GRAND-AM Road Racing

Sunoco Driver Challenge to Return in 2010

Oct. 19, 2009

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - It was the biggest prize in British motorsport for drivers competing in Cooper Tires British F3 International Series, the Avon Tyres British GT Championship, the Radical UK Cup and the SPEED sports prototype series - a driver's seat in a Daytona Prototype to compete in the 48th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 30-31.

The Rolex 24 At Daytona Driver Challenge presented by Sunoco is a driver challenge between Sunoco-fuelled series in Europe and the United Kingdom. During 2009, the drivers in those respective series went head-to-head against each other, collecting points for pole position, race results and fastest lap all with the prize of a driver's seat for the 2010 Rolex 24 At Daytona on the line.

The Rolex 24 Driver Challenge presented by Sunoco is slated to return for a second season in 2010 with the prize of a driver's seat in the 2011 Rolex 24 at stake.

The 2009 Driver Challenge was a nail-bitter all year long and the outcome wasn't determined until the final week. Derek Johnston (Radical UK Cup) edged Rob Garofall (SPEED)to earn that driver's seat and will compete in America's most prestigious sports car race Jan. 30-31 with a to-be-named Daytona Prototype.

"I can't believe it," said Johnston, who will test at Daytona International Speedway in early January before competing in the Rolex 24, which is the Grand-Am Rolex Series season-opening race and the kick-off event to the international motorsports calendar.

"The Rolex 24 Driver Challenge presented by Sunoco has been a huge success and has generated increased awareness of the Rolex 24 At Daytona throughout Europe," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. "With the help of Sunoco, the Driver Challenge and its unique prize has generated excitement about the upcoming Rolex 24 At Daytona and we're looking forward to seeing the program continue to grow in 2010."

Tickets for the 48th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.