Based in Columbus, Ohio, Michael Shank Racing (MSR) was formed in 1989 when Michael Shank first began driving racing cars professionally. Shank retired from the cockpit in 1997 to focus his efforts on running the team, which quickly found success in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship. With several race wins under his belt, Shank was named as Team Owner of the Year twice in four years. MSR joined the Rolex Series ranks in 2004. MSR scored a debut Rolex Series win in 2006 and fans selected the victory as the 2007 Rolex "Moment of the Year."

Michael Shank Racing started the 2008 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series season by taking both spots on the front row for the Rolex 24 At Daytona, and closed out the year with race victories in the final two events of the season.