Daytona 24: Lexus hour 12 notes

TWO LEXUS-POWERED PROTOTYPES REMAIN IN TOP 3 IN ROLEX 24 AT 12-HOUR MARK

Each of the Ganassi Racing Lexus-Rileys continue to run in the top three as Juan Pablo Montoya (#01 Telmex/Target Lexus) currently sits second and Memo Rojas (#02 Target/Telmex Lexus) is third in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The surprising AIM Autosport #61 Exchange Traded Gold entry with Burt Frisselle driving remains in the top-10, holding strong in the seventh spot to give Lexus three of the top seven mid-way through the grueling 24-hour event.

Ian Willis, AIM co-owner: bWe haven't had any problems 'til now (lap 345). We were under yellow, Burt checked up and the engine stalled. It looks like we've lost either the ring gear or the starter piston because it won't turn over when he engages the starter. Now we'll have to bump-start on each restart, but the SunTrust team has been doing that for a couple of hours. If they can do it, we can do it! We started 27th because the car stalled on the grid, so we're doing all right."

Mark Wilkins, #61 Exchange Traded Gold Lexus-Riley: bAt the half-distance, I can't believe where we're at. Our main focus is to just keep running the car and hope that luck's on our side. The crew are doing a great job, and Burt, Brian and Dave are just driving the wheels off the car. It's awesome."

-credit: lexus