Written by:
SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com
09/05/2008
Daytona Beach, Fla.
NASCAR Holdings, the operating entity that includes the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, announced today the plans to acquire Grand-Am, one of North America’s premier road racing series.
The sports car sanctioning body will work closely with NASCAR in the new relationship which brings together two of the biggest auto racing entities in the country.
While both organizations will continue to operate independently, resources such as communications, marketing, research and public relations will be shared.
“This combination of resources will benefit Grand-Am and NASCAR, their competitors and fans as the two companies work together to enhance the two sports,” said Jim France, Grand-Am founder and Vice Chairman of NASCAR.
Founded in 1999, Grand-Am operates several racing divisions headlined by the premier Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16. The 15-event schedule, which is anchored by the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona, includes two divisions - the Daytona Prototypes and GT class.
“I think this is great news,” said Wayne Taylor, owner of the 2005 championship winning No. 10 SunTrust Racing team and two-time winner of the Rolex 24 At Daytona. “All of the teams have been waiting for this for a long time. Finally, we can now move to the next level.”
Alex Gurney, co-driver of the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley, was also enthusiastic about the news.
“I am very excited about this announcement,” Gurney said. “I think it is a pivotal moment for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing and all involved in our sport. As a passionate fan and competitor, I am always hoping that our form of racing will be better able to reach the masses. NASCAR is very well equipped to help make that happen and will give us some of the horsepower we need in the marketing and promotional areas.”
Gurney and Fogarty opened the year by co-driving with two-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson (along with former Champ Car titlist Jimmy Vasser) in the Rolex 24 At Daytona. The lineup of championship went on to score a team-best second place finish in the event. For 2009, the team is exploring plans to run two cars in North American sports car racing’s biggest event, and Gurney is looking forward to returning to the Rolex Series.
“I think that the Grand-Am Rolex Series is the best racing in the world right now, and I know it still has plenty of room to grow,” Gurney said. “I’m excited to be a part of it all.”
