GRAND-AM: Ambrose test with MSR at Daytona

Michael Shank Racing has always attracted some of the biggest names in the sport, and the first event of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series 2013 season will continue this tradition as NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose will join the Rolex replica 24 Daytona by the roar of Champions before January 24 4-6.

Ambrose assist the team in place of the pole winner 2008 Rolex 24 and frequent triathlete Oswaldo Negri, who suffered a leg injury in the off-season training. Ambrose test functions share the No. 60 Ford Riley Daytona Prototype with John Pew, who was confirmed as co Negri full season.

The Richard Petty Motorsports driver has two wins in the NASCAR Sprint Cup under his belt, winning races at Watkins Glen in 2011 and 2012. The first V8 Supercars superstar raced at Daytona International Speedway with a start in the Rolex 24 GT class in 2005, and has tested a Daytona Prototype at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.

Negri has suffered a leg injury during training in mountain biking, and is already working on his rehabilitation program, but will not be fully healed in time for the season opener in Daytona.

"I just want to say a big thanks to Mark for jumping and offering to help," said team owner Mike Shank. "We hope the back of Ozz and ready to go as soon as possible and we will continue developing our healing process as it moves forward. Meanwhile, we have much work to do to get ready as can be for 24 years, and we have lucky to have someone like Mark step and help us. "

The team will announce its driver lineup for its 10th replica Rolex 24 At Daytona during the event Roar Before the 24-day trial.

Team Sahlen ready for Daytona Rolex 24

Team Sahlen Racing made ​​their way from the lowest levels of sports car racing in the Grand-Am Rolex Series class marquee.

The competition team is testing two BMW Riley Daytona Prototype at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the start of the DP in 26-27 Rolex 24 At Daytona. The test ends Wednesday.

The team began in the area now known as the Grand-Am Continental Class Challenge Touring Street in 2001. Twelve years later, they are preparing for a big show at Daytona Rolex Watches and all season DP Series championship run.

"We went through the whole ladder system in Grand-Am since 2001," The main driver will try Nonnamaker said Tuesday during a break. "We have taken the step.

"We won the championship ST, so moved to the next class, and then the next class. We are the first team has changed through the ranks."

Sahlen is short Sahlen Packing Company, headquartered in Buffalo, New York hotdogs producer since 1869. Sahlen and Nonnamaker racing family since 2006.

"There are partnerships in racing to stay together so long," said Nonnamaker. "Not just a name on a race car. We're very close."

After production-based racing cars Mazda RX-8 GT last season, the team is doing the movement of prototypes. He bought two chassis Action Express Racing Riley, Daytona Beach business owned by Bob Johnson.