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Category: Other Series PR

Other series racing press release

  • Faces of Vietnam Veterans to Grace Army NASCAR, NHRA Cars

    FORT KNOX, Ky. (Aug. 12, 2011) – The U.S. Army, in conjunction with Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Don Schumacher Racing in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, will run special paint schemes honoring the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War on the Soldiers’ race cars during Veterans Day weekend.

    In honor of these Veterans’ service and sacrifice, selected photos will be featured on the hood, trunk, side panels and bumpers when Ryan Newman gets behind the wheel of the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet at the Nov. 13 Kobalt Tools 500k NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway. Tony “The Sarge” Schumacher’s U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster will don the custom paint scheme when he straps in at Pomona, Calif., for the Nov. 13 Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals.

    Beginning today, Vietnam Army Veterans, along with their families, friends and loved ones, can go online and submit photos of the men and women who have embraced the call of duty and helped build and protect our country at www.goarmy.com/yourphotohere. All Vietnam Veterans shown in uniform are eligible for inclusion among the photos in the special paint scheme. Images will be collected through Sept. 16.

    “What a cool way for us to say ‘thank you’ and honor the Vietnam Veterans,” said Newman, a 15-time NASCAR Sprint Cup race winner. “History tells us that many who served in Southeast Asia were not properly recognized upon their return. It will be our sincere privilege to commemorate the Army Strong Vietnam Soldiers who fought bravely for democracy.”

    For seven-time NHRA champion Schumacher, driving the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster is always a powerful reminder of what it means to be Army Strong.

    “It’s truly inspiring to represent our Soldiers who served in Vietnam,” Schumacher said. “Many of the Vietnam Veterans are drag-racing fans who grew up at the height of the muscle-car and hot-rod era. We see many Vietnam Vets at our NHRA races, and that’s why this paint scheme will carry a special meaning for our U.S. Army team.”

    The special paint scheme will serve as an extension of Veterans Day (Nov. 11) when, as a country, we honor and remember the heroism, courage and dedication displayed by our Veterans. While the nation remembers the service of its Veterans, the millions at home and at the track watching Newman and Schumacher will get a chance to see some of the faces who represent true heroes.

    “Every time these guys drive with the Army colors, they represent the more than one million men and women who proudly serve our nation,” said John Myers, Director, Strategic Communications and Outreach, U.S. Army Accessions Command. “For these races, with these paint schemes, we pay tribute and say thank you to our Vietnam heroes as well as all past and present Soldiers and their families. Each picture, each face, is a reminder of the sacrifice and service of the millions who have made our Army strong and our nation free.”

    About U.S. Army Accessions Command

    The U.S. Army Accessions Command (USAAC), a subordinate command of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, meets the human resource needs of the Army by transforming volunteers into officers, warrant officers, and enlisted Soldiers. In providing the force, the 18,400 men and women of Accessions Command prepare these future Soldiers and leaders for their initial military training. Commanded by Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, USAAC is located at Fort Knox, Ky.

  • Wallace and Beggarly in tight battle for Gibbs ASA National Championship

    Wallace and Beggarly in tight battle for Gibbs ASA National Championship

    DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Wednesday, August 10, 2011) – For the second week in a row, Chrissy Wallace is the leader in the Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil ASA Member Track National Championship standings. Wallace’s sixth place finish in the Late Model feature last Saturday night has tightened up her lead over Barry Beggarly. But Shelby Stroebel’s win last Saturday could bring him into the hunt.

    [media-credit name=”Tim Berrier” align=”alignright” width=”224″][/media-credit]Wallace She started 13th and finished sixth in the feature event on Saturday night. She only has a 15-point lead over Ken Dickinson in the Late Model standings at Lebanon I-44 Speedway in Lebanon, MO. She has a national average of 4.2506.

    Barry Beggarly finished fourth after a wild feature event last Friday night.
    He only has a two-point lead over Jason York in the Late Model standings at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, NC. Beggarly is second overall in the national standings with an average of 4.2320.

    Shelby Stroebel has a comfortable points lead in the ASA Modified division at Meridian Speedway in Meridian, ID. He is focused on what it will take to win the National Championship as he picked up another feature win this past Saturday night. He is third overall with an average of 3.8027 and will continue make a charge to the front until the finale on September 25, 2011.

    Wayne Webb moved ahead of David Flynn in the Late Model Sportsman standings at Newport Motor Speedway in Newport, TN. His lead is only two points over Flynn and has a 12-point lead over Zack Franks. Webb has a national average of 3.7578. One side note, if Flynn were in the lead at Newport, he would be third overall in the national standings with an average of 3.8109.

    Mike Reichenberger holds a four-point lead over Dillon Kralovetz in the Late Model standings at Norway Speedway in Norway, MI. Reichenberger is fifth in the national standings with an average of 3.3211.

    Michael Hale opened up his point lead over Tyler Whetstone from 5 to 29 points after their feature event this past Saturday night. Hale has a national average of 3.1669.

    Ryan Stiltner had his win streak stopped this past weekend in the Charger division at Lonesome Pine Raceway in Coeburn, VA. He has fewer events on record at this time as the top-five but could catch up, as they will have more events coming up this month and next month. He has a national average of 1.9560.

    Mark Mackesy also has fewer events on record then his fellow ASA Member Track point leaders. He continues to lead the point standings in the Late Model division at State Park Speedway in Wausau, WI. His national average is 1.9206.

    Mother Nature has not been good to Randall Wilhorn, the current Late Model point leader at Marshfield Motor Speedway in Marshfield, WI. Their last two events have been rained out. He continues to have a national average of 1.8371.

    Mark Shackleford finished second in the Super Late Model feature this past Saturday night at Orange Show Speedway in San Bernardino, CA. He rounds out the top-ten with an average of 1.4055.

    “This is going to be very interesting to watch over the next seven weeks as our ASA Member Tracks who started later will be catching up with their events and champions are being crowned,” Dennis Huth, ASA President said. “Many of our competitors are close to reaching the 14 event mark which could drastically change the look in the standings. We set up the National Championship average to be precise when at least 14 events are on record. All of their events will count towards the National Championship, but reaching 14 events will give us an honest look at who could get the opportunity to tryout with Joe Gibbs Racing.”

    Fans can look at their favorite driver statistics by visiting SpeedNetDirect.com’s Championship Insider at www.championshipinsider.com. It is a free membership site, sign up today!

    Drivers from participating ASA Member Tracks across the United States have chosen one of their divisions as their premiere divisions. Those drivers in the premiere division, who are ASA members in good standing, will compete at their ASA Member Track to first win their track championship. Once they accomplish that goal, they will then be matched up against the other premiere division champions to determine the National Champion.

    ASA has once again teamed up with speednetdirect.com to create a proprietary point system that is much like a batting average in baseball. Some of the factors used to create an average are wins, number of cars passed, finishes, car count, and number of events. No one knows what has more of a factor over another.

    Race fans and competitors can follow the standings on www.speednetdirect.com. The opening page shows the current track point leaders that would be eligible for the National Championship if it ended today. The East and West Region standings give a complete listing of all of the drivers participating this season.

    Past National Champions are Cary Stapp, Thunderhill Raceway (2008), Tommy Cloce, Adirondack Speedway (2009), and Bryan Wordelman, Rocky Mountain Raceways (2010).

    Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil, sponsor of the American Speed Association National Short Track National Championship, is the same oil developed and used by Joe Gibbs Racing. The team sells the oil so racers across the country can have access to the latest technology in racing lubricants.

    Joe Gibbs Racing is one of the premier organizations in NASCAR, currently fielding three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams, two NASCAR Nationwide Series teams and a driver development program. Based in Huntersville, N.C., and owned by Joe Gibbs – a three-time Super Bowl champion as head coach of the Washington Redskins and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame – JGR has competed in NASCAR since 1992, winning three Cup Series championships and more than 80 NASCAR races, including three Brickyard 400s and the 1993 Daytona 500.

    The ASA Member Track program sanctions dirt and asphalt short tracks along with road courses around the United States, as well as a variety of regional and national touring series. For more information call (386) 258-2221, or send an email to info@asa-racing.com. The latest news and information from all the racetracks and tours involved in the ASA can be found by visiting www.ASA-Racing.com.

    JOE GIBBS DRIVEN RACING OIL
    ASA MEMBER TRACK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
    (As of 8/10/11)

    1. Chrissy Wallace (Lebanon I-44 Speedway) – 4.2506
    2. Barry Beggarly (Ace Speedway) – 4.2320
    3. Shelby Stroebel (Meridian Speedway) – 3.8027
    4. Wayne Webb (Newport Motor Speedway) – 3.7578
    5. Mike Reichenberger (Norway Speedway) – 3.3211
    6. Michael Hale (Rocky Mountain Raceways) – 3.1669
    7. Ryan Stiltner (Lonesome Pine Raceway) – 1.9560
    8. Mark Mackesy (State Park Speedway) – 1.9206
    9. Randall Wilhorn (Marshfield Motor Speedway) – 1.8371
    10. Mark Shackleford (Orange Show Speedway) – 1.4055

  • Dillon Takes Third Straight Win in Pennsylvania 125, Gives RCR 2011 Sweep

    Dillon Takes Third Straight Win in Pennsylvania 125, Gives RCR 2011 Sweep

    Ty Dillon Takes Third Straight Win in Pennsylvania 125, Gives Richard Childress Racing 2011 Sweep at Pocono

    (LONG POND, Pa.) – Following a season-low 11th-place finish at Berlin Raceway on July 9, Ty Dillon’s focus has centered on putting a bad day – by his standards – behind him and aiming for the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards championship. He continued a scorching streak this morning in the Pennsylvania ARCA 125, giving Richard Childress Racing a sweep for the year at the 2.5-mile Pocono Raceway.

    Dillon (No. 41 RCR/CIPT Chevrolet) led the final 34 laps of a 50-lap shootout, and held off teammate and June winner Tim George Jr. (No. 31 Applebee’s/Potomac Family Dining Group Chevrolet) to win by 0.833 second. Dillon’s win was his series-leading seventh of the season and his ninth in 16 career starts.

    Following his wins in Iowa and Indianapolis in the last three weeks, Dillon became the first driver to win three consecutive races in the ARCA Racing Series since Parker Kligerman won four in a row two seasons ago.

    “Since we unloaded here at Pocono, I’ve had the same feeling I had at Iowa and Lucas Oil Raceway,” said Dillon, who became the 30th different driver to win in the ARCA Racing Series at Pocono. “I was really confident in the race car right after qualifying. Even though we qualified second, I knew we had a piece that could win again. We’ve had such a great year and been so patient as a young team that just got put together. (Crew chief) Scott Naset’s done an awesome job of preparing these race cars.

    “Getting seven wins in any series is such an accomplishment, and three in a row is incredible.”

    Dillon’s ninth win ties him with five other drivers for 33rd on ARCA’s all-time win list. He now leads Grant Enfinger (No. 36 Hoosier Tire Midwest/RaceTires.com Dodge) atop the series standings by 410 points with six races remaining.

    Menards Pole Award presented by Ansell winner Max Gresham (No. 25 World Crown 300 at Gresham Motorsports Park) started quickly, moving to a 0.586-second lead over Dillon and the rest of the field by the conclusion of the first lap. Running 13th to start Lap 2, Tom Berte (No. 35 CGS Premier/Stay Tuned Customs Chevrolet) lost control and made contact with Kyle Martel (No. 43 Hanover Cold Storage/Finish Line Express Chevrolet).

    The crash set off a multi-car incident that also sent Brent Brevak (No. 3 Brevak Racing Dodge) and Brandon Kidd (No. 7 Brioschi Chevrolet) reeling, and Buster Graham (No. 59 Batter’s Dream/Dodge) skidding toward a retaining guardrail on the infield. Just before he would have contacted the wall, Graham’s car struck a paved path and launched over the rail. The car spun and came to a rest inside the guardrail after sliding through grass, with the car’s rear end resting on the top of the barrier.

    After approximately 20 minutes of review under the yellow flag to ensure that no drivers were seriously injured and to clear the race track, the field drove to the green flag again to start Lap 14. Gresham opened a short lead yet again, but Dillon looked to the inside and passed for the lead as he and Gresham drove into Turn 3 on Lap 17. Dillon led the lap by 0.372 second, and extended that advantage by nearly a half-second by the next trip past the start/finish line.

    With Chad Hackenbracht (No. 58 Tastee Apples Chevrolet) passing Casey Roderick (No. 08 Randy Hill Racing Ford) for third behind him on Lap 20, Gresham narrowed Dillon’s advantage.

    By the time Chad McCumbee (No. 1 ModSpace Ford) followed around Roderick for fourth and Chris Buescher (No. 17 David Ragan Ford/Reliance Tool Ford) did the same for fifth, Dillon had built his advantage back to nearly one second.

    After falling back, Roderick elected to pit to close Lap 25, sending him off of the lead lap at the race’s halfway point. Though Gresham edged his nose to Dillon’s tail, Dillon continued to lead. Just after Robb Brent (No. 6 Eddie Sharp Racing Toyota) passed Buescher for fifth, James Hylton (No. 48 Radon.com Ford) slowed to a stop on the grass just inside the track between the first two turns. Dillon led by 0.623 second as the race’s second caution flag flew.

    Dillon, Gresham, and the other leaders pitted to close Lap 28. Those two drivers left the pits first and second, and Tom Hessert (No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet) exited third.

    The green flag flew on Lap 32, and trouble struck right away. Roderick, running one lap down, spun after contact from Gresham in Turn 1. The incident yielded the race’s third caution flag, and during the caution period Gresham and Hackenbracht elected to pit.

    Dillon cleanly led the field through the Lap 36 restart. Behind him, Buescher and George passed Brent to make a run at the third spot. However, as Lap 36 closed, Nick Igdalsky (No. 23 Fox Realty Chevrolet) contacted Michael Leavine (No. 95 WRL Construction/Royal Purple/Conroe Welding Chevrolet), causing Leavine to spin. Just behind Leavine, Gresham just missed the crash. Frank Kimmel (No. 44 Ansell/Menards Ford) also narrowly avoided being involved, driving just to the inside.

    Dillon led Hessert, Buescher, George, and Brent when the green flag flew for the final time at Lap 40, and there would be no catching the rookie points leader. Buescher passed for second one turn after the green flag and looked inside Dillon, but Dillon maintained control, leading the first green lap by 0.364 second.

    George passed Buescher for second on the next lap, and it was his turn to set his sights on his teammate. Dillon’s lead grew back to one second, however. Though he could not truly pull away from George over the final 10 laps, he maintained his advantage and drove to Victory Lane for the seventh time in 2011. George finished second for his seventh top-five finish of the year, and Buescher was third – his ninth top-five of 2011.

    Hessert ended the race fourth, a season high, and Enfinger scored his third top-five in the last four races.

    Gresham completed his day in sixth place, and he was followed by Hackenbracht, Brent, Ryan Wilson (No. 32 Champion Oil Toyota), and Kimmel in the top 10.

    The race finished in one hour, 11 minutes, and 47 seconds, at an average speed of 104.481 mph. The four caution flags slowed the race for a total of 24 laps. After being scheduled to run Saturday afternoon, the race was delayed until just after 10:15 a.m. today by heavy rain in eastern Pennsylvania. ARCA teams took the track after the conclusion of the postponed NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.

    With 13 pavement races down, the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards will move to the dirt in two weeks, as the series next races in the Allen Crowe 100 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill. Twenty-eight previous ARCA races have been contested on the dirt mile, and nine-time ARCA Racing Series champion Frank Kimmel is the all-time win leader in Springfield with seven wins between 2000 and 2008.

    Practice begins at 9 a.m. on Sunday, August 21, and will last for one hour. Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell is scheduled for 11 a.m., and the 100-lap, 100-mile race will start at 1 p.m. ARCARacing.com will feature live audio and timing and scoring coverage. All times are Central.

    The race will be the 14th of 19 in the 2011 ARCA Racing Series season.

    The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards features 19 events at 16 tracks on its 2011 schedule. The series has crowned an ARCA national champion each year since its inaugural season in 1953, and has toured over 200 race tracks in 28 states since its inception. The series tests the abilities of drivers and race teams over the most diverse schedule of stock car racing events in the world, annually visiting tracks ranging from 0.4 mile to 2.66 miles in length, on both paved and dirt surfaces as well as a left- and right-turn road course.

    Founded by John Marcum in 1953 in Toledo, Ohio, the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is recognized among the leading sanctioning bodies in the country. Closing in on completing its sixth decade after hundreds of thousands of miles of racing, ARCA administers over 100 race events each season in two professional touring series and local weekly events.

  • Win-Tron Racing Gives Ryan Wilson Another Shot At Pocono Raceway

    LONG POND, Pennsylvania (August 4, 2011) – – Even though Ryan Wilson and Win-Tron Racing didn’t capture the finish they rightfully deserved last week at Lucas Oil Raceway (LOR), the duo will seek redemption as the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards tackles Pocono (Pa.) Raceway for Saturday’s Pennsylvania ARCA 125.  

    Wilson, the winner of last fall’s Richard Petty Driver Search II made his 2011 ARCA Racing Series debut at the historic short track under the guidance of veteran crew chief Mike Chaffee. Despite his inexperience with the track, Wilson surpassed the team’s expectations in practice and qualifying, where he lined up a career-best sixth.  

    During the Ansell Protective Gloves 200, Wilson was holding steady and running competitively in the top-10 before a deflated tire under racing conditions sent the No. 32 Champion Brands Toyota Camry to pit road. Still proving he had a fast racecar; Wilson continued to climb through the leader board only to be setback once again after being involved in a skirmish with just two laps remaining.  

    Finishing 21st, Wilson and his team are back and ready to attack in the 13th race of the season.  

    “I wasn’t scheduled to drive this weekend at Pocono, but I’m thankful to be asked by Nate (Thiesse, co-car owner) to wheel their No. 32 Champion Brand Toyota Camry,” Wilson said. “The guys gave me such a stout racecar at Lucas Oil Raceway. Unfortunately, we were not able to capitalize on it because of the setbacks we faced.”  

    With no prior experience around the track nicknamed the “Tricky Triangle”, Wilson will rely heavily on the expertise of his Lakeville, Minnesota-based to put the team in contention for their second win of the season.  

    “I’ve done a lot of practicing at Pocono, but it’s all been simulated,” Wilson explained. “I know that track is very unique and it is a driver’s racetrack. I’m going to take it easy for the first couple of laps just to get comfortable. Then, we’ll hammer down and focus on our qualifying and race runs.”  

    Unlike June’s Pocono ARCA 200 at the 2.5-oval, Saturday’s contest consists of a much shorter event. With only 50 laps to get to the checkered flag first, Wilson knows that strategy will be everything.   “It’s a short race,” he said. “It reminds me of the Late Model races I run back in North Carolina. The good thing for me is that the Win-Tron Racing bunch has plenty of experience at Pocono, so that’s a huge bonus. I’m going to try and mingle with some of the other drivers just to see if I might be able to learn a thing or two.”  

    Before strapping in his No. 32 Champion Brands Toyota Camry on Saturday afternoon, Wilson will carefully watch the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service 125, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series contest that serves as the preamble for ARCA’s second go-around with Pocono (Pa.) Raceway this season.  

    “I think it’s important for me to watch as many cars on the track as possible, because I’m bound to learn a lot. My goal on Saturday is just to put Win-Tron Racing back in the top-10 and help them in the owner’s points,” sounded Wilson.  

    ARCA’s return to Long Pond, Pennsylvania signifies the 12th race that Champion Hi-Tech Lubricants, a division of Champion Brands will heed the role as the primary sponsor for the Lakeville, Minnesota-based team. Headquartered in Clinton, Missouri, Champion Brands LLC produces and blends more than 300 products including fuel, oil and engine additives and lubricants for the automotive, heavy truck, agricultural and specialty markets.  

    “Once again, it’s a great honor be representing Champion Hi-Tech Lubricants and their brands this weekend at Pocono. I was hoping to give them a little better finish last Thursday at Lucas Oil Raceway, but I think the bad luck is behind us and we can deliver them a strong finish in the No. 32 Champion Brands Toyota Camry.”  

    Thiesse says it was an easy decision to select Wilson to drive the team’s entry this weekend.  

    “Ryan is a great kid,” he said. “We went into Lucas Oil Raceway with an open-mind and he blew us away. His feedback was great, his passion was evident and his drive to succeed is irreplaceable. He was pretty disappointed with how everything worked out at LOR, but we told him not to get discouraged, because he did a phenomenal job. There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll see even more drive and motivation from Ryan this weekend at Pocono.”  

    In addition to Champion Brands, Win-Tron Racing and Wilson will bring awareness and attentiveness to the Trinity Children Foundation, which focuses on the issues of child abuse and neglect. Through faith, hope and love the foundation the foundation addresses the need for food, clothing, shelter and health care for children while providing for emotional stability for orphans, underprivileged, and at risk children.   

    The Pennsylvania ARCA 125(50 laps / 125 miles) is the 13th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 53rd ARCA race at Pocono Raceway is a two-day show. Practice begins Friday, August 5 with a one hour and twenty minute practice session planned from 1:40 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin later in the day at 5:40 p.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 6. The event will be televised live on SPEED. Live timing and scoring throughout the 1,325th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.compresented by ARCANation.com.  All times are local.  

    Further information including driver opportunities with Win-Tron Racing is available by visiting win-tronracing.comor contacting Nate Thiesse at 612.306.1641  

    For more on Champion Brands LLC and their extensive line of products, please log on to championbrands.comor championsusechampion.com.

  • Chad Hackenbracht; CGH Motorsports Set For Pocono Dash

    LONG POND, Pennsylvania (August 3, 2011) – – After capturing a seventh place finish in the most recent ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards race at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway in June, Chad Hackenbracht and his CGH Motorsports team return to the “Tricky Triangle” looking to improve on that finish in Saturday’s Pennsylvania ARCA 125. 

    Quite possibly the biggest difference between June’s race and this weekend’s contest will be the time that Hackenbracht will have to roar his No. 58 Tastee Apples Chevrolet Impala SS  into the spotlight. Unlike, the traditional 80-lap race in their first Pocono race of the season, the 12th race of the year offers just 50 laps of competition as part of a double-header with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.   “I’m looking forward to Saturday,” said Hackenbracht, a native of New Philadelphia, Ohio. “The track is so unique in its own way that you cannot not help but like racing there. We had a good run there a couple months ago, but the race getting called early because of fog stalled what could have been a better run. Thankfully, we have another shot this weekend.”  

    With Pocono (Pa.) Raceway consisting of a 2.5-mile layout, the 19-year old knows that 50 laps could go by in a hurry; but mentions that he and his team are ready for anything that may be in their path. “I think 50 laps will go by quick,” he said. “Some would think not at a big place like Pocono, but it will, especially if we’re under green a lot. With the race being short, you really don’t have any time to lay back; you have to go literally from the start.”  

    In the last eight races, the Mooresville, North Carolina-based team has posted three top-fives and six top-10s including a career-best third at Winchester (Ind.) Speedway last month. The team looked strong again last Thursday night at Lucas Oil Raceway but a deflated tire late in the race relegated the team to a 16th place finish. Still, the recent pounce on the ARCA competition has Hackenbracht to eighth in the championship standings.  

    “You’re going to have some bad luck along the way, it’s just part of racing,” sounded Hackenbracht. “The guys built me an incredibly fast racecar at Lucas Oil Raceway; unfortunately, we didn’t produce the finish that we wanted. Pocono though is as good of place as any for a nice rebound.”  

    With Hackenbracht’s mentor and friend Ron Hornaday Jr. competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race before the ARCA race, he plans to be glued to the trucks on the track, hoping he may learn something that will propel him forward during his race.  

    “I have all intentions of watching all 50 laps of the truck race,” explained the 2008 National Asphalt Legends champion. “I know I quite possibly could learn a lot that could help me with our race, so it just makes sense.”  

    Getting Physical:Hackenbracht talks this week about what it is like to physically prepare for an ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. As when any athlete staying fit is not easy task and being a racecar driver is no different. Hackenbracht offers some insight from his perspective.  

    “I have started and put together a program for training and that’s what I need to do to get physically fit. Despite what some people say, being a racecar driver is an athlete. We have to endure a lot, just in different ways than some of the other athletes.   I think I stand somewhere in the middle on the athlete scale, only because I haven’t been working out as long as some of the other drivers may have. But, I don’t think that puts me in bad shape at all, I take precautions and focus hard when I do train.”   He added, “right now, I’m training three days a week with a trainer and I am trying to get to the gym myself at least one other time during the week, depending on when we leave for a race. If I can break away and do something at the hotel, I will try that too.”   

    The Pennsylvania ARCA 125(50 laps / 125 miles) is the 13th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 53rd ARCA race at Pocono Raceway is a two-day show. Practice begins Friday, August 5 with a one hour and twenty minute practice session planned from 1:40 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin later in the day at 5:40 p.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 6. The event will be televised live on SPEED beginning at 3:00 p.m. EST. Live timing and scoring throughout the 1,325th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.compresented by ARCANation.com.  All times are local.   

    For more information on Chad Hackenbracht and CGH Motorsports, please visit ChadHackenbracht.comand CGHMotorsports.com.  

    To purchase the popular “What’s A Chad Hacken-Something” tee-shirt, please log on to store.cghmotorsports.comor CGHMotorsports.com.  

    Connect with Chad Hackenbracht and CGH Motorsports through Facebook by clicking here.  

    Tweet with Chad Hackenbracht through Twitter at @ChadH58 or CGH Motorsports @CGH5858.  

    About CGH Motorsports:   CGH Motorsports (CGHMotorsports.com), established in 2007 by Ohio entrepreneur Greg Hackenbracht is located in a 10,000 sq. foot facility located in Mooresville, North Carolina. CGH Motorsports is home of rising sensation Chad Hackenbracht, who competed in nine ARCA Racing Series races in 2010 after an aggressive ARCA testing schedule in 2009. Chad Hackenbracht is the 2008 National Asphalt Legends champion, winning 33 percent of his races and finishing in the top-10, 85 percent of the events he competed in. The team will step up their commitment from a partial schedule and prepare for a hopeful full-season ARCA championship assault beginning in February 2011.

  • Maryeve Dufault; Tony Marks Racing Return To Pocono Raceway

    LONG POND, Pennsylvania (August 4, 2011) – – For the first time in her rookie season in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, Maryeve Dufault will return to a track that she has mounted experience in her No. 12 Mad Croc Energy / Dodge Motorsports Dodge Charger for Tony Marks Racing (TMR).  

    Two months ago, Dufault, the Sorel, Quebec native made her debut at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway where she impressed by qualifying 15th and improving to a solid 12th place lead-lap finish in the Pocono ARCA 200. Saturday, the ARCA Racing Series returns to the track nicknamed the “Tricky Triangle” for the running of the Pennsylvania ARCA 125.  

    Returning to the track nestled along the mountains of Long Pond, Pennsylvania, Dufault and her Ryan Chism led team knows though that a curveball has been thrown at them for the 13th race of the 2011 season.  

    Even though fog shortened her Pocono debut in June by 21 laps, the track time the former NASCAR Canadian Tire Series acquired was priceless. Saturday’s race has a shorter distance of just 50 laps or 125 miles which means Dufault and her TMR gang has to be on their toes and be prepared for the unexpected from the drop of the green flag.  

    “Actually, I’m really excited about returning to Pocono this weekend,” said Dufault who is aiming for her second career top-10 in ARCA competition. “I really adapted well to the track in June and I feel like with that experience, it should help us on Saturday.”   She continued, “We’ve had some ups and downs over the last couple of weeks, but this Tony Marks Racing team is incredible. I’ve never met a group of more dedicated guys than mine. I know a good strong on Saturday is just one way of showing them how that hard work is paying off and especially how much they are appreciated.”  

    With just 50 laps to get the job done on Saturday afternoon, Dufault knows that while patience is still important, there will no time to lag as the laps will tick away quickly.  

    “You have to be prepared for anything,” added Dufault, who will make her NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in two weeks at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. “We could find ourselves pitting right where we need to or it could go the other way where we’ll have to pit under green flag conditions. The ARCA competition has been massively tough this year, so we’ll just have to be prepared for any situation that may be thrown at us.”   Car owner Tony Marks offered his thoughts on Saturday’s anticipated thriller.  

    “Pocono is such a neat track,” said the Ohio entrepreneur. “Maryeve impressed a lot of people on how quickly she was able to adapt to a track that difficult in such a short amount of time. We’re bringing her a strong No. 12 Mad Croc Energy / Dodge Motorsports Dodge Charger, so we’re looking for another solid finish this weekend.”  

    The Pennsylvania ARCA 125(50 laps / 125 miles) is the 13th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 53rd ARCA race at Pocono Raceway is a two-day show. Practice begins Friday, August 5 with a one hour and twenty minute practice session planned from 1:40 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin later in the day at 5:40 p.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 6. The event will be televised live on SPEED. Live timing and scoring throughout the 1,325th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.compresented by ARCANation.com.  All times are local.   To learn more about Tony Marks Racing, please click over to Tmr-racing.com.  

    For more on Maryeve Dufault, please log onto Maryeveracing.com.  

    Get Mad with Mad Croc Energy by visiting the World Wide Web at Madcroc.com.   For additional information on TMT, Inc. please visit; tmtcompanies.net.  

    About Tony Marks Racing (TMR):   Tony Marks Racing was founded in 2009 through the passion for racing of team owner and former driver Tony Marks.  Marks is the successful owner of TMT, Inc., a logistics, warehousing and packaging company with over 400 employees whose customers are mainly comprised of Fortune 100 companies.   

    Marks began his racing career in 1985 getting behind the wheel of everything from drag racers, Dirt Late Models, SCCA Formula Fords, USAC F2000 Open Wheel and ARCA cars.  Tony personally raced until 2005 amassing numerous wins, championships and track records along the way until he  then changed his focus from driver to owner and began building racing programs for his children Jared (16 years old) and Rachel (13 years old).  Under the auspices of TMR, Jared began his racing career in 2002 in quarter midgets and now competes in late model, CRA, ASA and ARCA Series events while Rachel continues her development program racing quarter midgets and Bandoleros.

    TMR has been at the forefront of charitable giving through its’  “Driving Against Hunger” and “Million Meal Challenge” race programs which have raised over $200,000 for Forgotten Harvest in 2010 at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Michigan International Speedway.   

    For the NASCAR events TMR along with TMT, Inc. partnered with Forgotten Harvest for the “Million Meal Challenge For Our Kids” which helps to bridge the hunger gap while schools are out of session and feeds 20,000 children per day in the Detroit metro area. Forgotten Harvest was significantly displayed on the entry of Chase Austin during both the Truck and Nationwide events at Michigan International Speedway along with logos of “Million Meal Challenge” sponsors Walgreen’s, United Race Group, Holyfield’s Choice Alka-Power Water and Vitamin Spice.  Evander Holyfield was also instrumental in the challenge, acting as Grand Marshall for the August race and announcing his “Fight Against Hunger” on behalf of Forgotten Harvest.   

    As the first race team to “Drive Against Hunger” through their partnership with Forgotten Harvest, TMR plans to continue their alliance with Forgotten Harvest and once again “Drive Against Hunger” during the 2011 season.

  • Brent Brevak Readies ARCA Action At Pocono Raceway

    LONG POND, Pennsylvania (August 4, 2011) – – Returning to the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule for the first time since Chicagoland Speedway in June, Brent Brevak and his Brevak Racing team soar to Pocono (Pa.) Raceway this weekend aiming for more success in Saturday’s Pennsylvania ARCA 125.  

    In just his seventh career ARCA start, the second-generation driver propelled from his 19th place starting to position to take the checkered flag in the ninth position in his inaugural speedway event. The finish felt like a victory for the family-owned team who feeds off the love and passion of racing, despite the help of sponsorship dollars.  

    This weekend, the 23-year old Brevak will look to manhandle the intimidating Pocono (Pa.) Raceway for the 13th race of the 2011 ARCA season. With no experience at the 2.5-mile triangle track, the avid racecar driver will lean on the leadership of his father Bob Brevak, a former champion in the ARCA Racing Series.  

    “I have a whole bunch of feelings about my ARCA debut at Pocono this weekend,” said Brevak. “It’s been almost two months since we’ve raced in ARCA, but we felt that this was an important race for us to come out and show that we have the will, drive and determination to run competitive despite little sponsorship.  

    For a track like Pocono, it’s really hard to prepare since it’s really not like any other track out there. I cannot try and compare it to a different track, so I’ve been basically just relying on watching prior races on television to try and pick up as much as I can. I plan to follow some of the veterans in practice too, hoping it will help me get more comfortable to the racing surface.”  

    Of course, Brevak knows that another solid outing like he had at Chicagoland Speedway could potentially lift those chances of bringing on a sponsor on the team’s No. 3 Brevak Racing Dodge Charger that would allow them to increase their presence on the tour.  

    “We’re doing everything we can to try and run some more races,” Brevak explained. “We’re digging and we’ll continue to pound the pavement and hopefully with some luck and another good finish, someone will jump aboard and help us out.”  

    Out of the cockpit, Brevak recently finished his degree in Broadcasting and Journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire which offers him another talent outside of the racecar.  

    “I think that my recent college degree will help me in a ton with the media aspect of things,” the Ashland Wisconsin native said. “I know more than the typical driver about what goes into producing a television or radio broadcast, so I can try and use that to my advantage when it comes to working with the reporters who promote our sport and race team.”  

    Known for his gratefulness in the ARCA garage area, Brevak knows that his continued fan support not only from off the track but also through his Ride Along Fan Participation program is a confidence booster every time he climbs behind the wheel of his No. 3 Brevak Racing Dodge Charger.  

    “I just want to say thanks to all the fans and sponsors who have supported me and my racing dream this year and throughout my career,” Brevak sounded. “I am at a turning point in my career where we really need as much financial and moral support as possible to keep our team alive for the rest of this year while also getting a jump on 2012.”  

    Brevak Racing will be assisted by Mark Gibson Racing (MGR) this weekend at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway where four-time ARCA winner Mark Gibson will be on-hand to act as a mentor and assistance to the Brevak Racing team. MGR has entered their familiar No. 59 entity with rookie Buster Graham at the controls. Derik Gray, a 15-year veteran at MGR will heed the role as crew chief for Brevak this weekend. 

    Brevak Racing encourages their fans and supporters to check out their official Brevak Racing Group Facebook page where you can find more about the team and the “Ride Along With Brent” fan participation program.  

    The Pennsylvania ARCA 125(50 laps / 125 miles) is the 13th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 53rd ARCA race at Pocono Raceway is a two-day show. Practice begins Friday, August 5 with a one hour and twenty minute practice session planned from 1:40 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin later in the day at 5:40 p.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 6. The event will be televised live on SPEED. Live timing and scoring throughout the 1,325th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.compresented by ARCANation.com.  All times are local.  

    For more on Brevak Racing, please visit brevakracing.com.

  • Frank Kimmel Hopes to Bounce Back at Pocono Raceway

    Frank Kimmel Hopes to Bounce Back at Pocono Raceway

    Frank Kimmel Hopes to Bounce Back at Pocono Raceway

    Cornelius, NC – Frank Kimmel will join the rest of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards and head to the Poconos this coming weekend, but that doesn’t mean they’re planning on relaxing. They’ll be competing in the Pennsylvania ARCA 125 at Pocono Raceway. If anything, the pressure will only be intensified as the season hits the home stretch and the battle for points intensifies.

    This will be the second race in 2011 at Pocono Raceway for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. In June, Frank Kimmel qualified the Ansell-Menards Ford in the 3rd position for the Pocono ARCA 200 and ran most of the race in the top-five. Unfortunately, after a caution due to fog, one side of Frank’s window net came unfastened. He was forced to pit under green where he lost five positions on the track. Kimmel was only able to make up one position before the race was called due to fog which resulted in finishing eighth.

    Last weekend, Kimmel qualified 10th for the Ansell Protective Gloves 200 at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis but had to start dead last after being involved in a practice incident. He finished 12th and is currently 2nd in the overall points standings for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.

    This will also be Frank Kimmel’s 38th career start at Pocono Raceway for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. In 2010, Frank won the Menards Pole and lead four laps before finishing 7th. Frank’s hoping to make the most of this by picking up his first win of the season and fourth all-time at the Tricky Triangle.

    Once there, Kimmel will be behind the wheel of the Roush-Yates powered No. 44 Ansell-Menard’s Ford. Given his recent history at the track, including four top-10 finishes in a row and a strong showing in June, Frank Kimmel should be one of the drivers picked as a contender for the win at the Pennsylvania ARCA 125.

    “I’m looking forward to this weekend. We had a rough outing at Lucas Oil Raceway, so I’m ready to make up for that. We had a fast Ansell-Menards Ford at Pocono in June and I think we’ll be a little better this weekend,” said Frank Kimmel.

    This Saturday Frank Kimmel will attempt to tame the Tricky Triangle in Long Pond, Pennsylvania at the Pennsylvania ARCA 125 for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Frank Kimmel currently ranks fourth in all-time career wins at Pocono Raceway for the ARCA Racing Series, and with any luck he will add one more to his name on August 6th.

    Watch for Frank Kimmel as he goes for his fourth win at Pocono Raceway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on August 6th in the Pennsylvania ARCA 125 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com and www.arcaracing.com.

  • COURTNEY FORCE NEW FACE OF FORD DRIVING SKILLS FOR LIFE

    COURTNEY FORCE NEW FACE OF FORD DRIVING SKILLS FOR LIFE

    Courtney Force New Face of Ford Driving Skills for Life, Ford Motor Company Fund’s Teen Outreach Program

    . DSFL helps young drivers improve their skills in four key areas: 1) Hazard Recognition; 2) Vehicle Handling; 3) Speed Management; and 4) Space Management. It’s a perfect fit for Courtney, who has logged plenty of hours behind the wheel of her Ford Mustang and Ford Mustang Funny Car – both of which demand skill in those four areas.

    . DSFL was established by Ford Motor Company Fund, the Governors Highway Safety Association and a panel of safety experts in 2003 to teach newly licensed teens the necessary skills for safe driving beyond what they learn in standard driver education programs.

    . Vehicle crashes are the No. 1 killer of teenagers in America. Nearly 5,000 teens die annually in such accidents, according to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Statistics demonstrate that teen involvement in crashes declines considerably as young drivers gain experience. Teens can study up at https://www.drivingskillsforlife.com/ www.drivingskillsforlife.com.

    [media-credit name=”www.drivingskillsforlife.com” align=”alignright” width=”225″][/media-credit]DEARBORN, Mich., July 30, 2011 – When Courtney Force was 15 and learning to drive, her parents John and Laurie – especially Laurie – taught her to drive slowly. Slowly as in speed, of course. But they also slowly took her through basic driving skills that helped the Southern California teenager learn her car and the ways of the road by heart, internalizing driving skills mandatory for navigating the mega-highways of Los Angeles and Orange County.

    Now Courtney, 23, of Yorba Linda, Calif. hopes to teach those same skills she learned from her parents years ago to teenagers around the United States as the new face of Ford Motor Company Fund’s Driving Skills for Life (DSFL).

    Established in 2003, DSFL was established by Ford Motor Company Fund, the Governors Highway Safety Association and a panel of safety experts to teach newly licensed teens the necessary skills for safe driving beyond what they learn in standard driver education programs.

    Courtney, who has also taken baby steps through the ranks of professional drag racing and hopes to follow her father and sister Ashley into the NHRA Full Throttle Series Funny Car category, is excited to be an ambassador for the cause. Especially since her mom gave her such great advice.

    “She taught me how to drive her Ford Excursion,” Courtney said. “It was a larger car than most of my friends were learning to drive in. I was 15 trying to park my mom’s Ford Excursion and driving around town. But she was the one that got me learning the basics. I was actually glad that she put me in a larger car. I think learning in a larger car; it was easy to drive anything else after that.”

    Vehicle crashes are the No. 1 killer of teenagers in America. Nearly 5,000 teens die annually in such accidents, according to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Because of inexperience, many teens lack the skills and knowledge required to be safe drivers. Statistics demonstrate that teen involvement in crashes declines considerably as young drivers gain experience.

    DSFL helps young drivers improve their skills in four key areas: 1) Hazard Recognition; 2) Vehicle Handling; 3) Speed Management; and 4) Space Management. The program is a perfect fit for Courtney, who has logged plenty of hours behind the wheel of her Ford Mustang and Ford Mustang Funny Car, both of which require skill and experience in those four areas.

    “We at Ford Driving Skills for Life are pleased to partner with Courtney Force in our joint effort to spread the word on teen safe driving,” said Jim Graham, Manager, Ford Driving Skills for Life. “Ford has had a long relationship with the Force family and this addition just furthers that partnership. We could not be more pleased to have such a talented driver as Courtney joining our team.”

    About Ford Motor Company and Community Services

    Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services are committed to creating opportunities that promote corporate citizenship, philanthropy, volunteerism and cultural diversity for those who live in the communities where Ford operates. Established in 1949, and made possible by funding from Ford Motor Company, the Ford Motor Company Fund supports initiatives and institutions that foster innovative education, auto-related safety, and American heritage and legacy. National programs include Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies, which provides high school students with academically rigorous 21st century learning experiences, and Ford Driving Skills for Life – a teen-focused auto safety initiative. The Ford Volunteer Corps, established in 2005, continues Ford’s legacy of caring worldwide. Through the Volunteer Corps, Ford employees and retirees participate in a wide range of volunteer projects in their communities. For more information on programs made possible by the Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, visit www.corporate.ford.com.

    About the Governors Highway Safety Association

    The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSAR) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy, enhance program management and promote best practices. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans. Contact GHSA at 202-789-0942 or visit http://www.ghsa.org/ www.ghsa.org.

    About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

  • Frank Kimmel Finishes 12th in the Ansell Protective Gloves 200

    Frank Kimmel Finishes 12th in the Ansell Protective Gloves 200

    Indianapolis, IN – The No. 44 Ansell ActivArmr-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 12th in the Ansell Protective Gloves 200 from Lucas Oil Raceway.

    Before last night, Frank Kimmel was one of many who looked forward to racing at the famed Lucas Oil Raceway. Especially when you consider that LOR is one of the only tracks that Frank has not conquered in his career of racing. In fact, he has only raced there once in his career, when in 2001 he competed in a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.

    Additionally, Frank Kimmel was sporting a special paint scheme for the Ansell Protective Gloves 200 promoting Ansell’s new line of gloves called ActivArmr. ActivArmr is a special jobsite glove that offers optimal balance of protection, dexterity and comfort.

    Unfortunately, Frank will have to wait till next year for another shot at victory. The misfortune started early for Frank and the Kimmel Racing team, as the Ansell ActivArmr-Menards Ford would receive damage to the left front fender in practice. Frank made unintentional contact with the No. 31 while trying to come into the pits. The damage would have the Kimmel Racing crew scrambling to get the Ansell ActivArmr-Menards Ford ready for Menards Pole Qualifying.

    “I made contact with the #31 during practice, which didn’t help our chances today. It was my fault. I was working my way back to the pits and was moving down but the #31 was there. It put us behind for sure,” said Frank.

    The good news was that the Kimmel Racing crew was able to get the Ansell ActivArmr-Menards Ford repaired in time to make a qualifying lap. A lap fast enough for 10th place. Unluckily, the lap was disallowed because the team did not go out in the time limit given by the ARCA Racing Series to qualify in the original spot drawn. The result had Frank starting last in the field of 36.

    Frank would quickly move the Ansell ActivArmr-Menards Ford inside the top-20 by lap 50 but deal with an ill-handling race car and fight to stay on the lead lap for most of the night. The Kimmel Racing team made numerous adjustments throughout the race but they could never get the Ansell-Menards Ford to turn in the corners.

    “We had our work cut out for us to night. The problem in practice had us behind early and we couldn’t rebound. Our Ansell ActivArmr-Menards Ford wasn’t handling the way we needed it to tonight. It wouldn’t turn in the corners at all. We made every adjustment we could but it just wouldn’t turn. It’s disappointing. We’ll put this behind us and will look forward to Pocono,” said Frank Kimmel after the race.

    Frank would drive up to 9th place late in the race but would surrender a few spots on the last restart and eventually cross the finish line in the 12th position. Even with the 12th place finish, Frank would move back up to 2nd in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards point’s standings.

    Continue to watch for Frank Kimmel at Pocono Raceway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on August 6th for the Pennsylvania ARCA 200 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com , www.ansellracingus.com http://www.ansellracingus.com/ , www.menardsracing.com http://www.menardsracing.com/ , and www.arcaracing.com http://www.arcaracing.com/ .