Motorcycle stars get final Daytona prep

From Daytona International Speedway

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The reality of the challenge is starting to sink in for motorcycle veterans Scott Russell, Jason Pridmore and Jeff Ward.

The trio of two-wheel stars will tackle four wheels in the 47th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 24-25 with the locally based team Spirit of Daytona Racing and the No. 09 Coyote-Porsche decorated with AMA Pro Racing decals.

This weekend’s three-day Rolex 24 test is their final tune-up prior to the twice-around-the-clock challenge.

Things are totally different for the two-wheel competitors. From the fenders to the seat belts, it’s a new world on the 3.56-mile road course of DIS for Russell, Pridmore and Ward.

“I didn’t think it was going to be as awkward as it was, being tightly strapped in,” Pridmore said during the lunch break on the second day of testing. “On a bike, if I’m going through a turn, I’m used to turning my head and looking through the corner. In a car, I can’t do that as much.

“I was talking to mom about this. I don’t think my mom could sit in the car, she would be too claustrophobic. Just sitting in the car for the first time, one of my first comments to (owner) Troy (Flis) was, ‘I’ve watched this race for the last six years on TV going I want to do it and now I’m in the car and I’m like why am I here.’"

Russell concurs with Pridmore saying the transition has been difficult.

“Just being able to breathe fresh air is the biggest difference for me on the bike,” Russell said. “You might be a little warm in the leathers if it’s hot but you still have fresh air going under your helmet. In the car, it’s pretty hot in there.”

Another concern for the drivers is the traffic. With more than 50 sports cars on track during this weekend’s test, they’ve learned the ins and outs of dealing with slower and faster cars.

“It’s kind of like bike racing except you got lot less room to make the move on,” Russell said. “A doorway space I could do what I used to do. Now, the car is still a little twitchy and still tentative. The consistency of some of the drivers, you don’t know who you are coming up on, some guys give way, some don’t.”

Ward is the lone driver to have previous Rolex 24 experience having competed in the race in 1997.

“It’s good to be back,” Ward said. “I’m still learning. I’ve never driven these cars and it’s been 12 years since I’ve been on a road course. We just need more seat time, all of us.”