TULLY’S COFFEE AND PAPA JOHN’S TO FEATURE NEW BRANDED LOCATIONS AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

Motorsports Stadium Will Now Provide Dedicated Spaces For Casual Dining, Quick-Service Restaurant Brands

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. December 02, 2015 – Daytona International Speedway (DIS) announced today that Tully’s Coffee and Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) will establish new branded locations at the Speedway as part of the amenities associated with the $400 million DAYTONA Rising redevelopment project. The new locations, each measuring 650 square feet, will be featured on the concourse levels and include customized branding and activation for each company.

“For the first time ever, we’re thrilled to offer dedicated locations for our restaurant partners,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “These leading brands will provide elevated dining options for fans at our new motorsports stadium.”

Papa John’s, the world’s third-largest pizza delivery company, will feature four locations within the stadium. The branded locations will be operated by the local Papa John’s franchisee group, QS America, LLC.

“We at Papa John’s are honored to be a part of DAYTONA Rising, an incredibly important redevelopment project and one of Florida’s most iconic sites,” David Steenekamp, President of the Papa John’s franchisee group, QS America, LLC. “Soon motorsport fans at the Daytona International Speedway will be able to cheer on their favorite driver and enjoy the Papa John’s pizzas they know and love.”

In addition to its new location at DIS, Tully’s Coffee, a leading specialty coffee retailer and wholesaler, will become the official coffee of the “World Center of Racing.”

“DAYTONA Rising represents one of the finest sports and entertainment projects in the world,” said Michael J. Avenatti, Chairman of Global Baristas, parent company of Tully’s Coffee. “We are honored and thrilled to be a part of it and look forward to providing our premium coffees to hundreds of thousands of fans in the years to come.”
The new locations will debut in January 2016 during the Rolex 24 At Daytona Weekend.

 

 

FASSLER, ROCKENFELLER BOLSTER CORVETTE RACING U.S. ENDURANCE LINEUP

Championship-winning drivers join for defense of Rolex 24, Sebring GTLM victories

Marcel Fassler

DETROIT Nov. 17, 2015 – Already one of endurance sports car racing’s most prominent teams, Corvette Racing is adding even more championship-winning talent to its roster for the first two rounds of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Marcel Fassler and Mike Rockenfeller will complete the team’s lineup for the Rolex 24 At Daytona and Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in the pair of Chevrolet Corvette C7.R race cars.

Corvette Racing is the defending GT Le Mans (GTLM) winner of both premier events. Adding two drivers who have won major endurance races around the world – including a combined five victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans – augments the experienced Corvette Racing driver lineup as it prepares for the first two endurance races of 2016.

“As we’ve learned over the years, winning at Daytona and Sebring requires a Corvette race car that demonstrates the proper balance of performance, reliability and efficiency.  Winning also requires flawless execution by the team and

Mike Rockenfeller

drivers,” said Mark Kent, Director, Chevrolet Racing. “We feel very confident that adding Marcel and Rocky to our lineup in these two key races will maximize our chances of success. Their collective accomplishments speak for themselves, and they will add a tremendous amount to our endurance program at Corvette Racing.”

Fassler is readying for his second stint with Corvette Racing. The Swiss native was part of the team’s endurance lineup in 2009. He was part of the runner-up trio at Sebring and also contested Le Mans and Petit Le Mans in a Corvette C6.R. He has not raced at Daytona but Fassler won overall at Sebring in 2013.

Fassler is a past World Champion in the FIA World Endurance Championship and won Le Mans overall in 2011, 2012 and 2014. His exploits in a Corvette also include a win at the 24 Hours of Spa in 2007.

Rockenfeller is a past overall winner at the Rolex 24 and Le Mans – both in 2010. In each of the last three years, he has driven Corvette Daytona Prototypes at the Rolex 24 with a third-place finish with VisitFlorida.com Racing in 2015; he and VisitFlorida.com also were third at Sebring.

Rockenfeller has a pair of additional podium finishes at Daytona. He won the 2013 DTM championship and is a past GT2 winner in the American Le Mans Series and at Le Mans.

Corvette Racing continues its preparation for the 2016 season in an open IMSA test Nov. 17-18 at Daytona International Speedway. Corvette Racing’s first race of the season is the 54th Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 30-31.

MARCEL FÄSSLER, CHEVROLET CORVETTE C7.R – DAYTONA AND SEBRING: “It’s really great that I have the chance to drive again for Corvette Racing at Daytona and Sebring. It’s a fantastic opportunity to do those first two races in America. I already have raced three times for Corvette Racing in 2009 and have really good memories of working with the team. It’s always good to see them at Le Mans and other races where we cross paths. This is a great feeling. It’s the first time I’ve done the Rolex 24 At Daytona, so I’m a rookie but very highly motivated. I always have wanted to be a part of this race in a competitive car. Being with Corvette Racing gives me a chance to go for a class win. This is our main goal and the same for Sebring.”

MIKE ROCKENFELLER, CHEVROLET CORVETTE C7.R – DAYTONA AND SEBRING: “I’m very happy to join Corvette Racing for Daytona and Sebring. The team is one of the best in endurance racing and one I’ve always watched at major races. As a driver, you always want to be part of winning organizations. Corvette Racing is one of those. It will be great to get back in a GT car for two of the biggest events of the year – including the Rolex 24 which I won in 2010. I’m hoping I can help Corvette Racing win there again in 2016. I’m excited to get started and get my first laps in the Corvette C7.R.”

 

 

JANI-KING NAMED OFFICIAL CLEANING COMPANY OF DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY AND THE DAYTONA 500

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. Nov. 14, 2015 –  Daytona International Speedway (DIS) today announced a multi-year partnership with Jani-King, the world’s largest commercial cleaning franchise company. As part of the partnership, Jani-King will serve as the Official Cleaning Company of Daytona International Speedway and the DAYTONA 500.

Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III

The partnership enables Jani-King to be associated with the historic 2016 DAYTONA 500, the first to be held at the Speedway’s new motorsports stadium (as part of the DAYTONA Rising project). Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Through the partnership, Jani-King will receive brand exposure via sponsor signage at the “World Center of Racing” and the ability to use the DIS and event marks for promotional purposes. In addition, Jani-King will receive corporate hospitality opportunities for entertaining guests during Speedweeks.

“We are excited about developing this new partnership with Jani-King,” said Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III. “The DAYTONA 500 in 2016 will be a historic event and Jani-King’s services will be critical as we welcome guests to experience the new motorsports stadium for the first time.”

“Daytona International Speedway is an icon of the sports world and with the $400 million DAYTONA Rising redevelopment project, Jani-King is excited to have been selected as the Official Cleaning Company,” said Jerry Crawford, CEO & President of Jani-King International. “We are proud of our reputation for providing the best cleaning program at many of the world’s finest stadiums, and we are ready for the opportunity to partner with Daytona International Speedway to unveil their new facility and continue to keep it pristine throughout the year.”

Tickets for the 58th annual DAYTONA 500 are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or visiting www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest for the latest news all season long.  Fans can follow the latest on DAYTONA Rising, the $400 million frontstretch renovation at the “World Center of Racing” by using #DAYTONARising on Twitter or visiting www.daytonarising.com.

 

 

 

 

IDENTIFICATION SIGN INSTALLATION BEGINS @ DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Nov. 09, 2015 – On Sunday, installation on the new massive identification sign as part of the ongoing DAYTONA Rising project began. The “supersign” will be located near the new center injector/entrance, welcoming race fans and guests to the “World Center of Racing.”

(Photos credit: Daytona International Speedway)

The “DAYTONA” text measures 13 feet 6 inches tall and the “INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY” text is more than 12 feet tall, while the entire length of the sign measures 355 feet.

The letter “D” was the first of the LED-lit letters installed.

Jones Sign Company, a national specialist in the sign manufacturer and installation industry, built and transported the letters. During the last week, the letters traveled nearly 1,500 miles across six states (via two semi-trucks) before arriving at DIS.

The completion of the sign installation is scheduled for December 2015.

About DAYTONA Rising

DAYTONA Rising is a $400 million reimagining of an American icon – Daytona International Speedway. Five expanded and redesigned entrances, or “injectors,” will lead fans to a series of escalators and elevators, transporting them to three different concourse levels. Each level features spacious social areas, or “neighborhoods,” along the nearly mile-long frontstretch. At the conclusion of the redevelopment, Daytona International Speedway will have approximately 101,000 permanent, wider and more comfortable seats, twice as many restrooms and three times as many concession stands. In addition, the Speedway will feature over 60 luxury suites with track side views and a completely revamped hospitality experience for corporate guests. DAYTONA Rising: Reimagining an American Icon, expected to create 6,300 jobs, $300 million in labor income and over $80 million in tax revenue, will be completed in time for the 2016 Rolex 24 At Daytona and DAYTONA 500. Construction of DAYTONA Rising was recently cited as a primary source of expected growth in the Deltona, Fla., MSA as part of ManpowerGroup’s Employment Outlook Survey.

Toyota and Florida Hospital are Founding Partners of DAYTONA Rising, joining the Speedway to help provide the very best experience for fans through more than 40,000 total square feet of engagement areas, branding rights for two of the injectors/entrances and two of the new neighborhoods.

Barton Malow is serving as the design-builder for the project. In addition to DAYTONA Rising, Barton Malow has renovated the University of Michigan “Big House” and the Rose Bowl.

ROSSETTI, an award-winning architectural design and planning firm for the past 40 years, which headed the design for Ford Field NFL Stadium, University of Notre Dame Compton Family Ice Arena and five Major League Soccer Stadiums, is leading the master planning of the DAYTONA Rising site.

Race fans can follow the progress of the DAYTONA Rising project by visiting www.DAYTONARising.com and connecting with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. Also, fans can see the construction project up close by taking one of the daily tours available at the Speedway on non-event days throughout the year. Visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/tours or the Speedway Ticket and Tours Building for more information. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.

 

 

DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY TO HOST 2016 FERRARI WORLD FINALS

World Center of Racing’ to Serve as the Host for the First Ferrari World Finals to be Held in North America

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Nov. 07, 2015 – Daytona International Speedway has added a prestigious new event to its 2016 calendar – the Ferrari World Finals on Dec. 1-4 – which is being held in North America for the first time in history.

The Ferrari World Finals will bring together all competitors from the European, North American and Asia Pacific series of the Ferrari Challenge for a battle for the World Championship in their Ferrari 458 Challenge EVOs on Daytona’s 3.56-mile road course.

Other highlights of the weekend are the display and running of historic Formula 1 cars, Ferrari’s exclusive XX Program and, to cap the weekend, Scuderia Ferrari’s Formula 1 show.  The show traditionally features the current Formula 1 drivers (in 2015 Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel) in demonstrations of pit stops, thrilling accelerations and fast laps.

The four-day event will also include an open test day on Nov. 30. The Ferrari World Finals have been traditionally held in Italy as well as Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

“We are grateful and honored to serve as the host facility for the 2016 Ferrari World Finals,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “Ferrari brings to the ‘World Center of Racing’ both powerful racing machines and an incredible brand. We’re looking forward to the excitement that will be showcased on the twists and turns of Daytona’s legendary road course.”

“We are delighted and proud to announce that the 2016 Finali Mondiali (World Finals) will be held at the Daytona International Speedway,” Antonello Coletta, head of Attivita’ Sporting GT and Corse Clienti at Ferrari. “A relationship of close cooperation has been established between Ferrari and this historic racetrack over many years, so much so that the North America Series of the Ferrari Challenge counts the Daytona race, organized to coincide with the legendary 24 Hours, among its most important events. The World Finals, to be held in December at the Daytona International Speedway is a further development of this already established relationship.”

Ferrari has a storied history at Daytona International Speedway in the Rolex 24. The manufacturer owns five overall Rolex 24 At Daytona victories including a 1-2-3 finish in the 1967 event.

Tickets and more information on the Ferrari World Finals will be released in the coming months.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube for the latest news throughout the season. Fans also can follow the latest on DAYTONA Rising, the $400 million frontstretch renovation at the “World Center of Racing” by using #DAYTONARising on Twitter or visiting www.daytonarising.com.

 

 

POWERSHARES QQQ TO SPONSOR THE NASCAR XFINITY SERIES SEASON OPENER AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

120-Lap, 300-Mile Event to be Named the PowerShares QQQ 300

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – October 28, 2015 – PowerShares QQQ, has entered into a multi-year partnership to serve as the title sponsor for the NASCAR XFINITY Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway (DIS), part of Speedweeks 2016. The 120-lap, 300-mile race will be known as the PowerShares QQQ 300, taking place February 20, 2016.  PowerShares QQQ™ is an exchange-traded fund based on the Nasdaq-100 Index®

“We’re excited about forming this new relationship with PowerShares QQQ,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “Daytona International Speedway and DAYTONA Rising, our $400 million redevelopment project, are great platforms for new partners to showcase their brands to our passionate NASCAR race fans at the ‘World Center of Racing.’ ”

“Invesco PowerShares QQQ ETF was created on the core principles of powerful performance, deep technology experience and building a sustainable track record,” said Dan Draper, Global Head of Invesco PowerShares. “As technology evolves and the ETF business becomes faster while needing to maintain precision, we see great synergies between our goals of continuing to deliver on that track record in the same sense that NASCAR aims to execute through its races.”

The events during Speedweeks 2016 will be the first to be held at DIS following the completion of the $400 million DAYTONA Rising redevelopment project. Race fans will experience new amenities such as wider and more comfortable seats, spacious concourses, escalators and elevators, twice as many restrooms and three times as many concessions and merchandise stands and two new larger video display boards.

Tickets for the PowerShares QQQ 300 as well as other Speedweeks 2016 events are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube for the latest news throughout the season. Fans also can follow the latest on DAYTONA Rising, the $400 million frontstretch renovation at the “World Center of Racing” by using #DAYTONARising on Twitter or visiting www.daytonarising.com.

 

 

75th RUNNING OF THE DAYTONA 200 SCHEDULE FOR MARCH 12, 2016

American SportBike Racing Association to Sanction America’s Most Historic Motorcycle Race for Second Straight Year

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Aug. 6, 2015 – America’s most historic motorcycle race, the DAYTONA 200, will celebrate a significant milestone in 2016 with its 75th running on Saturday, March 12, 2016, Daytona International Speedway track officials announced. Tickets for the race went on sale today.

The 57-lap, 200-mile race on the 3.51-mile road course will showcase 600cc sportbikes sanctioned by the American SportBike Racing Association (ASRA) for the second straight year.

“We are thrilled to continue to work with American SportBike Racing Association as the sanctioning body for the Daytona 200,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood said. “It’s an important anniversary for the Daytona 200 in 2016 and we look forward to celebrating this event’s rich history with an exciting event featuring riders battling for a competitive purse and a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona.”

In 2015, Oklahoma native Danny Eslick became a two-time Daytona 200 champion by pulling off a last-lap pass of Josh Herrin to secure a .086-second margin of victory.

In addition to the Daytona 200, ASRA and the Championship Cup Series (CCS) will have a full complement of road races Thursday, March 10 through Sunday, March 12. Daytona 200 qualifying will take place on Friday, March 11 with the race going green the following day at 1 p.m.

“The 75th running of the Daytona 200 will be a milestone event for motorcycle road racing in America and we are ecstatic to serve as the sanctioning body for the event,” said Kevin Elliott, President of ARSA. “The sheer magnitude of what the Daytona 200 means to our sport cannot be understated. With its history, this unique event has continually turned good racers into stars and then stars into superstars as they fought to win this prestigious race.”

Similar to its four-wheeled brethren, the Daytona 200’s roots go back to the sands of Daytona Beach where they began racing on a 4.2-mile shoreline course in 1937 before moving the event to Daytona International Speedway in 1961 and incorporating the high banks of the “World Center of Racing.”

In addition to the full road racing calendar and the Daytona 200, Daytona International Speedway will continue to be the driving force behind Bike Week hosting a wide range of activities.

On Saturday night, March 5, Daytona International Speedway will host the only Monster Energy AMA Supercross event in Florida – the prestigious Daytona Supercross By Honda.

Daytona International Speedway will also feature the AMA Pro Flat Track doubleheader on March 10-11 on the Daytona Flat Track, which is located outside Turns 1 and 2.

Tickets for all motorcycle racing events are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for the latest news all season long.  Fans can follow the latest on DAYTONA Rising, the $400 million frontstretch renovation at the “World Center of Racing” by using #DAYTONARising on Twitter or visiting www.daytonarising.com.

 

 

START TIMES FINALIZED FOR BUDWEISER SPEEDWEEKS 2015 EVENTS

57th annual DAYTONA 500 set for a 1 p.m. ET start

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – January 14, 2015 – The 57th annual DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb. 22, NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race, will start at 1 p.m. (TV – FOX, FOX Deportes; Radio – MRN Radio, SiriusXM). It’s the sixth straight year “The Great American Race” will have a start time of 1 p.m.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Start times for the other remaining events of Budweiser Speedweeks 2015 at Daytona International Speedway are as follows:

• The 53rd anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship race, Jan. 24-25, 2:10 p.m. (FOX Sports and IMSA.com)
• The Lucas Oil 200 Presented By American Real MAV TV ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, Saturday, Feb. 14, 4:15 p.m. (FOX Sports 1)
• The Sprint Unlimited, Saturday, Feb. 14, 8:15 p.m. (FOX)
• Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger, Sunday, Feb. 15, 1:30 p.m. (FOX)
• Budweiser Duel At Daytona, Thursday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m. (FOX Sports 1)
• NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, Friday, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. (FOX Sports 1)
• Alert Today Florida 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series race, Saturday, Feb. 21, 3:30 p.m. (FOX Sports 1)

In this year’s DAYTONA 500, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be seeking his second consecutive DAYTONA 500 victory. The last driver to win back-to-back DAYTONA 500s was Sterling Marlin back in 1994-95.

Budweiser Speedweeks 2015 will also provide fans with a sneak peek of DAYTONA Rising, the $400 million frontstretch redevelopment. Approximately 40,000 new seats will be available on the west side of the stadium, from Turn 1 toward the center of the track. Fans in these wider more comfortable seats will enjoy many of the new amenities being created by DAYTONA Rising.

Tickets for the 57th annual DAYTONA 500 and all Budweiser Speedweeks 2015 events are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or visiting www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com

Fans can follow NASCAR on Twitter and stay up to speed on the latest news by using hashtag #DAYTONA500 and #SPEEDWEEKS. Fans can also stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest for the latest news all season long. Fans can follow the latest on DAYTONA Rising, the $400 million frontstretch renovation at the “World Center of Racing” by using #DAYTONARising on Twitter or visiting www.daytonarising.com.

 

007 ALL-STAR LINEUP FINALIZED, 2015 PARTNERSHIPS ANNOUNCED, TEAM TAKES AIM AT ROLEX 24

TRG-Aston Martin Racing is en route to the hallowed grounds of Daytona International Speedway for the first time in 2015, bringing with it the venerable V12 Vantage GT3

Petaluma, CA January 14, 2015 – TRG-Aston Martin Racing is en route to the hallowed grounds of Daytona International Speedway for the first time in 2015, bringing with it the venerable V12 Vantage GT3, along with equally powerful driver lineups, partnerships, and a team that has its sights set on winning America’s only twice-round-the-clock endurance race. TRG-AMR’s proven track record includes four class wins and one overall victory in the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, a feat unmatched in history. Like other historically successful teams, TRG-AMR also knows all too well the pitfalls and challenges that come with racing a car for 24 straight hours, especially at the World Center of Racing known as Daytona International Speedway.

Along with the upcoming test days comes word of a substantial addition to the powerhouse lineup that will finalize the team’s No. 007 roster for the historic race. Team Owner Kevin Buckler today announced the of addition of veteran sportscar racer and champion Brandon Davis to the lineup, placing him alongside teammates Christina Nielsen, James Davison, and Christoffer Nygaard. Davis is no stranger to TRG-AMR, having piloted a number of cars for the team over the years, including last year’s Rolex 24, the team’s first with the new V12 Vantage GT3 platform and a win at Sonoma raceway in 2014 piloting a V8 Vantage GT4.

Brandon Davis

Brandon Davis, Team Driver, TRG-AMR North America: “I am grateful for the opportunity to drive with such a successful team here at Daytona, alongside some truly world-class drivers, in a car I know is capable of winning. TRG’s history here at Daytona is unparalleled. The V12 Vantage GT3 is arguably one of the most capable cars in the field, and we’re going for the win right out of the box. We’re going to get some great data from our testing this coming weekend then come back in two weeks ready for the big game. Hopefully we can add another win to the history books both for TRG-AMR and Aston Martin.”

Along with securing a potent driver lineup, TRG-AMR has been hard at work securing key partnerships and alliances for the coming season, including that of longtime partner and supplier Royal Purple. Royal Purple is the official lubricant supplier of TRG-AMR North America, providing the team with everything from engine and transmission oil to engine coolant and other essential lubricants and fluids. Royal Purple, in its first season of partnership with TRG-AMR in 2013, underwent the arduous Prodrive/Aston Martin Racing “torture test” in England, having their lubricants and fluids put through every conceivable scenario and passing with flying colors. TRG-AMR welcomes them back to the team as an invaluable partner for the 2015 season of IMSA competition.

Bryan Yourdon, President of Royal Purple: “We are excited to return to the track with the TRG-AMR team this season. The TUDOR series is an ideal environment to test our product’s strength and performance, particularly in the endurance races where both drivers and cars are pushed to the limit.”

Kevin Buckler, CEO, TRG-AMR North America: “Adding Brandon to this stellar lineup is fantastic. He’s proven himself with us time and time again. He will be rounding out the already impressive lineup of Christina (Nielsen), James (Davison), and Christoffer (Nygaard) and is going to make this the car to beat, for sure. I am also pleased to be welcoming back Royal Purple as our season-long partner again in 2015. They make a fantastic product and deliver superior performance for our vehicles. We’ll be at Daytona this weekend and ready to rock. Make sure to watch out for the 007 and our soon-to-be announced No. 009 lineup!”

 

CORVETTE RACING ADDS BRISCOE AND PAGENAUD TO DRIVER LINEUP

Briscoe

Open-wheel standouts to drive Corvette C7.Rs at Daytona, Sebring

• Aussie Briscoe continues with Corvette Racing
• Frenchman Pagenaud to get first opportunity to drive Corvette C7.R
• Duo to join full-season roster of drivers at Roar Before the 24

DETROIT Jan. 13, 2015 – Corvette Racing will head into the opening round of the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship with an impressive GTLM driver lineup for North America’s premier endurance race. Ryan Briscoe returns to the Corvette Racing camp for the second straight year while Simon Pagenaud will make his debut with the team at Daytona International Speedway.

Briscoe will share driving duties of the No. 3 Corvette C7.R with Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia, and Pagenaud will join Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner in the No. 4 C7.R at the annual Roar Before the 24 starting Jan. 9th. The Roar serves as a three-day test ahead of the 53rd Rolex 24 At Daytona and the start of the TUDOR Championship. In addition, Briscoe and Pagenaud will join the Corvette C7.R team at Sebring.

Pagenaud

“Corvette Racing’s driver lineup for the Daytona and Sebring races represents a highly talented collection of drivers who are intensely focused on working together toward the common goal of winning,” said Mark Kent, Director, Chevrolet Racing. “Both Ryan and Simon are world-class drivers who know the kind of preparation, patience and skill needed to succeed in the top levels of endurance sports-car racing.”

Both Briscoe and Pagenaud are known for their successes in both open-wheel and sports car racing. Briscoe appeared in three events for Corvette Racing in 2014 – Daytona, Sebring and Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. The Aussie also made 18 stars in the Verizon INDYCAR Series with one top-five finish and 10 top-10s. He has seven IndyCar victories to his credit to go along with nine prototype wins in the American Le Mans Series.

Pagenaud also boasts a number of victories in both open-wheel and prototype competition. While competing in the IndyCar series, he won two races in 2013 and 2014, and finished third in the 2013 IndyCar championship.

Pagenaud signed with Team Penske and will drive a Chevrolet V6-powered IndyCar for the 2015 season.  Previously, he spent four seasons in ALMS prototypes with nine victories as a factory driver.

The 2015 TUDOR United Sports Car Championship begins with the 53rd Rolex 24 at Daytona from Jan. 24-25 at Daytona International Speedway. Live timing and scoring from both the Roar Before the 24 and Rolex 24 at Daytona will be available at imsa.com.

RYAN BRISCOE, NO. 3 CORVETTE RACING CORVETTE C7.R

“It’s such a massive honor to be a part of the Corvette Racing program. To come back this year and be a part of the team for the endurance events, I’m really excited. We’re hoping the pace and everything is there that we need to have to win with one of the Corvettes. We really were strong last year and had a little bad luck. Everyone on the team is extremely hungry and I’m really looking forward to it.”

“It was definitely a new experience for me last year to be racing in the GT class. I thought it went really well. The team brought me on and gave me all the tools I needed to get up to speed and feel comfortable with the racecar. I feel like it’s a comfortable pairing with Antonio and Jan. I really felt like I got really good track time and could put down really good lap times to hold my own. Before you get into it, you really don’t know how it’s going to go. You just want to do your best.”

SIMON PAGENAUD, NO. 4 CORVETTE RACING, CORVETTE C7.R

“Corvette is definitely an icon in American racing and as an American sports car. When I was racing with for another manufacturer, I always noticed the presence of the Corvette and Chevrolet fans. I’ve always said that Corvette Racing is a proper program – well put together with a very impressive presentation, great drivers and a fantastic team. The results speak for themselves. It’s great to be part of it now. It is definitely a very different experience compared to prototypes but I have some good experience in GT cars. I look forward to now being part of the family by driving for Chevrolet and Corvette Racing. The Corvette C7.R is a beautiful piece of machinery with a lot of high-tech development. It’s a great platform for the development of road cars and supercars.”

“Thanks to Chevrolet for the opportunity, and of course thanks to Roger Penske and Tim Cindric in allowing me to be available. With this type of opportunity where you have the chance to go and run in a different category with a car and team that can win, it’s exciting and gets you very motivated. I really want to win Daytona. If we can do that with Chevrolet and Corvette Racing, I’ll be super excited and over the moon.”

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