Finlay Motorsports proved once again that they have what it takes to run up front in the twice around the clock event scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 27. The Mooresville, NC - based team finished within the top-10 spots on the speed charts in every session but two (8 practice sessions total) and Michael Valiante is credited with posting the team's quickest lap of the week, with a lap time of 1:44.518.
 |
Rob Finlay |
"Once again the Z-Line Designs/Mission Residential/Make-A-Wish car was quick out of the box," said Rob Finlay. "The Ford Crawford package ran strong all three days and we're looking forward to the 24-hour race."
Rob Finlay, who competed in both the Grand Am Cup event at Daytona last year (finishing on the podium) and the Rolex 24 hour event in the No.5 machine with Michael Valiante will make his second 24-hour endurance start when he returns to Daytona in just a few weeks.
 |
Michael Valiante |
His teammate, Michael Valiante returns to the cockpit of the Finlay Motorsports prepared machine once again and looks forward to the teams assault on the endurance classic.
"Overall I'm pleased with the test," said Michael Valiante. "We came here with a long list of things to accomplish and I think we're looking pretty good for the race." |
 |
Michael McDowell |
Michael McDowell, who ran for Finlay Motorsports last season in the No.19 Daytona Prototype machine and competed with Rob Finlay in the Grand Am Cup series, will be making a cameo appearance with the team before kicking off his ARCA campaign next month.
"It's great to be back behind the wheel of the No.19 machine," said Michael McDowell. "I really enjoy driving these cars and appreciate the team asking me to participate in this event."
And what an event this will be. Bobby Labonte will be making his first appearance with the Finlay Motorsports team at the Rolex 24 at Daytona but hopes to make a few more guest appearances throughout the season, schedule permitting.
"Well, I'm not quite as happy as I was after the November test," said the likeable Bobby Labonte. "I'm still getting used to the car but I think I'll be ready for the race. I've been working close with my teammates and can't wait for the drop of the green flag."
The team will spend the next two weeks making final preparations for the grueling 24-hour event that is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, January 25. |
OPEN TESTING
FINLAY TEAM ENDS FIRST DAY OF TESTING IN TOP-5 SPOT
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (January 4, 2007) - What has become known as "Daytona Test Days," in the world of sports car racing, got underway earlier today. An impressive 28 Daytona Prototype machines topped off the Grand American Series entry list for the scheduled 3-day test session at the world renowned Daytona International Raceway. |
 |
Team Manager
Steve Cameron |
Finlay Motorsports once again took advantage of a series open test opportunity and rolled the No.19 Z-Line Designs/Mission Residential/Make-A-Wish machine off the transporter and into the fifth position on the speed charts by days end.
"That was a good day for us," said Steve Cameron, Team Manger. "The team's main focus today was to familiarize ourselves with the newly mandated Bosch ECU engine management system. Things went pretty smooth and we're satisfied with being in the top-five today. We'll spend the next two days just tuning the car for the 24-hour event." |
 |
Michael McDowell |
Michael McDowell, who made the move to the ARCA Series at the end of last season, slid behind the wheel of the familiar No.19 machine for the first time since his successful drive with the Mooresville, NC - based team at the season finale in Utah last season.
"We're excited to have Michael (McDowell) back in the car," said Cameron. "He did a great job for us last season and will be a real asset to us at the 24 hour race."
Bobby Labonte, the 2000 NASCAR Champion is scheduled to join Rob Finlay, Michael Valiante and Michael McDowell when practice resumes tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. |
