Thursday, September 23
Track: The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 3/8-mile oval
Race: 7 of 9
Event: Star Nursery 150 (150 laps, 75 miles)

Schedule
Practice/Qualifying: 7:45 p.m. ET
Race: 11:30 p.m. ET (TrackPass)

Taylor Gray, No. 17 Ford Performance Fusion

• Taylor Gray makes his third start of the season with the ARCA Menards Series West on Thursday night in his first ever appearance at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
• Most recently, Gray pulled double-duty at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the ARCA Menards Series. After a third-place finish in the ARCA race, the rookie charged from 35th to 12th in the truck race before contact with a spinning lapped truck ended his night on lap 156.
• Through seven career ARCA West races, Gray has two wins, four top-fives and six top-10s with an average finish of 5.1.
• There will be very little rest for the 16-year-old driver this weekend as immediately following the Star Nursery 150, he will board a red-eye flight out of Las Vegas to get back to the east coast in time for 2 p.m. ET practice in a DGR late model stock at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway for the ValleyStar Credit Union 300.

CAYDEN LAPCEVICH WINS, BLAKE ROWE TAKES THRILLING ARCA/CRA GLASS CITY WIN

Toledo, Ohio-September 18, 2021: Cayden Lapcevich was the winner in the 100 lap Outlaw Super Late Model feature, while Blake Rowe pulled the big surprise of the night, leading only the final lap in one of the best races in the history of this event as he captured top honors for the ARCA/CRA Super Series powered by Jeg’s Late Models Saturday night at the Central Transport Glass City 200 presented by Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn and DTS Drive Train Specialists at Toledo Speedway. Kaden White took the CRA Jr. Late Model victory on a very pleasant evening. Carson Lucas took the Jr. Late Model championship.

The 9-car inversion put Nick Bailey and Ray Clay on the front row. Bailey grabbed the point for the first 3 laps, with Harold Fair Jr. taking the lead on lap 4. Fast qualifier Steve Needles and Lapcevich were on the move quickly as Cayden was up to third and Needles to fourth spot by lap 9. Lapcevich reeled in Fair, while Needles, the defending race winner, went down pit road in a cloud of smoke on lap 19, ending his bid for repeat. Lapcevich pushed Bob Blount’s #16 into the number 1 spot on lap 20 and set sail, building up a solid lead. Frank Jiovani was up to third by lap 37, while Scott Hantz pitted and was done for the day on lap 45 while running fourth. At lap 50, the top 5 were Lapcevich, Fair Jr., Jiovani, Dennis Strickland and Nick Bailey.

Cayden continued to dominate the contest through the second half of the 100-lap feature as he sailed to the win, while Harold Fair Jr. and Dennis Strickland battled door to door over the final 20 laps for the second spot, with Fair Jr. grabbing the runner-up position. Strickland was third, Mike Root fourth and Conner Zbozien, in his first-ever Toledo start, took fifth. Nick Bailey, Scott Pemberton, Claude Plante Jr., Austin Thiel and Trever McCoy completed the top ten. Dennis Rederstorf, George Rangel, Jiovani, Dean Gassert, Hantz, Clay, Todd Perkins and Needles completed the finishing order. Steve Cronenwett Jr.’s day ended with engine trouble during his qualifying laps.

The night’s finale’ will go down as one of the top races and best finishes in Glass City history and Toledo history, for that fact. A sensational battle up front for the final 20 laps saw Blake Rowe stun the field and the crowd, taking the lead on the white flag lap, nosing under Kyle Crump to steal the victory. Hunter Jack led the first 42 laps, until Carson Hocevar took control of the event. Carson held the point and had a comfortable advantage as Brian Campbell moved into the top 3, as he and Hunter tried to stay within striking distance of Hocevar, the current NASCAR Truck Series leading Rookie and title contender.

Carson jumped back out front again, choosing the second lane of the lap 74 restart. Jack, the point leader going into the event, retired on lap 73 while running second, while Campbell’s night ended on lap 76, going pit-side with mechanical issues. Crump, who started at the tail of the field for an impound infraction, had now moved into contention with a shot at the number 1 spot. The yellow flew again on lap 80 when Scott Tomasik spun, setting up the sensational final 20 laps.

Kyle dove under Carson on the lap 80 restart, as that duo swapped paint and fenders lap after lap. 2 laps later, Crump took the top spot, using the high groove as Hocevar came right back to get side by side with Kyle. On lap 96, the pair flipped lanes, sending Crump to the bottom. The next lap, the pair banged wheels going into turn 1, with Hocevar sliding up the track and coming to a stop, bringing out the yellow and Carson to the tail of the pack.

On the lap 97 restart, Dalton Armstrong was now on the high side of Crump, but fell back at the green flag. Rowe, who had reeled in the leaders, now was in the mix as he dove under Kyle. At the white, Rowe nosed by Kyle, took the lead and the crowd rose to its feet as Crump again darted low coming out of turn 4, getting to the front tires of Rowe’s #57, just inches short as Blake Rowe scored the huge upset win over Crump, Hocevar, Jack Smith, Armstrong, Rick Turner, Cody Coughlin, Scott Tomasik, Albert Francis and Bill Burba. This was Rowe’s first race at the Glass City oval. Campbell, Hunter Jack, Brandon Varney, Evan Varney and Tanner Jack were next in line at the finish.

As a note, this story will never be able to do justice to the incredible and exiting final 20 laps of the ARCA/CRA race…Glass City history, to be sure!

The CRA Jr. Late Models ran a 25-lap contest on the short track for their championship event for the 2021 season. Kaden White topped Keegan Sobilo and Carson Lucas in the feature event, with Lucas notching the Season title. Carson took the heat race win.

In pre-race ceremonies, 2000 Glass City 200 winner Tim Ice was introduced as the Grand Marshal of the event. Tim was presented with a Lifetime ARCA Gold Card membership from Toledo Owner and Promoter Ron Drager. Larry Varney of LV Alliance presented trophies to the Fast Qualifiers Steve Needles for the Outlaws (15:014) and Hocevar (15:593). Both drivers also collected a $300 bonus from Varney for their quick times.

Frank Jiovani, George Rangel, Mike Root, Nick Bailey and Dennis Rederstorf won the DTS Drive Train Specialists $100 product certificates in a random draw held at the drivers meeting. Lapcevich also won the Fastime Racing Engines and Parts $200 Hard Charger award and the $100 Dee and Dennis Figley Half-Way bonus. All in, Lapcevich and car owner Blount collected $6050 on the night.

Clean Harbors and Safety-Kleen conducted a drawing on race day for fans for a NASCAR Driving Experience and an item autographed by Richard Petty. The company also posted bonus money for the Outlaw Super Late Model portion of the event.

Additional sponsors include Bazell Race Fuels, LV Alliance, Penske Shocks, R & M Recycling, Fastime Racing Engines and Parts, Silverback Supply, A & M Transmissions of Flat Rock, Penske Shocks, Innovative Fluids, LLC, ABC Plumbing and Jim’s Butcher Shop of Flat Rock.

Toledo’s next event will conclude the 2021 season, with the Sunday afternoon, October 10 Hemelgarn/Super Fitness Rollie Beale Classic 100 for the USAC Silver Crown Series. The USAC Silver Crown Series 100 lap feature is the only open-wheel event at Toledo this season. The Toledo race will determine the 2021 National Silver Crown Champion.

The 2021 Toledo Speedway season champions for the ARCA R & M Recycling Late Model Sportsman and The Vault ARCA Factory Stocks will also be determined October 10 for the Sunday afternoon contest. A Vintage race car display and parade laps and an open-wheel Racer’s Reunion will also be a part of the final racing event of the season at Toledo.

Advance tickets are available online at www.toledospeedway.com or by calling the track at 419-727-1100. All seating is general admission. Tickets are $25 for adults, children 6-12 are $5 and under 6 are free. Please add $1 per ticket for online purchases. The advance sale ends at 5 p.m. the Friday, October 8. Tickets will go back on sale race day at the track only at 11:30 a.m. There is no rain date for this race.

The ticket office opens at 11:30 a.m. on race day, as well as the spectator gates. Practice begins at 11:30 a.m. and racing begins at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon, October 10.

Daniel Dye, No. 21 Heise LED, AFT Chevrolet

START: 3rd
FINISH: 12th

• Daniel Dye made his first ARCA Menards Series start at Bristol Motor Speedway while in contention for the ARCA Menards Series East championship. Dye entered the East finale 24 points behind the championship points leader in the series finale.
• Dye qualified an impressive third place to start the night at Bristol and drove a strong race all night, running a consistent third place in the first run of the race during the daytime.
• The No. 21 Heise LED / American Flat Track Chevrolet fought handling issues through the middle of the race, prompting Dye to fight his way back through the field before the second scheduled race break on lap 125.
• Crew Chief Chad Bryant went to work on fixing the adjustments to position Dye back inside the Top 5 for the final run of the 200 lap race, showing strength in Daniel’s ability to pass in traffic.
• Towards the closing stages of the race, Dye found himself trapped on the high side of the track, losing track position as the competition drove by on the bottom lane. Ultimately, Daniel drove home with a disappointing 12th place finish after a solid night in Thunder Valley.

Quote: “Man, we had such a good race car there for most of the race, but just ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time on some late restarts. Getting stuck on the top and being shuffled back cost us a ton, but I have to thank everyone at GMS for bringing such a fast Chevrolet again. The result doesn’t show it but to qualify third and run at the front most all race is good. Thankful to have American Flat Track Charlotte Half-Mile, and Heise LED on our race car and represent them at one of the coolest tracks in racing. I can’t wait for Phoenix!”

Jack Wood, No. 22 Chevy Accessories Chevrolet

START: 8th
FINISH: 13th

• Jack Wood also made his first ever laps around Bristol Motor Speedway in the No. 22 Chevy Accessories Chevrolet, running as Dye’s teammate in a second GMS Racing ARCA Menards Series entry.
• Wood qualified in the eighth position and learned how to race in the PJ1 traction compound, something that he had not experienced in any of his previous ARCA races. The rookie raced inside the Top 10 for a large portion of the Bush’s Beans 200 and continued to gain speed throughout the night as Crew Chief Chad Walter made changes to help loosen his car up.
• Nearing the end of the second run of the night, Wood’s left front tire began to lose air pressure rapidly, causing him to fade through the pack and eventually lose a lap before the second scheduled race break. Luckily for Wood, however, his car remained in one piece as he limped to the attention of the crew on pit road.
• The No. 22 team fought hard to get back on the lead lap in the final run of the race, positioning himself just outside the Top 10 with less than 50 laps to go. As luck would have it, Wood’s right rear tire would be cut due to debris on the track, sending him to the back once again.
• Without many laps left to run, Wood found himself running last on the lead lap, eyeing an opportunity to drive to the front once again. As the race came to a close, Wood maneuvered to a hard-fought 13th place finish.

Quote: “Wow, what a roller coaster of a race tonight. I’m proud of my No. 22 GMS Racing team and the fight that they put up as we overcame adversity towards the last half of the race. Racing at Bristol was a challenge no doubt, but I felt more confident as the night went on. I’m looking forward to returning to the Camping World Truck Series for the last four races of the season, hoping to continue to learn ahead of next year.”

ABOUT GMS RACING:

GMS Racing competes full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with drivers Sheldon Creed, Zane Smith, Tyler Ankrum, Chase Purdy and Jack Wood. The team also competes in the ARCA Menards Series with Daniel Dye and Jack Wood. Since the team began in 2014, GMS Racing won the 2016 and 2020 Camping World Trucks Championship, the 2015 ARCA Menards Series championship as well as the 2019 & 2020 ARCA East championship. GMS has grown to occupy several buildings located in Statesville, N.C. The campus also includes operations for GMS Fabrication. More information can be found at https://gmsracing.net

SOCIAL MEDIA:

To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow GMS Racing on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

BRISTOL, Tenn. (September 16, 2021) – Camry driver Sammy Smith earned his first career ARCA Menards Series East Championship with second-place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway on Thursday evening.

The 17-year-old Iowa native has been incredibly consistent in his debut season. He started the year with a runner-up finish at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida after leading 78 laps. Smith then went on a tear – winning three of the next four races – to jump out to a big advantage in the point standings. His consistent efforts continued in the final three races (combination races with the national ARCA Menards Series), including a top-five run at the Milwaukee Mile. This season the Toyota development driver has scored seven top-fives in eight starts.

“Watching Sammy drive to such success this early in his career has been exciting,” said Paul Doleshal, Group Manager, Motorsports and Assets, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA). “We are thrilled that he has scored his first championship in the ARCA Menards Series East, and we look forward to his continued growth as part of the Toyota driver development program.”

Smith drives a Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). This is JGR’s third ARCA East driver’s championship (Joey Logano – 2007, Max Gresham – 2011). The No. 18 team also earned the national ARCA Menards Series owner’s championship last season. Smith is the sixth Toyota driver to win the ARCA East title and first since 2018. He joins a list that includes Ryan Truex (2009 and 2010), Max Gresham (2011), Kyle Larson (2012), Harrison Burton (2017) and Tyler Ankrum (2018).

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands plus our 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 47,000 in North America. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 40 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama that begins production in 2021.

Through its Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

BRISTOL, Tenn: With his penultimate ARCA Menards Series race of the season on deck in Thursday night’s Bush’s Beans 200 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, CR7 Motorsports and driver Jason Kitzmiller are hunting their first top-10 of the 2021 season.

The last two races at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway and Michigan International Speedway respectively have certainly seen the performance rise up to the capabilities of capturing a top-10 finish, unfortunately, Kitzmiller found himself a victim of circumstances twice while running in the top-10 which ultimately led to disappointing finishes.

Despite the race results, Kitzmiller and the rest of his CR7 Motorsports team led by crew chief Todd Myers are energetic about their performances and feel they can continue their on-track presence and finally capture his fourth career top-10 overall in Thunder Valley.

“I am extremely proud of everyone on this CR7 Motorsports team,” said Kitzmiller.

“Yes, the last two races have been tough to swallow, but I’ve had a lot of fun and our team has been extremely competitive. Our No. 97 A.L.L. Construction Chevrolet has been really fast and we’ve been making gains and surging forward.

“As a driver, that’s huge for me and we’re going to a track where I feel like if we can stay on our toes and keep adjusting our car throughout the race – we should be in the hunt for a top-10 finish at the end of the night.”

Last September, the Petersburg, West Virginia native made his Bristol debut and ended his rookie season on a high note.

After starting 21st, Kitzmiller showcased patience and utilized the 200-lap race to move forward and took the checkered flag in 13th, one of six top-15 finishes in seven races in 2020.

“Without a doubt, the previous experience at Bristol will help me a lot this week,” added Kitzmiller. “I learned a lot last year and I hope to apply what I learned during practice and qualifying.

“Weather really threw us for a wrench last year, but we made the best of it. I think the competition will be tougher this week, but I’m a better ARCA driver than I was last year and I hope that equals everything out.”

Additionally, Kitzmiller will also continue to adorn a decal remembering CR7 Motorsports general manager Mark Huff who passed away in February after a brief illness. Huff was responsible for helping revive the ARCA Menards Series team in 2020.

“I will always Mark for his carrying of people on this CR7 Motorsports team and his enormous work ethic. He did a lot for the team and is irreplaceable,” remarked Kitzmiller. “We will race to win in his honor on Thursday night.”

Kitzmiller and CR7 Motorsports have run a partial ARCA schedule in 2021 with a firmer schedule planned for next season.

Marketing partnership(s) opportunities are available for the No. 97 A.L.L. Construction Chevrolet and No. 9 Grant County Mulch Chevrolet for the 2021 ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series seasons and beyond. Interested inquiries are encouraged to contact at tonya@gcmulch.com or 304.257.8783.

The Bush’s Beans 200 (200 laps | 100 miles) is the eighth of eight races on the 2021 ARCA Menards Series East schedule. Practice begins Thurs., Sept. 16 with a one-hour practice session from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. A timed General Tire pole qualifying session is set for a short time later at 4:00 p.m. The race is set to take the green flag shortly after 6:30 p.m. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (XM channel 391, online channel 981). ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the day’s festivities. All times are local (ET).

The Bush’s Beans 200 (200 laps | 100 miles) is the 18th of 20 races on the 2021 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Practice begins Thurs., Sept. 16 with a one-hour practice session from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. A timed General Tire pole qualifying session is set for a short time later at 4:00 p.m. The race is set to take the green flag shortly after 6:30 p.m. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (XM channel 391, online channel 981). ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the day’s festivities. All times are local (ET).

BRISTOL, Tenn: On the strength of two top-six finishes in his last two ARCA Menards Series races at Winchester (Ind.) Speedway and Michigan International Speedway respectively, Greg Van Alst and his Greg Van Alst Motorsports team trek to Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway for Thursday night’s Bush’s Beans 200 looking to pull off an upset.

A career-short tracker from the Midwest, Van Alst has showcased his strength and talent in Thunder Valley, particularly in the ARCA | CRA Series, where the Anderson, Ind. native led laps and finished second at Bristol last year.

Feeling a little robbed of what would have been the biggest Super Late Model victory of his career, Van Alst returns to the “World’s Fastest Short Track” in an ARCA car hoping to finish what he started last fall.

“I cannot tell you how excited I am about this week,” said Van Alst. “We have been working on this car and getting it prepped for weeks and it’s almost here. I just want to get on track with our No. 35 CB Fabricating Ford Fusion and see what happens.”

Van Alst, 40, is bringing the same race car he scored a career-best second-place finish in July when he was edged by Ty Gibbs on a late-race restart.

The car acquired from Chad Bryant Racing has proven to be a worthy addition to the Greg Van Alst Motorsports fleet and the driver is hopeful it can continue its pace for 200 laps inside the “Last Great Coliseum” for the combined ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series East contest.

“There have been so many people, including Chad Bryant himself that has helped our program get up and off the ground and I’m indebted to them all,” Van Alst continued. “When we started this journey, we weren’t sure what to expect.

“This year, we’ve turned heads, been fast and came up one position shy of winning a race. We have two more chances this season to get in Victory Lane and I hope Thursday night is our night.”

When asked if there will be a huge difference between a Super Late Model and an ARCA car at Bristol, Van Alst there are some things that are different, but the overall mindset and passion remain the same.

“Of course, you cannot drive a Super Late Model like you would an ARCA car and vice-versa, but having a ton of laps in a Super Late Model will help immensely for practice on Thursday,” Van Alst quipped.

“We just need to make sure we find ourselves in a good position to work on the balance and stay ahead of the track changes and be mindful of who we are racing and at what costs. I want to win, but if we can’t – it’s about bringing home the best finish possible for our partners, team, family, friends and fans.”

CB Fabricating, a longtime partner with Greg Van Alst Motorsports has boosted its commitment to the team and will continue its role as the primary marketing partner of Van Alst’s No. 35 Ford.

Headquartered in Anderson, Ind., CB Fabricating offers a complete list of fabricating from design, laser cutting, CNC punching, forming, welding, powder coating, and assembly.

Their 26,000 square foot facility allows them to service the needs of many different industries. Everything from the Automotive, agricultural, aquatic, medical, transportation, electrical enclosures, and much more.

For the fourth consecutive race, not only is Van Alst racing for a fourth top-10 finish of the year on Thursday night but awareness too.

CB Fabricating president Chris Barkdull was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and will utilize the ARCA event to bring attentiveness and awareness, especially during Prostate Cancer Awareness month to the disease as Barkdull continues treatment.

“After Winchester, Chris would not miss Michigan and we brought him home a sixth-place finish, but we want so much more, especially during Prostate Cancer Awareness month,” remarked Van Alst. “Chris will be with our team at Bristol and I keep reminding him that none of this would have been possible without him. He’s just not an investor or a partner in this thing – he’s family.

“While we are focused on performance, we are fully invested in awareness too, especially during the month of September. This is important to Chris to do his part to educate the public and that is exactly what he is going to do, and we are happy to keep using the race car to our advantage.”

In addition to CB Fabricating, Top Choice Fence, Norton Transport, KRJ Race Products and Lintz Creative will serve as associate marketing partners for Van Alst’s 10th career ARCA start.

Veteran crew chief Jim Long will return to the pit box for Van Alst after being unable to be with the team at Winchester and Michigan.

Following Bristol, Van Alst’s next ARCA Menards Series race is the season finale at Kanas Speedway for the Reese’s 150 on Sat., Oct. 23, 2021.

For more on Greg Van Alst and Greg Van Alst Motorsports, please stay tuned for a new website, but like them on Facebook (Van Alst Motorsports) and follow him on Twitter (@GregVanAlst35).

For more on CB Fabricating, please visit CBFabricating.com and like them on Facebook (CB Fabricating).

The Bush’s Beans 200 (200 laps | 100 miles) is the eighth of eight races on the 2021 ARCA Menards Series East schedule. Practice begins Thurs., Sept. 16 with a one-hour practice session from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. A timed General Tire pole qualifying session is set for a short time later at 4:00 p.m. The race is set to take the green flag shortly after 6:30 p.m. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (XM channel 391, online channel 981). ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the day’s festivities. All times are local (ET).

The Bush’s Beans 200 (200 laps | 100 miles) is the 18th of 20 races on the 2021 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Practice begins Thurs., Sept. 16 with a one-hour practice session from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. A timed General Tire pole qualifying session is set for a short time later at 4:00 p.m. The race is set to take the green flag shortly after 6:30 p.m. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (XM channel 391, online channel 981). ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the day’s festivities. All times are local (ET).

BRISTOL, Tenn.: With the checkered flag set to fly in the 2021 ARCA Menards Series East (AMSE) finale at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway for rookie Max Gutiérrez and Rette Jones Racing, the pair is hoping to end their season the same way they started.

A trip to Victory Lane.

Gutiérrez stole the victory in a photo finish at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway in the season-opener in February and has since enjoyed a solid season driving the No. 30 TOUGHBUILT Ford Fusion.

However, with the eighth and last race of the season on deck, Gutiérrez is hopeful to put an exclamation point on his freshman season with his second career ARCA Menards Series East victory.

“It’s hard to believe that the 2021 ARCA Menards Series East season will be over with on Thursday night,” said Gutiérrez. “I have had a blast this year learning new tracks, racing at the front of the field and winning, but we still have one more job to do on Thursday night.”

Luckily for Gutiérrez, 18, he isn’t approaching the season finale completely blinded, especially at a race track as demanding at Bristol.

Last fall, Gutiérrez was able to experience the madness of “Thunder Valley” with his first career ARCA Menards Series East start at the historic half-mile colosseum.

“I’m very thankful that I have nearly 200 laps under my belt at Bristol,” added Gutiérrez. “We don’t have to spend practice getting myself up to speed and instead we can just focus on dialing in our race car and putting some fast laps together that will help for qualifying and the race.

“I know that track position is crucial, so hopefully we can whip off a fast lap in qualifying and then keep making gains during the race.”

Gutiérrez is also hopeful for a strong showing that will help him in the East point standings.

Entering Bristol, he sits fifth in the championship standings, just seven points out of third and a mere 16 markers from the runner-up spot.

With the Bush’s Beans 200 considered a combination event with the premier ARCA Menards Series, Gutiérrez realizes the competition will be tough, but he is prepared for the battle that awaits.

“Every spot is going to be critical,” he said. “I have a feeling that Thursday night is going to be a lot like Dover earlier this year, but it paid off for us because we ended up with a top-five. I expect a lot more cars than we had at Dover though.

“We can’t worry about this or that, we just have to stay focused and hope at the end of the night, we have a lot of reasons to celebrate.”

In addition to TOUGHBUILT. TekNekk and Jimmy Morales Escuderia TELMEX | TELCEL, Distributed Ledger Inc. (DLI), GoGig, Ford Performance, Goodridge Fluid Transfer Systems, Jones Group Demolition and Abatement and JRi Shocks join the Mooresville, N.C.-based team as partners this weekend.

No matter the outcome Thursday night, Rette is happy with the efforts of his driver and team.

“We are going to Bristol this week with the same mentality that we’ve had all season long,” Rette sounded. “We’re here to win. But if for whatever reason we can’t, we will do what we can to bring home the best finish possible for all of our partners and everyone who supports Rette Jones Racing.

“Max’s experience should be helpful for us and we’ve been in a position to win this race before and I’m hopeful that we can find ourselves in an opportunity to finish what we started from a couple of years ago. It’s going to be a stacked field, but we’re ready to end the ARCA East season on a high note.”

In nine career ARCA Menards Series East starts, Gutiérrez has one win, two top-five and five top-10 finishes and hoists a series’ average finish of 9.4 over two years.

RJR is co-owned by Canadian entrepreneur and former race car driver Terry Jones.

The Bush’s Beans 200 (200 laps | 100 miles) is the eighth of eight races on the 2021 ARCA Menards Series East schedule. Practice begins Thurs., Sept. 16 with a one-hour practice session from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. A timed General Tire pole qualifying session is set for a short time later at 4:00 p.m. The race is set to take the green flag shortly after 6:30 p.m. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (XM channel 391, online channel 981). ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the day’s festivities. All times are local (ET).

The Bush’s Beans 200 (200 laps | 100 miles) is the 18th of 20 races on the 2021 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Practice begins Thurs., Sept. 16 with a one-hour practice session from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. A timed General Tire pole qualifying session is set for a short time later at 4:00 p.m. The race is set to take the green flag shortly after 6:30 p.m. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (XM channel 391, online channel 981). ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the day’s festivities. All times are local (ET).

For more on Max Gutiérrez, please visit maxgutierrez.com, like him on Facebook (Max Gutierrez Racing) or follow him on Instagram (@maxgutierrezmx).

For more on Rette Jones Racing, please visit RetteJonesRacing.com, like them on Facebook (Rette Jones Racing) or follow them on Twitter (@RetteJones30).

About TOUGHBUILT Industries Inc.:

TOUGHBUILT is an advanced product design, manufacturer and distributor with emphasis on innovative products. Currently focused on tools and other accessories for the professional and do-it-yourself construction industries.

We market and distribute various home improvement and construction product lines for both the do-it-yourself and professional markets under the TOUGHBUILT brand name, within the global multibillion-dollar per year tool market industry. All of our products are designed by our in-house design team.

Since launching product sales in 2013, we have experienced significant annual sales growth.

Our current product line includes three major categories, with several additional categories in various stages of development, consisting of Soft Goods & Kneepads and Sawhorses & Work Products.

Our mission is to provide products to the building and home improvement communities that are innovative, of superior quality, derived in part from enlightened creativity for our end users while enhancing performance, improving well-being and building high brand loyalty.

Additional information about the company is available at: toughbuilt.com.

About Rette Jones Racing:

Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, Rette Jones Racing (RJR) was founded in 2015 with the intent of building a successful racing operation built around the fundamentals of hard work and a never give up attitude.

Owned by racers Terry Jones and Mark Rette, RJR plan to field a full-time entry in 2021 in the ARCA Menards Series East, while also hopeful to field vehicles in the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS).

The winning ARCA East team also offers technical and setup intel as part of its technical alliance partnership program.

TOOELE, UT, September 13, 2021 – The HMH Construction Chevrolet SS was loaded up for the 6th race of the ARCA Menards West Series, this time for a road course race at Portland International Raceway, held in conjunction with the Indy Car Series.

The action-packed weekend kicked off Friday with two practice sessions for the ARCA teams. Bridget quickly got a good feel for the track and was able to work with the team on getting the setup just right for the race on Saturday.

The race was being held on the 20-year anniversary of 9/11; First Responders, Race Officials, Indy Car Teams and ARCA Teams came together to remember those that had tragically lost their lives on that day 20 years ago. Although being from Australia, it was an honor as well as humbling for the BMI Racing team to have the opportunity to take part and show their respect in the commemorative ceremony.

The 30-minute qualifying session started mid-morning, and Bridget elected to head out on track as soon as the session started. Teams were required to qualify on the tires they would use to start the race, meaning drivers would only have 2 – 3 laps to get their best time. Bridget and the HMH Construction Chevrolet would start from 10th.

The green flag dropped at Portland International Raceway for the start of the Portland 112 and there was no shortage of action. Bridget worked hard avoiding issues on the track, climbing her way up to 4th place during the first half of the race – this being her highest career racing position.

The halfway break came at lap 29 and the field rolled down pit road, the team went to work on Bridget’s car changing four tires, adding Sunoco fuel and a wedge adjustment. Bridget continued to persevere, with the second half of the race having just as much action as the first half. At the five-lap to go mark Bridget avoided another car that had spun on track, but in turn, it had ultimately ended her race early, finishing in 16th position.

A replay of the Portland 112 at Portland International Raceway will broadcast on NBCSN on Saturday, Sept. 18, starting at 9 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. ET.

Bridget’s next race will be Thursday, Sept. 23, for the Star Nursery 150 at the Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Bridget is powered by these great companies:
HMH Construction, GEARWRENCH, Rugged Radios, Cometic Gasket, Circle Track Warehouse, Ferrea Racing Components, FK Rod Ends, Fragola Performance Systems, GC Cooling Fan, GT Radial, Hawk Performance, Impact Race Products, K&N Filters, Kellerstrass, Konig, Lucas Oil, Miller Electric, ProAm, PSC Motorsports, Rare Parts, Streamline Customer Designs, Sunoco Race Fuel, Tilton, XS Power

Facebook page: BridgetBurgess8 | Instagram: BridgetBurgess8 | Twitter: 8BridgetBurgess

Daniel Dye, No. 21 Heise LED, AFT Chevrolet
Bristol Motor Speedway Stats

- Daniel Dye has no previous ARCA Menards Series starts at Bristol.

2021 ARCA Menards Series Stats

• Starts: 5, Wins: 1 (Berlin), Top 5s: 3, Top 10s: 4, Poles: 1 (Berlin), Laps led: 200
• Sponsor Spotlight: American Flat Track Charlotte Finale will serve as the primary sponsor on Daniel Dye’s No. 21 Chevrolet. Heise LED Lighting Systems will also appear on Dye’s car in “Thunder Valley”.
• Daniel Dye will make his sixth ARCA Menards Series national start Thursday for GMS Racing.
• Dye currently sits second in ARCA Menards Series East point standings, 24-points behind leader Sammy Smith. Bristol is the eighth and final East Series event of 2021. GMS has entered the No. 21 for Dye in three of the previous seven East Series races, with finishes of sixth (Kenly), second (Iowa), and third (Milwaukee) respectively.
• The 17-year-old Daytona Beach, Florida driver has been impressive in each of his starts in the GMS No. 21, with an average finishing position of 3.25 in races completed with the Race to Stop Suicide Chevrolet SS. The rookie driver had just two career ARCA starts coming into the year.
• Every start Dye has made for GMS have been at tracks in which the Father Lopez Catholic High School Senior had never seen prior to race day. Dye has previous experience at Bristol, with a fourth-place finish in the U.S. Short Track Nationals Super Late Model event in September 2020.

Quote: “Bristol is just one of those places that everybody knows about. I had the chance to race a late model there last fall, and we were able to have a pretty good run and had a lot of fun on the high banks. Both me and the entire GMS team have pretty high hopes and expectations for how we’ll run Thursday, and we plan to put the American Flat Track Charlotte finale, Heise LED Chevrolet up front and in contention for our second win of the year.”

Jack Wood, No. 22 Chevy Accessories Chevrolet
Bristol Motor Speedway Stats

- Jack Wood has no previous ARCA Menards Series starts at Bristol.

2021 ARCA Menards Series Stats

• Starts: 7, Top 5s: 1, Top 10s: 4, Best start: 4th, Best finish: 4th, Laps led: 5
• Sponsor Spotlight: Chevy Accessories will serve as primary sponsor on Jack Wood’s No. 22 Chevrolet, as they have been Wood’s biggest supporter throughout the ARCA & NCWTS seasons.
• Jack Wood returns to the ARCA Menards Series in a second GMS Racing entry, the No. 22 Chevy Accessories Chevrolet. This is the first time this season where the team will bring two ARCA Chevrolet entries.
• Wood was promoted to the No. 24 GMS Racing Chevrolet Silverado in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for the majority of the 2021 season, but will not be competing in the truck race at Bristol as veteran NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver Doug Coby steps in that ride for a one race deal.

-In seven ARCA starts, Wood has a best-career ARCA finish of 4th which came at Kansas Speedway in April. Wood has a best-career NCWTS finish of 10th, which was earned at Gateway last month.

• In August, GMS Racing announced that Jack Wood will be returning to the No. 24 Silverado full-time in 2022, marking Wood’s first full-time season in NCWTS competition.

Quote: “Bristol is such a famous track in the world of NASCAR and I couldn’t be more excited to make my first start there this Thursday with my No. 22 GMS Racing ARCA team. Sam Mayer ran really strong there last season with this group and I hope to build off that success.”

ABOUT GMS RACING:

GMS Racing competes full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with drivers Sheldon Creed, Zane Smith, Tyler Ankrum, Chase Purdy and Jack Wood. The team also competes in the ARCA Menards Series with Daniel Dye and Jack Wood. Since the team began in 2014, GMS Racing won the 2016 and 2020 Camping World Trucks Championship, the 2015 ARCA Racing Series championship as well as the 2019 & 2020 ARCA East championship and 2020 Sioux Chief Showdown Championship. GMS has grown to occupy several buildings located in Statesville, N.C. The campus also includes operations for GMS Fabrication. More information can be found at https://gmsracing.net/.

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