The last time Team Sahlen visited Mazda Raceway, it was at the same time just 12 months ago.  And during that ROLEX race weekend, Team Sahlen delivered a race victory in the GT class in their Mazda RX-8. 

“It was so fantastic to win last year at Mazda Raceway in the GT class.  Not only were we able to achieve our 3^rd GT class win, but it was a great gift we could provide to Mazda.  This being the last professional victory for a Rotary in professional competition.  And to secure that victory at Mazda’s home track made it all the more sweeter.” – shared Joe Nonnamaker

Now, 12 months on, Team Sahlen is 1 year into their inaugural campaign with their Daytona Prototypes.  It has been significant learning curve for the team.  There were early signs of competitiveness, with a 3^rd place qualifying effort at the season opening ROLEX 24 Hours at Daytona, and then a 4^th place finish at the tight confines of the Detroit Grand Prix circuit.  But most recently, Team Sahlen has really started to hit their stride, having led laps in each of the last 5 ROLEX races.  The highlight to this run was the Road America event, where Team Sahlen sat on the Pole Position and led 41 of the 70 race laps.  Now Team Sahlen comes back to the sight of their 2013 victory with hopes of duplicating that result in the top class of ROLEX.

Dane Cameron shared his thoughts leading into the weekend, - “Mazda Raceway is one of my favorite tracks so I can't wait to get there in a DP for the first time. Growing up in northern California I always enjoy coming home and spending some time with my family. Winning in gt there last year was incredible so the bar is set high to repeat! After coming so close in Road America, I think Laguna is another great chance for us to run upfront and try to seal the deal.” 

Sharing the seat with Dane Cameron in the #42 machine will be Wayne Nonnamaker.  Currently Wayne is leading the Jim Trueman Sportsman Award standings over rival Alex Popow.  If Wayne were to win this Award, he would be the 1^st in ROLEX history to have secured this title in both the GT and Daytona Prototype classes. 

In the #43 BMW Powered machine will be the trio of Joe Sahlen and the father & son duo of Joe & Will Nonnamaker.  This will be Joe Sahlen’s 1^st time back behind the wheel since the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen in June.

“I am excited to get back to driving the Daytona Prototype.  It is a really fun to drive.  I really enjoy coming out to California and the Mazda Raceway – Laguna Seca is always fun to drive.” – shared Joe Sahlen

The Continental Tires Sports Car Festival will be held on Saturday September 8^th at 5 pm est. The 2 hour and 45 minute event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1.

GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series is supported by:

BMW Motorsports, Dinan Engineering, Design Engineering Inc, Penske Shocks, EMCO Gears, Racing Print Media, Mothers Polish, TheRaceSite.com, PFC Brakes, Classic Motorsports Magazine, Grassroots Motorsports Magazine, BBS Wheels, and Hella Lights