Michael Shank Racing is pleased to confirm the return of John Pew and Ozz Negri to the team for the 2014 IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.
The duo will share the driving duties in the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing Ford EcoBoost Riley in the inaugural season of the all-new TUDOR Championship, which will launch with the 52nd running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on January 25-26.
Pew, who moved his focus from intercontinental sailing to racing after his wife gave him a visit to the Skip Barber Racing School as a gift, first raced for Michael Shank Racing in 2007 as he moved from formula cars to Daytona Prototype competition. Negri has Daytona Prototype experience that stretches back to the debut season for the category in 2003.
Pew and Negri first joined forces ahead of the 2010 season, and have combined for over 7,000 laps in Daytona Prototype competition as co-drivers. The duo have taken at least one podium finish together every year, including a breakthrough triumph in the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona in 2012.
“I couldn’t be more pleased to have John and Ozz back with us this season,” said team owner Mike Shank. “With new rules, this new EcoBoost motor from Ford, a new championship, and new specifications for these Daytona Prototypes, there have never been many changes from one season to the next. So to have two guys that we know we can count on to perform for us in the car and who work so well together with this entire team, is a big plus for us. Hopefully we can build on what we’ve been working on the last few years and deliver for our partners.”
“It is really exciting to be involved with this new championship and I am very happy to be returning to race for Mike again,” said Pew. “The schedule for 2014 is just incredible, and I am really eager to get back to racing and to being a part of a very big season. This team is just like one big living organism and is incredibly focused on doing the work that it takes to be successful. Driving with Ozz is a pleasure, and he pushes me and everyone on the team to keep improving and that is incredibly motivating.”
“I am so happy to be back and be looking at this season with 100% strength,” said Negri, who fought back from a training injury last season to once again return to the Rolex Series podium. “There is a lot of work to be done now with the new car and the new EcoBoost but this team is ready to do that. Having so many new elements is going to make this really an exciting year and to be taking it on with John as my partner, I’m thrilled.”
Michael Shank Racing will be announcing new commercial partnerships in the coming weeks.
The inaugural TUDOR Championship opens with the 52nd Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 25-26, 2014.