McDowell Podiums In First Race Of The 2006 Season

  

Daytona Beach, FL (Jan. 27, 2006) – The #15 Playboy Racing / Palms Casino Resort Ford Mustang co-driven by Rob Finlay and Michael McDowell scored a 3^rd-place podium finish in the first race of the 2006 Grand American Grand Am Cup Series season.Finlay qualified the car 7^th in a field of 88 Grand Am Cup cars and took the green flag for the start of the 57-lap race at 2:15 pm.  He put the car into the lead in the opening laps before a malfunction of the anti-lock braking system caused the car to become unstable under braking.  “We’re happy to give our new sponsors, Playboy Racing and the Palms Casino Resort, a podium finish in the debut race for their new involvement with the team,” said Rob Finlay.  “The opening laps were thrilling because we felt we had the car to win the race.  Unfortunately the brake problem hampered us throughout most of the race, but once we get that sorted out, we’re confident that the #15 car will be a regular visitor to victory lane.”

           
The result was a familiar one for the driving duo of Finlay and McDowell; they finished third in this race last year, and it set the tone for what proved to be an extremely competitive and successful season. “As you might expect in a 2 ½-hour race with 88 cars, there was a fair amount of drama and close calls, but Rob did a great job keeping the car running up with the leaders, and that gave us the foundation for the podium finish.  We’re delighted to have two powerhouse sponsors like Playboy and the Palms on board with us for the 2006 season, and look forward to keeping them in the spotlight at every race.” Finlay and McDowell will contest the full 11-race Grand Am Cup Schedule in 2006.  The next event on the schedule is Virginia International Raceway April 21 – 23.