Rum Bum Racing Going for Second Straight Daytona Win from Pole
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla, 27 January - Rum Bum Racing scored a record-breaking pole position today in qualifying for the 2011 GRAND-AM Continental Sports Car Challenge 200 at Daytona International Raceway. Driver Nick Longhi took only four tours of the famed road course in the No. 13 Rum Bum Racing BMW M3, setting the standard on each one to arrive at best time of 1:56.959 sec. for a new series track record. His margin over the second-placed car was over three-tenths of a second.
Longhi, co-driving with Matt Plumb, will now set his sites on securing a second straight win at Daytona where the team made an auspicious debut last year, winning in their maiden race. Gianluis Bacardi was Plumb's co-driver on that occasion.
"The new paving here at Daytona is absolutely fantastic. I can't say enough about what a joy it is to drive here this year and it's not only making us faster, but everyone else too," said Longhi of Nyack, NY. "I also have to say a big thank you to Jack Roush Jr. who gave me such a tremendous tow going into the bus stop that I thought I was dreaming. He was a total gentlemen and let me slingshot by, which he needn't have done."
Unlike last year, when the Rum Bum BMW started in 18th before going on for the win, Longhi will have a clear view ahead when the green flag drops to start two and a half hours of racing. The last time Longhi started the No. 13 on the front row was in the 2010 finale at Miller Motorsports Park, which resulted in the squad's third win of the season and second on the trot for the Longhi/Plumb pairing. Still, Longhi is taking nothing for granted.
"It's a long race, and a lot can happen. One fast lap is great, but being fast for two and a half hours is what wins the race. We need to stay out of trouble and drive a clean race," added Longhi.
Rum Bum Racing was the car to beat all day, finishing the first practice third quick and fastest of all in practice two with Plumb behind the wheel.
"Everything feels great and the car is obviously fast. We were on new tires and low fuel so we may have been flattering to deceive somewhat, but, nevertheless, it's always better to lead than follow," said Plumb.
-source: rum bum racing
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