Max Papis & Krohn Racing Ready for Rolex 24 At Daytona

January 25, 2007

Krohn Racing has been busy preparing as the 45th Annual Rolex 24 At Daytona race approaches this week. After a successful test earlier this month, the two-car Daytona Prototype team returns to the famous Daytona International Speedway for the twice-around-the-clock enduro, ready to go the distance.

Car numbers have been switched since the Daytona Test earlier this month to accommodate the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series’ Hoosier Pacesetter program specifications. Team owner/driver Tracy Krohn and teammates Nic J_nsson and Boris Said will now pilot the No. 76 Krohn Racing Pontiac Riley. Colin Braun, Max Papis and JJ Lehto will carry the Krohn Racing banner on the No. 75 entry.

The team comes to Daytona feeling well-prepped and ready to made a 100% effort towards their first 24-hour team victory. However, all the challenges of the historic 24-hour endurance classic are on the minds of the team.

“We’re worried because we seem to be so well prepared,” said Krohn Racing Team Manager Jeff Hazell. “Our level of preparation for this race is as good or better than any race last year. The Daytona 24-hour race is a harder race to win than the 24 of Le Mans, in my opinion. You are much more at the hands of fate due to the sheer volume of traffic and variety of driving skills and cars. It is a worrisome race. You are always worrying about the other cars on the track. It’s not that way at other 24-hours races. The weather is also a concern. I don’t think these types of cars are particularly well proven for long durations in the wet weather. Also, logistically it is not the easiest with 12 hours of darkness in the pits in a tent. You are 100-300 yards from your garage and truck should something happen. It stretches you more than other 24-hour races. It is a really tough race. You have to be on it at all time. When the yellow (flag) starts flying, if you’re not cognizant of where your cars are, you can lose it. Traffic can hold you up. It makes it quite intense and very wearing on the people. There is also a very strong field. We are well prepared this year and go in with our eyes open.”

“The test we did earlier this month was successful and we feel we’re ready for the 24 Hours,” said Krohn Racing team owner/driver Tracy Krohn. “The cars were consistent and quick and we are ready to face what Daytona offers in this race. The only variable for us is the weather because we haven’t had much of an opportunity to test rain set-ups. We are confident coming in to this race and with a strong desire to win.”

The Krohn Racing team, now in its second year, had a successful inaugural season. They won the Daytona Prototype Driver’s Championship with driver J_rg Bergmeister and finished second in the Team Championship. In 2006, Krohn Racing collected three victories, six podiums, eight Top Five finishes, 13 Top Ten finishes and one pole position.

The entry list for this year’s running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona features a total of 72 cars: 28 Daytona Prototypes and 44 GT class. The 45th Annual Rolex 24 At Daytona will be televised on both Fox Sports and SPEED for a total of 15 broadcast hours. For more information, please see www.grand-am.com and www.krohnracing.net.