Key Rolex Series Team Drops Lexus Power For Ford in 2008

Michael Shank Racing team owner Mike Shank announced today that his two-car Daytona Prototype team will utilize Ford power for the 2008 Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve season. The motors will be supplied and prepared by famed Ford supplier Roush Yates Engines.

Both Michael Shank Racing team entries finished the 2007 Rolex season in the top 10 championship standings with a remarkable 21 top-10 finishes.

The Columbus, Ohio-based team was a successful campaigner in the Toyota Atlantic Championship before moving to the Rolex Series in 2004 and continuing the TRD relationship by signing on with Lexus. Oswaldo Negri and Mark Patterson took a maiden team victory in the season-ending 2006 event at Miller Motorsports Park and in doing so sealed the manufacturers crown for Lexus.

"We enjoyed our long association with TRD but we are excited about the possibilities moving forward with Ford Racing," said Shank. "This is an extremely competitive series and you have to look at every aspect of your program to be successful. We are excited about the potential of this package moving forward and can't wait to go testing at Daytona next week."

"Ford Racing is excited about the addition of Michael Shank Racing to our Daytona Prototype program and our racing family," said Dan Davis, director, Ford Racing Technology. "Michael Shank Racing will be one of three teams powered by a new Roush-Yates engine package next season, and we are proud they have joined us in growing our DP program. Michael Shank Racing is a championship-caliber racing program and we look forward to sharing a lot of success with them in the future."

Michael Shank Racing will campaign a full season two-car Daytona Prototype effort in 2008 and is currently finalizing plans regarding driver line-ups.

EL34 - 12/11/2007 12:17:00 PM

-2 Boost

That's because Ford is superior to Lexus ;)

Monk - 12/11/2007 12:26:52 PM

-2 Boost

ouch....

ICON - 12/11/2007 12:32:27 PM

+2 Boost

Lexus-Racing, perfect definition of an oxymoron

carguy68 - 12/11/2007 12:41:09 PM

-1 Boost

real racing engines!

vman1013 - 12/11/2007 1:28:31 PM

+1 Boost

Cleary you jest!

Need4Speed - 12/11/2007 5:10:03 PM

+1 Boost

Any evidence to support that claim? I'm willing to believe you but I need more proof other than hearsay!

bigTYME - 12/11/2007 6:00:42 PM

0 Boost

Stick to Seikos. THEY'RE MUCH MORE RELIABLE.

Kinger - 12/12/2007 8:56:47 AM

+1 Boost

Rolex are swiss made and renowned for their dependability and prestige. If you're looking for crap quality buy a Cartier.

pushrod27 - 12/12/2007 7:49:05 PM

+1 Boost

I won't pretend to know everything about watches, but the perpetual motion of a Rolex watch second hand is the result of some real precision behind the face.

bigTYME - 12/12/2007 11:19:57 PM

+1 Boost

Just to make it clear I was being sarcastic.

enthusiastx11 - 12/11/2007 9:06:39 PM

+2 Boost

lexus pays THEM genius. it's marketing. so who can't afford it?

c36amg - 12/11/2007 3:55:16 PM

+1 Boost

whats the point??

M35MT - 12/11/2007 4:42:43 PM

+2 Boost

I guessed right again!

Agent009 posted a Toyota/Lexus article!!