Valiante and SunTrust/Wayne Taylor Racing Split

Michael Valiante

In light of this constantly evolving world of motorsports, I regret to inform you that I will not be returning to the SunTrust Racing team of Wayne Taylor Racing in 2009.

I thoroughly enjoyed driving for and representing SunTrust and Wayne Taylor Racing. We overcame incredible challenges this past season, not the least of which was the introduction of a brand new Dallara race car, several significant and damaging incidents on the track that were not because of any fault of our own, and, of course, the fire that burned the team’s transporter to the ground. One of my proudest and most thankful moments in all my career was to see the entire Grand-Am community rally to help the team after the fire.

Despite it all, we finished on a high note with a win and two seconds in the last three races. For that, I feel very proud, as well.

Unfortunately, things did not work out with the SunTrust team and Wayne Taylor Racing for the coming season, but I wish all the best for the team and the crew and the great sponsors of that program.

I continue to look forward with great anticipation to 2009, whatever the future holds. Michael Valiante