Make-A-Wish & Z-Line Designs Move To The No. 5 Entry
Finlay Motorsports announced yesterday plans to combine forces with Essex Racing for the remainder of the 2006 Grand American Rolex Series schedule.
Finlay Motorsports driver’s Rob Finlay and Michael Valiante first teamed with Essex Racing during last year’s Mexico City Grand American event. Essex Racing was searching for two drivers to pilot their No. 5 entry and to help the team secure the points needed for them to qualify as a pacesetter team for the 2006 season. Finlay Motorsports having announced that it will change to a 2-car team of Ford-powered Crawford’s for 2006, took advantage of the opportunity to allow their drivers to familiarize themselves with the new combination.
“This move just seemed like a perfect fit for the team,” said Finlay. “We were able to help Essex score the points they needed by finishing 12th in last year’s Mexico City race and when Michael (Gue) mentioned partnering up with Finlay Motorsports for the remainder of the season we jumped at the opportunity.”
The Finlay Motorsports team will continue to operate from the team’s headquarters in Mooresville, N.C., the only visible difference being the Make-A- Wish/Z-line Designs sponsored machine will now carry the No. 5. “We’ve been looking for a way to continue our relationship with Essex Racing,” explained Steve Cameron, Team Manager and Driver Coach for Finlay Motorsports.
“When this opportunity presented itself, we sat down and made sure that it would be mutually beneficial to Finlay Motorsports and Essex Racing and we think we were able to accomplish that.” The team will next compete in the Linder Industrial Komatsu Grand Prix of Miami this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Rolex Series practice is slated to begin at 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 23 with qualifying taking place Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. The green flag will drop for round three of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 25. The 250-mile/109-laps/2 ¾ hour time limit contest will be broadcast on the Speed Channel at 8:00 p.m. ET, be sure to check your local listings.
