Following a two-year partnership that included everything from the team’s debut at the 2010 Rolex 24 at Daytona, four podium finishes, a pole position, and countless top-10’s, Magnus Racing and lead driver Craig Stanton have decided to seek new opportunities from one another in 2012.
Stanton, residing in Long Beach, California, has been an instrumental part of the team’s morale and enthusiasm since the decision to enter the top levels of sportscar racing in the winter of 2009. With nearly two decades of experience at the top levels of the sport, the 2005 GRAND-AM Rolex Sportscar GT series champion was involved with the team from the first laps taken at Daytona in December of 2009, all the way to their last race of 2011 in Mid-Ohio. Brought in for his experience, speed, and incredible reputation for being positive and encouraging, Stanton’s roots in the teams are very well engrained.
Magnus Racing, owned by co-driver John Potter who drove with Stanton in 2008 and 2009 with another team, benefited immensely from Stanton’s input. Beyond helping with the organization and morale of the team, Stanton has acted as a development coach for Potter for nearly four years, a partnership that will continue on even as the two go their separate ways.
For Team Owner John Potter, the amicable parting of the two is a strong tribute to the immense mutual respect between everyone. “Craig has been a major part of our team from the start,” stated Potter. “For a team just beginning at the highest levels of sportscar, Craig was the perfect partner. Not only did his experience and network bring a lot of credence and immediate respect within the paddock, but as a driver he brought us multiple podium finishes, pole positions, and a shot at the championship during a great 2011 season. Craig’s role in the team’s foundation will be felt for a long time, and we look forward to seeing his own future successes.”
For Craig Stanton, new opportunities for 2012 are the focus to move forward. “Magnus Racing is like a family for me, and I wish them all nothing but the best. We’ve been through a lot together since this whole thing started, and the spirit and family that is this team deserves great things. They’re a team that is fully capable of race wins and championships, and no one would like to see that happen more than me. I also want to personally thank John Potter for the experience. John has been nothing but courteous, respectful, and extremely conscious of everyone on the team. It’s rare you work with a Team Owner who is genuinely concerned with everyone’s well being, it’s a truly great organization.”
While neither Magnus Racing nor Craig Stanton are prepared to make any announcements regarding their respective 2012 plans, both are hard at work in developing their goals.
Source: Magnus Racing
