For the 2012 Rolex Sports Car Series, Riley prepared a third generation Daytona Prototype known as the DPG3 MKXXVI. The model’s inaugural race at the 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona was a resounding success. The Michael Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian DPG3 won just seconds ahead of the chasing Starworks Motorsport DPG3.

Press Release

Daytona Beach, FL (6 January 2012)— A new chapter in Riley Technologies history opened on Friday as the firm’s latest new offering hit the track for its first official GRAND-AM session at the Roar Before the 24 at Daytona International Speedway.

Riley Technologies DPG3 MKXXVI will make its competition debut in the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona on January 28. The design will look to extend the remarkable run of Riley Technologies success as GRAND-AM enters a new era. 2011 marked Riley’s eighth consecutive Manufacturer Championship, and Riley’s DP designs have 84 wins to their credit, including seven consecutive Rolex 24 At Daytona victories.

The first Riley Technologies DP design, the MKXI, debuted at Daytona in 2004 with a pole position in the hands of Telmex Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Pruett, with SunTrust Racing bringing the first Rolex 24 At Daytona win for the car in 2005.

2008 saw Riley introduce the MKXII, which was the first significant revision of the original design after GRAND-AM permitted the constructors to bring new products to the track. That machine once again took pole on debut with Ozz Negri setting a new track record in his Michael Shank Racing machine, with the Telmex Chip Ganassi Racing squad scoring the win with drivers Dario Franchitti, Juan Montoya, Scott Pruett, and Memo Rojas.

The new GRAND-AM regulations will see the third generation (DPG3) of Daytona Prototype machinery take to the track as the World Center of Racing celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Both Telmex Chip Ganassi entries, the Michael Shank Racing’s No. 60 entry and Starworks Motorsport’s No. 8 entries will both contest the race utilizing the Riley “Standard” bodywork, while the No. 99 GAINSCO Racing entry will wear Corvette bodywork on the new Riley chassis. “It has been a busy time for us, getting all the cars built, delivered, tested, and in the wind tunnel for GRAND-AM,” said Riley Technologies Vice President Bill Riley. “  Sometimes you run into issues with a brand new car, but I’m really happy with how smoothly things have gone so far. Right out of the box this car has been good. The Michael Shank Racing guys put a lot of work into getting the first car on track and the coordination with all our teams has been excellent. Hopefully we can have a productive three days here and be ready to win when we come back at the end of the month.”

Story by Richard Owen