AIM Autosport Grand Am Season Preview

Woodbridge, January 5, 2009: AIM Autosport is happy to announce their plans to compete in eleven of twelve events in the 2010 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16. The team will be on track with Mark Wilkins and Burt Frisselle at the wheel of the No. 61 Ford Riley starting with the Miami Grand Prix at Homestead in March.

Since the last race of 2009, AIM had two key points in the agenda to prepare for the coming season. First, rebuild Riley chassis 001 from the ground up to update components and reduce weight. Second, work diligently to secure funding for the 2010 season.

While the No. 61 Ford Riley is sleek, slim and ready to go, it was a bit more difficult to obtain funding for the entire season. Consequently, AIM has decided to forego the Rolex 24 at Daytona and ensure their presence through the rest of the races.

“We had to make some tough decisions”, commented team principal Ian Willis, “and in the end we felt it was important to ensure the team would compete in the maximum number of races given the funding in place. The Rolex 24, while the jewel of the series, carries a high cost for a single event. We are continuing to work on acquiring sponsors and there is interest as the economy is slowly recovering, but as all teams have experienced, it has been a difficult road.” Willis reiterated “We are assured though, to be there for the rest of the season.”

Meanwhile, Mark (Wilkins) and Burt (Frisselle) will be at The Rolex 24 at Daytona competing in the No. 60 Mike Shank Racing entry with John Pew and Oz Negri. Mike Shank offered seats to the AIM Autosport drivers when he heard they would be available. This will allow Mark and Burt to challenge the full season in the drivers’ championship.

“AIM Autosport and Shank Racing have a long history together”, noted Willis. “Ever since I worked with Shank Racing in Formula Atlantic nine years ago we have always enjoyed a great working relationship. We are happy to see Mark and Burt in a Ford powered car with a chance to win.”

In the meantime, AIM will continue to develop programs to support its current partners and work to create new alliances in time for the start of the regular season at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The Grand Prix of Miami takes place March 7th.