PATASKALA, Ohio (January 15, 2015) – Ever since AERO™ Advanced Paint Technology first joined Michael Shank Racing in 2013, the team’s racecars have been turning heads with their stunning liveries. Now, as Michael Shank Racing transitions from Daytona Prototype machinery to the remarkable new Ligier JS P2, AERO™ has once again produced an exceptional livery for the Michael Shank Racing No. 60 machine.
As a team partner, AERO™ Advanced Paint Technology will play a key role with the team and its racing effort throughout the 2015 IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship. Michael Shank Racing competes in the top-tier prototype category of the series where the team will field its Honda-powered Ligier JS P2. In addition to its aesthetic quality, the AERO™ film-based paint applique also provides a range of other benefits, from weight savings to added protection for the carbon fiber.
The partnership with Michael Shank Racing helped fuel growth for AERO™ Advanced Paint Technology–a division of the international, advanced materials company, entrotech–which has an established customer base across multiple markets.
“Our ongoing partnership with Michael Shank Racing highlights the quest for a meaningful competitive edge through truly disruptive innovation,” said entrotech CEO Jim McGuire, who also enters the 2015 IMSA ranks as a driver for Compass360 Racing in Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge competition. “Michael Shank Racing was one of the earliest adopters of AERO Advanced Paint Technology, and while it’s great seeing how fantastic their cars look live and on TV, the true value of what our partnership has brought to bear is in weight savings, aerodynamic gains, maintenance flexibility, and ultimately, performance on the track.
“Furthermore, Mike (Shank) and his team have been an instrumental launch pad for our technology within the motorsports community by showcasing exactly what our product offers in terms of on-track capability.”
The AERO™ Liquid Metal™ orange livery on Michael Shank Racing’s No. 60 car raised eyebrows at the ‘Roar’ test with positive feedback from competitors and fans alike.
“We had our new car out in front of people for the first time at the ‘Roar’ test over the weekend and we received so many positive comments about how great it looked,” said Team Owner Mike Shank. “When we began this partnership with AERO, there was a big focus on how good the cars looked. While that’s important, we soon discovered more and more advantages to using the AERO paint application. Needless to say, I’m really excited to have AERO back with us again in 2015. They’re another Columbus, Ohio-based company that we work with and it’s been cool to see how the company has grown throughout the paddock and in the Columbus market. Jim (McGuire) did some test laps with us at Mid-Ohio last year and it’ll be great to see him driving in the Continental Tire series this year.”
Drivers John Pew and Ozz Negri return to Michael Shank Racing for the full 2015 season with upcoming talent Matt McMurry joining the team for the Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup events. AJ Allmendinger will complete the driver line-up in the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
“I’m very happy with the car,” said Pew following the traditional ‘Roar Before the 24’ test days. “It’s very consumer friendly, and driver friendly. I think it’s easy for the mechanics as well because it’s very easy to work on and well thought out. I’m very pleased with how well the transition to the Ligier and the Honda engine has gone. The car runs just as good as it looks! The livery this year is outstanding. So many people raved about it at the Roar. It was pretty cool. And of course from a driver’s standpoint, it’s not only the look of the car that we love, but also how the AERO paint technology offers competitive advantages as well.”
The Rolex 24 At Daytona opens the 11-race 2015 TUDOR Championship season on January 24, 2015 at Daytona International Speedway.
This release also appears on the Michael Shank Racing website.