Michael Shank Racing will be looking to continue their good form at new circuits as the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series makes its debut at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).
Previous new additions to the Grand-Am series have shown Michael Shank are quick to adapt to their new surroundings, winning at Miller Motorsports Park in 2006 and New Jersey Motorsports Park in 2008.
“We’ve been flat-out after the 24, and we are really excited about Grand-Am going to Austin,” said team owner Mike Shank. “It [COTA] is a remarkable facility, and we know what kind of show that the Rolex Series puts on so hopefully we can win some new fans out there. For us, it’s a big weekend–not just making the transition from the 24 to a sprint weekend, but everyone in this group is happy to be back to two cars again. There is a lot of excitement about what we are capable of as a team, and I’m one of the most excited!”
The event at COTA marks the first time since 2010 that Michael Shank Racing will field a two-car squad for a full season, with Michael Shank Racing regulars John Pew and Ozz Negri piloting the #60 Ford-Riley, while Gustavo Yacaman and Antonio Pizzonia take the wheel of the #6.
Pizzonia will make his Grand-Am debut at the COTA event, but brings a vast amount of experience to the team, having raced in Formula 1, Champ Car and Brazilian Stock Cars. Yacaman, however, has two Rolex series starts under his belt, both for Michael Shank Racing at the past two Rolex 24 at Daytona events.
