Marcos Ambrose replaces Ozz Negri to test for Rolex 24 at Daytona – NASCAR news
As reported by auto123.com, regular Michael Shank Racing driver, Ozz Negri will be replaced by NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose for ‘the Roar Before the 24’, a test scheduled prior to Rolex 24 at Daytona, the inaugural race of 2013 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car
Series.
The test will run from January 4-6, 2013.
Negri is being replaced by Ambrose because he cannot participate in ‘the Roar Before the 24’ due to a leg injury from which Negri is currently recovering. The inaugural race is very important for Michael Shank Racing because they will be the defending Rolex
24 at Daytona Champions in 2013.
Although Negri, 2008 Rolex 24 pole winner would have been the ideal choice for Michael Shank Racing but following Negri’s injury, the team plan to get maximum data with Ambrose participating in the test. Ambrose will make the test run in No. 60 Ford Riley
Daytona Prototype with John Pew sharing the testing responsibilities. Pew has already been confirmed as a full-season co-driver for 2013 season.
Team owner Michael Shank while acknowledging the participation of Ambrose in the test said, “I just want to say a big thanks to Marcos for jumping in and offering to help us out. We are hoping to see Ozz back and ready to go as quickly as possible and we
will be continuing to finalize our plans as that healing process moves forward. In the meantime, we’ve got a lot of work to do to be as ready as we can be for the 24, and we are fortunate to have someone like Marcos step in and help us out.”
Michael Shank Racing will announce its full driver line-up for 2013 Rolex 24 at Daytona during ‘the Roar Before the 24’.
In the upcoming season, Rolex 24 is scheduled to be held on January 27 at Daytona International Speedway. For Ambrose, the test should be an interesting experience and maybe it would entice Ambrose into giving Rolex 24 a full time try in the future.
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