Daytona Test: Ten Motorsports preview

Ten Motorsports Banks on Creating a Buzz at Daytona Test

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., January 6, 2004 -- What will be a welcome reminder to Memo Gidley, will serve as a welcome introduction to the hallowed grounds of Daytona International Speedway for Ten Motorsports drivers Michael McDowell, Michael Valiante and Jonathan Bomarito, as the team prepares for the test at Daytona this weekend.

Despite having not driven the mythical 31-degree banks at Daytona, McDowell views the opportunity as another stepping stone in his young but successful career. Having dominated an outstanding field for two consecutive years in the Star Mazda Series, McDowell has had the opportunity to race on different style tracks that blend traditional oval tracks and road courses against hefty competition.

"I'm certain that the three of us will never forget our first experience climbing the banks at Daytona, but I know that in four short weeks we'll be back here again for a bigger task," said McDowell. "We've got to prepare for the [Rolex] 24 -- that's what we're here for."

To date the team has been very satisfied with the performance of the BMW-Riley and looks forward to gauging their team against the competition this weekend.

"We were able to post some solid times at Homestead despite having received the car just days before the test." said Gidley "Now that the Cameron's have had some time to work their magic at Infineon, we're likely to remain competitive throughout the test, and we can get an accurate depiction of where we stand against the field."

The test at Daytona also marks an exciting landmark as it will be the first true opportunity to see the Ten Motorsports team in action as Michael Valiante and Jonathan Bomarito were announced as the third and fourth drivers for the upcoming Rolex 24, following impressive testing at Homestead.

Steve Cameron, Ten Motorsports crew chief, noted: "All of the drivers we tested at Homestead were fast and safe, which made it difficult to make the final decision, but we're extremely pleased with where the team is and we look forward to making optimal performances at the 24."

Rob Finlay, owner of Finlay Motorsports that owns and operates Ten Motorsports, knows that he's fortunate to have secured such an incredible collection of talent to race in the team's debut competition.

"Our goal was to assemble a team that gives us the best chance at standing on the podium at the end of the day and the end of the season," said Finlay. "With Steve and Rick's [Cameron] expertise, we're poised to make some noise going into the test."

Look for the number 19 Ten Motorsports Daytona Prototype to post competitive lap times this weekend at the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Test Days at Daytona International Speedway.

-www.tenmotorsports.com