Guy Cosmo, one of the most successful and versatile young racing talents, will join Michael McDowell behind the wheel of the popular No.19 Playboy/Uniden/Palms Ford-powered Crawford Daytona Prototype.
“I’ve known Guy for about three years,” stated Rob Finlay, Owner/Driver of Finlay Motorsports. “When I first became involved in racing Guy was driving for BGB Motorsports and he really helped me develop my driving skills. He spent several hours walking various tracks with me when Michael (McDowell) wasn’t available so when Memo was hurt in Long Beach I thought why not give him this opportunity.”
Cosmo’s racing titles, including the 2005 American Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year, along with the fact that he tested with the Finlay Motorsports team in 2004 played a key role in the team’s decision.
“I’m thrilled to be given this opportunity to compete with a team of this caliber,” said Guy Cosmo. “It’s unfortunate to see Memo injured and we all wish him a quick and safe recovery. I’m honored to have been selected to fill in for Memo, and hope to make him and the team proud in the process. Finlay Motorsports is a great family of people and I’m happy to help at a time like this. Michael and I raced against each other in the past, we’re great friends and we’re looking for a great finish this weekend.”
The Mooresville, North Carolina based team, currently sits in third position in Grand American Rolex Series Team Points and looks to make up some ground this weekend on the 3.27-mile road circuit.
“It’s going to be a tough weekend without Memo,” said McDowell. “He’s such a great asset to this team, not only as a driver but a leader too. VIR (Virginia International Raceway) is a great track, we’ve run well there in the past and the Crawford’s always seem to have a great balance particularly at this track. Hopefully Guy and I will be able to rack up some points so that when Memo gets back we can go after this Championship.”
Practice for the 250-mile/77-lap/2 ¾ -hour time limit race begins on Friday, April 21 at 9:30 a.m. with qualifying to take place on Saturday at 1:15 p.m. The race