DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 11, 2008) - 2007 Grand-Am KONI Challenge Champion Jeff Segal knows that even in endurance racing, a quick start can be key.

So it's no surprise that Segal is looking forward to getting his 2009 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 campaign off to a fast start this week as he tests with defending Rolex 24 At Daytona winners SpeedSource Inc. at Daytona International Speedway in the Mazda RX-8 GT Class machine.

Segal, who scored a break through win in his Rookie season of Rolex Sports Car Series competition in the Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen this June, is looking to build on his rapidly accelerating resume as he looks forward to his sophomore season of Rolex competition in 2009.

"I learned a lot last year and obviously taking the Glen win was a huge highlight, but I'm already focused on what we can accomplish next year," said Segal. "I'm excited to be working with SpeedSource again and I know we can target even more consistent results this year."

Consistency is one thing that Segal is familiar with, having relayed strong finish after finish in into his first KONI Championship in 2007. But the University of Miami graduate also showed in Rolex Series qualifying that he's not merely clicking off the laps, as his five qualifying outings resulted in three front-row starts in 2008, including the record-setting pole position he scored at Watkins Glen on the way to the win.

In addition to the Watkins Glen Rolex Sports Car Series triumph, Segal also added a win in KONI Challenge competition to his 2008 achievements as he combined with Jep Thornton to take a dominating victory at Lime Rock Park after Segal led over 70 laps up front. Despite the win, their KONI championship defense fell short in 2008, although the duo managed to bring home third in the championship after a pair of DNF's.

"Winning in the both Rolex Sports Car Series and in KONI Challenge this season really gives me a lot of confidence about 2009," said Segal. "I'm really encouraged about the opportunities in front of me with the prospect of running another season in winning equipment and with excellent teams behind me in both Rolex and KONI competition. I can't wait to get back in the car this week and the 24 can't come soon enough!"

The Test Days will take place on November 11-12 at Daytona International Speedway, and Segal anticipates making an announcement about his full 2009 program following the tests.


www.speedsourceinc.com
www.mazdamotorsports.com

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