Photo by: Eric Gilbert
Marsal Doing the Double at Daytona
Continental Tire Challenge Opener with Said before Sophomore Rolex 24 GT Class Outing
Daytona Beach, FL (24 January 2012) - Just like an ambitious student doubling up on classes, young BMW driver Michael Marsal is doubling up on his race roster this weekend as the Turner Motorsport pilot is set for a big start to the 2012 racing season.
The young Turner Motorsport pilot will not only look to get a strong start to his 2012 season in his Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge championship campaign, but he will also be part of the huge 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona event as part of an all-star roster of drivers.
Marsal, who is set to run a full-season Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge effort in the No. 97 Turner Motorsport BMW GS with co-driver Boris Said, was once again tabbed by Turner to run the No. 93 BMW GT machine in the 24-hour endurance classic as part of a two-car GT Class assault by Turner.
The Rolex 24 marks Marsal’s second start in the prestigious race, having made his debut in the race last year driving the No. 30 Racers Edge Motorsports Mazda RX-8.
The race was a long learning lesson for Marsal, who adjusted quickly to his first exposure to the top Rolex Series competition, racing alongside prototypes and becoming accustomed to the strains that such a long race puts on the mind, body and race car. Banking a 20th place finish in the race, Marsal grew that experience base later in the season when Turner asked him to drive the No. 93 Rolex Series GT class entry in three events, netting a season-best 10th in brutal conditions at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
Marsal and Said will look for a solid showing in the 2.5-hour BMW Performance 200 event which kicks off the weekend’s race action on Friday. With BMW sponsoring the opening round of the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, the duo will have even more ambition to bring their No. 97 BMW to the front.
Turner Motorsport completed a successful test at the traditional ‘Roar Before The 24’ earlier this month with Marsal laying down some quick laps in the GS car as well as gaining valuable seat time in the GT machine.
“I’m very excited to be back at Daytona for the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24,” said Marsal. “It’s just going to be huge. I felt really comfortable with the GS (CT Challenge) M3 and I hope we can open the year with a strong finish for Boris and I. The Turner Motorsport guys have been working non-stop since the test, and I’ve been in the gym every day, just doing everything possible to be ready. The Rolex race will be busy for sure with all the traffic, but if we just stay clean and run quick, consistent lap times I think that is the main target-hit our marks and stay out of trouble and hope to be there in the morning to go racing.”
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