Posted (07/14/2012) -
The Grand American ROLEX Brickyard Grand Prix will be one day event. This means that all ROLEX teams receive a 1 hour practice session, and a 15 minute qualifying session before the race. This short track time is what led to the Indy Test Session earlier in July. This invaluable track time will be come in handy as drivers come back to refocus on the Brickyard’s “roval road course”.
“I am excited about coming back to Indianapolis. As I kid growing up in western Ohio especially, Indy holds a special place in my heart. When we drove down the front straight at the test days, albeit backwards, it was an intimidating sight. That front straight is so long, and we don’t even run it in its entirety. I love roval tracks, and always seem to do quite well on them. This is a 3 hour event, so pacing ourselves will be important to make it to the finish in one piece.” – shared Will Nonnamaker
Co-driving with Will in the #42 Mazda RX-8 will be Joe Nonnamaker. Joe shared his thoughts – “I am very much looking forward to the race. I am glad we got to test, as the infield was a tricky set of turns to get down. I just can’t believe that after 40 years of racing, I am getting the opportunity to race on Indy, wow!!”
Team Sahlen will also be entering the #43 Mazda RX-8 with drivers Wayne Nonnamaker and Dane Cameron
Dane added his thoughts to the upcoming Friday event – “I think Grand Am's first event at Indy will prove to be a very exciting show for the fans. Hopefully the weather will be a bit cooler than the test! I think that strategy will play a big part as this will be a 3hr event unlike the typical 2.45hr races so making the extra 15min on fuel will be a new challenge for everyone.”
Currently Team Sahlen is positioned 6th and 13th in the ROLEX GT Team Standings. Additionally Wayne Nonnamaker is set in 2nd place in the GT Class “Bob Akin” Sportsman Award. Wayne won the award in 2011, repeating the feat of his older brother Will, the 2005 recipient.
The Grand American ROLEX Brickyard Grand Prix will be on July 27th. This event is the 3rd of the Grand American ROLEX series North American Endurance Championship. The other two rounds being the ROLEX 24 Hours at Daytona and the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen. The event will air live on SPEEDTV at 4 pm et.
The 2012 Team Sahlen campaign in the
GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series is supported by:
Mazda, Mazdaspeed, SimXperience, Alcon, Racetech, NGK, Cool Shirt, Racing Print Media, Mothers Polish, TheRaceSite.com, Western New York Flash, Grassroots Motorsports, ASC Industries, Iannetti Design Ideas, CM Racing, Quarter Master, BBS Wheels, MSI Racing Products, Endurance Karting and Akron Aeros
