Posted (09/24/2010) -
Team Sahlen has purchased the #70 SpeedSource Mazda RX-8. This direction is part of Team Sahlen’s dedication to assisting Mazda in repeating as the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 GT Class Manufacturer Champion.
SpeedSource will provide delivery of the Mazda RX-8 at the Fall ROLEX test held at Virginia International Raceway on October 19th. This Mazda RX-8 was built new for the 2010 Race Season. During the season, this Mazda won 2 races, most historically the ROLEX 24 Hours at Daytona, enroute to 2nd in the Team Championship.
The plans are for the newly acquired Mazda will become the primary #43 RX-8 to be utilized by the driver line-up of Memo Gidley and Wayne Nonnamaker. In a game of “musical chairs” the #43 of 2010 will become the #42 to be driven by Joe Nonnamaker. Then the #42 of 2010 will turn into the #49 to be campaigned by Joe Sahlen.
“This is a key piece to our 2011 Season goals. Having a 3rd RX-8 will be really assisting us in many ways. First off, it will provide is with one more Mazda on track to develop new parts and set ups. Additionally, with the really tight race schedule, it will provide Memo & Wayne with a spare car between races if necessary. Having multiple cars in our line-up has proven beneficial in the past when we have focused heavily upon pursing the championship, and having this 3rd RX-8 follows right in line with our prior battle plans.” – states Joe Nonnamaker
“Taking on a 3rd RX-8 will be a big undertaking for the crew. I am confident that crew at Team Sahlen can handle this opportunity. Our #1 aim in 2011 is to help Mazda in winning the GT Manufacturer crown again. And I truly believe that we be assistance with 3 Team Sahlen RX-8s on the track.” - States Jay Chapman, Team Manager
The 2010 Team Sahlen GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 & GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Campaigns will be supported by Mazda, Mazdaspeed, HRPWorld.com, HAWK Performance, Cool Shirt, Racetech Seats, BBS, Racing Print Media, Alcon, Mothers Polish, EMCO, TheRaceSite.com, Grassroots Motorsports, Holliday Canopies, Alcon, CM Racing