TRG to field four Porsches at Daytona

TRG to Field Four Porsches at Daytona

Petaluma, California -- TRG will campaign two new Porsche 997s and two 996s in the upcoming Grand American Rolex Series Presented by Crown Royal Reserve 24 Hours at Daytona. Keeping in tradition the California based team has had a great deal of interest in its program based on their excellent track record in the series and particularly the 24 Hours.

"We have assembled a strong driver lineup in our Porsches for Daytona this year," said Kevin Buckler, team owner. "I really like our Porsche program this year. We have a nice mix of guys who have won the race, with also a few first-timers and those with a lot of experience in other series. Our Porsches have a legitimate chance at winning the GT class in three weeks, our first goal is to get all four cars across the finish line after 24 hours. This will be our 11th Rolex 24 and last year we finished all four of GT cars in the top 10. A bunch of these guys are close friends and I am glad to have them on board to share this incredible experience. TRG has made a big commitment to the race and with all the stresses associated with this event, I am looking forward to racing with these guys."

#66 TRG Porsche 997
Steve Johnson
Robert Nearn
Cyrille Sauvage
Stephane Ortelli

The number 66 lineup features a strong driver lineup that is sure to be a threat for class honors come the morning of January 29th. Steve Johnson and Robert Nearn will run the complete Grand Am schedule in 2006; leaning on the experience they gathered running select events in '05. The duo have added sporstscar star Stephane Ortelli and open-wheel/Porsche Cup driver Cyrille Sauvage to their car for the 24. Ortelli brings a wealth of experience including 24 hour race wins at Le Mans and three Spa 24 wins. Sauvage is a front runner in the Porsche Cup series and sports a substantial open-wheel background.

"The 66 car is carrying our lead number by tradition", said Kevin Buckler. "This has to be one of the strongest lineups in the field. My friend Steve Johnson and I talked about what it would take to win this event and we agreed to get it done. Steve drove really well last year and is very fast at Daytona-add in three more pros like Robert, Stephane and Cyrille and this is one strong program. As a little added insurance we assigned the 66 number to this car. That number has done pretty well here so I hope to continue the tradition. Everyone is very excited."

#67 Porsche 997
Marc Bullock
Bohdan Kroczek
Bill Keith
Pat Flanagan
Dave Master -- posthumously

Marc Bullock returns to TRG after making two starts in '05 at Barber Motorsport Park and Watkins Glen. Bohdan Kroczek had one start last year at Mont Tremblant finishing in the top 12. Pat Flanagan brings both GT and Daytona Prototype experience to the team with seven starts last year and a best finish of fourth at California Speedway. Bill Keith brings a strong mix of sprint and endurance racing experience in SCCA, IMSA and HSR. Dave Master, long time TRG driver, was slated to run the 24 Hour again this year. Dave died suddenly on December 12th of a heart attack. The team will pay tribute to Dave by having him be the fifth driver of the #67 all month.

#68 Porsche 996
Jim Pace
Jim Lowe
Revere Greist

Jim Pace will quarterback the number 68 entry. Jim is a former winner of the Daytona 24 Hours overall in 1996. Jim Lowe will be making his first Grand Am start and has gained his racing experience in several Skip Barber Racing Series events. Revere Greist is the 2004 Skip Barber Midwest series champion. The 68 entry carries sponsors Bernie Robbins Fine Jewelry, Neuromonitoring Technologies, Inc, Surgical Reimbursement Specialists, Barry Feldscher and Associates - Healthcare Managers and Consultants, Century 21 O'Donnell, Kelly's All Pro Landscaping and Healthcare Technology Systems, Inc.

#69 Porsche 996
Josh Vargo
Jake Vargo
Mark Herrington
Brady Refenning

Josh Vargo is a veteran endurance racer, making his ninth Daytona 24 hour start. Brother Jake also has many miles at Daytona, in addition to his historic and Porsche racing endeavors. Mark Herrington is a self proclaimed gentleman driver with experience in the Panoz racing series as well as three years of HSR experience. Brady Refenning is an accomplished endurance and historic racer with wins at the 24 Hours of Moroso; he will be looking to improve on his best Daytona finish of sixth.

The TRG Porsche Brigade will take to the track for the 24 Hour at Daytona test days, January 5th thru 7th.

-trg-