John Pew and Ozz Negri will start their fifth year as co-drivers in the first season of the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.
The pairing have been confirmed for another season at Michael Shank Racing, the Ohio based team focussing their efforts on a single car in the Prototype class of the series after running two cars for the majority of the 2013 Rolex Series.
The pair will share a Ford EcoBoost powered Riley Daytona Prototype chassis in the premier class of the TUDOR Championship, which begins with the Rolex 24 at Daytona at the end of January.
Pew first raced for Michael Shank Racing in 2007, while Brazilian Negri has been with the team since 2003. Since they first teamed up in 2010 they have over 7,000 competitive laps as co-drivers as well as an enviable record of taking a podium place at least once in every season as well as a break through win in the 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona.
“I am so happy to be back and be looking at this season with 100% strength,” said Negri, who was injured whilst mountain biking in the build-up to the start of the 2013 season. “There is a lot of work to be done now with the new car and the new EcoBoost but this team is ready to do that. Having so many new elements is going to make this really an exciting year and to be taking it on with John as my partner, I’m thrilled.”
“It is really exciting to be involved with this new championship and I am very happy to be returning to race for Mike again,” said Pew. “The schedule for 2014 is just incredible, and I am really eager to get back to racing and to being a part of a very big season. This team is just like one big living organism and is incredibly focused on doing the work that it takes to be successful. Driving with Ozz is a pleasure, and he pushes me and everyone on the team to keep improving and that is incredibly motivating.”
