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John Wes Townley Teams with Venturini Motorsports for Partial ARCA and NASCAR Nationwide Schedule; Dan Deeringhoff to Crew Chief Nationwide Races

Photo Credit: Venturini Motorsports

Concord, NC (Febuary 5, 2013) — John Wes Townley and Venturini Motorsports (VMS) will continue their relationship in 2013 with limited schedules in both the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards and the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

Townley, who has competed part-time under the Venturini banner since 2010, will kick-off the racing season on February 16thdriving his familiar No.15 Zaxby’s Toyota in the ARCA Series Lucas Oil 200 presented by MAVTV American Real at Daytona International Speedway. Townley will also compete with VMS in the ARCA Series at Salem Speedway and Road America.

John Wes Townley earned a career best third place finish with VMS at Daytona in 2010.

Fielding cars for over 30-years in the ARCA Series, VMS is ready to embark on a new chapter in their storied history as they will make their NASCAR Nationwide Series team debut with Townley at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 16th in the Ford Ecoboost 300. Townley, once again with sponsorship support from Zaxby’s, will pilot the VMS Toyota entry featuring the team’s iconic No.25 adorned on the side of the car.

“This is a great opportunity for our team to showcase our ability to compete at the next level. We’re extremely excited to carry on our relationship with John Wes and the opportunity to continue our brand ambassadorship for Zaxby’s,” stated Billy Venturini, Competition Director for Venturini Motorsports. “Expanding our organization’s efforts into the Nationwide Series has been a total team effort. We’re grateful to our partners for giving us the chance to achieve our goals.”

VMS with their long-standing relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) will feature JGR horsepower under the hood of Townley’s Toyota.

“Zaxby’s is proud to be associated with Venturini Motorsports as it ventures into the NASCAR Nationwide Series,” said Jeff Hood, financial projects director for Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. “We’re equally excited to have John Wes Townley run a select number of ARCA races in 2013 with this proven organization.”

Townley and VMS will also enter the NASCAR Nationwide events at Talladega and Charlotte in May.

Dan Deeringhoff will re-unite with John Wes Townley and serve as crew chief for VMS’s newly formed Nationwide Series team. Deeringhoff, who won the NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship in 2008 with driver Clint Boyer, worked with Townley in 2010 when they were both with Richard Childress Racing.

“It’s exciting to team up with the Venturini’s and be a part of their new Nationwide program,” stated Deeringhoff. “Working with John Wes in 2010 gives me the added advantage of coming in with some familiarity putting us ahead of the curve of a new driver, crew chief relationship. I feel we’ve (Townley) got a lot of unfinished business to take care. Partnering with VMS gives us a fresh start and the opportunity to showcase our true potential.”

Deeringhoff, a native of Washington State, has worked with drivers such as Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, Austin Dillon, Robert Pressley, Casey Mears and Brennan Newberry over his nine year NASCAR career.

Townley’s first race of his 2013 campaign will be the 50th annual Lucas Oil 200 presented by MAVTV American Real which airs live on SPEED Channel at 4:30 p.m. EST Saturday, February 16, and precedes NASCAR’s Sprint Unlimited.

About Zaxby’s
An alternative to fast food, Zaxby’s offers its guests prepared-at-order Chicken Fingerz, Traditional or Boneless Wings, sandwiches, Zalads and Zappetizers, along with a variety of nine sauces ranging from Wimpy and Tongue Torch to Nuclear and Insane. Childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley hatched the Athens, Ga.-based chain in 1990 to provide a fun, relaxing atmosphere that would keep guests coming back for more. The company ranked number seven in the 2012 Top 10 Excellent Large Fast-Food Chains With 500 Or More U.S. Units Quick-Track study published by Sandelman & Associates. The chain also ranked number five in the nation for total sales and number one in the chicken segment in the 2012 Top 150 Fast-Casual Chain Restaurant Report published by Technomic. Zaxby’s operates more than 565 locations in 13 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. For more information, please visit zaxbys.com, facebook.com/zaxbys, or follow on Twitter @Zaxbys.

About Venturini Motorsports
Venturini Motorsports (VMS), fielding cars in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, is one of the premier NASCAR driver development programs in the country. 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, Ryan Blaney, Brian Scott, Kevin Swindell, Miguel Paludo, John Wes Townley, Josh Richards and Scott Lagasse, Jr

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

February 5, 2013
Milka Duno Unites with Venturini in ARCA Series in 2013

Concord, NC (Febuary 4, 2013) — Milka Duno is gearing up for her first full season ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards campaign – behind the wheel of Venturini Motorsports’ (VMS) No.35 team entry.

With continuing sponsorship support from CANTV, Milka Way and Seguros Altamira, Duno will make her team debut on February 16th at Daytona International Speedway during ARCA’s 50th anniversary of the Lucas Oil 200 presented by MAVTV American Real.

Milka Duno, a native of Caracas, Venezuela has gained international fame for her efforts both on and off the track. Widely noted for becoming the first-ever Hispanic female driver to compete in the Indianapolis 500 in its 101-year history, Duno has achieved eight major race wins in the highest classes (Prototype) in the American Le Mans Series and Rolex Series and the highest finish ever by a female driver (2nd Place) in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the 51-year history of the race.

“Milka possess a strong desire to succeed in the series and is expected to fit in well with our team and compete at a high level,” says Billy Venturini, Director of Competition for VMS.

In partial season competition in 2012, Duno earned her first top-ten finish in the ARCA Series at New Jersey Motorsports Park. She also earned two CGS Imaging “Hard Charger” awards – at NJMP and at Salem Speedway.

“I’m really looking forward to my first full ARCA Series season and to team with Venturini Motorsports is a fantastic opportunity,” says Milka Duno. “I can’t wait to get to Daytona and hit the track with the Venturini crew in the No. 35 Toyota.”

Milka became the first Venezuelan athlete to be inducted into the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame at their 35th Anniversary Induction Ceremony in January, 2010. In addition to being the most successful female sports car racer in history, Milka is also a qualified Naval Engineer with four master’s degrees – in Organizational Development, Naval Architecture, Aquaculture and Maritime Business – earning the last three degrees simultaneously. In continuing efforts to use her celebrity as a catalyst to promote her philanthropic interests, in 2004, Duno started “MILKA WAY”, and educational outreach program designed to promote academic excellence among children world-wide.

The 50th annual Lucas Oil 200 presented by MAVTV American Real airs live on SPEED Channel at 4:30 p.m. EST Saturday, February 16, and precedes NASCAR’s Sprint Unlimited.

About CANTV
CANTV is the leading integrated telecommunications provider in Venezuela and provides domestic and international long distance telephone services throughout Venezuela, wireless telephone services, and Internet access, and publishes telephone directories. Information about CANTV is available athttp://www.cantv.com.ve/

About Milka Way
In 2004, Milka launched her “Milka Way” program – whose mission it is to inspire children and students to “Aim for the Stars” and achieve academic excellence. Milka has taken this message to children and students at all school levels around the world to help inspire and motivate them and help them understand the importance of education, and how a strong academic background will benefit them their entire lives, in all aspects of their lives and in any career they choose. Information on Milka Way is available athttp://www.milkaway.com Fans cans also logon to her official Facebook page atFacebook.com/TheOfficialMilkaDunoFanPage. And can join her on Twitter @MilkaDuno

About Seguros Altamira
Founded in 1993, Seguros Altamira A lo largo de estos años, nuestra compañía ha experimentado un crecimiento constante como respuesta a la calidad de servicio, a la confianza de los clientes, a nuestros productos innovadores y altamente cohas experienced steady growth in response to their quality of service, customer confidence, innovative products and highly competitive rates. Contamos con excelentes profesionales en el área de seguros, y además tenemos una presencia firme y estratégica en las principales ciudades del país. Seguros Altamira offers excellent professionals in the area of insurance, and has a strong and strategic presence in the major cities of Venezuela. Information about Seguros Altamira is available at

Official: www.MilkaDuno.com | Twitter: @MilkaDuno | Facebook: The Official Milka Duno Fan Page

About Venturini Motorsports
Venturini Motorsports (VMS), fielding cars in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, is one of the premier NASCAR driver development programs in the country. 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, Ryan Blaney, Brian Scott, Kevin Swindell, Miguel Paludo, John Wes Townley, Josh Richards and Scott Lagasse, Jr

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

February 4, 2013
Chad Boat Joins Ken Schrader Racing at Daytona International Speedway

Boat will pilot the No. 52 Curb Records Chevrolet in the ARCA Racing Series Lucas Oil 200

Concord, N.C. (February 4, 2013) – Ken Schrader Racing announced today that driver Chad Boat will pilot the No 52 Chevrolet for the ARCA Racing Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway. Boat, who captured a prelim feature victory at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals just last month, will drive the Curb Records Chevrolet in the 50th running of the Lucas Oil 200 in Daytona Beach, Fla. on Saturday, February 16.

“It’s a great opportunity to drive for Ken Schrader Racing at Daytona,” Boat stated. “The team always builds great cars for speedway racing and coming off a successful test at Talladega last week, I feel we’re ready to challenge for the win at Daytona.”

The 20-year-old, Arizona-native began his 2013 racing season with a win in the Friday night portion of the prestigious Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, which is open wheel racing’s largest Midget race of the year with over 270 entries and drivers from all forms of racing; including NASCAR drivers Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne.

“The win at the Chili Bowl was great,” Boat said. “Even though we had a flat tire in the final race, it’s always a good feeling to stand in Victory Lane. I’m really looking forward to racing at Daytona and thankful to have the support of Mike Curb and Curb Records. Mike has a long history in racing, and it would be great to add some ARCA history to his name. My focus is to build on the experience I gained in the ARCA Series last year and continue the momentum for future races this season.”

Follow @chadboat on Twitter for updates as the driver of the No. 52 Curb Records Chevrolet competes in the ARCA Racing Series Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway.

About Curb Records
Curb Records is one of the world’s leading independent music companies. Owned and operated by Mike Curb since 1962, Curb Records has achieved 375 Billboard number one records, nearly twelve hundred Billboard Top Ten records and charted just under four thousand Billboard Records. Today’s roster includes some of the top names in Country, Christian and Pop/Rock music. Curb Records was honored as Billboard Magazine’s 2001 Country Music Label of the Year and Radio & Records Magazine’s 2005 Overall Gold Label of the Year. For more information, visit www.curb.com.

February 4, 2013
Tyler Walker: A Man Who Had Potential To Be Great

Tyler Walker in 2007. (Getty)

Just who is Tyler Walker? Just what happened to the Tyler Walker that won four California state karting championships with 200 victories? At just the tender age of 16, Walker had already moved up to the All Star Circuit of Champions and won seven races in his rookie season. Walker then moved up to the World of Outlaws, winning their Gumout Series in 2002 with 16 wins in that season alone.

It was in fact Walker who started doing the back flip off of his race car before Carl Edwards. Walker began racing in the Truck Series in 2003, scoring just one career top ten finish before being suspended for violating NASCAR’s substance abuse policy. Where did things go wrong for Tyler Walker? I see a driver that was absolutely a star in the lower series, but struggled in his transition to NASCAR.

Since his suspension from NASCAR, Walker had run mostly in small heat races at local tracks across the country. His last win was the 2011 King’s Royal at Tony Stewart’s Eldora Speedway. However; he had stopped racing for a while due to an inner ear injury that was causing him to have vertigo.

As recently as July of 2012, Walker was involved in an altercation at the Williams Grove Speedway following an on-track incident at a qualifying race. Walker broke a track rule by going off the racing surface. Walker stormed through pit road to the officials stand to scold them for the ruling, but also made obscene gestures to both the officials and fans of the event. Walker was suspended following the outburst. It was ugly. There was a female official that was struck by two different men and Walker threatened to beat up a couple of people. And it was hard to even recognize Walker if you look at his 2007 team photo.

Then there came January 30th, 2012. Walker was arrested after leading police on a high speed chase across three states before police set down spike strips to apprehend Walker. After running over the spike strips, Walker fled on foot, but was apprehended. Police found meth, marijuana, and paraphernalia inside his vehicle. This man needs some serious help before it’s too late. And heck, it might already be too late. But there has been success after stopping drugs. Tim Allen and Josh Hamilton are two examples that I can think of. I wish Walker the best and I hope he recovers and gets his life back.

February 3, 2013
WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL TO PROMOTE ITS 2013 RACE DATES AT THE CANADIAN MOTORSPORTS EXPO

WGI’s booth will feature the #69 AIM Autosport Ferrari 458 Italia that finished 3^rd in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. This summer, the car will compete at WGI in the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen

(TORONTO, ON // FEBRUARY 1, 2013) Watkins Glen International is deservedly billed as ‘the Soul of American Road Racing,’ having been the site for competition in virtually every discipline of motorsports, from Formula One and Indy cars, to NASCAR stockers and Can Am and World Sports Cars.

This historic 3.45-mile, 11-turn road course, which will celebrate its 56th year of operation at its current location, has always been a destination for fans from north of the 49th parallel. This year, ‘The Glen’ will return the favour and make the trek from upstate New York State to the 7th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News.

“We’re very fortunate that a lot of race goers know the name Watkins Glen, in a large part due to our history,” explains Elizabeth (Betsy) Mayer, Public Relations Manager for Watkins Glen International. “We have many fans coming back year after year, but some people may not realize that we run events from April to October. The Canadian Motorsports Expo gives us a chance to showcase everything that we have to offer, both to our regular visitors and to the others who might not be too familiar with the Glen.”

In addition to the eagerly anticipated Finger Lakes Wine Festival, the Watkins Glen facility will also host four major race weekends in 2013. The SCCA Glen Double Nationals and the Glenora Wine Cellars US Vintage Grand Prix Presented by Welliver are high priorities for many Canadian visitors, but the undoubted highlights for this year would have to be shared between the NASCAR CHEEZ-IT ™ 355 at the Glen (August 8-11) for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and the legendary Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen (June 28-30) for the Grand Am Rolex competitors.

All four racing events draw a large portion of their audience from Canada due to the close proximity of the track to the Canada/ US border.

“Canadians discovered us very early on, we have always enjoyed a strong presence from north of the border,” states Mayer. “We are not some distant destination; we can be reached very easily. And when Canadians come here, we want to ensure that they come back, so we strive to make their visits as enjoyable as possible with our on-site camping and our Thunder Road Tours.”

Sharing the Watkins Glen International display at the CME will be the Woodbridge, ON-based #69 AIM Autosport Ferrari 458 Italia, directly from its third place, GT class finish in this year’s Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. The #69 Ferrari, along with its sister #61 R. Ferri / AIM Motorsports Italia, will be competing in June’s six hour enduro at the Glen.

“There are no Grand Am events in Canada yet, so the Glen has become our ‘home away from home’ race,” explains AIM Autosport co-owner Ian Willis. “Our car is very well suited to that track, so we hope to do very well in June.”

Willis is working towards having one of his AIM Autosport team drivers on hand to sign autographs and answer questions about their Grand Am program, with staff from Watkins Glen International in attendance offering information regarding ticket sales, camping opportunities and other trackside attractions.

For race fans seeking further information about Watkins Glen International, they can visit that track’s website,www.TheGlen.com.

ABOUT WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL: Literally born as a ‘through the streets’ track in 1948, the Watkins Glen race course eventually moved to a temporary location after five years of operation, before ultimately settling on their current site in 1956. Officially opened in 1957, the Glen’s first race was a NASCAR Grand National event won by Buck Baker over Fireball Roberts. Over the ensuing 55 years, Watkins Glen has hosted races on the Formula One and NASCAR tours, as well as events from the SCCA Can-Am, Trans-Am and Formula 5000 calendars along with dates for the Indy cars and various Sports Car divisions.

ABOUT AIM AUTOSPORT: Established in 1995, AIM Autosport is a professional Canadian sports team campaigning Ferrari 458 Italia GT race cars in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. AIM will defend its 2012 Grand-Am Rolex Series GT championship by entering two Ferrari 458 Italia GT cars for the full 2013 season. AIM’s success has been achieved through the dedication of its employees and the continuous support of the team’s commercial and technical partners. Away from the track, AIM Autosport’s technical and administrative headquarters are situated in the Toronto suburb of Woodbridge, Ontario. For more information visit www.aimautosport.com and www.facebook.com/AIMautosport.

ABOUT THE CME: The 7th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News takes place February 8, 9 & 10, 2013 at Toronto’s International Centre, adjacent to Pearson International Airport. The show features motorsports content geared to racers and fans. This year’s celebrity guests include NASCAR stars Kyle Busch, two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip and Canadian racing legend Ron Fellows. The show will also feature an appearance by JP, Mike and Robb, the stars of TV’s Trailer Park Boys. For information about the show, including exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, call (416) 962-7223, or email info@CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com. The CME’s website is located at www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com.

February 2, 2013
Win-Tron Racing Announces Full-Time NASCAR K&N Pro Series Effort With Matt Tifft

MOORESVILLE, North Carolina (February 1, 2013) – – Officials from Win-Tron Racing confirmed today that the newly relocated Mooresville, North Carolina-based team will expand their racing ventures this season to include the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKPSE) schedule with 2012 ARCA Midwest Tour Rookie of the Year, Matt Tifft.

The team, which will be led by NASCAR veteran Shane Tesch, brings a wealth of knowledge to the table from experience at ThorSport Racing and Roush Fenway Racing. Together, they will aim for both the rookie-of-the-year and championship titles with Hinckley, Ohio native Tifft piloting the No. 89 Chevrolet Impala.

For Win-Tron Racing, owned by former racers Kevin Cywinski and Nate Thiesse, the expansion to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East tour opens the door for the team to continue and enhance their on-track product. The team will work vigorously with Tifft as part of their driver development platform. In addition to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series season, the seven-year team will run for another championship in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards with Brentwood, Tennessee native Mason Mingus. A limited schedule in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with their No. 35 Chevrolet Silverado is also on deck.

“We’re very excited about the layout of our 2013 season,” said Thiesse. “The expansion to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series allows us to create a new presence that offers the same fundamentals that have made us a success in other racing divisions. Matt is an incredible young talent and we look forward to working with him, not only this season, but as he makes his climb up the racing ladder.”

For the developing 16-year old driver, he echoes his car owner’s sentiment. “I’m extremely grateful about the opportunity being presented to me this year with Win-Tron Racing,” sounded Tifft. “The team has an excellent track record and their hardcore racer’s ethics should make us a viable threat throughout the year. I know I have a lot of learning to do, but I’m up for the challenge. I’m just glad to have everyone at Win-Tron Racing in my corner.”

15 races at 13 different tracks will accompany the 2013 NKNPSE schedule. The season-opener kicks off from Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway for the highly anticipated UNOH Battle at the Beach exhibition event on the 0.4-mile track set forTuesday, February 19. The team will participate in the first points-paying race lifting off from Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 16.

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

For more on Matt Tifft, please visit MattTifftRacing.com or click on his Facebook page.

Tifft tweets too, follow him @matt89tifft.

About Win-Tron Racing:

Located in Mooresville, North Carolina, Win-Tron Racing is the home of one the most potent ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards single-car operations. Owned by former racers Kevin Cywinski and Nate Thiesse, the team since has acquired the assets of County Joe Racing has become a favorable fixture on the circuit. Since Win-Tron Racing’s inception in 2007, the team has hosted a variety of drivers including leading drivers James Buescher, Blake Bjorklund, Justin Marks, Matt Merrell and Brandon McReynolds to their first career ARCA victories. In 2013, the team will begin its seventh year of competition with a presence in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series (East) and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

PHOTO CAPTION: Matt Tifft, driver of the No. 89 Win-Tron Racing Chevrolet Impala for Win-Tron Racing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKPSE).

February 2, 2013
Nelson Canache and Napleton Racing Claim Glory at Daytona’s Rolex 24 in Debut of GX-Class

Concord, NC (January 28, 2013) — Venezuelan driver, Nelson Canache who drove for Venturini Motorsports during the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season basked in the Florida sun this weekend claiming his first ever Rolex 24 at Daytona Championship competing with the No.16 Napleton Racing Porsche Cayman team.

After starting from the pole position Canache, along with co-drivers Shane Lewis, Jim Norman and David Donahue dominated the newly entered GX-Class in the 51st running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Canache, a two-time Venezuelan open wheel champion made his stock car debut in 2012 with Venturini Motorsports and finished 8th overall in the ARCA Series point standings. His career best stock car performance came at Chicagoland Speedway during the Ansell ActivArmr 150 in July where he qualified third and finished seventh in his VMS Venezuelan Tourism Toyota.

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, John Wes Townley, Scott Lagasse, Jr., and Kevin Swindell.

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

February 1, 2013
CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAMS SET THE PACE UPDATING FREE MOBILE APPLICATION

Ganassi enhances fan engagement and race day experience through digital marketing

CONCORD, N.C. (January 31, 2013) – Chip Ganassi Racing Teams (CGRT) and SapientNitroSM, part of Sapient (NASDAQ: SAPE), today announced the re-launch of their updated mobile app, which was one of the first mobile applications for the high-velocity world of racing. The application brings fans the latest news for driver and event information, and exclusive content in one centralized and expansive mobile experience, bringing the rich heritage and legendary success of CGRT right to the palms of your hands.

The CGRT mobile app update will introduce a weekly interactive game called “Call the Race”, which allows fans to predict the outcome of the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and ranks the game players on a leaderboard based on their correct answers throughout the season. Each week, the top-three players with the highest score will receive a digital gift card by email.

The Chip Ganassi Racing Teams mobile app provides up-to-date, behind-the-scenes video content straight from the Team’s official YouTube Channel Ganassi TV, a one-stop shop for breaking news stories and at-track social media updates from all seven drivers and six teams, as well as a FanCam, which is an interactive element that allows fans to be creative with CGRT images. The mobile application conveys the high-octane rush of racing for a team that competes at the highest levels in three touring series – the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the IZOD IndyCar Series and the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series – allowing fans to make their iPhone and iPod Touch a unique part of their race-day experience.

Key App Features:

· Up close and personal information about all of the CGRT drivers including: bios, stats, photos, and racing resumes

· Real-time breaking news straight from the team

· Aggregated Twitter feeds from all your favorite CGRT drivers, live tweets from the track and links to the official team Facebook and Instagram pages.

· Behind-the-scenes video on Ganassi TV and photography from race events, interviews, and events

· Upcoming race event details including series’ calendars, event dates, and locales with notifications

· Current driver statistics and points standings after every race

· Updated race data for each driver and overall post-race results

· Engaging fan interactions, including promotions and giveaways, racing trivia with leader boards and scoring, FanCam photography, and Call the Race weekly competition

· Clickable sponsor interactions including a store location finder and special offers

To download the Chip Ganassi Racing application:

Click here to view the iTunes Application Store

Notes of Interest

App Summary: To bring fans the full spectrum of the racing experience, SapientNitro spent much time at the racetrack to better understand everything about what the race fan wants to experience. From being down in the pits with all the sounds and smells of racing to conversations with drivers, crew members, support personnel, and even interviewing dyed-in-the-wool fans. With this enhanced knowledge of the racing world, SapientNitro and Chip Ganassi Racing Teams worked closely together to craft an easy-to-use mobile application that provides a valuable brand experience for fans and partners alike.

Quote Board:

Michael Leonard, Vice President and General Manager Mobile Experience Studios, SapientNitro: “The racing industry continues to evolve each year as fans look for new ways to connect with the sport across multiple digital channels. Our ongoing strategic partnership continues to improve the event experience for CGRT fans, increases driver star power, attracts new audiences to the racing community and allows fans to engage with the brand through mobile commerce. We’re honored that Chip Ganassi Racing Teams continues to enlist us in this partnership.”

Steve Lauletta, President, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams: “Our mobile app has been a great tool to engage with the fans and also show the diversity of our team. This latest update pushes the envelope in the motorsports industry as we continue to work towards giving our fans a unique race-day experience through second screen technology. It is also reassuring to have a partner like SapientNitro that can help us expand our digital footprint in both fun and innovative ways.”

About SapientNitro

SapientNitroSM, part of Sapient® (NASDAQ: SAPE), is a new breed of agency redefining storytelling for an always-on world. We’re changing the way our clients engage today’s connected consumers by uniquely creating never-ending stories across brand communications, digital engagement, and omni-channel commerce. We call it Storyscaping, where art and imagination meet the power and scale of systems thinking.

SapientNitro’s Idea Engineers represent a connected powerhouse of creative, brand and technology expertise – one global team collaborating across disciplines, perspectives and continents to create game-changing success for our Global 1000 clients. We partner with industry-leading clients such as Chrysler, Citi, The Coca-ColaCompany, Lufthansa, Target, and Vodafone, in 31 cities across The Americas,Europe and Asia-Pacific. For more information, visit www.sapientnitro.com or follow us on Twitter @SapientNitro.

About Chip Ganassi Racing Teams

Chip Ganassi has been a fixture in the auto racing industry for over 25 years and is considered one of the most successful as well as innovative owners the sport has anywhere in the world. Today his teams include three cars in the IZOD IndyCar Series, two cars in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and one Daytona Prototype in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series. Overall his teams have 15 championships and over 150 victories, including four Indianapolis 500s, a Daytona 500, a Brickyard 400 and five Rolex 24 At Daytonas. Ganassi boasts state-of-the-art race shop facilities in Indianapolis and Brownsburg, Ind. and Concord, N.C., with a corporate office in Pittsburgh, Penn.

January 31, 2013
Petty – Winning ARCA Daytona race one of fondest memories

(TEMPERANCE, Mich.) – The Petty family name has long been synonymous with Daytona International Speedway and stock car racing.

And, as the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards gets ready to descend on Daytona for its 50th annual race at the famous speedway on February 16, the Petty name is once front-and-center.

That’s because none other than Kyle Petty picked up a victory in his first-ever stock race, the 1979 Daytona ARCA 200. His grandfather, Lee Petty, won the inaugural NASCAR Daytona 500 in 1959 and his father, Richard Petty, won seven Daytona 500 races.

“Winning the 1979 Daytona ARCA 200 is still one of my fondest moments in racing,” Kyle said this week. “To win at Daytona, where my grandfather and father had so much success was a dream come true.”

Kyle cruised to Victory Lane at Daytona in one of his famous father’s mothballed 1978 Dodge Magnum race cars. At that time the third generation Petty became the youngest driver to win a major-league stock car race.

“To win in my very first career start was unthinkable and amazing,” Petty said.

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards will be celebrating its 50th race at Daytona this year with the Lucas Oil 200 Presented by MAVTV American Real. Prior to the race, which will be shown live on SPEED, more than a dozen past ARCA Daytona winners will be introduced to the crowd, including Petty.

“The entire ARCA community is just very proud and appreciative of the opportunity to race at Daytona,” said Ron Drager, president of ARCA. “It’s been a great relationship, and it’s evolved into the longest-running annual race on our schedule.”

The annual ARCA event at Daytona has helped launch the careers of some of the biggest names in the sport, including drivers like 1969 winner Benny Parsons and 2004 winner Kyle Busch.

“Looking back, to have your name on the same list as Benny Parsons, Ramo Stott, Nelson Stacy and Tim Richmond is an honor,” Petty said. “To win in my very first career start was unthinkable and amazing.”

For more information about the ARCA Racing Series, to set up interviews with series officials or drivers, contact ARCA Communications Director Doug Donnelly or ARCA Communications Manager Don Radebaugh.

RACE FACTS

RACE: 50th annual Lucas Oil 200 Presented by MAVTV American Real

TRACK: Daytona International Speedway

LOCATION: Daytona Beach, Fla.

SERIES: Event No. 1 of the 2013 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards

TELEVISION: SPEED

DEFENDING RACE WINNER/CHAMPION: Bobby Gerhart

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January 30, 2013
Jarett Andretti, Third Generation Racer, Just Enjoying the Ride

Photo Credit: jarettandretti.com

Jarett Andretti may have a famous racing last name and racing in his blood, but for now he is simply enjoying the ride.

And for this third-generation driver, grandson of Aldo and son of John Andretti, the ride not only includes pursuing a college education but also racing sprint cars for the company owned by second cousin Michael Andretti.

“It started last year,” Andretti said. “Me and my dad were talking about what we wanted to do in the 2012 season.”

“And he said we should do dirt sprint cars,” Andretti continued. “And at that point, I had never even been in a dirt sprint car or driven too much on dirt.”

“We acquired different cars and we put together our best car to run,” Andretti said. “We didn’t run as good as we hoped to run.”

“So, this year we really knew what we were going to do,” Andretti continued. “We hired our crew chief, bought cars and a motor and Superior Auto came on board as a sponsor.”

“Everything fell in line to do 30 or 40 races this season in Indiana.”

Andretti’s new sponsor, Superior Auto, is also excited about partnering with the young driver as his career blossoms.

“Jarett is the next line of great racers in the Andretti family,” Chad Melchi, President of Superior Auto, said. “He’s proving himself to live in the footsteps of his great family name.”

“All of us at Superior Auto want to be a part of his journey as he continues to grow.”

Andretti actually has a unique racing resume, especially since he did not even start racing until he was 17 years old. Prior to that, he was a devoted soccer player and would have played in college except for being bitten by the racing bug.

“I played soccer for a long time and then my dad bought a go kart,” Andretti said. “He thought it would be fun to spend some time together but he might regret it after all this.”

“We didn’t know what the next step was but decided to go dirt sprint car racing,” Andretti continued. “I also got an opportunity to run Oswego Speedway in a super-modified class and won Rookie of the Year last year.”

“My career is like my father’s in a sense because I drive whatever I get the opportunity to be in,” Andretti said. “That’s why we wanted to do dirt sprint car too.”

“In Indiana you can run three nights a week,” Andretti continued. “So, when I’m not running on pavement, I’ll just get in the dirt sprint car and that will be great experience for me.”

In addition to racing whatever he can get his hands on, the young Andretti is also a sophomore at North Carolina State University, where he is studying business administration and marketing. And of course, his is all in at school where he participates in the honors program.

“It’s alright,” Andretti said about his classroom career. “On Thursday and Friday, I take online classes so I can go racing on the weekends.”

“But it’s tough to get back Sunday night or Monday morning and go to school and keep up with it all,” Andretti admitted. “There’s homework and studying during the week so I can go racing.”

“It balances out,” Andretti said. “You care about school and you want to go racing.”

“It’s a challenge to make it all work but it’s worth it.”

What also motivates the young racer is the support of his family, especially since they have allowed him to find his own way in the sport.

“There was no pressure about racing from my family,” Andretti said. “In fact, my mom has been quoted as saying “I kept him out of it this long.” So, that was her accomplishment.”

“But my family has been nothing but supportive,” Andretti continued. “My father has been supportive and has given me guidance.”

“My mom is supportive as well with me being away at college and then away racing too,” Andretti said. “She takes care of my two younger sisters and they have been supportive as well.”

“So, it’s a family effort, even with my grandfather Aldo, who comes to the track and is over there washing the car,” Andretti continued. “Mario, Michael and Marco are also supportive as well.”

“Michael let me test in October so it’s all a family effort like most things.”

So what does the future hold for the youngest Andretti racer?

“I think it’s tough to answer because it’s where the opportunity falls,” Andretti said. “I’d be happy to run Le Mans and Daytona and run dirt the rest of the year.”

“I’m not picky about where I go,” Andretti continued. “I think the opportunity will be something with fenders, either in sports cars or NASCAR.”

“IndyCar right now doesn’t seem to have many opportunities for young kids and that’s disappointing,” Andretti said. “But that’s the way it is.”

“Really, I just want to win races,” Andretti said. “And I just like to drive race cars.”

“Right now, I’m just enjoying the ride.”

January 29, 2013