Essex tests new Ford Multimatic Daytona Prototype

ALTON, Va. (October 22, 2003) -- Essex Racing hit the track for the first time with its new Ford Multimatic Daytona Prototype this week. The team held a two-day test session at Virginia International Raceway in preparation for the car's race debut at next weekend's Grand American Champions Weekend presented by Brumos Porsche at Daytona International Speedway, October 31 - November 2.

Driver Joe Pruskowski was joined by Speed Secret's driving coach Ross Bentley during the test session. Pruskowski, along with his son Justin, will serve as the primary drivers of the No. 5 Ford during the 2004 season, with Ross Bentley lending a hand at the wheel in the longer events.

Pruskowski was very impressed with his first laps in the new car. "I found the transition from the Fran-Am to be not as difficult as I had anticipated. It is a lot of fun to drive, and I am eagerly looking forward to Daytona next week," he commented.

"I have shaken down a lot of new cars in my career, and the Multimatic Daytona Prototype has been one of the best. The car ran faultlessly and was very responsive," added Bentley. "The Essex Team has obviously done a great job with the test plan and the initial preparation."

"The initial shakedown test was extremely productive. We covered a lot of miles and the car ran faultlessly, which gives us a lot of confidence going to Daytona next," remarked Essex team principle Michael Gue.

Team engineer Tony Dowe was also very pleased with the two-day test. "We covered a lot of ground, and I feel we have established a good baseline for the future development of the car," he said.

"This was the first test of a customer's Multimatic Daytona Prototype, so for us, it was a significant milestone in our program," noted Multimatic's Barry McSherry. "Joe did a great job. His feedback was very constructive. I was also impressed with Tony Dowe and the Essex Racing Team. They have learned a lot about the car over the last two days."

Joe and Justin Pruskowski are currently entered to race the Essex Racing No. 5 Quantum Motorsports/Speed Secrets Ford Multimatic Daytona Prototype in the Grand American Champions Weekend presented by Brumos Porsche. Tickets are currently on sale for the event and can be purchased online at www.daytonaintenrationalspeedway.com or by calling 386-253-RACE.

For additional information about the Grand American Road Racing Association, visit www.grandamerican.com.