DAYTONA, Florida – November 10, 2008 – After a solid performance in 2008, Brad Jaeger will return to Daytona International Speedway this week, driving for Doran Racing in the #77 Ford Powered Dallara to help test the 2009 Pirelli racing tire for the Rolex Sports Car Series. This will be the first time since the series finale in Salt Lake City that Jaeger will be back behind the wheel of the Dallara Daytona Prototype.
“It’s really exciting to return to Daytona for the new tire test,” Jaeger says. “Everyone is getting ready for the 2009 season, and with a new tire being released by Pirelli, all of the teams and drivers are looking to figure them out before the Rolex 24.”
Jaeger’s best qualifying of the 2008 season came at Daytona during the Brumos Porsche 250 in July. He qualified and started the car 6th for the race. While this race ended with a 6th place finish for the duo of Brad Jaeger and Memo Gidley, the race was much more exciting and trying than the starting and finishing positions would lead you to believe. Jaeger was spun by his team car in the opening laps of the race and was sent to the back of the pack. For the rest of the race, Jaeger and Gidley drove a car that was slightly damaged from the contact and were able to work their way back through the field for a solid top 10 finish.
Jaeger’s 2009 racing plans are yet to be finalized. “I’m going to Daytona with one goal in mind,” says Jaeger, “and that’s to help the team have a very effective test where we can learn the most from the 2 days we have on track. I can wait to talk about the 2009 season with the team after the test.” He hopes to return to Doran Racing and co-drive the #77 car with his teammate from this past year, Memo Gidley. “I really enjoyed working with Memo at the track, and getting to know him as a friend away from the track. He has definitely helped me transition to Daytona Prototypes from the Indy Lights’ car.”