VisitFlorida.com Racing had a strong showing at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 last weekend. Audi Sport DTM factory driver, Mike Rockenfeller, will again be joining SDR Motorsports for three rounds of the 2015 Tequila Patrón North American Endurance Cup, including the upcoming Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. He also competed in these same three events for SDR during 2014, which includes the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Petit Le Mans. He will be behind the wheel alongisde the full-season driving duo of Richard Westbrook and Michael Valiante in the #90 Corvette Daytona Prototype.
More can be read in the SDR Motorsports press release below:
Daytona Beach, FL January 11, 2015 – Dubbed the “World Center of Racing” by legendary motorsports Roar Before the 24 - 2015broadcaster Ken Squier, Daytona International Speedway is a special place for all who take to the high banked two and a half mile tri-oval. For VisitFlorida.com Racing, the venue has an even greater meaning.
The team formerly known as Spirit of Daytona Racing is based four miles east of the historic race track, nestled squarely in the birth place of speed where pioneers of racing used to test man and machine on the compacted sand of Daytona Beach.
“With VisitFlorida.com as our partner, Daytona is special to our team for so many reasons,” said Troy Flis, team owner. “Because we are VisitFlorida.com Racing we wanted to have a strong showing to set the tone for a successful race in the Rolex 24.”
The team was consistently among the leaders in lap times throughout the test, Flis is optimistic in what the team has for the Rolex 24.
“We felt like we made steady improvements throughout the test,” said Flis. “There were things that we wanted to experiment with and we feel like that was a success, it certainly helps having all three drivers back for 2015 and we are very excited about the Rolex 24 January 24-25.”
“It was great to have our car out there with all the Boy Scout groups and other young kids at the speedway for the weekend,” said Flis. “Having an actual Chevrolet Corvette Daytona Prototype on display for the fans to take pictures with is a great thing we are able to do with our partners at VisitFlorida.com and we look forward to having it on display throughout the 2015 Tudor United SportsCar Championship.”
The 2015 IMSA Tudor United SportsCar Championship kicks off January 24th with the 53rd annual Rolex 24 at Daytona. The Rolex 24 is also the first of four events in the Tequila Patrón North American Endurance Cup that VisitFlorida.com Racing finished third in last season.
“It’s been a challenging test because of all the new systems and software on the car. Our whole test session has been finding the optimum settings and getting everything perfect electronically. We’ve made really good progress over the three days. Balance wise the car is good, it’s quick and we’re looking forward to a good race.
“We’ve got a lot of confidence in having the same drivers back for this season. It’s something I haven’t had in the three years that I’ve been at VisitFlorida.com Racing. We all know what we like in a car, and we can compromise effectively and then take the car in the direction it should go together and that should be beneficial for 2015.”
Michael Valiante, No. 90 VisitFlorida.com Corvette DP
“The test wasn’t too bad. We are primarily going through diagnostic work with the electronics but we are learning a lot. We should be in a good position to start the Rolex 24.
“Its great to have Richard and Rocky back. We all get along well and like to drive the same type of race car. You know that each driver is solid and that they are going to take care of the car so it’s a big confidence boost heading into the season.”
VisitFlorida.com Racing
2014 Winners of the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen
2014 Third Place Finishers in the Tudor United SportsCar Championship
Four Daytona Prototype Class wins from 2012-2014
Sixteen total team wins including a class victory in the 2002 Rolex 24
Two team championships in 2000 and 2001
One driver championships 2001
Photo credit: SDR Motorsports, LLC (BCPix.com - Photo by Brian Cleary)
