Category: Other Series Racing

(TOLEDO, Ohio) – Ty Dillon’s primary objective in traveling to Toledo for today’s ARCA Media Day was to meet members of the local media and chat with partners of Toledo Speedway and Flat Rock (Mich.) Speedway. Dillon, ever aspiring to improve as a rookie driver in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, found an additional objective.

“My crew chief (Scott Naset) and I flew up this morning, and the weather’s a little bit cooler than we have at home – we’re getting used to that – but we’re excited to be up in Toledo,” Dillon said. “I brought (Naset) back here so he could check the track out and get ahead on the competition. I just appreciate everyone having us out here.”

If there’s any surprise that Dillon and his crew chief use every opportunity available to create a competitive advantage, there shouldn’t be. The 19-year-old has made four starts in the ARCA Racing Series, winning twice and taking the Menards Pole Award presented by Ansell in his other two starts. A grandson of legendary NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, Dillon has taken the ARCA Racing Series by storm while developing and striving for his career goals.

“We’re excited to get back to racing with ARCA. It’s definitely been my favorite series to run with so far,” Dillon said. “To me, it’s like a family. Everyone’s been real nice and willing to help with anything.”

Dillon, driver of the No. 41 Richard Childress Racing Development Chevrolet, had the chance to see Toledo’s half-mile oval for the first time, and spoke about the ARCA Racing Series’ industry-leading schedule diversity, which will send drivers and teams to speedways, intermediate tracks, short tracks, dirt ovals, and a road course in 2011.

“I’m really excited for all the different tracks,” said Dillon, who finished 11th in the February season opener at Daytona and now stands tied for eighth in driver points. “I don’t think I’ve been to but two of the race tracks – Iowa (where he won the pole before his first start) and Kansas (where he won his first race in his second start). They’re all new tracks. I’ve raced dirt tracks through all of my development racing, and to go to DuQuoin and Springfield is going to be really cool. I heard it’s a little different, and I think (crew chief) “Flash” (Naset) has got the right car for us to go down there and win.

“With short tracks and big tracks, like Talladega and Daytona, I’m just really excited to get going and learn as much as I can.”

Dillon’s appearance closed a press conference initially led by ARCA president and track owner Ron Drager, who made several announcements about business at Toledo Speedway and Flat Rock Speedway – ARCA’s two signature short track properties. Drager spoke about the opening phase of ARCA’s Youth Initiative, which will move the minimum age for weekly competitors at the two tracks from 16 years old to 15. As in the past, all drivers wishing to race at Toledo or Flat Rock Speedways will have to be reviewed and certified.

“Now we’ve got these kids coming to us, and Ty Dillon is a good example, and they’ve been racing since they were little,” Drager said. “A kid will come at 13 or 14 years old, and say that he wants to climb in a race car, and he’s got eight or nine years of experience. We’re making this Phase One of the ARCA Youth Initiative, and today, we’ll announce that at Flat Rock and Toledo Speedways, qualified drivers of age 15 will be allowed to race in our weekly competition.”

Drager also indicated special plans for the ARCA Late Model Gold Cup Series event on Sunday, September 11 – the 10th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

“We’ve been working with the City of Toledo police, and the City of Toledo fire, those folks who are truly, truly heroes,” he said. “We’re going to be rolling out some information on that and we’ll be making that a very special race. We seek to recognize them and do something very special for them on September 11.”

Drager also touched on vertical integration through all ARCA properties, citing a desire to “harness the energy” created by each entity, from the ARCA Racing Series to every division at Toledo and Flat Rock.

Scott Schultz, general manager of Toledo Speedway and Flat Rock Speedway, thanked numerous partners of the two tracks and officially revealed the tracks’ 2011 schedules. Schultz announced the following businesses as weekly division sponsors: Moran Chevrolet (Flat Rock Late Models); DTS Drive Train Specialists (Flat Rock Street Stocks); ACME Dismantling (Toledo Sportsman); R&M Recycling (Toledo Street Stocks); Parts Galore (Figure 8, both tracks); and Jeff’s Collision (4-Cylinders, both tracks). Schultz also announced the return of Allegiant Air as the presenting sponsor of the Gold Cup Series.

Schultz announced the return of Valvoline Instant Oil Change as the sponsor of the “Summer Racing Series” this season. The program allows Toledo Speedway and the nine metropolitan Toledo Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations to partner on a ticketing promotion for 10 select Friday night events at the track.

Additionally, Mark Gundrum, vice president of marketing and communications for ARCA, announced Menards’ return as title sponsor of Sunday, May 15’s Menards 200, the spring ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards event at Toledo Speedway. The Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer also acts as a co-primary car sponsor for driver Frank Kimmel in the ARCA Racing Series, as well as the series’ presenting sponsor.

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards 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.

March 8, 2011 (St. Petersburg, FL) – Preparations for the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg are well underway as the event announced today the addition of more “horsepower” to its entertainment line-up at a press conference in Andersen RacePark. The 2011 event will feature appearances from the world renowned Budweiser Clydesdales, along with full track drifting demonstrations and the Red Bull Air Show.

The iconic, eight-horse Budweiser Clydesdale hitch will parade through downtown St. Petersburg and make appearances at Grandstand 2 as part of the weekend’s festivities. The Clydesdales were formally introduced in 1933 to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition for beer and have been part of celebrations ever since, captivating millions with their strength and majesty.

“The World’s Fastest Spring Break Party will live up to its name by offering an entertainment package rivaled only by the high-level racing offered on the track,” said Tim Ramsberger, Vice President and General Manager for the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “Race fans and families will enjoy a memorable weekend with entertainment and activities that are just as diverse as the crowd that comes to the race.”

Drifting will make its return to the streets of St. Petersburg as well. The high-powered motorsport demonstration features a technique where the driver intentionally over steers at a high speed, causing the car to lose traction yet still maintaining control of the car. Drifting demos will take place Friday, March 25 from 12:15-12:35 p.m., Saturday, March 26 from 11:20-11:40 a.m. and Sunday, March 27 from 9:20-9:50 a.m.

Also making a return to the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg for 2011 is the Red Bull Air Show, which will take to the sky throughout race weekend. The Red Bull Air Show will feature stunt aircraft, stunt helicopter and a sky diving team.

Fans can expect new things from the IZOD IndyCar Series that will bring them closer to the action with new pre-, during and post-event features. INDYCAR will debut the IZOD IndyCar Fan Village, an area located between turns 4 and 5 where fans will have the opportunity to interact with drivers and teams, test their skills in racing simulators and receive exclusive information digitally. INDYCAR will also debut its new, custom-designed mobile stage and will produce unique driver introductions during which each driver will be introduced individually according to country to increase the fan experience.

Fans can also take a walk through the Bright House Speed Zone for some fast fun. The 24,000 square foot zone will feature interactive simulators, driver autograph sessions, a cafe area provided by Lundy’s Catering and games from Bright House. Fans can enjoy the convenience of several beer gardens located throughout the site, as well as a floating bar on the marina at the Acura Yacht Club.

Speed enthusiasts will also enjoy the Honda product display located in front of the Mahaffey Theater. Honda will be bringing down its latest line up of cars and boats for fans to check out.

The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will also bring back the iconic and ever-popular Ferris Wheel to the 2011 event and will install six videoboards along with four timing/scoring towers throughout the track to enhance the overall fan experience.

The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg returns to the streets of downtown St. Petersburg, March 25-27, 2011, marking the start of the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season and the beginning of a new era of open-wheel racing in North America with the Mazda Road to Indy giving young drivers a clear path all the way from karting to the Indy 500.

About the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is run on a 1.8-mile, 14-turn waterfront circuit that includes a combination of adjacent downtown streets circling Pioneer Park, the Progress Energy Center for the Arts, the Salvador Dali Museum and extending onto runways at Albert Whitted Airport that overlook the Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina.

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(TOLEDO, Ohio) – Officials from the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) and Menards, Inc. announced today that the Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer has renewed its sponsorship of the “Menards 200” – the spring ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards event at Toledo Speedway – for the 2011 season.

The announcement came as part of the annual Toledo Speedway preseason press conference, held at the Speedway Bar and Grille on the track grounds.

The Menards 200 on Sunday, May 15 will highlight the 7th Annual ARCA FanFest Weekend at Toledo Speedway, a three-day racing spectacular which will also include the Buckeye Sprint Car Series on Friday, May 13, and the ARCA Truck Series on Saturday, May 14. A fan-interactive festival – featuring numerous interactive displays and options for race fans of all ages – will be held on the speedway property all three days.

Fans will have the chance to “Save Big Money at Menards,” as Toledo-area Menards locations will offer advance sale tickets for the Menards 200 at a 40 percent discount off of the regular ticket price.

“Menards remains a very important strategic marketing partner, not only for Toledo Speedway, but for the entire ARCA Racing Series,” said Mark Gundrum, vice president of marketing and communications for ARCA. “Their involvement with the tour as the series’ presenting sponsor, a co-primary team sponsor, and an event sponsor positions them as one of ARCA’s most important marketing partners.”

Officials also revealed that the Menards 200 will be scheduled for a “same-day-delay” television broadcast throughout Northwest Ohio on Buckeye Cable Sports Network (BCSN). The Menards 200 will feature ARCA Racing Series drivers racing for 200 laps on Toledo Speedway’s challenging half-mile paved oval. The race has gained a reputation with fans and competitors as one of the most entertaining and demanding on the circuit, complete with speed and thrilling side-by-side action. Chris Buescher drove the No. 17 Roulo Brothers Racing Ford to the first two wins of his ARCA Racing Series career at Toledo Speedway last season, sweeping the season slate on the series’ home track.

ARCA Racing Series practice for the Menards 200 is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, with Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell following at 3:30 p.m. The Menards 200 will take the green flag at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 15.

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards 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.

Team Chevy’s SunTrust Racing Nabs Podium Finish at Miami Homestead Speedway

Homestead, Fla. (Mar. 5, 2011) – After starting fourth in the Grand Prix of Miami, Team Chevy’s SunTrust Racing Chevrolet/Dallara driven by Max Angelelli and Ricky Taylor finished the 2:45 hour event in third-place on the podium in the Daytona Prototype (DP) class. The solid run vaulted the SunTrust Racing team to second in the standings with two races of the 2011 Grand-Am Road Racing Rolex Sports Car Series season in the record books.

“It has been a weekend of tight competition at Miami Homestead Speedway for Team Chevy,” said Mark Kent, Director, GM Racing. “Our Chevrolet teams got off to a great start by capturing the pole positions in both DP and GT as well as securing three of the top-five starting positions in DP and three of the top-10 in GT.

“All of our teams were strong throughout the race and it was great to see our cars leading laps and showing the strength of our Chevrolet power. Congratulations to SunTrust Racing drivers Max Angelelli and Ricky Taylor for their third-place podium finish in DP.”

After starting the weekend on a high note by winning the pole in DP, GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Chevrolet/Riley with Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney handling the driving duties had to settle for an eighth place finish in DP after battling tire-related handling issues throughout the race. The third Team Chevy DP team, Spirit of Daytona Chevrolet/Coyote started third but had an early exit from the race.

In Grand Touring (GT) the Stevenson Motorsports team gave Camaro GT.R its first pole position in the series and was a strong contender until on-track contact ended the day early for drivers Jan Magnussen and Robin Liddell. At the checkered, the Autohaus Motorsports Camaro GT.R driven by Bill Lester and Jordan Taylor captured a sixth-in-class finish. The Banner Racing Camaro GT.R piloted by Oliver Gavin and Gunter Schaldach finished eighth in class.

In the Grand Sport (GS) class of the Continental Tire Challenge Series, the Stevenson Motorsports Camaro GS.R team showed strength in qualifying turning in the third fastest effort. Drivers Matt Bell and John Edwards ran among the leaders through the two-thirds mark of the race, but drifted back to an 11th place at the finish.

The CKS Motorsports Camaro GS.R with drivers Eric Curran and Ashley McCalmont overcame a disappointing qualifying effort to finish ninth in class in the Kia 200. The second CKS Camaro GS.R entry with Dave Mundy and Tony Rivera was 13th at the checkered flag.

The two Camaro GS.R entries from Mitchum Motorsports unfortunately were unable to duplicate their strong Daytona runs in today’s event at Miami Homestead. Lawson Aschenbach and Joey Atterbury started in seventh and were scored 21st in class at the finish. Jeff Bucknum and Robert Stout qualified 17th and finished 25th in class.

“It is clear that it is going to be a highly competitive season in Grand-Am Road Racing” Kent concluded. “We feel our Chevy teams are up to the task and we are looking forward to further success as the season continues to unfold.”

The next event for both the Rolex Sports Car Series and the Continental Tire Challenge Series will be April 7-9, 2011 at Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, Alabama.

Note: Team Chevy press releases, high-resolution images, and media kit can be downloaded from the Team Chevy media website:

About Chevrolet: Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free” solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com ce5&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.chevrolet.com%2f> .

Zach Germain Energized for His Sophomore Season in No. 24 Germain.com Camry Earned Six Top-10’s at New Smyrna in Off-Season  

Mooresville, N.C.(03-04-2011) – Germain Racing’s NASCAR K&N Pro Series driver, Zach Germain, did all the off-season things racers normally do. He tested with his team, he vacationed with family and made plans for his 2011 racing season. In February, he and his crew, led by Jamie Jones, headed to New Smyrna Speedway to shake the cobwebs off at the Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. The experience exceeded the expectations of Germain and his crew. The Columbus , OH , native competed in NKNPSE as a rookie in 2010. He is confident the seven days of racing in Florida were a great precursor to the 2011 season which kicks off March 26th at Greenville-Pickens Speedway.  

“The best word to describe my mindset, and that of my team’s, after our World Series experience is ‘excited.’ We are all ready to go back to the race track with our No. 24 Germain.com Camry. New Smyrna showed how much I’ve grown since my rookie season. I can’t wait to get to Greenville-Pickens to see if we can improve on last year’s season opener,” said Germain, who finished tenth in his NKNPSE debut at Greenville last March.  

Germain and his crew of three had a simple goal for their New Smyrna trip this year. The plan was to shake the dust off after the two months of the off-season. The results, however, far exceeded the goal.  

“The World Series was seven races over ten days. Our team worked great together. The car was awesome. We had two second-place finishes and six top-ten finishes in seven races. We had one night where we had carburetor issues and had to take some green flag laps to fix the problem. But, other than that problem, we raced competitively every night. It turned into a real confidence-builder for this Germain Racing team,” said Germain.

Continuity has played a part in the huge strides Germain feels he has made coming into his second year in NASCAR. He is starting this season with the same crew from last year. Another part of the equation has been the opportunity to learn key lessons from NASCAR champion driver David Green. Green stood in on the spotter stand for five of the seven New Smyrna races and Germain says the champion’s coaching has given him a complete sense of preparation for the 2011 racing season.  

“Running all seven races gave me the opportunity to put the lessons I was learning from David to use. He really worked with me to improve my confidence in passing cars. In the crate late models, it’s similar to restrictor plate racing. It’s all about momentum and car control. The World Series schedule gave me the unique opportunity to get the lessons, apply them, then discuss the results and go back and apply them again night after night,” said Germain, who also worked with long-time spotter and coach BJ McLeod throughout the New Smyrna experience.  

Looking ahead to the NKNPSE season opener in South Carolina , Germain says his perspective has changed and his goals have been altered.  

“ Greenville was a great way for our team to kick off our rookie year. We completed all 156 laps. I’m looking for that again, but, I want those laps to come from me racing in the top-five all night. I see 2011 as a great opportunity for the Germain.com Camry team to improve our results. We have been to many of the tracks on the schedule at least once. I’ve even raced at Columbus – it was my home track,” said Germain. “When we get to each race track, we’ll immediately be working on making our Toyota faster instead of spending time on me learning the race tracks. We’re looking at the season differently. We know we can finish races, now we want to run competitively each week.”  

Of the tracks new on the NKNPSE schedule for 2011, Germain and his crew are particularly curious about how the Bowman Gray weekend will go.  

“A couple of our guys have been there to watch weekly racing. I just can’t believe it’s 150 laps of racing and only 37.5 miles! It’ll be a crazy race. I’ve heard the Bowman Gray fans are awesome. I’m looking forward to that race, and, of course, I can’t wait to return to my home track fans at Columbus ,” said Germain.   In addition to watching race broadcasts on SPEED this season and following updates at NASCARHomeTracks.com, NASCAR.com’s official home for touring and weekly series news and results, the NKNPSE will have several live radio broadcasts provided by the team from Speed 51 Radio, which is led by SPEED announcer Bob Dillner. The broadcasts will feature flag-to-flag coverage of many of the top events in NASCAR’s touring series, including the NKNPSE season opener at Greenville , championship season finales in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour.  

Zach Germain is on Twitter @ZachGermain and Facebook (facebook.com/pages/Zach-Germain-Racing/117537741607395). Follow Germain Racing on Twitter @GermainRacing or on the web at Germainracing.com or become a fan on Facebook: Facebook.com/pages/Germain-Racing/198863890135.  

When shopping for your new or used car or truck, head directly to Germain.com where you will find the perfect vehicle or visit your local Germain dealer in Ohio , Florida , or Arkansas . Germain.com is part of Germain Motor Company, a top-25 automotive retail network with 21 dealerships and more than 60 years of experience.

CONCORD, North Carolina (March 3, 2011) – – Longtime ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards marketing partner Stanley Industries will continue a presence in the series in 2011 as company officials announced Tuesday that they will join Grant Enfinger Racing (GER) as an associate marketing partner for the remainder of the season.

  Located in Clawson, Michigan Stanley Industries, Inc. has been serving the fastener industry since 1967 as a full line distributor of top quality products for all your fastener needs. With over 50,000 square feet of inventory, Stanley Industries prides themselves on long term commitment to quality products and service.   Stanley Industries, Inc. supplies your standard and special diameter and length socket products, hex caps, nuts, pins, washers, rods, and screws with the fastest turn around time in the industry. Orders can be accepted for both short and long runs and many special items are in stock and ready for immediate delivery.   Jim Cash, President of Stanley Industries, Inc. commented, “It is with great pleasure to be affiliated as a marketing partner with a thriving driver and team,” Cash said. “The team is off to a fast start and we’re looking forward to jumping aboard again for 2011.”

  Over the years Stanley Industries, Inc. has grown to become a major fastener distributor. W. W. Stanley founded the company in 1967. He brought with him 30 years of experience in the fastener industry. Acting as Chairman of the Board, Mr. Stanley’s family is now actively involved in the company’s operation. Stanley Industries is also involved in the community through the Clawson Rotary Club and the Clawson Chamber of Commerce.   “Grant Enfinger Racing welcomes Stanley Industries aboard and we’re looking forward to this marketing relationship,” said GER owner Grant Enfinger. “Stanley has a lot to offer GER both on and off the track and we plan to exercise those capabilities to the best of our ability this season.”   The relationship with Stanley Industries, Inc. was initiated through the No. 09 Grant Enfinger Racing (GER) Ford Fusion by crew chief Howard Bixman in 2010.     “Stanley Industries has been involved racing and the opportunity to introduce them to Grant Enfinger Racing was a no-brainier,” sounded Bixman. “I appreciate their involvement throughout the years and hopefully we can take them to victory lane at some point during the season.”   GER is in the midst of nearly a two-month break in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards series. Last month, GER handed the wheel over to USARacing Pro Cup Series veteran Benny Gordon who delivered a solid seventh place outing in the No. 09 VSI Ford Fusion in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

  The impressive performance has rightfully earned the team some momentum and the Concord, NC. -based ARCA team is planning to return in the series’ next event at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on April 15.

  For further input on Stanley Industries, please log on to Stanleyind.com.