Mark Wilkins made it apparent AIM Autosport is shooting for loftier goals in 2008.
“We want to win races, ” Wilkins said. “We want to be up and running with these guys, and we really think we have a shot to do that. Last year, we had some strong results – our fifth at the Rolex was really good, and we had some strong runs at the end of the year. We’re confident that we had a good enough package to be right up at the front and challenge for wins. ”
Two reasons why he feels AIM will contest for those victories includes consistency in the driver seat and a new Ford power plant. Last season, Wilkins teamed with both Brian and Burt Frisselle, with each of the brothers rotated from race-to-race. This season, Brian Frisselle will take over the other fulltime driving role.
“That was one of the things that we seriously considered during the offseason – was making sure we would be as consistent as possible, ” Wilkins said, “so definitely that’s going to be an attribute that will be a strong point for us throughout the season. ”
Several team members, who have competed in many levels of auto racing, also have a history with Ford, and the change has already proven successful.
“It’s been a good change, ” Wilkins said. “It’s great to be working with Ford for this year. There are a few guys on the team that have been working with Ford for awhile, so we felt like this was the right move. Lexus was great last year, but we’re just trying to learn and do different things. Over the last few days, the engine has been great. Ford has given us a great motor. We’ve been running strong the whole time, and we’ve got a good setup. ”
To start off the season, Wilkins and Frisselle will need a boost from their co-drivers, which have yet to be announced. Team owner Ian Willis wasn’t ready to confirm any ongoing rumors, but said the team had enough of a selection of drivers to improve its fifth-place finish in last year’s affair.
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