Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA

Daytona 24: AASCO Motorsports halfway notes

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., January 31, 2004 AASCO Motorsports Rolex 24 at Daytona Updates - mid-race report, 1:15 AM (EST). The first half of the 42nd running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona has been a remarkable display of desire and commitment by the AASCO ...

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., January 31, 2004
AASCO Motorsports Rolex 24 at Daytona Updates - mid-race report, 1:15 AM (EST).

The first half of the 42nd running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona has been a remarkable display of desire and commitment by the AASCO Motorsports' team members. That desire and commitment is starting to pay-off for the Anaheim, California-based race team as the race moves into its second half. Within the first two hours of the event, both the Nos. 16 & 17 spent time in the garage after each car was involved in separate on-track incidents. Craig Stanton, driving the No. 16 with David Murry and Tim Sugden, had just taken the SGS class lead when he was forced off track and sustained heavy damage to the rear of the car. It was repaired in an incredible 37 minutes from time of impact with the tires wall at the "Horseshoe" until David Murry pulled the car out of pit lane. The No. 17, of Gary Becker, Derek Clark, Pat Flanagan, Joe Kunz and Mark Webber, was more heavily damaged when Kunz was hit by another car at the "Kink". The passenger-side of the No. 17 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car required major suspension, body work and radiator repairs. The car returned to the track five hours and ten minutes after arriving at the team's garage. Each team showed true heart and a serious commitment towards finishing this Grand American Rolex Series' 24 hour event as well as accumulating points towards the SGS title chase.

The No. 16 currently runs eighth in class on the same lap as seventh and one lap behind sixth-place. Stanton, who is gaining laps on the SGS class leaders, has been lapping at times equal to those of the top-three contenders in the class. The No. 17, with Derek Clark behind the wheel, has been lapping quickly despite an intermittent vibration. That car has moved from last in the field, to 14th in class, up to 46th overall.

In the team's ongoing effort to support the Make-A-Wish FoundationR, AASCO Motorsports has already, through pledges valued at $115/ hour run by non-team members, earned enough to make a child's wish in the Daytona-area come true. The final tally will be determined at the conclusion of the event based on the final finishing positions of the Nos. 16 & 17.

Dennis Aase, team owner/manager: "This is when the fun really starts. We are just eating our way into the top ranks of the SGS class now. It may take us eight hours to get there but we are looking for a good finish with the No. 16."

For more on AASCO Motorsports and its 2004 Grand-Am Rolex Series effort please visit www.aascomotorsports.com.

-sm/dhc/tm-

Be part of Motorsport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Daytona 24 hour 12 standings
Next article Daytona 24: The Racer's Group halfway notes

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA