AIM Autosport Set for Grand Prix of Miami

Homestead, March 3, 2011: AIM Autosport’s Daytona Prototype team arrived at Homestead-Miami Speedway today to compete in this weekend’s Grand Prix of Miami. Invigorated with a renewed sense of optimism following a productive off-season and the addition of Dinan-tuned BMW engines, AIM wants to begin its 2011 campaign with a podium finish in Saturday’s race.

En route to Florida, the team stopped at Roebling Road Raceway near Savannah, Georgia, to shake down the AIM Autosport BMW-Riley #61. Having missed the off-season test sessions and being unable to participate in the season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona, the test was the first time AIM had run its Daytona Prototype since the end of last season.

The test went well and allowed the team debug the car in preparation for its season-opening race. Most importantly the motor and transmission performed flawlessly, a point of pride for the crew who had worked long hours to install the new engine and get the car ready to race.

“The deal came together late and the guys only had two weeks to fit the engine,” said AIM Autosport principal, Ian Willis. “It turned out being more work than anticipated, but we’re fortunate to have a very talented crew and they were able to do an excellent job.”

Drivers Mark Wilkins and Burt Frisselle are back and very excited for the 2011 campaign.

"It’s great to be back behind the wheel of the AIM Autosport BMW-Riley #61,” Mark said. “The team has worked exceptionally hard to prep the car and fit the new Dinan-tuned motor. We have some learning to do on the new Continental tires, but we feel we will get up to speed come Friday morning."

“AIM has kept pretty much the same group through the years, so it’s like coming home,” said Burt. “When you know everybody and have good relationships and communication, it gives you a lot of confidence. If we can come out of Homestead with a top five, that would be a great.”

The Grand Prix of Miami is the second round of the 2011 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16. AIM’s retro-look car will first hit the track on Friday with opening practice at 10:10am. Qualifying takes place from 3:45–4:00pm and the 2h-45m race is scheduled to begin at noon on Saturday. The race will be broadcast live on SPEED and MRN.