Category: Other Series PR

SALEM, Indiana (September 17, 2012) – – Days before the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic by Federated Car Care, Tom Hessert III made it very clear that he was going to Salem (Ind.) Speedway this past weekend to win. He did.

 

Hessert, driver of the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet for Ken Schrader Racing recorded a popular win on the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards tour in the 18^th race of the season. It was Hessert’s second-career win in the series and first since Iowa Speedway in 2010. It also was the Cherry Hill New Jersey native’s first triumph driving for longtime Motorsports icon Ken Schrader, who was on-site to witness the victory.

Bringing their strongest Chevrolet in their KSR fleet, Hessert was confident in the car’s capabilities, especially with the direction and setup orchestrated by crew chief Donnie Richeson.

 

Two practice sessions on Saturday afternoon would allow the ARCA veteran to work with his team to fine-tune their No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet for the highly anticipated 200-lap showdown. Practicing ninth and seventh respectively, Hessert felt that he had a good racecar beneath him. And even though he qualified his automobile 11^th, Hessert still wasn’t fazed, because he felt like heading into the final short track contest of the year, he still had one of the cars to beat.

 

Early on, Hessert played it smart. Knowing Salem’s typical characteristics, he took his time moving through the field, easily climbing into the top-10 within the first five laps of the race. Steadily moving forward, Hessert was stalking the top-five when disaster nearly struck on lap 47.

 

Exiting turn four, two lapped cars made contact and spun immediately blocking the path of the racetrack. The lead pack quickly came upon the incident scene with some making it through and some not. Luckily, Hessert was able to escape major carnage while the cars he was racing around would not be so fortunate.

With one potential disaster avoided, Hessert refocused on the job at hand. When racing resumed, the former NASCAR Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series pilot had worked his way inside the top-five by lap 77. Twenty laps later, Hessert cleverly crafted his No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet into the runner-up spot trailing leader Frank Kimmel II.

Following a caution shortly after the halfway point, which saw Hessert take on tires and fuel for the final time of the night, he overtook Kimmel II on a lap 123 restart to gain control of the field.

 

Despite an array of cautions in the final 77 laps of the event and even fending off a late charge by Chase Elliott, Hessert was able to extend his lead to nearly three seconds in the closing laps of the event and took the checkered flag first in his 10^thcareer start at the 0.5-mile paved oval.

“I’m really into the history of our sport and hearing all about Salem and all of the guys who raced here, I’m glad I got to be one of the guys to go to Victory Lane here,” Hessert said. “The track just kind of worked out for us. We were all on the right tires at the right time. I knew if we could maintain with whoever was behind us for the first 10 laps (of a run), we could eventually inch away and that’s the way it ultimately worked out for us. Federated’s been our sponsor for the year, so it’s really, really cool.”

 

He added, “I really want to thank Donnie (Richeson), Ken (Schrader) and the entire KSR team for their hard work and belief in me. We’re going to go to DuQuoin next and see if we can’t make it back-to-back wins.”

 

In 15 races this season, Hessert has delivered one win, six top-fives and 10 top 10s and 84 laps led. Unofficially, he occupies ninth in the championship standings despite sitting out three races.

 

Next up for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards tour is the reschedule Southern Illinois 100 presented by Federated Car Care. Originally planned for Labor Day, the final dirt track race of the season was shifted to October because of severe weather in the area. The one-day show will take the green flag at 1:00 p.m. local on Sunday, October 14.

 

Exiting Salem, Hessert has 98 career ARCA Racing Series starts. In those outings, he has maneuvered two poles, two wins, 25 top-fives and 53 top-10s.

For more on Tom Hessert III, please visit tomhessert.com.

Hessert has joined the Twitter crave. Follow and connect with him @TomHessert.

Watertown, Conn.—Sept. 16, 2012 — David Gravel and his DDR Motorsports team have put a lot of focus on consistency this year. That was the game plan again this past weekend in the two-night Jim Ford Classic at Fremont Speedway in Ohio. Gravel was fast right out of the box in time trials both nights, as he has become accustomed to this season. The 20-year-old finished on the podium in the opener of the two-night event to continue a recent hot streak. Faced with a trip to the B-main in the weekend finale on Saturday night, Gravel didn’t flinch, racing his way into the A-Feature, where he would eventually finish ninth.

Gravel was seventh-fastest in time trials in the opener of the Jim Ford Classic weekend on Friday, Sept. 14 at Fremont. He lined up fourth in the first 10-lap heat race and finished in that same position to earn a spot in the dash. The native of Watertown, Conn., took the green flag for the six-lap dash in fifth and finished in that same position, which put him on the inside of the third row for the 30-lap main event. He ran among the lead pack for the duration of the 30-lap contest, coming home in third.

“That was a great finish for us on Friday night,” said Gravel. “We’re usually pretty fast at Fremont, and then have some bad luck in the heat race or feature. To put a complete night together and finish on the podium felt pretty good. Qualifying in the right spot and making it in the dash is so big, and we were able to do that on Friday night, which helped a ton.”

The finale at Fremont found Gravel turning the sixth-fastest lap in time trials. He lined up fifth in the third 10-lap heat race and slipped back a couple of spots to finish seventh, which put him in the B-main. He both started and finished third in the B-main, which put him in the Feature on Saturday night.

Gravel took to the grid in the 13th spot and worked his way forward over the course of the 50-lap grind on the tight one-third-mile bullring to finish in the ninth spot. For Gravel, it marked his eighth straight Top-10 finish with the UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions and 28th overall Top-10 with the series in 2012.

Gravel has made six starts at Fremont Speedway this season, including a pair of 50-lap main events, in which he has finished ninth in both. His third-place finish on Friday, Sept. 14 in the opener of the Jim Ford Classic marked his best showing of the season at the short track in Northern Ohio.

Gravel, who is currently third in the standings with the UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions, returns to action next weekend with a pair of races with the World of Outlaws. On Friday, Sept. 21, he’ll take to the track at the famed Eldora Speedway in Ohio, for the opener of the 4 Crown Nationals weekend. He’ll then head to Western Pennsylvania on Saturday, Sept. 22 for the Commonwealth Clash at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver.

“It’s been a while since we’ve raced with the Outlaws, so I’m really looking forward to this coming weekend,” said Gravel. “We’ve been fast at Eldora in time trials all year and have one Top-Five there this year. We have a couple of races left this year at Eldora, and we’ll do everything we can to be up front and in contention for a win. We’ve run strong at Lernerville as well this year, and that’s always a fun track to go to.”

David Gravel and DDR Motorsports would like to thank: J&J Chassis, JRC Transportation, Kistler Engines, Musco Fuels and P&M Transportation for their continued support.

Keep up-to-date with David Gravel and DDR Motorsports by visiting www.DavidGravel89.com. Follow David on Twitter atwww.Twitter.com/DavidGravel89g. Like David on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Gravel-Racing/143538695709198.

[media-credit name=”World of Outlaws” align=”alignright” width=”234″][/media-credit]Bloomington, Ind.—Sept. 16, 2012— Kraig Kinser has always been fast at Deer Creek Speedway in Minnesota, but never quite had the best of luck or finishes he was looking for at the high-banked three-eighths-mile. He was able to turn that around on Saturday, Sept. 15, as he recorded the best finish of his career at the always racy track, with a sixth-place performance, wrapping up a two-race weekend for the World of Outlaws in the Upper Midwest aboard the Hendrickcars.com Maxim.

The native of Bloomington, Ind., lined up ninth for the 35-lap FVP Clash at the Creek main event at Deer Creek, which was slowed by a couple of cautions before a single lap was completed. On the first complete restart, Kinser moved up a row, due to the driver ahead of him jumping the initial start. The third-generation driver used a strong start to move up to fourth by the sixth lap. Kinser ran among the top-six for the first half of the race, at one point going three-wide with Kerry Madsen and Chad Kemenah as the trio battled for the fourth spot.

Following a red flag on the eighth circuit, the remainder of the 35-lapper went straight through without any slowdowns or stoppages. Kinser worked his way back into the fifth spot on lap 21, before falling back to sixth on the next go-around. He would run sixth the rest of the way, en route to recording his 39th Top-10 finish of the season.

“It was a very racy track at Deer Creek, and a great show for the fans,” said Kinser. “Toward the end we had that long green flag run and got into traffic and were really mixing it up while battling for fourth. The Hendrickcars.com car was running pretty well and we were able to keep pace with the leaders for most of the race We want to be in the Top-Five, but with some of the bad luck we’ve been having lately, we’ll take a sixth and move on.”

Kinser was third-fastest in time trials of the 28 entrants at Deer Creek. He started the third eight-lap heat from the fourth position and finished in that same spot to earn a spot in the dash. He lined sixth in the dash and ran ninth in that six-lap contest, which put him on the inside of the fifth row for the 35-lap A-Feature.

“We are getting back to where we need to be with our qualifying package,” he shared. “Earlier this year we were near the front almost every night right off the truck and that’s what we are looking to do down the stretch here as well. Qualifying well gives you a lot better chance to make it in the dash, and making it in the dash is pretty important nowadays with how close everyone is.”

The weekend began for Kinser at Clay County Fair Speedway in Spencer, Iowa, and the Sixth Annual Arnold Motor Supply Shootout. After getting caught in an accident just past the halfway point of the 30-lap main event, that led to a couple of trips to the work area, Kinser worked his way back to a 15th-place finish. The third-generation driver was 17th in time trials, just missing the heat race inversion by one spot. He lined up fifth in the first eight-lap heat race and finished in that same position, which put him on the outside of the ninth row for the A-Feature.

Kinser returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at Eagle Raceway in Nebraska for an event that was postponed by rain earlier this season. He then heads to the famed Eldora Speedway in Ohio on Friday, Sept. 21 for the opener of the 4 Crown Nationals weekend, followed by a visit to Lernerville Speedway in Western Pennsylvania for the Commonwealth Clash on Saturday, Sept. 22. The 2005 winner of the Knoxville Nationals is currently sixth in the World of Outlaws championship standings on the strength of 39 Top-10 finishes.

“We have another busy week this week with a lot of traveling as well,” noted Kinser. “After this week, we’ll be down to just weekend racing and being able to get back to the shop in between races, which always helps. It’s getting down to it now, and our focus is to end the season on a strong note.”

Clay County Fair Speedway & Deer Creek Speedway Results

Date	Time Trials	Heat Start	Heat Finish	Dash Start	Dash Finish	Feature Start	Feature Finish	Points
Sept. 14	17th	5th	5th	N/A	N/A	18th	15th	6th
Sept. 15	3rd	4th	4th	6th	9th	9th	6th	6th

Kraig Kinser By the Numbers: Clay County Fair Speedway & Deer Creek Speedway
0.375- Miles around Clay County Fair Speedway and Deer Creek Speedway
1- Night of racing in the state of Minnesota this season
2- Career Top-10 finishes at Deer Creek; Races at Clay County Fair Speedway in 2012
4- Starts at Deer Creek Speedway
6- Appearances at Clay County Fair Speedway
8.3- Average finish in six career starts at Clay County
9- Average finish in main events with the World of Outlaws this season
9.2- Average starting spot in A-Feature races this season
11.920- Qualifying time at Deer Creek Speedway
12- Average finish in four career starts at Deer Creek
13.523- Lap in time trials at Clay County Fair Speedway
39- Top-10 finishes this season
177- Miles from Clay County Fair Speedway in Spencer, Iowa, to Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn.
8227- Points earned through Sept. 15

Up Next
Sept. 19: Eagle Raceway, Lincoln, Neb.
Sept. 21: Eldora Speedway, Rossburg, Ohio
Sept. 22: Lernerville Speedway, Sarver, Pa.

Keep up with all the action 
For the latest news on Kraig Kinser, visit the redesigned http://www.kraigkinser.com, and
follow Kraig on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kraigkinser11k and receive live updates from the track each and every race night.

Tune in
Listen live to each and every World of Outlaws event on DIRTVision.com with “The Voice of the Outlaws” Johnny Gibson on the call. Visitwww.DIRTVision.com for live audio of each and every World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series event.

RANDLEMAN, North Carolina (September 14, 2012) – – With just two scheduled races remaining in their 2012 schedule at Caraway (N.C.) Speedway, Ryan Wilson and his Ryan Wilson Motorsports (RWM) team are tuned in on another Saturday night of short track racing in hopes of their third triumph of the year at their hometown track.

 

Overall, it’s been a strong season for Wilson and the No. 12 Southern Pharmacy Services / Randolph Bank Toyota Camry. From poles to wins, top-fives and top-10s, the Thomasville, North Carolina-based team has experienced it all. Still, the team is honed in on bringing home yet another trophy before the curtain falls on the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series schedule.

 

Returning to the cockpit this weekend is a welcome break from hitting the books in his freshman year of college at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte majoring in Motorsports Engineering.

 

“I’m ready,” said Wilson. “Our last run at Caraway didn’t go as planned, so I feel like we need a little redemption on Saturday night. Kirk (Bryant, crew chief) and the guys on this Ryan Wilson Motorsports team have really been focused on the car, so I’m hoping start to finish, it will be another night to remember.”

 

He continued, “Honestly, we really should have two grand opportunities to capitalize on the competition and put ourselves in victory circle once again. It’s important as the race dates keep winding down that we keep our No. 12 Southern Pharmacy Services / Randolph Bank Toyota Camry near or at that top spot as much as possible. We definitely want to go out on a strong note.”

 

With two wins to their credit this season, one in the spring and one in the summer, a perfect fall-themed triumph would literally be icing on the cake for the local fan favorite.

 

“Believe me we have what it takes to get into victory lane again at Caraway before the years over with,” sounded Wilson, the 2010 fall winner of Richard Petty Driver Search II. “We’ve persevered through some obstacles this year which have kept us going through the thick and thin. It would be great not only for us but for everyone at Southern Pharmacy Services and Randolph Bank to get a couple more wins before we go on break.”

 

While he’s been quiet to talk about it at times, the 20-year old isn’t shy to acknowledge the support of his family and friends who make up a healthy cheering section for the No. 12 Southern Pharmacy Services / Randolph Bank Toyota Camry when competing at the Sophia, North Carolina-based racetrack.

 

“You can’t do this without support,” added Wilson, referring to his fan base. “My parents are there right by my side as well as my grandparents, other family members and some of my closest friends. Plus, it’s a pretty neat feeling to have such a welcomed reception from the fans in the grandstands. That’s one of the blessings of being able to do what I do. Not only do I want to win for our sponsors but for them (fans, family and friends) too.”

 

When asked about the opening weeks of college, Wilson replied, “It’s good. Interesting and fun all at the same time. I’m learning a lot, experiencing life from a different side but also making friends and earning that degree, so I guess, I really can’t complain.”

 

Two 50-lap segments of action for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series are set for Saturday, September 15. A diverse group of divisions will take the green flag beginning at 7:00 p.m.

 

Join the team on Facebook by clicking here (Ryan Wilson Motorsports).

Tweet with Ryan Wilson through Twitter at @RyanWilson12.

For more on Wilson, RWM, sponsorship opportunities and the team’s 2012 event schedule, please log on toRyanWilsonMotorsports.com.

Sign on to the home of extra-mile banking of Randolph Bank by clicking on Randolphbank.com.

SALEM, Indiana (September 12, 2012) – – There is no other track on the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards circuit that Josh Williams and his Josh Williams Motorsports (JWM) team favors more than Salem (Ind.) Speedway.

 

In his 27 career ARCA Racing Series starts, Williams has made two at track’s treacherous high banks yielding two top-10 runs including a career-best sixth last Spring. A year later, the JWM team nearly backed up their favorable run with a strong ninth after starting 16^th.

Planning to unload the same No. 02 Southwest Florida Cable Construction Chevrolet that has rewarded the 19-year old with two of his seven career top-10 finishes in the ARCA Racing Series tour; the team is ready to deliver their version of a trifecta on Saturday night.

“I can’t wait for Saturday night to get here,” said Williams. “The track is so intimidating but I took a liking to the place right away and I enjoy every second of track time there. It’s just a neat place and really isn’t another track like it on the ARCA schedule.”

He added, “We’re racing under the lights on Saturday night, so in my eyes that turns the intensity level up a notch but I think we’re more than ready for it. The car that we’re bringing to the track has proven to be one of the best in our fleet and is the same car we’ve brought to Salem in our two previous races, so we’re again confident in our decision.”

 

With just three races remaining to leave their mark in their freshman outing on the ARCA tour, Williams and his posse are glued on reeling in the best finishes possible in order to give them welcomed momentum towards a potentially stellar sophomore season.

“2012 has been an educational year for us,” remarked the Port Charlotte, Florida native. “My parents have poured a lot into our team despite not having some of the luxuries others do. We’ve had our highs and lows, but it’s nothing that I wouldn’t take back. Hopefully we’re able to fill our blank spots with a great marketing partner and return next year better than ever.”

After 17 races, JWM has competed in 16 of them and officially occupies a respectable 10^th in the championship standings. This season, the team has amounted four top-10 finishes including a season best of seventh at Madison (Wisc.) International Speedway, a ninth at Salem (Ind.) Speedway, a 10^th at the treacherous Winchester (Ind.) Speedway and at the 2.5-mile triangle of Pocono (Pa.) Raceway in June. An 11^th place qualifying run also at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway in June and at the Illinois State Fairgrounds (Springfield) is the team’s best time trials effort to date thus far.

 

The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic by Federated Car Care (200 laps / 111 miles) is the 18^th of 20 events on the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 92^nd ARCA race held at Salem Speedway is a one day show.Practice begins Saturday, September 15 with a forty-five minute session planned from 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Final practice also consisting of forty-five minutes begins at 1:45 p.m. and will conclude at 2:30 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later in the day slated to begin at 4:00 p.m. An on-track autograph session has been etched in immediately following qualifying. The event will take the green flag shortly after 7:15 p.m. later that night. The race will not be televised but additional coverage including a radio broadcast and timing and scoring will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local (Eastern).

For more information on Josh Williams, his Josh Williams Motorsports team and sponsorship opportunities for the 2012 and 2013 seasons please connect to the team’s official website at Joshwracing.com.

Williams has joined the Twitter crave. Follow and connect with him @Josh02Williams.

SALEM, Indiana (September 13, 2012) – – After a pair of 21^st place finishes earlier this season at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway and Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, Brett Hudson returns to ARCA Racing Series competition this Saturday night at the intimidating Salem (Ind.) Speedway.

 

Despite the track’s rough characteristics, historically the 0.5-mile paved oval has been kind to the Owensboro, Kentucky native over the year. In fact, Salem is home of Hudson’s career-best finish on a short track, fourth tied with his impressive run at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway last year. Not to mention, Hudson scored an ARCA pole at the Southern Indiana racetrack in 2005.

 

While Hudson has had a light season on the ARCA Racing Series tour, the veteran short track racer along with his Brett Hudson Motorsports (BHM) have been zeroing in on this annual fall brawl all with the intentions of putting their No. 0 Hudson Performance Drivelines Dodge Charger into victory lane.

 

Victory Lane, that’s nothing new to Hudson at Salem Speedway. In July, Hudson had an explosive performance in the Firecracker street stock event that landed him a popular victory. Now, the newly crowned father is ready to taste sweet celebration on a whole new level.

“Salem in a sense is a crap-shoot, just like Daytona and Talladega,” said Hudson. “It’s a place where big things can happen fast but if you’re able to avoid the headaches, you usually are able to come out with a pretty good finish. Your car has to rotate well, especially in turns three and four and pit strategy is everything. I’m confident about our chances for Saturday night.”

 

John Hayden, a former ARCA Racing Series racer himself will heed the role as crew chief for Hudson again this weekend. A bonus for the BHM team is Hayden’s experience at Salem Speedway which includes a thrilling and emotional ARCA victory in the Spring of 2009 with former ARCA champion Patrick Sheltra.

 

Speaking of emotional, you’ll have to excuse the BHM team if you see a few tears rolling from their eyes. Saturday night will mark the return of gasman Steve Ash who returns to the track for the first time in over a year. Also, Hudson’s daughter, Brystal will attend her first ARCA race this weekend.

“We’re all about family,” stated Hudson. “It’s going to be great having my daughter at the race this weekend with my family and of course, the return of Steve (Ash) just pieces the rest of our close-knit family back together. No matter the results on Saturday night, it will be nice to have the old and new members of the BHM family all as one.”

To top off that family closeness, the 24-year old knows that his presence at Salem this weekend might not have been possible if not for his Uncle, Donnie Richeson, who’s the crew chief for Ken Schrader Racing and driver Tom Hessert.

“My Uncle helped us put the final touches on this car, so I’m very thankful to him. Who knows, maybe we’ll be battling his team for the win on Saturday night. That would be pretty special.”

 

As they’ve done for the past two seasons, the Brett Hudson Motorsports team will bring awareness to a big fan of theirs, Harlie Bryant. Last year, the fellow Kentucky native was diagnosed with brain cancer and continues to fight her battle. The team will continue to spread her message of “hope and love.”

 

In addition to Hudson Performance Drivelines, D-N-J Auto Parts, Double H Hydraulics, Fischer’s Keystop Trucking & Towing, G&A Trucking and Warricktubing.com join the team as associate marketing partners in the 18^th race of the season.

 

Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available for this weekend’s activities. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Lisa Hudson of Brett Hudson Motorsports at  270.929.2160 or hudson00@adelphia.net.

 

For more on “Hope for Harlie”, please click here to visit their official Facebook page or visit her official website to make a donation towards her ongoing treatment at hopeforharlie.org.

In 28 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards starts, Hudson has produced three top-fives including a career best of fourth at Salem (Ind.) Speedway in 2007 and Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway (April 2011) and 13 top-10 finishes overall. Hudson has one career ARCA pole also coming at Salem (Ind.) Speedway in 2005 driving the No. 62 Hudson Machine Shop Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

 

The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic by Federated Car Care (200 laps / 111 miles) is the 18^th of 20 events on the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 92^nd ARCA race held at Salem Speedway is a one day show.Practice begins Saturday, September 15 with a forty-five minute session planned from 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Final practice also consisting of forty-five minutes begins at 1:45 p.m. and will conclude at 2:30 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later in the day slated to begin at 4:00 p.m. An on-track autograph session has been etched in immediately following qualifying. The event will take the green flag shortly after 7:15 p.m. later that night. The race will not be televised but additional coverage including a radio broadcast and timing and scoring will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local (Eastern).

Concord, NC (September 13, 2012) — As the conclusion of the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season draws near Venturini Motorsports prepares for its last short-track event of the year this weekend at Salem Speedway.

The ARCA Series returns to the track for the first time in almost 4-weeks after the last scheduled event (9/3) at the Du Quoin, Illinois Fairgrounds was postponed due to heavy rains leftover from Hurricane Isaac. The last racing action was on August 26th at Madison International Speedway.

Driving for Venturini Motorsports this weekend at Salem Speedway in the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic presented by Federated Car Care at Salem Speedway is Brennan Poole, Nelson Canache, Erik Jones and newcomer Caleb Armstrong.

Brennan Poole who leads the ARCA rookie of the year battle returns to the site of his series debut and first victory. It was during the spring race at Salem in 2011 where the 21-year old driver from the The Woodlands, TX held off eventual series champion, Ty Dillon for the checkered flag. Poole will once again be back in his familiar No.25 Venturini Motorsports entry looking to capture his third victory of the 2012 campaign.

Making his 10th and final ARCA appearance of the season is sixteen-year old driving sensation Erik Jones. Jones who’s competed at every short track event for Venturini in 2012 looks to capture his first series victory Saturday night at Salem Speedway.

Earlier this year at the age of 15-years old, Jones became the youngest competitor in ARCA series history when he made his debut at Mobile Int’l Speedway in Alabama. In nine series starts Jones has accumulated an impressive early resume which includes (4) top-5 and (5) top-10 finishes with 103-laps led in during his rookie season. Jones will be piloting his No.55 Paragon Corvette Reproductions Chevrolet.

Nelson Canache will be back behind the wheel of his No.35 Venezuelan Tourism Chevrolet at Salem looking to continue his recent string of successful starts. Canache, a native of Caracas, Venezuela is a former Venezuelan driving champion enjoying his first year of stock-car (oval) racing with Venturini Motorsports.

The “Pride of Venezuela” has come on strong as of late as his rookie experience is starting to pay dividends. With no previous ARCA experience prior to the 2012 season, Canache expects to finish the season strong. Canache has earned two top-10 finishes (Chicago & Pocono) and most recently led his first career laps at Madison Int’l Speedway.

Rounding out Venturini Motorsport’s entries for this weekend’s event at Salem Speedway will be USAC racing series standout Caleb Armstrong. The 20-year old from New Castle, Indiana will be making his ARCA Racing debut for Venturini driving the No.15 Mudd Advertising-Drive for Savings car.

Armstrong currently occupies the fourth place position in USAC’s highly competitive Midget Mopar National Division Championship standings.

In 2011, Armstrong enjoyed a breakout season driving for his family owned midget team highlighted by USAC national victories at Iowa Speedway and at the famed Turkey Night Grand Prix at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, California.

Armstrong who started his racing career in 1998 will have a large contingency of hometown supporters when he takes the green flag at Salem as his hometown of New Castle, Indiana is located just a couple hours northeast of the Indiana track.

Practice for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic by Federated Car Care at Salem will take place over two sessions on Saturday, from 12:30-1:15 p.m. and 1:45-2:30 p.m. Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell is scheduled for 4 p.m., and a driver autograph session will be open to all fans from 4:45-5:15 p.m. The 200-lap, 111-mile race will start at 7:15 p.m.

ARCARacing.com will feature live timing and scoring coverage throughout the day, and ARCA Racing Network hosts Charlie Krall and Tim Clagg will deliver a live audio call for the race on the site.

About Venturini Motorsports 
Venturini Motorsports (VMS), fielding cars in the ARCA Racing Series, is one of the premier NASCAR driver development programs in the country. The 2012 season marks the team’s 30th Anniversary of competition in the ARCA Series. Multiple team championships and consistent on-track success, VMS has evolved into one of the most recognizable names in motorsports.

Since 2007, VMS has assisted in the career development of notable NASCAR drivers such as Joey Logano, Justin Allgaier, Steve Arpin, Brian Scott, Max Gresham, Miguel Paludo, Josh Richards, Ryan Blaney, and Scott Lagasse, Jr.

Official: www.VenturiniMotorsports.com  |  Twitter @VenturiniMotor  |  Facebook: Venturini Motorsports

[media-credit name=”World of Outlaws” align=”alignright” width=”234″][/media-credit]Bloomington, Ind.—Sept. 13, 2012— Over the years, Kraig Kinser has grown pretty accustomed to having long drives along the World of Outlaws trail. None though are quite like the one he and his team have been on this week, as they will have covered over 1,800 miles by the time they reach Iowa for an event on Friday, following Monday’s race in California.

The weekend in the Upper Midwest begins for Kinser in the Hendrickcars.com Maxim on Friday, Sept. 14 at Clay County Fair Speedway in Spencer, Iowa for the Arnold Motor Supply Shootout. He then will visit Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn., for the FVP Clash at the Creek, as the World of Outlaws make their lone visit of the season to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”

“It will be nice to get back to the Midwest this weekend,” said Kinser. “We’ve had some good runs at Clay County over the last few years and always look forward to racing there. Deer Creek is a very racy track as well and there are some great sprint car fans up in Minnesota.”

Kinser finished ninth earlier this season at Clay County Fair Speedway. He opened the night as the seventh-fastest driver in time trials, and followed that up with a third-place run in the first heat race. The third-generation driver made his debut at the historic three-eighths-mile fairgrounds track in 2008, a year after the World of Outlaws made their initial appearance at the venue. Kinser finished second, after leading 26 laps in his first start at Spencer. He finished 13th in 2009 at the track, and was seventh in 2010. Last year in the series lone visit to Clay County, the 2005 Knoxville Nationals winner came home fourth, which marked his career-best showing at the track.

“This will be the first time we have ever raced at Spencer twice in the same season,” he noted. “We had a decent night there back in June and should be able to use some of the things we learned in that race. The main thing as always is to qualify and then get into the dash, so you can put yourself in those first five rows for the feature.”

Kinser earned the best finish of his career in three starts at Deer Creek Speedway last year, coming home 10th. He began the night 13th in time trials, missing the heat race inversion by one spot. Kinser charged from fifth to second in the first eight-lap heat race to earn a spot in the dash. He started ninth in the dash and finished in that same spot, which put him on the inside of the fifth row for the 35-lap main event. Kinser raced for the first time at the high-banked three-eighths-mile in 2009, leading the first five laps of that main event, before finishing 14th in what was the World of Outlaws event appearance at the track.

“I’ve led some laps and been fast at Deer Creek, just never have quite had the finishes we were hoping for,” noted Kinser. “We’ve run well on the smaller tracks this year and Deer Creek is a unique place, and I think we’ll have a pretty good set-up when we unload. With how close everyone is right now you have to be on your game every night.”

Kinser heads to Clay County Fair Speedway and Deer Creek Speedway sixth in the World of Outlaws championship standings on the strength of four wins, 38 Top-10 and 18 Top-Five finishes.

“We’re getting down to the end of the year now and every race is important,” shared Kinser. “You always want to end on a good note and carry that into the winter. When you end a season strong it helps the off-season go by a little quicker.”

Kraig Kinser By the Numbers: Clay County Fair Speedway & Deer Creek Speedway
0.375- Miles around Clay County Fair Speedway and Deer Creek Speedway
1- Night of racing in the state of Minnesota this year for the World of Outlaws
2- Races at Clay County Fair Speedway this season for the series
3- Career starts at Deer Creek Speedway
4- Career Top-10 finishes at Clay County
5- Career starts at Clay County Fair Speedway; Laps led at Deer Creek in 2009
6- Current position in points
7- Average finish in five main events starts at Clay County
11.583- Track record at Deer Creek Speedway
13.345- Qualifying mark at Clay County Fair Speedway
14- Average finish in three career starts at Deer Creek Speedway
26- Laps led at Clay County in 2008
101- Laps led this season in main events
177- Miles from Clay County Fair Speedway in Spencer, Iowa, where the World of Outlaws race on Sept. 14 to Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn.
1804- Miles from Antioch Speedway in California, where the World of Outlaws race on Sept. 10 to Clay County Fair Speedway in Spencer, Iowa
2007- Year of World of Outlaws first event at Clay County Fair Speedway
2008- Kinser’s first start at Clay County
2009- Year of inaugural World of Outlaws event at Deer Creek Speedway

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SALEM, Indiana (September 13, 2012) – – “We gotta win.” Those are the thoughts from ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards veteran Tom Hessert III as he steers towards Saturday night’s Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic by Federated Car Care at the historic Salem (Ind.) Speedway.

 

It’s been two years or 44 races since Hessert steered to his inaugural ARCA Racing Series victory but the Cherry Hill, New Jersey native has been winless since, but the drought hasn’t come from the lack of trying.

Since his Iowa Speedway triumph, Hessert has delivered three runner-up performances including a second-place run at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis in July. Still, the urge and desire to return to victory lane remains the primary focus for the driver of the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala.

“I tell you, we have to win,” said Hessert. “It’s something that’s been my main objective lately and what a better place for the winless drought to end – other than at Salem Speedway. It’s by far my favorite place on the circuit. It’s incredibly fast but still hard to pass and tire management is everything. Salem truly represents what short track racing is all about.”

Saturday night will mark the 10^th race of competition for the former Rev-Oil Pro Cup Series competitor on the 0.5-mile paved oval. In his previous nine races, Hessert has mastered a best starting spot of third (Fall, 2010) and finished in the same spot driving for Cunningham Motorsports. Overall, the ARCA veteran has gathered five top-10 finishes in five seasons of competition.

 

In April, driving the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet for Ken Schrader Racing, Hessert appeared to be heading towards his third top-five appearance at the Southern Indiana racetrack but a late race incident relegated the 26-year old to a frustrating 13^th place run.

“It goes without saying that I’m looking for some redemption from the race in the Spring,” offered Hessert. “We had such a great car. We were just biding our time and waiting for the right opportunity to pounce, then disaster struck. Things though happen in a hurry at Salem, so you have to be on your game the entire race. I know we could find ourselves just running our race and then just get wiped out from being in the wrong place at the wrong time. That’s just part of the game. Hopefully, we avoid trouble and can bring the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet to victory lane.”

 

An extra incentive for the former NASCAR Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series pilot to do well is the ever-growing support of his primary sponsor, Federated Auto Parts and their divisions who will once again support an ARCA Racing Series contest as a presenting sponsor for the 18^th race of the year.

“Everyone at Federated Auto Parts, Federated Car Care and all of their loyal divisions has been awesome to me and a blast to work with,” sounded Hessert. “It’s a great feeling to know that you have such constant support from a huge following of people. It’s been longer than it should have been since a Federated Auto Parts car has been in victory lane, we’re going to try and end that on Saturday night.”

 

Despite idling for three races this year, Hessert currently occupies ninth in the championship standings with three races remaining on ARCA’s 60^th year anniversary tour. As it stands, Hessert is 95 markers from eighth and 220 points ahead of 10^th. Currently, he has 14 starts with five top-five finishes and nine top-10 runs.

 

The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic by Federated Car Care (200 laps / 111 miles) is the 18^th of 20 events on the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 92^nd ARCA race held at Salem Speedway is a one day show.Practice begins Saturday, September 15 with a forty-five minute session planned from 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Final practice also consisting of forty-five minutes begins at 1:45 p.m. and will conclude at 2:30 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later in the day slated to begin at 4:00 p.m. An on-track autograph session has been etched in immediately following qualifying. The event will take the green flag shortly after 7:15 p.m. later that night. The race will not be televised but additional coverage including a radio broadcast and timing and scoring will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local (Eastern).

 

Entering Salem, Hessert has 97 career ARCA Racing Series starts. In those outings, he has maneuvered two poles, one win, 24 top-fives and 52 top-10s.

For more on Tom Hessert III, please visit tomhessert.com.

Hessert has joined the Twitter crave. Follow and connect with him @TomHessert.