PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports has announced that Andrew Palmer of Chicago, IL and Tom Kimber-Smith originally from Ascot, England will be joining season long drivers Michael Guasch and Andrew Novich for the 53rd Rolex 24 At Daytona. Kimber-Smith will be looking to add another 24-hour race win to his resume having already amassed three class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, while Palmer will be making his prototype debut after a successful career racing in the GT categories.
All four PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports drivers were in attendance at the recent Roar Before the Rolex 24 where the team posted quick lap times while engineering the car to accommodate for the recent technical changes to the car’s ride height, engine package, and aero kit.
PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports’ #52 FLM09 will have a new sponsor for the Rolex 24 at Daytona as well. Spyder Active Sports Incorporated, an iconic ski and active lifestyle apparel brand will join season-long sponsors Cuttwood E-Liquid.
Andrew Palmer – Driver #52 Cuttwood E-Liquid/ Spyder
“We tested the PC car late last year so the experience at Daytona wasn’t completely new to me. Some of the GT cars I’ve been driving produce high downforce levels so I am well acquainted with the driving styles that type of car requires. However, the PC car being so much lighter definitely makes it interesting coming off of the corners and going into the braking zones.
“When we first got to Daytona, the NASCAR banking just looked like walls to me. Once you get on them they are a lot of fun and it was interesting to experience a little of what the stock-car guys go through.
“So far my favorite part of the track has been the bus stop chicane which is a lot trickier than it may appear. I enjoy pushing the limits into the braking zone, seeing how deep you can go. Turn one is probably the toughest corner for me, high speed and difficult to spot your marks.
“Everyone on the team ran well we’re all feeling comfortable so we’re looking forward to push for the podium late Sunday afternoon.”
Tom Kimber-Smith – Driver #52 Cuttwood E-Liquid/ Spyder
“We had a great test at the Roar. All of our drivers were immediately up to pace and the car was quick from day one. The test times at the Roar were not indicative of the true race pace, however, as not all of the teams had the new engines with the new camshafts in them. The changes didn’t alter the overall lap times as much as some may have expected, but it was definitely a different driving experience that should play out during a 24-hour race.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity Bobby (Oergel, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Team Owner) and all of the guys have given me and I look forward to helping the team get their first win at Daytona.”
Ray Mathiasen of PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports
“This is one of the best driver lineups we’ve ever had for Daytona. We have one of the strongest groups of silver drivers in the class, definitely giving us a competitive advantage over some of our competitors. More than that, there is a real sense of camaraderie amongst the drivers and the crew which is absolutely crucial during these long, arduous endurance races.”
“We’ve won the Petit Le Mans and the 12-Hours of Sebring and I am confident that we have everything we need to add a victory at the Rolex 24-Hour at Daytona to our proud list of achievements.”