Austin, Texas (17 September 2016) – After showing impressive speed at the iconic Circuit of the Americas throughout a weekend that saw blistering hot weather conditions, a return to the podium was thwarted by contact made to the No. 60 Honda-Ligier mid-way through the Lone Star Le Mans event.

Looking to make the most strategic approach to deal with the intense Texas heat during Saturday’s 2 hour and 40 minute race, the Shank squad opted to have Ozz Negri open the race, turn the car over to John Pew for the middle segment, and then have Negri return to the car for the anchor stint.

Since Negri did not qualify the car on Friday, he opened the race from behind the PC field, per IMSA rules. He made quick work of moving forward and had passed every PC car within the first three laps of the race.

Read More »

LONE STAR LE MANS: Round 9 of the 2016 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship

TRACK: Circuit of the Americas is a grade 1 FIA specification 3.427-mile motor racing facility located in Elroy, on the southeastern periphery of Austin city limits. The track plays host to a variety of race events, including the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in November.

COTA DRIVERS: John Pew and Ozz Negri Read More »

(Photo Credits: Brian Cleary + Kevin Wimer/Michael Shank Racing)

Pataskala, Ohio (13 September 2016) –Recognizing the team’s past while also looking forward to its future, Michael Shank Racing is throwing it back.

Beginning at this weekend’s Lone Star Le Mans event at Circuit of the Americas, fans of Michael Shank Racing will see a new, yet familiar, red, white and blue look for the team’s No. 60 Honda-Ligier Prototype.

The season-ending 2016 Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta on October 1st will mark Michael Shank Racing’s 250th prototype start in the IMSA ranks. To celebrate the feat, team partner AERO™ Advanced Paint Technology produced a throwback livery for the car that echoes the first-ever car Michael Shank Racing entered back in 2004.

Read More »

Elkhart Lake, Wis. (7 August 2016) – Michael Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian had been hoping to return to the podium at Road America for the third time at the track, but a race that turned into a fuel conservation strategy for the team at the historic 4-mile circuit saw drivers John Pew and Ozz Negri finish fourth on Sunday. The result extends the team’s streak of top-five finishes at the Wisconsin road course, having never finished outside of the top-five in six races.

After topping the first practice day on Friday with the quickest lap of the day, Michael Shank Racing was hopeful of a positive outing in Sunday’s 2 hour and 40 minute Continental Tire Road Race Showcase.

The No. 60 Honda Ligier JS P2 started among the PC field after an off during qualifying prevented Pew from delivering a flying lap. And the car showed promise in the early going with Pew making his way up through the PC field to maintain track position to the Prototypes before pitting to hand the car over to Negri just under the 1 hour mark.

Read More »

CONTINENTAL TIRE ROADRACE SHOWCASE: Round 8 of the 2016 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship

TRACK: 4.048-miles with 14 turns, Road America is a historic track known for its various challenging aspects. The track is one that has so much history, the corners have names instead of numbers. The Moraine Sweep, Hurray Downs, The Carousel, The Kink, Kettle Bottoms, Canada Corner, Thunder Valley and the Road America straight all combine for a thrilling lap.

ROAD AMERICA DRIVERS: John Pew and Ozz Negri

EYE ON THE PODIUM: Michael Shank Racing tasted the spray of champagne earlier this year with a victory at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and then again with a third place finish in the Sahlen’s 6 Hours of the Glen. Traditionally strong at Road America, Michael Shank Racing looks for its return to the podium this Sunday.

MSR’S STRENGTH AT ROAD AMERICA: John Pew and Ozz Negri have never finished outside of the top-five since first running at Road America with Michael Shank Racing in 2011. Those five top-five finishes include two podium finishes – third in 2012 and second in 2014.

Read More »