Motorcycle stars try sports cars

From Daytona International Speedway

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – Motorcycle stars Ricky Carmichael, Scott Russell and Jason Pridmore were at Daytona International Speedway on Monday – on four wheels.

The motorcycle legends were shaking down a Spirit of Daytona Racing Coyote-Porsche Daytona Prototype during the first day of a three-day October Test Days session in preparation for a potential run in the 47th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona sports car classic on Jan. 24-25.

More than 20 sports cars were turning laps on the 3.56-mile road course as part of a three-day test that will include two evening sessions. For Russell and Carmichael, it was their second sports car test at DIS while for Pridmore, it was his first.

All three motorcycle stars have been testing at other road course facilities as they look to make an attempt to compete in the upcoming Rolex 24, the grueling and challenging twice-around-the-clock challenge.

Russell, whose nickname is “Mr. Daytona,” is a five-time Daytona 200 By Honda winner, a record that he shares with Miguel Duhamel.

“This is one of my favourite races to come watch,” Russell said. “For years, I just thought how cool it would be to be out there. To have the opportunity is just amazing for me. I pinched myself everyday to make sure this is real.”

Carmichael, who has retired from Supercross and is now pursuing a NASCAR career, is a record five-time Daytona Supercross By Honda winner and is nicknamed G.O.A.T – the Greatest Of All Time.

“It’s neat to be here and see it from this angle,” Carmichael said. “I’ve been around the motorcycle stuff for so long. This is a racer’s heaven for sure. It’s awesome to be able to have done it on a motorcycle, do it on a Daytona Prototype and next on the list is a stock car.”

Jason Pridmore anchors the trio of motorcycle champions with two 750 Supersport victories at Daytona.

“It’s exciting because we’re all nervous,” Pridmore said. “We’re all scared. I don’t think any of us will lie to you. We’re all a little bit nervous for what we’re getting ourselves into. There’s a lot of respect for the guys that do this full time.”

All three riders are being tutored by sports car veteran Guy Cosmo for the potential Rolex 24 start. Having Cosmo showing them the ins and outs of sports car racing at DIS has been a huge asset for Carmichael, Russell and Pridmore.

This is the first of three off-season tests for the Rolex Series at Daytona. Teams will test with 2009 tires Nov. 11-12. A star-studded lineup is expected for the Jan. 2-4 session, the last major session prior to the 2009 season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona.

This week’s three-day session will continue through Wednesday.