Fast in every practice, Michael Shank Racing heads into Rolex 24 at Daytona as favorite

Co-drivers John Pew, left, and Oswaldo Negri, Jr., of Brazil, talk after a practice for the IMSA 24 hour auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (The Associated Press)

Oswaldo Negri, Jr., of Brazil, walks to his hauler after practicing for the IMSA 24 hour auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (The Associated Press)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – With an eye on the future, Michael Shank Racing made massive changes to its program that just might pay immediate dividends.

Shank changed his chassis, engine and driver lineup during the offseason, moves he believes will help him reach his goal of racing his team at Le Mans in 2016. The shake-up also could help the team owner win his second Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Ozz Negri put the No. 60 Ligier JS P2 Honda on the pole for the twice-round-the-clock endurance race that begins Saturday at Daytona International Speedway. Negri's fast run continued the domination the Shank team has had all week: in five on-track sessions, the team has led the speed chart.