Dalziel, Popow, Potolicchio Prep for Rolex 24 with Abu Dhabi Podium

Starworks Motorsports drivers Ryan Dalziel, Enzo Potolicchio and Alex Popow prepped for the upcoming 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona by finishing third in this weekend's Gulf 12 Hours at the Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi.
Dalziel was leading comfortably with 12 minutes remaining in an Audi R8 LMS fielded by United Autosports, only to have a full-course caution negate that advantage.
"We were really unlucky with the safety car coming out at the end because we just didn't have the outright pace of the new Ferraris," Dalziel said.
His biggest objective was to get ready for 2012 Rolex Series competition, which begins when Dalziel, Popow and Potolicchio team with Lucas Luhr and Allan McNish in the No. 8 Starworks Motorsport Ford/Riley. Dalziel and his Venezuelan took a two-week racing vacation, also competing in the 24 hour race at Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
"The whole idea behind us going to Dubai and Abu Dhabi was to prepare Alex, Enzo and myself for the challenges ahead," Dalziel said. "We accomplished everything we wanted to and more. We will be the most prepared and sharpest drivers at the Rolex 24 At Daytona and we aim to show that. I can't wait for next week and I am looking forward to getting home."
Dalziel won the 2010 Rolex 24, driving with Terry Borcheller, Joao Barbosa and Mike Rockenfeller for Action Express Racing. He also finished second in the 2007 classic driving for Starworks' team owner Peter Baron, when the team was known as Samax Motorsport.