Category: Truck Series

JOHNNY SAUTER
No. 21 Allegiant Chevrolet Silverado

Eldora Stats
4 starts, 1 top-10

Additional Info
– Sauter will pilot chassis no. 047 which he raced to a 13th-place finish at Eldora last year after starting from the 8th position.
– Sauter continues to lead the driver and owner championship point standings by 28 points after the 10th race of the season. He has one win and 10 playoff points.

Quote
“Eldora is a little bit of a different situation, especially for a guy like me that’s raced asphalt his whole life. I’ve been to a couple of dirt races throughout my lifetime, but I’ve always been an asphalt guy. I have fun at Eldora. I think it’s a fun place and obviously a good atmosphere with a lot of great race fans. But for me it’s just a place where I haven’t figured it out quite yet.

I’ve had some decent runs [at Eldora] but for some reason got tore up towards the middle stages of the race. I guess my mindset going there is just to have fun, first and foremost. I think if we do everything right, if we can stay out of trouble, hopefully we’ll be in contention at the end of that thing.

It’s sort of a survival state, but Eldora’s also a place where if you have a win early in the season and you’ve had some good runs going, you can kind of just go and enjoy. It’s only one race on the schedule, but it’s still a race, nonetheless, and you want to put your best foot forward every week.”

 

 

JUSTIN HALEY
No. 24 Fraternal Order of Eagles Chevrolet Silverado

Eldora Stats
Haley will be making his first NCWTS start at Eldora Speedway.

Additional Info
– The No. 24 team will utilize GMS chassis no. 021, the same chassis raced to the win by Kyle Larson at Eldora in 2016.

– 18-year-old Haley started his racing career on dirt, competing in 600cc sprints for three years. He was ranked Indiana’s No. 1 600cc sprint driver in 2014. He ran second in the Tulsa Shootout, continuing his dirt career as he transitioned to asphalt racing.

– Haley won the ARCA Racing Series event at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, his first ARCA start on dirt.

– Started first and won the Open Wheel Modified race at County Line Raceway on Saturday night – his first time competing with Lethal Chassis.

– Haley has earned five consecutive top-10 finishes and a career-best third place finish at Kentucky.

– The Winamac, Ind., native is 12th in the driver championship point standings after missing the first two races of the season due to NASCAR’s age restriction.

Quote
“I grew up racing in Indiana where there are a lot of short tracks that are dirt. We went out and bought an open wheel mini sprint and raced it around four or five tracks. We ventured out to the Tulsa Shootout and ran second, and I’ve just kind of been playing around in dirt ever since.

Obviously being in a truck at Eldora is going to be a lot different than what I’ve been used to. These trucks are very heavy with quite a bit of motor, so I don’t know what to expect until I get out there. You can run all the simulator laps and talk to all the veterans and all the dirt aces that you want, but until you get on track and run your practice laps you just don’t know. The surface will change all through the night, so every time you get out there it’s going to be a different story, but I think we’ll adapt pretty quick.

This isn’t the first time I’ve had to go back and lean on my dirt experience; we kind of had to the do the same last year for the ARCA race at Springfield and it worked out pretty well for us. Add to that that I have Kyle’s truck from last year, so it’s a little added boost to team morale and coming off a third-place finish at Kentucky is good motivation for my guys.”

 

 

KAZ GRALA
No. 33 15-40 Connection Chevrolet Silverado

Eldora Stats
Kaz will be making his first NCWTS start at Eldora Speedway this weekend.

Additional Info
– Kaz will pilot chassis no. 004 this weekend. This chassis was raced last year at Eldora by Ben Kennedy, where he qualified 17th and finished 11th.

– Having never raced on dirt before, Kaz ran a dirt modified twice at 311 Speedway in Pine Hall, NC, as well as at Friendship Motor Speedway in Elkin, NC, to prepare for the NCWTS race at Eldora.

– After a 24th-place finish at Kentucky Speedway, Kaz is currently 10th in the driver point standings, with one win to his name.

Quote
“I like watching dirt racing, but I don’t know much about it. I can guarantee you that I’ll be having a blast the entire race though. I’ve been in a dirt car a couple times, not much, but it was the most fun I’ve had in a racecar. I just hope that I can catch on to whatever it takes to go fast at Eldora. It’s certainly not like any other track we race at. I’m looking forward to it though.”

ABOUT GMS RACING
GMS Racing competes full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with drivers Johnny Sauter, Justin Haley and Kaz Grala, and the NASCAR XFINITY Series with Spencer Gallagher and Ben Kennedy. Since the team’s start in 2014, GMS Racing has grown to occupy several buildings located in Statesville, N.C. The campus also includes operations for GMS Fabrication.

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

Eldora Dirt Derby – Eldora Speedway Race Advance

Team: Niece Motorsports – No. 45 Chevrolet; @NieceMotorsport
Driver: Jeffrey Abbey
Crew Chief: Cody Efaw

Driver Quote: “I’m so excited to get behind the wheel of one of these Trucks,” said Abbey. “For my first start to come at Eldora, is even more special. I’ve grown up racing on dirt, and to do it on this stage is a huge deal. The whole team has been working hard, and I’ve gotten a little test-time under my belt, which will hopefully help with the learning curve. I can’t wait for the race.”

Abbey in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series: Wednesday’s race at Eldora Speedway marks Abbey’s debut behind the wheel in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS).

About Jeffrey Abbey: The 18-year-old driver got his start behind the wheel racing go-karts at the age of six. Abbey, who will attend Texas A&M University in the fall to study engineering, has earned 62 wins in 225 starts, between 2013 and 2017, racing IMCA Southern Sport Modifieds. In addition, Abbey’s resume boasts a 2016 IMCA Supernationals Championship at Boone Speedway. Abbey was also the IMCA Nationals Point Champion in 2016, as well as the Brian Mize Memorial Champion at 85 Speedway in 2016. Abbey was the Southern Challenge Champion at Abilene Speedway in 2016 and the Texas State Champion in 2015 and 2016. Abbey was crowned the Boyd Raceway Track Champion in both 2015 and 2016.

On the Truck: The No. 45 Chevrolet will carry the Black Rifle Coffee Company colors on the hood this week at Eldora Speedway. Additionally, the No. 45 Chevrolet will carry the colors of Rush Truck Centers, Valvoline, Kevlar, Oberto, Cliff’s Goodyear Auto Service, Central Texas Dairy Farms “Make Milk Great Again”, and Niece Equipment.

About the Owner: Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 30 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry.

ROSSBURG, Ohio – Officials from Young’s Motorsports confirmed today that they will field two trucks for the upcoming NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) Eldora Dirt Derby at Eldora Speedway on July 19.

Announced Thursday, newcomer and Australian sprint car driver Max Johnston will drive the team’s flagship No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado in his series debut with partner support from BRANDT, a leading agriculture retailer and manufacturer of agricultural specialty products.

Sheldon Creed will drive the team’s second entry, the No. 20 United Rentals Chevrolet for his second consecutive Truck Series race at Eldora Speedway. Creed, a native of Alpine, Calif. is a veteran of Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, Stadium Super Trucks and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.

Among the accolades for the 19-year-old driver include two back-to-back championships in the Stadium Super Truck Series in 2015 and 2016, an X-Games gold medalist in Stadium Super Trucks in 2015 and a former Dakar Rally competitor.

In addition to Trucks, Creed has competed in the Stadium Super Truck Series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West, ARCA Racing Series and Trans Am Series this season making him one of the most diversified drivers in the field.

Veteran crew chief Chad Kendrick will guide Johnston for his NCWTS debut, while current truck chief Andrew Abbott will call the shots for Creed in the 150-lap race.

“We are very proud and excited to field two trucks for Eldora,” said Young’s Motorsports team principal Tyler Young. “Young’s Motorsports prides itself on bringing strong and competitive race vehicles to the track and the opportunity to bring two trucks to one of the most anticipated races of the year is really a chance for us to shine.

“Both Max and Sheldon have been successful in their respective racing series on dirt and Sheldon has been to Eldora before – so we’ll be leaning on him to help guide Max if he has any questions. The trucks look good and we’re proud to represent great corporations like BRANDT and United Rentals.”

Johnston who will have additional support Australian distribution partners BARMAC, a division of Amgrow Australia Pty Ltd, and GLOBE Growing Solutions says he is grateful for the opportunity to compete for Young’s Motorsports at Eldora.

“I’m very thankful to have the opportunity to race for Young’s Motorsports and BRANDT at Eldora Speedway,” said Johnston. “This is a good team who has the capabilities of running well and can guide me to a good finish on Wednesday night.

“A good night would be to see the checkered flag. A great night would be a top-10 finish for BRANDT, Amgrow and GLOBE who have allowed me this opportunity of a lifetime.”

Creed, vastly earning the nickname “The Showstopper” looks to improve on his 16th place finish from Eldora last year and believes Young’s Motorsports will give him the opportunity to do so.

“I’m glad to have another shot at Eldora,” said Creed, who drives for MDM Motorsports in K&N East and ARCA competition. “Hopefully, we can get our No. 20 United Rentals Chevrolet dialed in and have a good handle on our truck on Tuesday night that will carry over to qualifying, the heat races and the feature on Wednesday night.”

Wednesday night’s race at Eldora Speedway will mark the second time since their inception in 2012 that the team has fielded two-full race length entries in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series since the season-finale at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway with drivers Scott Lagasse Jr. and Patrick Staropoli last November.

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com or click on their Facebook page.

Johnston and Creed are active on Twitter. Follow them @SheldonCreed and @MaxJohnston38.

The Eldora Dirt Derby (167 laps / 250.5 miles) is the 11th of 23 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races on the 2017 schedule. Practice begins on July 18 from 7:00 p.m. – 7:55 p.m., a second practice session has been etched from 9:00 p.m. – 9:55 p.m. Qualifying is set for race day, Wed., July 19 beginning at 5:00 p.m., with heat qualifying races set to roll at 7:30 p.m. The 32-truck field will take the green flag shortly after 9:30 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Business Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Satellite Radio, Channel 90). All times are local (Central).

The 18-year-old Driver Will Compete in his First NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Event this July

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (July 12, 2017) – Jeffrey Abbey will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut on July 19 at Eldora Speedway in the No. 45 Silverado for Niece Motorsports.  The 18-year-old driver got his start behind the wheel racing go-karts at the age of six.

Abbey, who will attend Texas A&M University in the fall to study engineering, has earned 62 wins in 225 starts, between 2013 and 2017, racing IMCA Southern Sport Modifieds.  In addition, Abbey’s resume boasts a 2016 IMCA Supernationals Championship at Boone Speedway.  Abbey was also the IMCA Nationals Point Champion in 2016, as well as the Brian Mize Memorial Champion at 85 Speedway in 2016.

Abbey was the Southern Challenge Champion at Abilene Speedway in 2016 and the Texas State Champion in 2015 and 2016.  Abbey was crowned the Boyd Raceway Track Champion in both 2015 and 2016.

“I’m so excited to get behind the wheel of one of these Trucks,” said Abbey.  “For my first start to come at Eldora, is even more special.  I’ve grown up racing on dirt, and to do it on this stage is a huge deal.  The whole team has been working hard, and I’ve gotten a little test-time under my belt, which will hopefully help with the learning curve.  I can’t wait for the race.”

In addition to Niece Motorsports, Al Niece, a Marine Corps veteran, also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 30 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices.  Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability.  The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry.

“I’ve had Eldora circled on my calendar since the season started,” said team owner Al Niece.  “Eldora is a special place, and I’m really looking forward to this race.  Jeffrey has a strong racing resume in Texas, and we are confident that he will be able to show that at Eldora too.”

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will take the green flag from Eldora Speedway on Wednesday, July 19 at 9:30 p.m. ET on Fox Business.

FORD PERFORMANCE NASCAR NOTES AND QUOTES
Date: Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Event: Eldora Dirt Derby (NASCAR Teleconference)
Series: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Location: Eldora Speedway (half-mile clay oval)

Ford Performance Development Driver Chase Briscoe, driver of the No. 29 Cooper Standard Ford F-150 for Brad Keselowski Racing, joined today’s NASCAR teleconference in advance of next week’s Camping World Truck Series Eldora Dirt Derby at Eldora Speedway.

CHASE BRISCOE, No. 29 Cooper Standard Ford F-150 — Chase had early success during his rookie campaign two runner-up finishes, two top 10s in the first ten races. Chase, you’re a third generation dirt racer from the neighboring state of Indiana. Take us through how it feels to return to your roots as you prepare to make your NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut at Eldora. “It’s awesome. This is the one track I’ve been looking forward to more than any. It’s going to be nice to finally get to Eldora, I’ve been going there ever since I was little. Never got to actually race there. My dad never wanted to take me there because it was dangerous in a sprint car and we only had one motor growing up. So it was tough. But never thought my first laps were going to be in a pickup truck, but definitely excited. Eldora for a dirt guy is Daytona and Indianapolis. Definitely going to be an honor to run there finally.”

Chase, this is your first time at Eldora. In a race truck, it’s a lot different than like a modified. So give us your dirt background and the excitement of going to Eldora. “Yeah, my whole dirt background has been 410 non-winged sprint cars and a couple midget races here and there. But just having dirt experience in anything is certainly going to help I think just because you know what the track is doing, you can tell just by reading it and you just know that feel that you need on dirt as far as side bite and forward bite goes. And just having sprint car background, obviously the truck’s going to be a lot slower than the sprint car and that always helps when you feel like you’re in slowing motion. It’s going to be a great race. Obviously, Bell is going to be one to beat. Rico’s going to be good. But Bobby Pierce and guys like Chris Wyndham who is a really good USAC sprint car driver and I think there’s going to be a couple guys that surprise you. I think normally at Eldora you see guys rise to the top but also seems like the normal truck guys pick it up pretty soon.”

Chase, you guys both have dirt backgrounds. I’m curious if you think there should be maybe one more dirt race maybe during the playoffs just so you can have all tracks a part of this deal. If so, and you do feel that way, which tracks would you want to see added first? “I’d be all for it. I think obviously for me and Christopher, both, I think we don’t have near as much pavement experience as most of the guys. It’s nice to go to a racetrack where we have an advantage. If we could do that in the playoffs. I certainly think it would be awesome. But there’s a lot of tracks I think that could host it. Obviously Knoxville would be one, I think, just from a seating standpoint and the track size standpoint would be good. And I think you could even go all the way to Charlotte Motor Speedway with it being out there real close. So there’s tons of dirt tracks out there. You can throw Lawrenceburg into the mix, as well. That would be really good. But I’d be all for having it in the playoffs, that’s for sure.”

Chase, you mentioned that your dad didn’t want you racing on Eldora because it was so dangerous. What makes Eldora different from other dirt tracks?
“Yeah, Eldora, in general, it’s so fast. And it seems like it’s a self-cleaning racetrack where when guys do start flipping it seems like you can’t get out of their way. Like I said, it’s so fast it’s hard to slow down. And that was one of the things my dad really didn’t want me going and doing. If we had a different motor situation we certainly would have did it but with our situation we were never running for points in USAC or anything so we just kind of stayed away from it. Just listening to the teleconference, it’s very interesting and very obvious, both of you are loving this idea of Eldora and maybe some of the veterans in the series are kind of a little bit more weary and have to kind of prepare for it. How aware are you two of the fact that this is kind right up your alley? And just what I was saying earlier, for me this being my second year really on pavement, everywhere I go is kind of a disadvantage I feel like because I don’t know what the track’s doing or how it’s changing, where when we go to the dirt track I can see what the track’s doing. I know what the feeling’s going to be when the track’s going away where a lot of these guys that grew up around pavement they don’t know that. For us obviously we’re the highest guy right now without a win but we really do want to win and secure our way in. We feel like this is a really good place for it to happen.”