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GRAND-AM: John Pew Joins Michael Shank Racing
Written by: Grand-Am Communications   http://www.grand-am.com
05/04/2007 - 07:00 PM
Columbus, Oh.
 


Pew will replace Zogaib aboard the No.6 Lexus Riley. (LAT Photo) ยป More Photos

Team owner Mike Shank announced today that he has signed John Pew to a ten-race Rolex Sports Car Series contract. Pew will co-drive with Ian James in the No.6 Michael Shank Racing Lexus-Riley.

Car owner Henri Zogaib will continue to be part of Michael Shank Racing, but has elected to step away from the driving duties as his growing business interests have prevented him from being available to participate. Zogaib raced in the first three races of the 2007 season, with the No. 6 leading the field in two of the three races.

Pew brings racing background that is markedly similar to 2006 Trueman Award winner Mark Patterson's to the team. With extensive formula car experience including a Star Mazda Masters Championship from 2005, Pew is also no stranger to the Rolex Series, having made multiple starts in the Rolex 24 At Daytona in the GT class as well as one Daytona Prototype start last season.

Pew was eyeing a move to the Daytona Prototypes when he tested with Michael Shank at Miller Motorsports Park, and the timing of Zogaib's decision proved fortuitous for Pew as he joins the team for the remainder of the 2007 season.

"This is really an unbelievable opportunity for me," said Pew. "I think Mike Shank's team is one of the best teams out there, and I just want to thank Henri and Mike for making this a possibility."

With a friendship first formed as competitors in the Skip Barber
ranks, Pew was teammates with Patterson in the Mazda series, and also co-drove with him in a GT race at Watkins Glen. The South African, who teamed with Negri to score a decisive win in the 2006 Rolex season finale, has proven to be an inspiration for Pew.

"My goal is to catch up to Mark-he's done a fantastic job and I think this team will give me all the tools I need," said Pew. "I have learned a lot racing in the Mazdas and I just want to get more seat time, keep my nose clean and turn the car over to Ian (James) in a position to get a good result. I'm really looking forward to Laguna."

The two Michael Shank Racing entries are tied in the Team Championship with eighty points apiece after four of fourteen rounds complete.

"We tested John last year at Miller and you can tell he keeps himself sharp with all the karting he does," said Shank. "We were already talking with him about possibly running some of the longer races with us, and then this opportunity developed so we are pleased to have him with us for the rest of the season. Ian's been doing a fantastic job for us, and we want to keep moving these cars up in the points."

Michael Shank Racing will return to Rolex action on the weekend of May 18-20 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Oswaldo Negri set a track record and sat on the pole in the Series' first visit to the Monterey Peninsula in 2005, and the team will look for more success again this year.