Rolex 24 At Daytona Team and Driver News
Rolex 24 At Daytona Team and Driver News January 11, 2002 Crazy Redhead Racing Teams Up with ZIP Racing for Rolex 24 ZIP Racing will join forces with Crazy Redhead Racing for the Rolex 24 At Daytona for a lineup that will pair some of the top-ranked Rolex Series GT drivers. The team will join ZIP driver/president Steve Ivankovich and Spencer Pumpelly with Crazy Redhead driver/owner Kim Hiskey and Randy Pobst. The union brings together two of the most successful teams in the Rolex Series, with a combined four GT wins between them. Pobst also brings his experience as a Porsche factory driver and 2001 GT class winner at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. The foursome will campaign the ZIP Racing banner during the Rolex 24 in the brand new #34 Porsche GT3 RS. "It was lots of fun competing against them last year, and both Spencer and I look forward to driving with such accomplished drivers," Ivankovich said. "With Kim and Randy on the team, we feel we have a real shot at winning the GT class." Team Seattle Saleen Changes Driver Lineup Team Seattle announced that it would adjust its driver lineup in the #53 Saleen S7R for the Rolex 24 At Daytona after a crash during last week's January Test Days cut testing short for the team. Veteran road racers Ross Bentley and Bruno Lambert have been added to the lineup, replacing Mike Solomon and Don Valencia, who were unable to get the time behind the wheel needed to prepare them for the Rolex 24 before the mishap during testing. "The Saleen is a world class race car and this is a world class racing event," said Team Seattle driver Don Kitch, whose multiple years of racing experience will keep him in the car for the race despite the lack testing. "Mike Solomon, Don Valencia and David Bingham have not been dealt a fair hand in their ability to practice and prepare for the race. While they are very qualified drivers, I applaud their decision to bring in two professionals such as Bruno and Ross." A replacement for David Bingham, who was behind the wheel during last week's incident, is expected in the coming days. Although Solomon, Valencia and Bingham have decided to relinquish their spots in the car, Team Seattle will still consider them part of the team and have their names painted on the side of the car along with the other drivers. Doran Lista Racing Officially Announces Rolex 24 Driver Lineup After posting the quickest time of the weekend at the Rolex 24 At Daytona January Test Days, Doran Lista Racing officially announced its driver lineup for the #27 Judd-powered Dallara for the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Mauro Baldi, Fredy Lienhard Sr., Max Papis and Didier Theys will pilot the Dallara during the twice-around-the-clock race. Baldi and Theys have both won the Rolex 24 in the past, while the top spot has been elusive to Papis over the years. However, the popular CART driver has second-, third- and fourth-place finishes to his credit in the 24-hour race. The 40th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona will kick off the 2002 Rolex Sports Car Series season, as well as SpeedWeeks at Daytona International Speedway. Tickets are currently on sale for the Rolex 24 At Daytona and may be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling the Speedway ticket office at 386-253-RACE. The Rolex 24 At Daytona will be broadcast live on Speedvision, with coverage beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2. More information on the Rolex Sports Car Series is available online at www.grand-am.com. -30- For more information: Grand American Public Relations Christie Hyde (386) 681-4182 email: CHyde@grand-am.com