AJ kicks off 08 in DP for 24 Hours

AJ enjoyed a little R & R over the holidays, including a cruise and a trip to the Smoky Mountains, but he is more than ready to get behind the wheel again and go racin’!  He decided to start 2008 off again as he has the last two years and kick the season off with a little fun at the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona. AJ joined the crew from Michael Shank Racing to announce today that he will again help pilot the No. 6 MSR DP entry for this year’s race around the clock.

Allmendinger will be joining veteran DP driver  Burt Frisselle and full-season drivers John Pew and Ian James in the No. 6 Michael Shank Racing Ford-Riley for the 2008 Rolex 24 At Daytona.
 
“It’s great we were able to get AJ back with us for the 24,” said team owner Mike Shank. “There are a million factors that go into a good finish in this race and obviously chemistry with the drivers is a big one. We’ve seen what AJ does in these cars, so we’re looking forward to this race big time.”
 
Allmendinger made a fast start in his first Rolex appearance, leading twenty-seven laps on the way to a strong second place finish in 2006. The California native re-joined the squad in 2007 and once again stormed to the front for twenty-seven laps before a motor issue hampered the effort.
 
“I love this race-the chance to go up against almost everyone in the sport and race for 24 hours, it’s just fantastic,” said Allmendinger. “Mike (Shank) is a racer to the core and his team is really focused on this event. We came so close to a win in 2006 and I really want to get back on that podium to start this year off on the right foot and with a new watch!”
 
The teams kicked off a three-day test today in preparation for the January 26-27 event at the Daytona International Speedway. AJ will jump straight from the DP and into his full-time office-the No. 84 Red Bull Racing Camry for the first test of 2008, also at Daytona on Monday.