MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 17, 2006)
- With Memo Gidley on the
sidelines for the next few races due to an injury sustained during the morning warm
up for the Crown Royal Grand American Challenge of Long Beach, the team announced
earlier today that Guy Cosmo will slide behind the wheel for this weekend's race
at Virginia International Raceway.
Guy Cosmo, one of the most successful and versatile young racing talents, will join
Michael McDowell behind the wheel of the popular No.19 Playboy/Uniden/Palms Ford-powered
Crawford Daytona Prototype.
"I've known Guy for about three years," stated Rob Finlay, Owner/Driver
of Finlay Motorsports. "When I first became involved in racing Guy was
driving for BGB Motorsports and he really helped me develop my driving skills. He
spent several hours walking various tracks with me when Michael (McDowell) wasn't
available so when Memo was hurt in Long Beach I thought why not give him this opportunity."
Cosmo's racing titles, including the 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year,
along with the fact that he tested with the Finlay Motorsports team in 2004 played
a key role in the team's decision.
"I'm thrilled to be given this opportunity to compete with a team of this caliber,"
said Guy Cosmo. "It's unfortunate to see Memo injured and we all wish
him a quick and safe recovery. Iím honored to have been selected to fill in
for Memo, and hope to make him and the team proud in the process. Finlay Motorsports
is a great family of people and I'm happy to help at a time like this. Michael
and I raced against each other in the past, we're great friends and we're looking
for a great finish this weekend." |
The Mooresville, North Carolina based team,
currently sits in third position in Grand American Rolex Series Team Points and looks
to make up some ground this weekend on the 3.27-mile road circuit.
"It's going to be a tough weekend without Memo," said McDowell. "He's
such a great asset to this team, not only as a driver but a leader too. VIR
(Virginia International Raceway) is a great track, we've run well there in the past
and the Crawford's always seem to have a great balance particularly at this track.
Hopefully Guy and I will be able to rack up some points so that when Memo
gets back we can go after this Championship."
Practice for the 250-mile/77-lap/2 ? -hour time limit race begins on Friday, April
21 at 9:30 a.m. with qualifying to take place on Saturday at 1:15 p.m. The
race will be covered live on the Speed Channel and is slated for a 1:00 p.m. start.
For further information please contact Amy Textor (704) 235-0190 x16.
The VIR Grand American race airs LIVE on SPEED this Sunday, April 23 at 1:00 p.m.
Eastern. |
