September 10, 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio – There is nothing like Ohio State football fever in Michael Shank Racing’s hometown of Columbus, and the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 team will be in the thick of the pre-game build-up as Rivalry Nights has tapped the team to represent the Rolex Series as part of the big Friday-night pep rally.

With everything from drift machinery to a Hank Williams Jr. concert, Rivalry Nights is billed as the world’s largest pre-game party and pep rally ever put together. The event, which will be held at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio at 4 p.m. ET Friday, will combine Music, Football, Basketball, Mixed Martial Arts, Wrestling, Drifting, Freestyle Motocross, Stunt Biking and a Hot Import Nights Car Show Competition.

The team will be setting up on site as part of the varied activities and displays that the event will encompass. The custom-liveried Michael Shank Racing transporter will be on display as well as the team’s Ford-powered Riley Daytona Prototype.

Michael Shank Racing is currently fifth in the Rolex Series Daytona Prototype championship standings and was recently invited to participate in the Grand-Am sanctioned test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“It’s impossible not to get caught up in all the excitement about Buckeye football here in town,” said team owner Mike Shank. “So for us to be a part of this event is something we are looking forward to. Hopefully we’ll be able to introduce some new people to the Rolex Sports Car Series while also having a really good time.”

Michael Shank Racing fans are eligible for a $5.00-off coupon; click here for detailed event information and to purchase tickets.