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GRAND-AM
GRAND-AM: Allmendinger, Shank Soaking Up Rolex 24 Win
"I think for me, it's the biggest win that I've ever had," AJ Allmendinger says...
AJ Allmendinger, right, celebrates with co-drivers Ozz Negri, John Pew and Justin Wilson, winners of the 50th Rolex 24 at Daytona. (Photo: LAT)
Three days after claiming overall honors in the 50th Rolex 24 at Daytona, AJ Allemdinger and team owner Michael Shank are still soaking up victory in one of the most thrilling GRAND-AM races in history.
The open-wheel turned NASCAR star teamed with Rolex Sports Car Series regulars Ozz Negri, John Pew and IndyCar star Justin Wilson to give the Ohio-based team its first Rolex 24 crown after nine years of trying.
“I think for me it's the biggest win that I've ever had,” Allmendinger said Wednesday during a GRAND-AM teleconference. “Obviously the first Champ Car win, I worked so hard for that and that was a big deal. But over the last five years, just the ups and downs, and more downs than ups, that I've had.”
Allmendinger, who has driven for Shank in the twice-around-the-clock classic since 2006, received a career boost during the off-season as the 30-year old was signed by Penske Racing to replace Kurt Busch in the Sprint Cup Series.
No doubt, some of that confidence carried over into last weekend, where Allmendinger fended off accomplished sports car stars Allan McNish and Ryan Dalziel during his impressive final triple-stint.
“But I think more than anything, for myself and Mike and everyone at Michael Shank Racing, for seven years together we've worked this hard... To be able to share the victory with everybody, on such a special race to me, the biggest race I've ever been a part of.”
There were no doubt low points for the team as well, which had come close to victory at Daytona on multiple occasions. Shank distinctly remembers a conversation with Allmendinger during the 2008 race, where they finished 14th after being in contention for the win.
“I came to him after the car was in the garage and it broke the suspension,” Shank explained. “I just said, 'Listen, this is ridiculous. We've tried for three or four years. Do what you need to do. If you can get a better ride than I'll be able to provide you, go do it.'
"He looked at me, punched me in the arm and said, 'Shut up. We're going to do this until we win this.'"
While they finally achieved victory, Shank admittedly had to live up to his end of the bargain, in a promise that he would shave AJ’s initials into his head if they won this year.
“He and I were sitting on the pit lane in December when we tested this car for the first time. He said, 'Shank, here's what you're going to do.' I said, 'Alright, I'll do it,’” Shank said.
Sure enough, Shank was sporting a new hair cut Wednesday morning.
“I’m a man of my word,” he said. “It’s in my head and it’s in there hard.”
John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at
The open-wheel turned NASCAR star teamed with Rolex Sports Car Series regulars Ozz Negri, John Pew and IndyCar star Justin Wilson to give the Ohio-based team its first Rolex 24 crown after nine years of trying.
“I think for me it's the biggest win that I've ever had,” Allmendinger said Wednesday during a GRAND-AM teleconference. “Obviously the first Champ Car win, I worked so hard for that and that was a big deal. But over the last five years, just the ups and downs, and more downs than ups, that I've had.”
Allmendinger, who has driven for Shank in the twice-around-the-clock classic since 2006, received a career boost during the off-season as the 30-year old was signed by Penske Racing to replace Kurt Busch in the Sprint Cup Series.
No doubt, some of that confidence carried over into last weekend, where Allmendinger fended off accomplished sports car stars Allan McNish and Ryan Dalziel during his impressive final triple-stint.
“But I think more than anything, for myself and Mike and everyone at Michael Shank Racing, for seven years together we've worked this hard... To be able to share the victory with everybody, on such a special race to me, the biggest race I've ever been a part of.”
There were no doubt low points for the team as well, which had come close to victory at Daytona on multiple occasions. Shank distinctly remembers a conversation with Allmendinger during the 2008 race, where they finished 14th after being in contention for the win.
“I came to him after the car was in the garage and it broke the suspension,” Shank explained. “I just said, 'Listen, this is ridiculous. We've tried for three or four years. Do what you need to do. If you can get a better ride than I'll be able to provide you, go do it.'
"He looked at me, punched me in the arm and said, 'Shut up. We're going to do this until we win this.'"
While they finally achieved victory, Shank admittedly had to live up to his end of the bargain, in a promise that he would shave AJ’s initials into his head if they won this year.
“He and I were sitting on the pit lane in December when we tested this car for the first time. He said, 'Shank, here's what you're going to do.' I said, 'Alright, I'll do it,’” Shank said.
Sure enough, Shank was sporting a new hair cut Wednesday morning.
“I’m a man of my word,” he said. “It’s in my head and it’s in there hard.”
John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at
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