Drivers

	Antonio Garcia Birthdate: May 6, Hometown: Madrid, Spain To describe Antonio Garcia as an accomplished sportscar driver may be accurate, but it is also an understatement. Joining Spirit of Daytona racing in 2009, the young Spaniard has already compiled a list of endurance victories that is envied by many far more experienced drivers. Having won what could be considered the ‘triple crown’ of endurance racing, Garcia has now stood atop the podium at Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, followed up with his 2009 win at the Rolex 24. Like many of his peers, Antonio came to racing at a very early age in karting. He raced his way up the European Formula ladder and into Formula 1 testing before moving into the world of endurance sports car racing. He found his way to the Grand-Am series in 2007, and has competed actively in the series ever since. 2008 proved a memorable year for Antonio as he followed up his 24 Hour Le Mans win with his first Grand-Am podium finish. He then extended his winning streak with the 2009 Rolex 24. As Spirit of Daytona Racing kicks off a new season at their home track this year, Garcia will be instrumental in the team’s strategy. His experience with the Coyote chassis and prior partnership with co-driver Buddy Rice make him a valued member of the team as they hope to see Spirit of Daytona earn their first team Rolex 24 win in 2010.

	Buddy Rice Birthdate: January 31, 1978 Hometown: Phoenix, AZ There are only a handful of race car drivers who have earned both an Indy 500 and Rolex 24 win, but Spirit of Daytona driver Buddy Rice joined their ranks in 2009. Driving for the Brumos #58 car in last year’s Daytona endurance classic, he ended one of the most grueling and memorable races in the history of the event on the top step of the podium. His 2004 season was also notable, as the won three IRL IndyCar Series races including the Indy 500 after capturing the pole position for that event. Rice became interested in racing at a young age, as his father built and raced drag cars. Despite his love for baseball, he decided to pursue racing, becoming a contender early on. The Toyota Atlantic Championship winner made his Grand-Am start in 2000 at Watkins Glen by taking class pole position and a second place finish. He remained active in Grand-Am while racing in the IndyCar series before joining the Spirit of Daytona as a full-time driver mid-season in 2009. As the team takes to the track for 2010, the #90 Spirit of Daytona Coyote will be powered by a Porsche based V8 powerplant. While 2009 was considered a developmental phase, Rice will play a key role in leading the team into the next level of competition in the year ahead.

	Darren Manning Rounding out the Spirit of Daytona Rolex 24 lineup is the talented and versatile Darren Manning. Manning, born in North Yorkshire, England, now resides in Indianapolis. He has been an active competitor in recent years in the Grand-Am Series, taking a 2nd place podium finish in 2007 in the Rolex 24. Despite his notable achievements in Grand-Am, Manning is perhaps best known for his IRL Series successes. After beginning his career early in childhood racing in karting events, Manning quickly progressed into Formula Series, winning the Japanese F3 Series title, the British Grand Prix F3 support race on two occasions and the Macau and Korea F3 Grand Prix. He was also awarded the Graham Hill trophy for most promising young driver. He has proven a quick study and has shown an ability to adapt and succeed in many series and at many different circuits. He returned to Grand-Am racing in 2009, competing in the Daytona season opener in addition to his IRL appearances during the year. Manning first became acquainted with his Spirit of Daytona teammate Buddy Rice when they competed against each other in the IndyCar Series. He looks forward to reuniting with his former rival, but this time, rather than competing against him, he will be sharing a cockpit with him -and hoping to join him for a return visit to Daytona’s victory lane.

	Paul Menard Some long-time fans may remember Paul Menard as a previous driver for the Spirit of Daytona team, but many more are will recognize him as the driver of the Menards Ford Fusion for Yates Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series. Menard, a native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, has just completed his third season of NASCAR Sprint Cup competition, and continues to deliver a solid and consistent performance on the track. In 2010, Menard will be driving full time for Richard Petty Motorsports in the Cup Series and Roush/Fenway Racing in the Nationwide Series. Starting off at the age of eight in junior go-kart races, Menard joined the ARCA Series in 2000 and raced at many levels including SCCA Trans-Am, Grand-Am Cup and NASACAR Southwest Tour. In 2008 he won the pole at Daytona in July and finished second at Talladega Superspeedway in the Sprint Cup Series competition. His early Grand-Am appearances with Spirit of Daytona (then known as Flis Motorsports) were also rewarding, yielding two class wins in the two events he entered with them. For the 2010 Rolex 24, Paul should feel right at home in the #90 Spirit of Daytona Coyote, as it will also sport a new look, appearing in the unmistakable Menards yellow. Paul’s experience in many series and his previous success in Grand-Am competition certainly make him a welcome addition to the Spirit of Daytona team.