AMA Champs Test for 24 Hours of Daytona

Motorcycle.com Staff
by Motorcycle.com Staff

AMA champs test for 24 Hours of Daytona

Russell, Pridmore and Ward prepare for endurance race
By Motorcycle.Com Staff, Jan. 06, 2009
Scott Russell, Jason Pridmore and Jeff Ward completed a three-day test at Daytona International Speedway Jan. 5 in preparation for the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.

The three motorcycle legends, each with several AMA championships on their resumes, will compete in the Jan. 24-25 race in the number 9 AMA Pro Racing Motorcycle Team Porsche Coyote.

Its definitely been a big transition for us, not only for myself, but for Jason and Jeff as well, says Russell, who earned the nickname Mr. Daytona for his five victories in the Daytona 200. Its hard to get a lot of track time, sharing the seat with the other drivers.

The test was the final tune-up for the AMA team. Russell and Pridmore took part in a test in October with former AMA Motocross and Supercross champion Ricky Carmichael. Ward joined the team in the November test while Carmichael has withdrawn. Inducted to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999, Ward brings four-wheeled racing experience to the team having competed in the 1997 24 Hours of Daytona and raced in the Indy Racing League following his retirement from motocross competition and brings four-wheeled racing experience to the team.

I dont think theres a motorcycle racer out there who hasnt sat back and said hed like to try this race, says Pridmore, a two-time AMA Pro champion. All three of us have watched this race on TV forever, and Jeffs even driven in it once. If there ever was a car Ive wanted to race, it was a Grand-Am car. Thats how Ive always felt, and Im tickled to get the chance to do it.

Pridmore and Russells transition to auto racing will be much more difficult.

The 09 car might bring good luck to the AMA Pro Racing team in the 2009 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.

Just being able to breathe fresh air is the biggest difference for me on the bike, says Russell. You might be a little warm in the leathers if its hot but you still have fresh air going under your helmet. In the car, its pretty hot in there.

The test sessions have helped the team get used to weaving in and out of traffic. With more than 50 cars on the track during the recent test, the AMA team learned to deal with faster and slower cars.

Its kind of like bike racing except you got lot less room to make the move on, says Russell. A doorway space I could do what I use to do. Now, the car is still a little twitchy and still tentative. The consistency of some of the drivers, you dont know who you are coming up on, some guys give way, some dont.

The AMA team will not be the only notables taking part in the 24 Hours of Daytona. IndyCar racer Danica Patrick will drive the number 2 Pontiac Crawford car with former 24 Hours of Daytona winners Casey Mears and Andy Wallace. Actor Patrick Dempsey of televisions Greys Anatomy and owner of the Dempsey Racing team will race for the second time, driving a pink, black and white Mazda RX-8. The Dempsey team, sponsored by Avon, will be promoting the cosmetic companys breast cancer awareness efforts.

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Legends prepare for 24-hour auto race

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