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THE SPIRIT OF DAYTONA

© Bonnie Quick

"The Spirit of Daytona" is the American dream in operation. The brand new Chevrolet Camaro is owned by driver Craig Conway and prepared by Flis Motorsports, operated by Stan Flis. Todd and Troy Flis are also valuable team members. Todd is the team manager, as well as a driver and Troy drives and manages the crew and car. Together they have grown into a world class race team, viable and exciting. Along with Craig Conway and Doug Road, Todd and Troy qualified for pole position in the AGT class of the newly formed Grand American Road Racing Association at the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona in February.

"The Spirit of Daytona" is more than a car, it is an attitude. Daytona, Florida is home to Daytona International Speedway, considered by many to be "The World Center of Racing." It is where legends have been made and broken for all kinds motorsport enthusiasts, the home of the famous "Speedweeks." Daytona is synonymous for professionalism and teamwork in racing. The "Spirit" shares those same qualities.

"The Spirit of Daytona's" racing debut was in 1995 at the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. In 1998 the team built a more advanced car, but still it raced on production street tires and had the smallest engine in the filed. It started 62nd but moved up 38 places to a 24th overall finish and ended 10th in class. To reward such phenomenal effort, Daytona USA, invited the "Spirit" car to be displayed alongside the winning Ferrari during Speedweeks "98.

Friends, neighbors, community leaders and merchants have rallied behind "Spirit" to donate goods and time and technology as they cheer on the home town contenders into major league competition. "Spirit" may look like a small fish in a large pond, but they have been swimming a while now and have managed not to get swallowed by the big fish factory teams.

Surrounded and inspired by racing legends, "The Spirit of Daytona" hopes to become one themselves, and they will do everything to see it happen. The team is truly a family affair as Ginny Flis, wife of Stan and mother of Todd and Troy, is in charge of team arrangements and PR. Stephanie Flis is team planner and Michelle helps out with scoring and catering. Since the NASCAR inspired sanctioning body, Grand American Road Racing Association, has come on the scene, "Spirit" hopes to see the American Road Race take its place in the forefront of motorsports. The competition level of this new series is unprecedented and the teams are well prepared to be show cased.