Daytona 24: Harold Primat preview

Primat targets first Daytona finish after signing for Samax Motorsport

Primat targets first Daytona finish after signing for Samax Motorsport

Geneva-based racing driver Harold Primat has been confirmed as part of Samax Motorsport's driving strength for this weekend's Rolex Daytona 24 Hours. The 32-year-old is targeting a first finish in his second visit to the famous event, with a team and driver package he believes has 'podium potential'.

Primat was among a number of drivers who spent three days testing the Florida-based team's Pontiac Riley at the beginning of this month and has secured his spot in their two-car line up. He will be joined by sportscar star Tomas Enge, Champ Car ace Ryan Dalziel, and Grand Am / Indycar regular Milka Duno at the wheel of the no.11 car.

Primat has contested the famous race once before, a mechanical failure robbing him of a finish in 2006 when racing with the Spirit of Daytona team, but with Samax's Rileys finishing second and sixth at last year's event, he is hopeful of better luck this time around.

"I had a few different options for Daytona, but Samax have such an impressive record here that the choice was easy," Primat said. "The team are very professional and easy to work with and have already taken podiums at Daytona in the past. Our driver line-up is strong and both Tomas and Ryan have lots of experience with the team which will help us in preparation for the race. The package has got podium potential.

"Daytona is a fantastic event. Anyone who has ambitions to race in the very best endurance races from across the world has to do Daytona. It is second only to the Le Mans 24 Hours in terms of prestige."

Team principal Peter Baron said: "We're thrilled to be working with Harold. I have watched his progression on the international sportscar racing scene with interest over the past few years and am delighted to welcome him to the team. There are a lot of big-name driver line ups at Daytona this year, but I believe our team is packed with talent and I fully expect us to be challenging for a podium come Sunday."

-credit: hp