IRL IndyCar Series driver/team ownerGreg Ray has been added to the driving lineup of the Risi Competizione No.30 Maserati GT-class entry for the upcoming Rolex 24 At Daytona, Jan. 31 -Feb. 1.
It will be the first Rolex 24 appearance for Ray, who is set to co-drivewith Risi Competizione regulars Anthony Lazzaro and Ralf Kelleners at thisyear’s historic 24-hour endurance classic at Daytona. Ray first rosethrough the professional racing world driving in Formula 2000, FormulaAtlantic and the Dayton Indy Lights series before joining the IRL IndyCarSeries in 1997.
"It’s an honor to drive with such a formidable team as Risi Competizione -- they are dedicated to winning and are known for having the highest standardsof excellence," said Ray, the 1999 IRL IndyCar Series champion and 2000Indianapolis 500 polesitter who owns and drives the No. 13 AccessMotorsports Honda-powered Indy car that will begin its second season on theIRL IndyCar Series in 2004.
"I discussed driving the 24 hours of Daytona for (team owner) Giuseppe(Risi) many times in 2000 and was even signed to run in 2001 and 2002, butwith my Indy Racing schedule and timeframes I was not able to participateuntil now. I’m grateful once again Giuseppe extended the offer to come anddrive with Anthony and Ralf this year," said Ray.
"I’ve known Anthony since ‘92 when we raced Formula 2000 together. Anthonyis an incredibly quick and precise driver, and I’m sure he’ll be veryinstrumental in helping me become acclimated to the team and the nuances ofthe new Maserati GT.
"I’m definitely looking forward to getting back to road racing, where I cutmy teeth from 1992 through 1996. Hopefully, we’ll have a fantastic run atDaytona and my schedule will allow me to participate more with Risi in thefuture."
Risi Competizione finished second overall in last year's Rolex 24 AtDaytona.
The 42nd Anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona will be held Jan. 29 - Feb.1. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased online at.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 386-253-RACE. SPEEDChannel will broadcast more than 15 hours of live coverage of the Rolex 24on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.
