GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Team Winds Up Their Roar Before the Rolex 24 Testing

Jimmie Johnson

GAINSCO/Bob Stallings along with its drivers Jimmie Johnson, Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney had a busy weekend with the three day tests at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 at the Daytona International Speedway. The drivers finished their productive tests and are now putting their full focus to outperform competitors at the 49th Rolex 24 At Daytona. The Rolex 24 At Daytona is scheduled to begin on January 27 this year.

Alex Gurney drove the best lap for the team in his No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Chevrolet Riley at the final practice session on Sunday afternoon. His best time of 1:40:911 at an average speed of 127.003mph across the 3.560 mile race track of the Daytona International Speedway positioned him with the 14th fastest overall time amid the 17 Daytona Prototypes testing this week.

Alex Gurney, after his run at the Roar Before the Rolex 24, stated that the experience was good and will surely help him at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. While speaking about his preparations and car he stated that there is still some work to be done as their speed is not up to the mark. However, he added that the team made sure that speed is not the only thing that enables a car to win as there are many aspects associated with winning. He was quite satisfied with how things turned out at the Roar Before the Rolex 24.

Jimmie Johnson was not available at the opening day of the test run, but he made up for that on the remaining days and at Sunday’s final session. This year will be Jimmie Johnson’s fourth consecutive Rolex 24 At Daytona run with the team. So far, he has made seven starts at the Rolex 24 At Daytona in his career as a professional race driver. Last year, in June he drove the No. 99 Red Dragon with his fellow Rolex Sports Car Series drivers Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty at the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen.

No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Chevrolet Riley

While talking to the media Jimmie Johnson praised the efforts of his team. He stated that the team has come a long way since Watkins Glen. He spoke about his fellow drivers and stated each one of them is equally good and experienced. He also thanked the team for providing more seat time and making him comfortable with the track and the car. He also added that so far it had been a good experience and he was looking forward to make more out of it.

Jon Fogarty praised Jimmie Johnson as a solid performer. He said that Jimmie Johnson’s ability behind the wheel added to their chances of winning at the Rolex24 At Daytona. He added that Jimmie Johnson’s off season was much shorter as compared to the other two drivers and he must have been training to stay fit and ahead. Jon Fogarty is sure of his chances at the Rolex 24 At Daytona and wants to begin the season on a winning note.

As for now the team will tune up the No. 99 for the race while the drivers will focus on their physical and mental fitness.

Posted by Vanessa Puzio on January 11th, 2011 and filed under Culture, Events, Pop Culture, Sports | No Comments »

Daytona International Speedway Irons Out Ahead Of The 2011 Rolex Sports Car Series

Rolex Sports Car Series

The Daytona International Speedway has been witness to numerous nail-biting Rolex Sports Car Series events. The tracks and arena kick off to an exciting start each year as the Rolex 24 At Daytona warms up the tracks for the rest of the events. Just as the tracks had become used to the roar and rumble of the Daytona prototypes, the drivers too were accustomed to dodging the tiny bumps and nicks that lay across the track. However, since the tracks have undergone a major revamp recently, Rolex Sports Car Series participating teams had been more than eager to try out the newly ironed out surface.

On Friday, Hurley Haywood, Andrew Davis and Paul Edwards got behind their respective prototypes to test the new racing surface. While Andrew Davis and Hurley Haywood got behind the wheel of their No. 59 Brumos Porsche GT3, Paul Edwards took the No. 90 Spirit of Daytona Chevrolet Coyote for a ride. The teams turned quite a few laps on the 3.56 mile course on Friday morning. After the test drive, Hurley Haywood emerged claiming that he felt great. Recalling the bumps specifically, he stated that the track was now smooth as silk. He added that he had been racing these tracks for over forty years and noticed that every single bump and ripple was gone, even the ones on Turn 4 and Turn 2.

Hurley Haywood further observed that even the transitions were now smooth. This was an immense improvement as there was no abruptness in transitioning anymore. Though he had announced retirement in 2010, Hurley Haywood will be making a comeback to compete once again in the challenging Rolex 24 At Daytona. The Rolex 24 At Daytona has been stated to be one of the toughest races in the world as it not only tests drivers on their racing skills and teamwork, but also is a test of the chassis and engine. It would tests the endurance of the drivers as there are no intervals during the race. It is quite fascinating for fans to see the drivers not battle each other, but also battle sleep and the adrenalin rush.

Daytona International Speedway

Other drivers testing the Daytona International Speedway went on to add that the tracks now had a lot more grip. This would be an interesting turn of events for the Rolex 24 At Daytona competition, as the extra grip will test the endurance of the tires as well. More grip on the tracks could turn into the need for frequent tire changes than the teams may have been prepared for so far. With the Rolex 24 At Daytona for 2011 just around the corner in January, it would be wise for all the teams to pay extra attention during practice sessions. The teams would have to keep a special look out for how the extra smoothness plays out. They would also need to adjust to the smooth transition and notice whether than turns out in their favor or not. Lastly, they would also keep into consideration the effects of extra grip on the tires as well as the speed.

Posted by Vanessa Puzio on December 19th, 2010 and filed under Culture, Events, Pop Culture, Sports | No Comments »

Fisk Joins Godstone Ranch Team For Rolex 24 At Daytona

Rolex 24 At Daytona

Fisk Electric Company has formed a brand new relationship with Godstone Ranch Motorsports team by taking up the Title Sponsorship for the 48th Rolex 24 At Daytona. By joining hands with 20 other reliable partners, Frisk Electric Company will be standing in support of the mission raised by the Texas Heart Institute to reduce the ever rising toll of cardiovascular problems through innovative ways such as Research, Awareness and patient care through improved technologies.

Rolex, which has since long been associated with brilliance and perfection in Sports and Culture through innovative ways, keeps coming up with such platforms which help sportspersons to portray their talents and pursue excellence. For long people have been seeing Rolex make extra efforts to withstand the spirit of adventure and exploration. It is only for these efforts that have earned Rolex an immortal image in the eyes of the world. For the sports enthusiasts, the much anticipated 48th Rolex 24 At Daytona is like the Mecca of the Racing World. For years this event is religiously frequented by racing fans. That’s what makes this event one to look forward to.

With racers like John McCutchen II, Davy Jones and Paul Edwards in the team, it appears to be one success story rearing to being written. The racers successfully completed their three day test drive in their new Corvette last week at the Roar. The team is in the final phase, doing last minute preparations before the Rolex 24 At Daytona which is going to flag off on January 30. Directing the team will be Tony Dowe, one of the most renowned and successful race engineers in the Car Racing History.

Fisk Electrical Company, one of the leading brands assisting the nation with their designs, maintenance works and Installation of electric systems like cable appliances, electronic security systems and other technological solutions is mighty pleased with the sponsorship. Its logo will adorn #07 Corvette at the historic event of the Rolex 24 At Daytona. A long time admirer and a friend of Dr. Denton Cooley, Chairman of the Fisk Electric Company, Larry Brookshire looked honored on becoming a companion of the Texas Heart Institute in their most praise worthy endeavor.
Rolex 24 Race course

Harmonizing its way with the ultimate innovator Rolex, Fisk Electric Company also stands dignified with its innovations in the field of electricity. It bags the credit of lighting up whole of Houston, after the arrival of electricity in 1899 and also San Jacinto Monument in 1938 and many more such monuments. Fisk has time and again proved it mettle in its domain.

Racer John McCutchen II admired this role of Fisk and acknowledged the fact that Fisk Electric Company has not only helped the team but has also been a great support for the Texas Heart Institute in its mission with this. He looked forward to yield best results out of this grand event-The Rolex 24 At Daytona.

With so many Innovators and pioneers in their own fields coming together for a common event, the Rolex 24 At Daytona is going to be a supremely brilliant affair.

Posted by Vanessa Puzio on January 25th, 2010 and filed under Culture, Events, Pop Culture, Sports | No Comments »

Keri Russell And The Rolex Datejust Royal Pink; Larger Than Life Models

Keri Russell

If there’s any degree of truth in the saying that first impression is the last impression, one will surely fall for the Rolex masterpieces in that single cursory look. Talking about larger than life trait, Rolex comes out with the most scintillating and marvelous models and time remains just a feature of timepieces that Rolex creates for, Rolex models serve as a lot of things other than a watch. One such larger than life timepiece is the Rolex Datejust Royal Pink. It can serve as a watch, as a promising companion and also saves you from loading yourself from the trouble of donning jewelry. Just slip into this gorgeous accessory and get set to thank people for the compliments they bestow on you. Another such diva whose larger than life approach and seamless performance make her worthy of all praises of the world is Keri Russell.

This American beauty was born on March 23, 1976. Keri Russell entered acting business with the mid 1990’s TV shows like Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club, Honey I Blew up the Kids, Boy Meets The World and Married With Children. Keri Russell shot to fame with a WB’s show called Felicity during 1998-2002 and also won a Golden Globe Award for her performance. Keri Russell made her Broadway Debut with Fat Pig in the year 2004. In 2005, she returned to television and film, with The Magic of Ordinary Days and the television series Into the West after which she stared in Mission Impossible 3. Thereafter she went on to do an independent film Waitress Rolex Datejust Royal Pinkwhich was well received by the audience and critics alike. Keri Russell is also known for her role in The Bed Time Stories,We Were Soldiers Wonder Woman August Rush Apart from her acting skills another thing that she’s known for are her adorable looks. Her long locks have always stayed a matter of discussion just the way her hot career. Keri Russell is one person who definitely knows how to balance out her professional and personal life and this is what makes her different from the other main leading ladies in Hollywood. This attitude to live life on her own terms gives her a larger than life appeal which also reflects in the Rolex Datejust Royal Pink.

The Rolex Datejust Royal Pink goes beyond the expectations by providing a good time to the one who adorns it. Waterproof to 100 meters, the Rolex Datejust Royal Pink comes with a leather strap that makes it a perfect and a cozy fit carrying the Rolex tradition forward. The Rolex Datejust Royal Pink timepiece has an oyster case back to protect the movement from any kind of pressure, shocks and dust. With a case diameter of 36mm and automatic chronometer certified by COSC, this is one super reliable model. Being a part of the Oyester collection, the Rolex Datejust Royal Pink also shows the same water resistance. It is embellished with brilliants; the Rolex Datejust Royal Pink is a supremely interesting piece and mirrors a larger than life trait which sets it apart which also reflects in Keri Russell.

Posted by Vanessa Puzio on January 22nd, 2010 and filed under Culture, Events, Pop Culture, Sports | No Comments »

Neville Crichton’s Alfa Romeo Wins McConaghy Cup At Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Neville Crichton With The McConaghy Cup

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has finally come to a conclusion amongst lots of anticipation and unpredictable weather conditions. All eyes were set on the three 100 footers who took part in the 628 nautical mile race that began at the Sydney Harbor and ended in Hobart. All bets were on the three McConaghy built supermaxis; Alfa Romeo, ICAP Leopard and Wild Oats XI; and it was quite evident from the very beginning that the winner would be one of the 100 footers. However, Alfa Romeo emerged as the clear winner of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race as well as the McConaghy Cup after braving the waves and making the most of the breeze in the regatta. Alfa Romeo has created history by becoming the first ever winner of the McConaghy Cup as this was the debut year for the award.

The McConaghy Cup has made its debut in the 2009 season of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in order to recognize the first McConaghy built boat to cross the finish line in Hobart. There were two awards lined up for McConaghy built boats this year – one for Line Honors and the other for the Handicap (overall) winner. McConaghy is the most trusted name in the sailing world and has been the maker of some of the fastest boats in the world. McConaghy is the proud maker of the boats that range from the Supermaxis to the Mach 2 Foiling Moths as well as everything in between. The McConaghy Cup was introduced by co-owners Jono Morris and Mark Evans to honor the historical battle of the most prolific winners in Maxi history, i.e. Wild Oats XI, ICAP Leopard and Alfa Romeo.

Neville CrichtonBy making the best time and brilliant use of the breeze, Alfa Romeo grabbed the victory along with the McConaghy Cup. The McConaghy Cup was presented to skipper Neville Crichton, the owner of Alfa Romeo, by McConaghy’s co-owner Mark Evans. Mark Evans stated that the entire team at McConaghy was delighted for all the McConaghy built boats participating in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Mark Evans also stated that he would have liked to bestow Line Honors upon the trio of Neville Crichton, Bob Oatley and Mike Slade; however, it was Neville Crichton and Alfa Romeo’s day to celebrate.

The McConaghy Cup has a very innovative design as it is to be bestowed by the global leader in marine technology. Unlike the regular silver or glass cups, the McConaghy Cup is a carbon fibre powerboat steering wheel that can be used for the Maxi’s tender. Innovation is synonymous with McConaghy designs and they have taken innovation a step further in designing their prizes. Jono Morris, co-owner McConaghy, stated that coming up with innovative products and prizes is not only an integral part of their brand but is also an ode to their clients and the passion that they share for the sport. The McConaghy Cup was successful in adding an element of excitement to the already scintillating Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and was a delight for the fans as well as the crews.

Posted by Vanessa Puzio on December 31st, 2009 and filed under Culture, Events, Pop Culture, Sports | No Comments »