Aaron Steele gets first taste of Daytona

It was a of firsts’ in Daytona last weekend ,as Aaron Steele got his first view of the Camaro he will be driving in the GRAND-AM 200 race at the weekend of the Rolex 24. Steele also tested the car and took his first laps of the Daytona international Speedway including the famous 31° banking.

“My first taste of American Road Racing has been awesome, absolutely amazing!” said Aaron. “The Camaro is completely different to my F3 car but it’s great to drive and a fantastic car.”

Aaron is testing with MitchumMotorsport - the team has also been confirmed for the race at the end of January. Steele is in their #6 GM Motors supported Chevrolet Camaro with teammateAmerican racer Tim Bell, who currently races with Mitchum in the GRAND-AM Continental Series.

The morning practice session saw the schedule pushed back due to fog at the track however this soon burned off thanks to that famous Florida sunshine! Aaron was second in the car and despite only managing a few laps due to a number of black flags Steele got to grips well with the Daytona banking.

“I couldn’t believe how steep the Daytona banking was when I saw it, but the first time I came up to it I just thought put your foot down and have faith! The car stuck and went full power!”

“Daytona is a very quick circuit and the infield can be quite technical. It’s such a unique place – I really can’t compare it to any other circuit I have driven before.”Aaron Steele

The final session of the day saw Aaron first in the Camaro and with the schedule back to normal Steele had his first proper run in the car.

“It was great to have more time in the car, I was really able to get a proper feel for the car and how it handled.” Aaron Steele

Aarons lap times got quicker on every lap and he ended the session with a fastest lap time of 2.02.473 – a fantastic start to the test weekend.

For more information on the Sunoco GRAND-AM 200 Challenge visit www.sunoco200challenge.com