Jan. 5, 2010

WOODBRIDGE, Ont., Canada – AIM Autosport is happy to announce its plans to compete in 11 of the 12events in the 2010 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16. The team will be on track with Mark Wilkins and Burt Frisselle at the wheel of the No. 61 Ford Riley starting with the Miami Grand Prix at Homestead-Miami Speedway in March.

Since the last race of 2009, AIM had two key points in the agenda to prepare for the coming season. First, rebuild Riley chassis 001 from the ground up to update components and reduce weight. Second, work diligently to secure funding for the 2010 season.

While the No. 61 Ford Riley is sleek, slim and ready to go, it was a bit more difficult to obtain funding for the entire season. Consequently, AIM has decided to forego the Rolex 24 At Daytona and ensure their presence through the rest of the races.

“We had to make some tough decisions,” commented team principal Ian Willis. “In the end we felt it was important to ensure the team would compete in the maximum number of races given the funding in place. The Rolex 24, while the jewel of the series, carries a high cost for a single event. We are continuing to work on acquiring sponsors and there is interest as the economy is slowly recovering, but as all teams have experienced, it has been a difficult road. We are assured though, to be there for the rest of the season.”

Meanwhile, Wilkins and Frisselle will be at The Rolex 24 at Daytona competing in the No. 60 Mike Shank Racing entry with John Pew and Ozz Negri. Mike Shank offered seats to the AIM Autosport drivers when he heard they would be available. This will allow the duo to challenge the full season in the drivers’ championship.

“AIM Autosport and Shank Racing have a long history together”, noted Willis. “Ever since I worked with Shank Racing in Formula Atlantic nine years ago we have always enjoyed a great working relationship. We are happy to see Mark and Burt in a Ford powered car with a chance to win.”

In the meantime, AIM will continue to develop programs to support its current partners and work to create new alliances in time for the start of the regular season at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The Grand Prix of Miami takes place March 7.

AIM Autosport Facts:
Established in 1995, AIM Autosport’s mandate is to identify, train and manage emerging motorsport talent. AIM has provided many young drivers with a solid foundation on which to build a career in professional racing. The success of the AIM driver development programs has been achieved through the dedication of our employees and the ongoing support of our commercial and technical partners. Away from the track, AIM Autosport serves the needs of the racing community with a purpose-built preparation shop situated in the Toronto suburb of Woodbridge, Ontario. AIM fields the No. 61 Ford Riley with drivers Mark Wilkins and Burt Frisselle in the Rolex Grand Am series. The team also competes in the Star Madza Championship presented by Goodyear. AIM won the 2008 Championship with driver John Edwards.