
"As a sponsor of the No. 55, we like what we see," said President and General Manager of eCommLink, Ennio Ponzetto. "This car has the potential to rise above the field this season in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, and we plan to be there to see it."
And now, with a triple champion, a historic Ferrari T1 National Championship and a Ferrari Challenge Series leader all on board, this No. 55 Supercar Life BMW Riley Daytona Prototype proves that it will be one to watch in 2009.
Concluding Saturday's test session, will be a night practice running through 8 p.m. where Bouchut will once again take the No. 55 Supercar Life Motorsports BMW Riley Daytona Prototype back on track. Sunday's schedule runs from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m., with Monday's activities running from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Nearly 50 entries have been received for the test, which will feature 19 Daytona Prototypes and 29 GT entries.
About Supercar Life: The only event of its kind that allows you to drive a collection of the world's most elite supercars, on a private racetrack, at the speeds they were designed for, Supercar Life gives motorsports enthusiasts the opportunity to spend an entire day behind the wheel of a Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo, Aston Martin DB9, Mercedes CLK63 AMG Black Series and a Porsche Turbo 997. For additional information, please visit www.supercarlife.com.
About eCommLink: eCommLink's enterprise payment processing platform is the foundation for the future of stored value and debit solutions. eCommLink offers the stored value industry's only multiple account payment platform with an ACH engine, money transfer, and bill payment capability. The platform enables issuers, institutions, and employers to offer unique applications for stored value, debit, and credit, all on one card. For additional information, please visit www.ecommlink.com.
About the Grand-Am Rolex Series: The Grand American Road Racing Association was established in 1999 to return stability to major league sports car road racing in North America. As the organization begins its ninth season of competition in 2008, Grand-Am is universally regarded as one of the world's most competitive road racing organizations. For additional information, visit www.grand-am.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Callie Spear | 913.894.6923, ext. 658
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