Brumos Racing will face the 2013 Rolex 24 at Daytona without Hurley Haywood – the most successful man in the Daytona 24 Hours – driving as part of the team.
Haywood – a five time winner of the endurance race at the famous Speedway – has green flag waving duties as the race’s Grand Marshal keeping him from the cockpit of the squad’s white, red and blue Porsche GT3. His absence leaves space for Bryan Sellers to make his Brumos Racing debut alongside full season driver Leh Keen and Andrew Davis and Porsche works driver Marc Lieb.
“People tell me I am stepping in to fill the void that Hurley is leaving, but nobody in motorsports can replace Hurley,” said Sellers. “I just happen to be the newest pair of shoes sitting in the car. I’m honoured to be able to step in, but it’s not a replacement role, because no one has ever been able to do what Hurley has done. I feel we are in a really good spot to be able to race for the win this year.”
In 2012 the Brumos team – Keen, Davis, Lieb and Haywood – finished third in the GT class and though this year’s team found strong pace from the #59 at the Roar Before the 24 test three weeks ago their running at Daytona ended prematurely with a blown engine.
“We are so prepared that even when we get something like a motor failure thrown at us, we can overcome it,” said Keen. “This will be a really exciting race – Hurley is going to be up there waving us on and there will be a lot of Brumos Booster Brigade spirit in the infield and stands. A Rolex 24 victory is one major career goal that has been elusive. Last year we ran a strong race and finished on the podium, so I know it is obtainable. I would love to win the Rolex 24 more than anything.”
The 2013 Rolex 24 at Daytona begins at 3:30pm local time (8:30pm UK) on Saturday January 26. www.theCheckeredFlag.co.uk will be covering the race with full hour-by-bour updates throughout the full race.
