Yates engines start 1-2-3 for Rolex 24

Roush Yates Engines is off to a solid start in their 2010 motorsports campaign by powering the top-three qualifying positions for this weekend’s Rolex 24-hour race at Daytona International Speedway.

Round 1 was held Thursday at the World Center of Speed. This kick-off is a good forefront of things to come for the legendary engine builder, who has a total of 46 entries in Daytona’s overall Speedweeks activities.

Claiming the pole in their Daytona Prototype No. 10 Ford Dallara was the Sun Trust Racing team of Max Angelelli, Pedro Lamy, Wayne Taylor and Ricky Taylor. The lap for the team was 1:40.686 min/127.293 mph to earn the top-starting honors.

Right behind them was the No. 69 Ford Riley team of Michael Shank Racing in their Daytona Prototype. Drivers Brian Frisselle, Ozz Negri, John Pew and Wilkins will pilot this Ford on Saturday and Sunday. The lap of 1:41.100 min/126.753 mph earned the outside pole.

Rounding out the Roush Yates Engine-built performance dominance, in third, was once again Michael Shank Racing. This Ford Riley will be driven by A.J. Allmendinger, Brian Frisselle, Mark Patterson and Michael Valiante. The lap of 1:41.110 min/126.753 mph earned them the honor.