Grand-Am: AIM Autosport confident for Emco Gears Classic at Mid-Ohio

WOODBRIDGE, ON - Following a fantastic charge that saw the Pacific Mobile/Biosign No. 61 Ford Riley Daytona Prototype take 4th place at Watkins Glen—missing third by under half a second—AIM Autosport is confident heading to the Emco Gears Classic Presented by Keybank at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. AIM hopes to see its drivers on the podium this weekend, building not only on the recent result but also on the team’s history of being fast at Mid-Ohio.

With the car back at AIM’s headquarters for ten days between races, the crew has had ample time for thorough inspections and preparation following the 6-hour race at Watkins Glen. The transport rig left  for Lexington, Ohio, yesterday evening and the rest of the team is en route today.

The Pacific Mobile/Biosign car will first see the 2.258-mile-long track on Friday morning at 10:35am for a 90-minute practice session. 
Drivers Burt Frisselle and Mark Wilkins will hone their racing line around the 13-turn course and work with the crew to optimize the car. 
They will be back for a 30-minute practice session at 2:10pm before Burt takes qualifying duties in a 15-minute session at 5:00pm.

The team will begin Saturday with another 30-minute practice session at 8:40am and the Emco Gears Classic, a 2h 45m timed race, is scheduled to begin at 5:00pm.

AIM Autosport has enjoyed many successes at Mid-Ohio over the years, fielding primarily formula cars. In 2008, AIM’s Daytona Prototype scored what was at the time its best finish to date, qualifying 3rd and finishing 4th, halfway through its second season. Last year, the team was a little disappointed to finish 7th, but took solace from qualifying 3rd and leading 24 laps of the race.

“We always look forward to racing at Mid-Ohio because the track is very technical and challenges both the drivers and engineers,” said Ian Willis, team principal and Cheif Engineer of AIM’s Daytona Prototype program. “Mark has qualified well here in the past two years and this year he will drive the final stint so we look forward to a strong race. I have no doubt that Burt will deliver in qualifying as he did a great job at Watkins Glen.”

“I love Mid-Ohio. I’m really psyched,” enthused driver Burt Frisselle. 
“Last year we ran 1st or 2nd until we were caught out by a yellow, but this is our chance to run with the Ganassi car. I’m more confident here than at any other track.”

“We know we can race at the front this year and have to be perfect to find the top step of the podium.” said driver Mark Wilkins. “Mid Ohio has traditionally been a pretty strong track for us and I expect we will be right up front come race time on Saturday.”

The Emco Gears Classic is the 7th round of the 2010 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16. The Emco Gears Classic will begin at 5:00pm on Saturday, June 19. The race will be broadcast live on SPEED and MRN (Motor Racing Network) available via affiliates and the Sirius Satellite Network.

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Pacific Mobile™: Pacific Mobile™ is a brand of products designed exclusively to support consumers looking for affordable and user-friendly mobile device accessories. Positioned as tech for the non-techie, Pacific Mobile™ products are ready to capture everything mobile from hands-free legislation to listening to music while staying in touch with your mobile communities. For more information login and join the brand on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube or visit the official Pacific Mobile™ website - www.gopacificmobile.com.

Biosign Technologies Inc.: Biosign provides biomedical systems. Key applications include intelligent systems for noninvasive monitoring of common health risks associated with blood pressure, glucose, and medication. The core technology combines measurement, analysis, and rapid knowledge formation to support health monitoring across global markets. The UFIT® medical device technology powers quality data collection and analytics for clinical diagnostics, self-care, wellness, disease state evaluation & management, and remote patient monitoring. For more information on Biosign please visit www.biosign.com.

AIM Autosport: Established in 1995, AIM Autosport’s mandate is to identify, train and manage emerging motorsport talent. AIM has provided many young drivers with a solid foundation on which to build a career in professional racing. The success of the AIM driver development programs has been achieved through the dedication of our employees and the ongoing support of our commercial and technical partners. Away from the track, AIM Autosport serves the needs of the racing community with a purpose- built preparation shop situated in the Toronto suburb of Woodbridge, Ontario. AIM fields the No. 61 Ford Riley with drivers Mark Wilkins and Burt Frisselle in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. The team also competes in the Star Madza Championship presented by Goodyear and the Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 Series powered by Mazda. Both series are an integral part of the new Road to Indy driver development series. AIM won the 2008 Star Mazda Championship with driver John Edwards.

From Mark Jackson // media@aimautosport.com