Wilson to return to Grand-Am
Justin first raced for the Ohio-based sports car team in 2006 when he and AJ Allmendinger, Ozz Negri and Mark Patterson combined for a runner-up result in the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona. He has since raced in six more GRAND-AM events for Mike Shank – highlighted by a breakthrough victory in the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona in 2012 and a podium finish in this year’s Rolex 24 event.
“To have this kind of talent available to race for the team is really incredible," said Shank. “I appreciate what Justin brings to this program and I am looking forward to the second half of the season for the No. 6 car. Gus (Yacaman) has continued to adapt to racing in GRAND-AM and we are excited to have him teaming with Justin. They both come from that open-wheel background so we hope this will be a very productive final four races."
Justin most recently ran the Sahlen’s 6 Hours of the Glen alongside Yacaman in the No. 6 DP last weekend as GRAND-AM staged Round 7 of the championship at Watkins Glen. The return to Rolex Series competition left the talented Briton looking for more when a late-race fuel gamble did not pay off for the team. The Dale Coyne Racing IndyCar Series pilot is hoping to be a part of a strong close to 2013 for Michael Shank Racing.
“It was great to team with Gus (Yacaman) at Watkins Glen and to get back into a Daytona Prototype," said Justin. “It has been a long time since I had the chance to race at Road America and Laguna Seca, so I’m really excited about those weekends. I’ve never been to Kansas or Lime Rock, so those will both be new challenges for me and Gus to take on. The Shank guys really do their homework, so hopefully we can be competitive right from the get-go every time out."
Notes:
*Justin has seven Rolex Series starts with Michael Shank Racing:
2006 – Rolex 24 At Daytona – 2nd
2007 – Miller Motorsports Park – 10th
2008 – Rolex 24 At Daytona – 6th
2011 – Rolex 24 At Daytona – 7th
2012 – Rolex 24 At Daytona – 1st
2013 – Rolex 24 At Daytona – 3rd
2013 – Watkins Glen International – 6th
*Justin also made one Rolex Series start for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2010 in which the team finished second.
2013 GRAND-AM Rolex Series Schedule:
August 10 – Road America – Justin Wilson, Gustavo Yacaman
August 17 – Kansas Speedway – Justin Wilson, Gustavo Yacaman
September 8 – Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca – Justin Wilson, Gustavo Yacaman
September 28 – Lime Rock Park – Justin Wilson, Gustavo Yacaman