Dan Miller runs for 'Rookie of the Year'

Rosamond, Calif. -- Trans-Am newcomer, Dan Miller, will run for the "Rookie of the Year" title in the Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich Tires Cup. Miller will contest the season in a Jaguar XKR prepared and campaigned by TDM Motorsports, formerly Drissi Motorsports. Miller, who has participated in several pre-season test sessions, may be considered a rookie in Trans-Am competition but is a seasoned veteran of short track oval racing in the Pacific Northwest for more than 20 years. His previous accomplishments include more than 50 wins in various feature races. Most recently during the 2000 season, he competed in the Pro Spec Racer Series scoring two victories in six starts. "I needed a new challenge and wanted an association with a good, upcoming team that brings a lot to the table," explained Miller, who lives in Vancouver, Washington. "TDM Motorsports and the Trans-Am Series met that criteria. "Shifting has been a new experience for me," chuckled Miller, who'll drive Paul Gentilozzi's back up Jaguar from the 2000 season. "You have to work a lot harder to drive a Trans-Am car and it requires a good deal of skill and focus to drive it competitively."

Among those in the rookie title hunt are ALMS road racing veteran Jim Matthews, John Baucom, and Paul Fix. "I've set some ambitious goals for this season," said Miller. "I expect to be a consistent top-ten contender as well as a strong candidate for the 'Rookie of the Year' title. "It's great to have Rocketsports behind us," Miller continued. "I've got a big learning curve and good, proven equipment and their engineering support will be a big help." Miller's teammate, TDM Motorsports team co-owner Tomy Drissi, won the "Rookie of the Year" title in 1999. "I've been quite impressed with how quickly Miller's adapted to the Trans-Am car," revealed Drissi, who was also voted "Most Improved Driver" last season. "He'll be a strong addition to the Trans-Am field." The Trans-Am season begins March 16th at Sebring International Raceway as part of the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring weekend.

-SCCA/SCCA ProRacing-