No. 55 Level 5 Motorsports DP Team Seeks Redemption in Homestead

Posted At : March 4, 2010 5:41 PM | Posted By : Team PR
Related Categories: Daytona Prototype, News

   

HOMESTEAD, Fla. - When the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series came to Homestead-Miami Speedway last October, the Level 5 Daytona Prototype team and owner / driver Scott Tucker were on a roll. In an impressive showing, the team's BMW-powered Riley had not finished outside the top 10 in any previous event during the 2009 season.

The team entered two cars with strong driver rosters: Tucker and veteran Christophe Bouchut, in their familiar roles as the co-drivers of the No. 55 DP, were joined by IndyCar standout Ryan Hunter-Reay with the addition of the No. 95 to the stable.

After the team qualified fifth and 13th with the two entries, an impressive run saw both cars atop the leaderboard during the race with the team's first race win in sight. However, an ill-timed caution flag and a challenging call in the pits relegated the No. 55 to a sixth-place finish and an 11th-place finish for the No. 95.

"We were certainly pleased with that run," said Tucker of the season- ending performance at Homestead. "But the finish was not what that effort deserved. Running up top with both cars showed that we were the team to beat -- no doubt."

This weekend marks the return of the Rolex Series to South Florida and the Level 5 team is looking for redemption. Once again, the stellar line-up of Tucker, Bouchut and Hunter-Reay make the trip to Homestead- Miami while trying to continue a positive trend. The team is coming off yet another strong finish in the 2010 campaign's season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona, the series' most prestigious event. Again, the BMW Rileys performed exceptionally well. With Tucker doing double- duty - taking shifts in both cars - it was the No. 95 this time enjoying the podium ceremony and a third-place finish. The No. 55 finished a respectable ninth despite engine troubles late in the event.

"Obviously, we were thrilled to be on the podium at Daytona," said Tucker. "The team picked up where we left off last year and we're poised for more great things. But we're really feeling like we've got something to prove at Homestead. We focused right now on getting to the top of the podium and this weekend would be very fitting place to do that."

Last fall's Grand Prix of Miami marked the first time the line-up of Tucker, Bouchut and Hunter-Reay competed and it has proven to be a great combination as Tucker splits his time between the two entries - both of which are to be considered contenders any given weekend. Returning to the site of their first event as a two-car effort - and near victory - means great expectations for the team.

"Everyone is determined to see these cars run up front," said Team Manger David Stone. "We've got drivers who have proven they can put the car in a position to win and we've got to ensure they have the equipment to keep them there."

This weekend's Grand Prix of Miami will once again be a "Who's Who" of sports car racing with stars from all walks of racing competing on the 2.3-mile, 11-turn road course. The challenging circuit offers great racing and a true test of driving skill - a test that Tucker and the Level 5 Motorsports team have already proven they pass.

"We come to the track to win. Period," said Tucker. "That's what is on our mind from the minute we unload the cars until the checkered flag flies. We're proud of our great record of strong finishes. But the top of the podium is the goal."

The Grand Prix of Miami will be held Saturday, March 6, at Homestead- Miami Speedway. For more information and updates throughout the weekend, visit level5motorsports.com .