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GRAND AM: Michael Shank Tabs Hornish and Castroneves for Daytona
Written by: News Wire   
11/06/2006 - 07:00 PM
Daytona Beach, Fla.
 


Hornish and Castroneves will share the No.60 Lexus Riley in what will be the Brazilian's Rolex Series debut. (LAT Photo) ยป More Photos

Michael Shank Racing announced today the signing of Penske Racing teammates Sam Hornish Jr. and Helio Castroneves to co-drive the No.60 Flight Options Lexus-powered Riley entry with Oswaldo Negri and Mark Patterson in the 2007 Rolex 24 At Daytona. Hornish and Castroneves have three Indianapolis 500 victories between them, and will be looking to add a Rolex 24 at Daytona win to their resumes.

Hornish, a native of Defiance, Ohio, ran for Shank in Toyota Atlantic competition in 1999 on his way up the ladder towards success in the IndyCar Series, winning one race and taking "Rookie of the Year" honors. Hornish made his Rolex 24 debut that same year, co-driving with Shank in the team owner's final race outing as a driver.

Hornish recently raced on the 3.65-mile infield road course at Daytona in June, taking fifth in the IROC Series return to road racing. Hornish, who won his first Indianapolis 500 win and his third career IndyCar Series championship this year, is hoping to get his 2007 season off to a competitive start.

"Winning the Rolex 24 At Daytona would be a great way to kick off the 2007 season," said Hornish. "The list of people that have won the Rolex 24 and the Indianapolis 500 is pretty short. It would be pretty special if Helio and I were able to add our names to that list. I am also excited to race with
Mike (Shank) again. The team's recent success and their experience in the Rolex Sports Car Series will prove to be invaluable as we attempt to win the Rolex 24 At Daytona."

Castroneves and Negri have known each other since their karting days as young men with big dreams back in Brazil and despite their divergent paths in the sport, the two Miami-based Brazilians have remained friends. The Rolex event will mark the Rolex Sports Car Series debut for Castroneves.

"I've been talking with Mike (Shank) for a long time, and I am really happy things worked out for me to be racing with this team. They have a lot of experience in this kind of racing and can teach me what I need to know," said Castroneves. "I am good friends with Oz, and I'm looking forward to having a good time with all the drivers, but I'm more focused on going for a win. We race on a lot of tracks with banking, but Daytona is like nothing you can imagine, so I'm really glad to have this opportunity."

"I'm just really excited about our line-up and the whole team has a lot of confidence not just from how we ended the season, but also from how we were able to perform in this race last year," Shank added. "This race is a huge challenge for everyone involved and you never know what you are going to be fighting, but we feel like we're going down there with our guns loaded."