Grand-Am sets 2013 preseason testing schedule

Less than one month after the end of its racing season, GRAND-AM Road Racing is beginning preparation for 2013 competition. The sanctioning body today announced three open tests, including the annual Roar Before the Rolex 24 on Jan. 4-6 at Daytona International Speedway.

Both the Rolex Sports Car Series and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge will be in action this weekend in a two-day test at Kansas Speedway on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 27-28. The Rolex Series will also test at Daytona International Speedway on Nov. 13-14.

The Roar Before the Rolex 24 is the critical three-day final official test for both the Rolex Series and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge before the season-opening 51st Rolex 24 At Daytona and GRAND-AM 200 during the Jan. 24-27 weekend.

The first open test at Kansas Speedway features two full days of activities. Both Saturday and Sunday schedules feature alternating sessions from 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m. GRAND-AM will compete for the first time at the Kansas City, Kan., venue on August 17. Admission to the facility for the test is free, although Kansas Speedway is requesting a donation to the March of Dimes.

Fans will have access to the Kansas Speedway infield for both days of the test, and should enter the speedway at Phoenix Drive off of State Ave. Parking will be available in the Blue and White paved lots that are normally used for RV parking on race weekends. Fans will board a tram from those lots for access into the infield.

For grandstand access, fans are asked to enter at Michigan Drive off of Speedway Blvd. and to park in Lot 6. Gate D (near Turn 1) will be the only Gate open. Fans will have access from Turn 1 through Hospitality Village to watch testing. Parking lots and gates will open at 8 a.m. each day. Concessions will be available in the infield.