MSR back with Ford in 2012
2012 GRAND-AM season is the ninth consecutive Daytona Prototype campaign for the team, which has partnered with Ford in GRAND-AM competition since 2008.
The relationship got off to a fast start when Michael Shank Racing driver Ozz Negri scored the pole in the 2008 Rolex 24 At Daytona in its first event with Ford. Since then, the team has claimed two race victories (2008), three consecutive Pro-Am championships (Mark Patterson 2009, John Pew 2010 & 2011) and a fourth place result in last year’s Rolex 24 At Daytona with the No. 23 Daytona Prototype.
With the 2012 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series expected to once again feature a highly competitive landscape, having a well-established partner like Ford Racing is something that Michael Shank Racing is looking to take maximum advantage of.
“We have a lot of great things developing for 2012 and we are very happy to continue our relationship with Roush Yates and Ford Racing," said team owner Michael Shank. “Ford Racing has been a great partner, and there are some very talented people involved with this program. We get power and good fuel economy from our Ford engines, along with technical support to help us continue to raise our game and we are looking forward to continuing to do that together next year."
The Ford motors will again be supplied and prepared by Roush Yates engines and supported by John Maddox and his team from Roush Yates. Ford Racing has already clinched the NASCAR Nationwide Manufacturers Championship, and will look to add yet more titles in 2012.
“We are pleased to once again have Michael Shank Racing using Ford power in GRAND AM in 2012," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “ Mike Shank is a racer to the core, and his team does a great job, year in and year out. With the Rolex Sports Car Series opening the year with the 50th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona and then making a history-making visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 2012 should be a very exciting season. Hopefully they will take Ford to victory lane many times in 2012."
Michael Shank Racing will campaign a full season Daytona Prototype effort for 2012 which opens with the 50th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona January 26-29. The team will be announcing drivers and team partners ahead of the Roar Before the 24 Test Days at Daytona.