Kodak Bell Motorsports Tests at Mid-Ohio

2002 Toyota Atlantic Champion Jon Fogarty, his Pacific Coast Motorsports teammate Alex Figge and formerAtlantics runner Alex Gurney tested the Michael Shank Racing No. 6 LexusDoran at Mid-Ohio last week to get a look at the burgeoning category. Thethree drivers took turns at the wheel through a full day of running at the2.25-mile track and were able to provide MSR with feedback on the car whilethoroughly enjoying their first taste of the Rolex Sports Car Series DaytonaPrototype category.

MSR still has testing and race opportunities open after the Daytona weekend,and Shank is actively looking for interested drivers to test and race in thesecond half of the season. Shank was impressed with how quickly the threedrivers were able to get up to speed as well as the quality of theirfeedback.

"All these guys come from where we come from, so we speak the same languageas far as development and feedback, so it was a very productive day for us,"Shank said. "Even though none of them had ever driven anything like this,they were on the pace immediately and were able to continue right where weleft off at The Glen test last week with Burt (Frisselle) and Oswaldo(Negri) as far as finding new ways to get the most out of this car."

Fogarty, Figge and Gurney had been looking forward to getting a taste of theDaytona Prototype format, and all three walked away from the test smiling.

"I knew we were going to have fun today, but I have to say both the team andthe car exceeded my expectations," Fogarty said. "I would have to think thatthese would be a blast to race in. Besides, Mid-Ohio is a fun race track, nomatter what race car you are in."

"This is definitely a buff race car," Figge said. "It takes a different kindof commitment to be fast in this car than in an Atlantics, but it was reallya blast. I had never driven a race car with a roof on it, so I had to getused to the heat inside, but there was also more elbow room in there thananything I've ever driven."

In just their first season of Rolex Series competition, MSR has emerged as aserious title contender, sitting just four points from the championshipleader. MSR previously competed in the Toyota Atlantic series, but hasadapted quickly to the endurance format of the Rolex Series with driversBurt Frisselle and Oswaldo Negri continuing to impress Shank as well as therest of the paddock with their speed and consistency.

MSR was not the only team testing prior to this weekend's 6 Heures duCircuit Mont-Tremblant. The Kodak Bell Motorsports No. 54 Pontiac Dorantested at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course last Tuesday. Terry Borcheller willshare driving duties with Forest Barber and Andy Pilgrim in the six-hourendurance race.

"The test went very well," Borcheller said. "We ultimately ended up goingquite a bit faster than what we qualified at last year, so that was great."

Both teams and a full field of Rolex Series sports cars return to action inthe 6 Heures du Circuit Mont-Tremblant, May 21-23. Tickets can be purchasedby calling 800-517-5725. The race will be broadcast live on SPEED Channel onSunday, May 23 at 11 a.m. ET.