(Port Orange, FL) Muehlner Motorsports America has added 17 year-old Port Orange, FL driver Michael Lira to its Porsche 911 GT America driver line-up for the 2015 Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Michael will have plenty of recent track time on the 3.56 mile Daytona road course prior to race day. He participated in the Roar Before The Rolex 24 less than two weeks ago, and he will race in a Ford Mustang in the 2.5 hour BMW Performance 200 the day before the 24.
An ARCA Racing Series regular, Lira picked up additional track time on the Daytona 2.5 mile stock car circuit in last week’s ARCA Racing Series open test.
“It’s like a dream come true, it hasn’t really set in yet,” Michael said. “I’ve been watching this race since I was a baby. I spent many years watching my dad race sportscars, so to be doing this race is unbelievable. The best drivers in the world have competed in this race for more than 50 years. It is by far this country’s most prestigious battle between machine, driver and time. To become a part of that history is amazing.”
Michael will be in the team’s No. 19 entry along with Muehlner Motorsports America drivers Jim Michaelian and Connor De Phillippi, as well as fellow Lira Motorsports driver Ricardo Flores. When he straps into the car, he will do so as one of the youngest drivers ever to compete in a GTD car at the Rolex 24.
“Porsche has a long history with the Rolex 24, so it’s an honor to have the chance to represent their brand,” Michael commented. “My number one goal, as usual, will be to finish the race without a scratch on the car.”
With over 35 years in racing, collecting more than 100 victories and eight Championships, Mühlner Motorsport is recognized as one of the world’s most successful race teams in existence. The team US division, founded in 2010, is headquarters in nearby DeLand, Florida.
For more information, follow Michael Lira on Twitter at @1MichaelLira and visit his official website at www.MichaelLiraRacing.com. You can also find him on Facebook at /MichaelLiraRacingOfficial.
