Dennis Aase's AASCO Motorsports assaulted Daytona International Speedway (DIS) with a three-car attack in the first day of testing for the 42nd Annual Rolex 24 Hours ofDaytona.
The No. 16 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup SGS class entry of CraigStanton, of Long Beach, Calif., and David Murry, of Cumming, Ga., setthe fastest time in two of the three practice sessions around the 3.56mile road course with the quickest time (one minute, 57.217 seconds) setin the first session of the day. Stanton and Murry backed that with a1:57.750 in the final session. Gary Becker, in his first visit to thehistoric road course, Derek Clark, making his second 24 Hour start, andPorsche Club standouts Pat Flanagan, Joe Kunz and Mark Webber cycledthrough the Nos. 17 and 96 during the three sessions of the day keepingthe cars regularly in the class top-ten. AASCO Motorsports will returntomorrow for the second day of the three-day test session in preparationfor the January 31st race. Dennis Aase, team owner/team manager: I am very proud of this [thesuccess of the cars]. We were the first out of tech and the first intoday's testing. That almost makes us look like we know what we'redoing. We have assembled people from all over the Untied States to puttogether the best group we could. We have wonderful drivers who are veryquick and the results showed today. We still have work to do, but I amvery pleased."Craig Stanton, No. 16: "I'm excited about this whole deal! I,personally, have never been this far along in the first day of testingwith a new team ever in my career. My optimism is really high. When youget really special people together special things happen. I want tothank Dennis Aase and Mark Webber for having the vision to put this alltogether."David Murry, No. 16: Obviously, I am really thrilled to be a part ofthis. The guys did their homework before we ever got here. Craig and Ijust worked to fine tune it. When something goes this well I'm worriedabout what must be wrong but this team is just this good. They are justthis prepared. I'm happy to be quick for the day but both Craig and Iare more interested in the long haul than in quick lap times. We aresetting this car up to be good across a complete run not just inqualifying. The car is really, really good. Porsche builds 'em, we justdrive 'em."Gary Becker, No. 17: "I think we're a major presence here. It's prettyawesome to be with a team of people like this. This is a superior levelteam and I think it shows. This was my first time here at Daytona and Itell you, this track is a nut-hugger."Derek Clark, No. 17: "I can recognize the passion and commitment in thisteam. I am very, very fortunate to be a part of this. They havedelivered an unbelievable package."
