AIM Autosport confident for Emco Gears Classic

Woodbridge, June 17, 2010: Following a fantastic charge that saw the Pacific Mobile/Biosign No. 61 Ford Riley Daytona Prototype take 4th place at Watkins Glen—missing third by under half a second—AIM Autosport is confident heading to the Emco Gears Classic Presented by Keybank at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. AIM hopes to see its drivers on the podium this weekend, building not only on the recent result but also on the team’s history of being fast at Mid-Ohio.

With the car back at AIM’s headquarters for ten days between races, the crew has had ample time for thorough inspections and preparation following the 6-hour race at Watkins Glen. The transport rig left for Lexington, Ohio, yesterday evening and the rest of the team is en route today.

The Pacific Mobile/Biosign car will first see the 2.258-mile-long track on Friday morning at 10:35am for a 90-minute practice session. Drivers Burt Frisselle and Mark Wilkins will hone their racing line around the 13-turn course and work with the crew to optimize the car. They will be back for a 30-minute practice session at 2:10pm before Burt takes qualifying duties in a 15-minute session at 5:00pm.

The team will begin Saturday with another 30-minute practice session at 8:40am and the Emco Gears Classic, a 2h 45m timed race, is scheduled to begin at 5:00pm.

AIM Autosport has enjoyed many successes at Mid-Ohio over the years, fielding primarily formula cars. In 2008, AIM’s Daytona Prototype scored what was at the time its best finish to date, qualifying 3rd and finishing 4th, halfway through its second season. Last year, the team was a little disappointed to finish 7th, but took solace from qualifying 3rd and leading 24 laps of the race.

“We always look forward to racing at Mid-Ohio because the track is very technical and challenges both the drivers and engineers,” said Ian Willis, team principal and Cheif Engineer of AIM’s Daytona Prototype program. “Mark has qualified well here in the past two years and this year he will drive the final stint so we look forward to a strong race. I have no doubt that Burt will deliver in qualifying as he did a great job at Watkins Glen.”

“I love Mid-Ohio. I’m really psyched,” enthused driver Burt Frisselle. “Last year we ran 1st or 2nd until we were caught out by a yellow, but this is our chance to run with the Ganassi car. I’m more confident here than at any other track.”

“We know we can race at the front this year and have to be perfect to find the top step of the podium.” said driver Mark Wilkins. “Mid Ohio has traditionally been a pretty strong track for us and I expect we will be right up front come race time on Saturday.”

The Emco Gears Classic is the 7th round of the 2010 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16. The Emco Gears Classic will begin at 5:00pm on Saturday, June 19. The race will be broadcast live on SPEED and MRN (Motor Racing Network) available via affiliates and the Sirius Satellite Network.