IMSA: Novich steps aside from PR1/Mathiasen Motorsport for college

After achieving a lifelong dream when he co-drove to victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona last month, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team driver Andrew Novich (far right, ABOVE) has made the difficult but laudable decision to focus on his academic career during the spring rounds of the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.

A senior at UC Davis with a double major in Biochemistry and Managerial Economics, Novich had to rush from the top step of the podium at Daytona to catch his flight back to California to continue his final school year. Daytona's narrow timeline of events combined with an arduous racing and academic calendar ultimately forced Novich's decision to temporarily step back from the No. 52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports PC class entry.

"Daytona was pretty tricky to pull off; I just narrowly made it back home in time to start the quarter," said Novich. "Looking at the upcoming schedule, it's just not feasible for me to be able to finish both degrees while giving PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports the attention the team deserves. The upcoming Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, for instance, is happening during the same week as my finals. I just can't be in two places at once.

"While it's never easy to step away from a winning entry, this is the best decision I can make with my long-term goals in mind. I look forward to graduating this summer, getting back behind the wheel of a PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports racecar, and helping the team get more wins."

Team owner Bobby Oergel added: "Andrew is an incredibly smart young man who was invaluable to the team during our Rolex 24 victory. Seeing that Rolex on his wrist will always be one of the highlights of my career.

"His dedication to his driving and his commitment to his academic career is an example for all young drivers of his generation. We are keeping him on our driver roster for testing and reserve duties and we're looking forward to getting him back to full race status as soon as possible."