Russell gets Corvette Grand-Am ride

From Godstone Ranch Motorsports

DALLAS, TX -- Godstone Ranch Motorsports and Houston’s Texas Heart Institute have announced an impressive driver line up for the 48th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The talented group includes Rolex 24 and Le Mans 24 Hour winner Davy Jones, 2008 Rolex Sports Car Series GT Champion Paul Edwards, Daytona 200 five-time winner and AMA Hall of Fame inductee Scott Russell and promising Grand-Am newcomer John McCutchen II. They will be behind the wheel of the #07 Godstone Ranch Motorsports / Team MBR / LRPG / Corvette, benefitting the Texas Heart Institute.

The quartette will be proudly representing the Texas Heart Institute both on and off the track, gathering the support of the Rolex Sports Car Series community to aid the Institute in its mission to reduce the devastating toll of cardiovascular disease through innovative programs in research, education and improved patient care.  For more information on how you can support the Texas Heart Institute please visit www.godstoneranchmotorsports.com. 

Godstone Ranch was founded by American sculptor Karen Garrett over 20 years ago through her vision to unite artists of every discipline in one collaborative place. Godstone Ranch Motorsports is an extension of her original vision whose primary aim is to help motor sports contribute to our daily lives and become more than just a sport.

The effort will be strengthened by a championship caliber joint effort between Michael Baughman Racing and Leighton Reese Performance Group, who will support and service the team’s brand new Victory Red 2010 Corvette C6.R for this race. The grueling 24-hour event will launch Leighton Reese Performance Group’s 2010 championship efforts in the #07 car which will be piloted by Edwards and Russell for the rest of the 2010 season. 

In 2008 Edwards led Leighton Reese Performance Group to the Rolex Sports Car Series GT Drivers’ Championship, GT Team Championship and GT Manufacturers’ Championship. In 2009 Edwards had a strong year as well with a runner-up championship finish and a fourth place at the Rolex 24.

Russell, a.k.a. Mr. Daytona, is best known as the record five-time Daytona 200 winner. He is a former World Superbike and AMA Superbike Champion and is the all-time leader in 750cc AMA Supersport wins. He was inducted into AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2005. Russell made his four-wheel debut in the 2009 Rolex 24 At Daytona and has since been honing his car racing skills in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series.

“I couldn’t be happier to have an opportunity to drive in the GT Class in the Rolex Sports Car Series," Russell said. "It’s a great series, very competitive. I had the opportunity to meet Leighton a couple of times last year and he seems like a really cool guy and he gave me a very warm welcome on the phone the other day so I couldn’t be happier, I’m really excited."

Godstone Motorsports Ranch will be on track for the first time at the Roar Before the 24 on Jan. 8-10. The 48th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona will take place Jan. 30-31 and will be shown live on SPEED.