Category: Truck Series

Texas Roadhouse 200 | Martinsville Speedway Race Advance
Team: No. 45 ProMATIC Automation | Superior Essex Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Justin Fontaine
Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @driverfontaine

Fontaine on Racing at Martinsville: “I’m returning to Martinsville with an open mind,” said Fontaine. “Martinsville was the site of my Truck Series debut in 2016 and while it’s proven to be a somewhat difficult track for me, I know that the more laps I turn, the better I’m getting.

“You would think that looking at Martinsville it would be a pretty easy track to driver. Looks are deceiving. It’s a fun place to race if you get into a good rhythm – but I’ve learned that Martinsville is also a very technical race track too. At the end of the day, that usually provides great racing for the fans.

“I also learned that in the spring and throughout the year how critical patience is, especially at a place like Martinsville. You can get easily frustrated and that opens up the potential to ruin your day.”

Fontaine at Martinsville: Fontaine will make his third NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) start at Martinsville Speedway on Saturday. Fontaine’s NCWTS debut came at Martinsville Speedway in 2016.

Recapping Talladega: Fontaine and the No. 45 team had a strong truck at Talladega Superspeedway, but as is often the case in superspeedway races, Fontaine was collected in an accident, which resulted in a 21st-place finish.

“Man, we had a really strong No. 45 ProMATIC Automation | Superior Essex Chevrolet Silverado,” said Fontaine.

“I saw the accident start to happen, but it all unraveled so quickly that trucks began to go everywhere, and I just became a victim of circumstances.

“This Niece Motorsports team did their best to get the truck repaired, but we suffered some electrical problems late in the race and could never get back on the track. It’s a shame, because I thought we had a shot at another top-10 if not top-five run.”

On the Truck: Fontaine’s No. 45 Chevrolet will carry the ProMATIC Automation, Inc. colors in this week’s race. ProMATIC Automation, Inc. specializes in the design and build of custom factory automation equipment.

ProMATIC Automation, Inc. has extensive experience in the integration of high-level automation technologies like robotics, laser, vision, and dispensing systems along with many years of combined experience in the design and machining of custom manufactured components.

About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2018, Niece Motorsports enters its second full season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, fielding two full-time teams with Austin Wayne Self and Justin Fontaine. 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. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as twitter @NieceMotorsport.

Texas Roadhouse 200 | Martinsville Speedway Race Advance
Team: No. 22 GO TEXAN | AM Technical Solutions Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Austin Wayne Self
Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @AustinWSelf

Self on Racing at Martinsville: “Honestly, I enjoy racing at Martinsville,” said Self. “It’s a very demanding short track where you almost have to treat every race lap like a qualifying lap. Stuff happens in a hurry and momentum is key to success.

“For me, once I get into a rhythm and the race settles down into a good pace, that’s where I tend to make up most of my ground. I finished 15th in my first start in 2016, I’d like to better that this weekend.

“The pace we’ve been able to show lately is something to be proud of. We’ve had speed, whether it comes to the short tracks, a road course, an intermediate track and even a superspeedway. That’s a good shot in the arm for this final four-race stretch. I’m eager to get to Martinsville and see what we can deliver.”

Self at Martinsville: This Saturday’s race at Martinsville Speedway marks Self’s fourth NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) start at the track. In his previous three races, Self’s best finish of 15th came in 2016.

Recapping Talladega: Self and the No. 22 team were in contention late in the race at Talladega Superspeedway, before being collected in an accident coming to the checkered flag. The team was credited with a 12th-place finish.

“I had a really fast No. 22 GO TEXAN | AM Technical Solutions Chevrolet truck all day, stayed out of trouble, and put us in a position for another good finish.

“On the last lap, I made the move to the top lane and had a lot of momentum and potential, unfortunately, we got caught up in the big one on the backstretch coming to the checkered flag.

“I was happy with the truck and the hard work of the Niece Motorsports guys, I hope we another one like that for the next time.”

On The Truck: The Texas Department of Agriculture’s GO TEXAN program and AM Technical Solutions will support Self.

GO TEXAN represents Texas agri-business on state, national and international levels by building recognition with the GO TEXAN mark.

Along with its signature mark in the shape of Texas, GO TEXAN celebrates, promotes and supports the business savvy and plainspoken grit Texas agriculture is known throughout the world.

About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2018, Niece Motorsports enters its second full season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, fielding two full-time teams with Austin Wayne Self and Justin Fontaine. 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. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as twitter @NieceMotorsport.

Texas Roadhouse 200 | Martinsville Speedway Race Advance
Team: No. 38 Plan B Sales Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Landon Huffman
Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @LandonHuffman

Huffman on Racing at Martinsville: “Last year was a great learning experience for me, getting to compete at both Martinsville and Bristol,” said Huffman. “This opportunity to return to Truck competition with Niece Motorsports and Team Dillon Management comes at a great time. I know Cody Efaw and everyone at Niece is working hard to give me a solid truck, and if we play our cards right I think we could be in the hunt on Saturday.

“I’m very thankful for another opportunity to compete on this stage. For a short track racer, this is yet again a dream come true. I’m looking forward to working with everyone this weekend.”

Huffman at Martinsville: Huffman will look to make his third overall NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) start this weekend. Huffman’s previous two starts came in 2017 at Bristol Motor Speedway and Martinsville Speedway.

In this race last season, Huffman qualified 24th and finished 17th.

On the Truck: The No. 38 Chevrolet will carry the Plan B Sales colors at Martinsville Speedway. Huffman and Niece Motorsports fans can preorder this diecast here.

Huffman’s Chevrolet will also carry the Pit Stops for Hope logo. Pit Stops for Hope is a collaboration of the racing community, united together for the betterment of America’s youth. Pit Stops for Hope invests in youth by primarily assisting food banks and academic instructors. Learn more about the mission of Pit Stops for Hope here.

The No. 38 will also receive sponsorship support from Niece Equipment, Maestro’s Classic, J.W. Speaker, Death Wish Coffee, Rokform, BN3TH, and Washington Park Barber and Shave.

About Huffman: Huffman, a third-generation driver, began his racing career in go-karts at the age of four, competing at tracks across the southeast. Huffman follows in the footsteps of his father, Robert Huffman, a former five-time NASCAR Goody’s Dash Series champion.

Huffman has accumulated 20 wins across multiple tracks, along with the 2015 Hickory Motor Speedway Paramount Kia Challenge Championship.

Additionally, Huffman is currently a student at UNC Charlotte, majoring in Marketing.

About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2018, Niece Motorsports enters its second full season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, fielding two full-time teams with Austin Wayne Self and Justin Fontaine. 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. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as twitter @NieceMotorsport.

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Less than a week after tying the knot to longtime girlfriend Courtney Hannah, hardcore racer Chad Finley and his Reaume Bros. Racing team head to Martinsville (Va.) Speedway for Saturday afternoon’s Texas Roadhouse 200.

Finley’s debut at the famed half-mile paperclip will be his third start of the season and fifth overall.

And while Finley has shown plenty of speed in their two attempts at Gateway (Ill.) Motorsports Park and Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway respectively, the Bruce Cook-led team wants to bounce back from a mechanical failure at Bristol that stalled them from showcasing back-to-back top-10 finishes.

“Martinsville is our honeymoon,” Finley joked. “No, seriously. Just glad to have my best friend at my side as we continue to go in circles as much as we can. We’ll go away after the season is over, but honestly, I’m amped about getting to Martinsville this weekend. I’ve never been there, but I can’t wait.”

Even though Finley has never been to Martinsville in a truck before, he believes he’ll get up to speed quickly.
“
It’s a race track that you have to study,” added Finley. “You hear time after time again how demanding Martinsville is as a track. Even though I’ve never been to Martinsville, my crew chief Bruce has and I’m going to lean on his experience to help guide my No. 33 Air Lift Company | Auto Value Certified Service Centers | Strutmasters.com Chevrolet Silverado this weekend.

“I also want to thank Josh Reaume and everyone at Reaume Brothers Racing for giving us a chance to go racing and chase a trophy.”

For the third race this season, joining the North Carolina-based team for the traditional fall event as a major associate partner is Strutmasters.com.

Since 1999, Strutmasters.com has served as an industry leader in suspension parts and air to non-air suspension conversion kits.

The Roxboro, N.C. company joined Finley in his Truck Series return at Gateway.

“Chip Lofton’s support at Strutmasters.com of our race team has been overwhelming,” said Finley. “We certainly need to make up our Bristol performance to him at Martinsville this weekend. And I think we have a great opportunity to do that.

“We’re a small team trying to make big things happen and all of the great support from our partners like him keeps our team glued together.”

With a tough field expected for the opening semi-final round of the Truck Series Playoffs, Finley plans to be respectful of the championship picture but also knows that Martinsville is a huge opportunity for not only himself but his race team in his final race of the season.

“Martinsville is going to be a stacked field, always is,” added Finley. “Everyone is fighting for position at the front. Whether it be for points and an opportunity to race at Homestead or just to put themselves in the spotlight.

“I’m going to race my competitors as clean as I can, but I’m also going to fight hard. Martinsville has been prone to first-time winners in the past and I think we have a team that’s capable of adding to that stat. It’s not going to be easy, but nothing in racing should be. We’re just going to go and give it our all and see what happens.”

Josh Reaume, owner of Reaume Bros. Racing and a Truck Series competitor says his organization is thrilled to have Finley drive their No. 33 Chevrolet this weekend and build on the momentum from the team’s solid performance at Talladega.

“We’re excited to work with a veteran short track racer like Chad this weekend,” he said. “His accomplishments on short tracks speak for themselves and I believe his experience will not only strengthen our team but allow the opportunity to have a good run too.”

Air Lift Company, Auto Value Certified Service Centers and Strutmasters.com will serve as the primary marketing partners for Saturday afternoon’s race.

Finley has additional support from Northsidetowing.net and XLT Engineering as well.

In addition to his four prior Truck starts, Finley, 26, has 20 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards starts to his credit.

In his years of ARCA competition between 2009 and 2018 Finley has mounted one-win (Nashville 2017), eight top-five and 11 top-10 finishes, including a pole (track record) at Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway in 2009.

Finley is the son of former ARCA winner and NASCAR driver Jeff Finley.

The Texas Roadhouse 200 (200 laps | 105.2 miles) is the 20th of 23 races on the 2018 NASCAR Camping World Truck schedule. Practice begins on Fri., Oct. 26 from 12:05 p.m. – 12:55 p.m., while final practice is set for 2:05 p.m. – 2:55 p.m. Qualifying is set for race day, Sat., Oct. 27 beginning at 10:05 a.m. The 32-truck field will take the green flag shortly after 1:00 p.m. with live coverage on FS1, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Satellite Radio, Channel 90). All times are local (Eastern).

For additional information on Chad Finley and his race team please visit ChadFinleyRacing.com.

Follow Chad Finley on Twitter @Chad_Finley.

About Reaume Bros. Racing:

Reaume Brothers Racing began in 1997 when John Reaume got his son’s, Jonathan and Joshua into competitive kart racing. From these humble beginnings, the brothers have chased the racing dream, competing in events all around the world, studying mechanical engineering at University and building a successful racing business specializing in karting and oval track racing.

In 2018, RBR is expanding with a full-time effort in the Camping World Truck Series. With a culture focused on innovation, RBR will utilize cutting edge technologies to improve on and off-track performance.

Driven with passion and fueled with engineering, RBR is looking to make its mark in NASCAR.

Sheldon Creed, No. 2 A.M. Ortega/United Rentals Chevrolet Silverado
Martinsville Stats
This will be Creed’s first NCWTS start at Martinsville Speedway.
Season Stats
1 start, Finish: 15th (Eldora)

Notes:

– Making his debut for GMS Racing in the NCWTS, Creed will climb behind the wheel of chassis no. 101 at Martinsville Speedway. While this chassis has been a staple in the GMS Fabrication fleet, it was most recently raced by Cody Coughlin earlier this season at Gateway Motorsports Park. Coughlin went on to finish ninth at Gateway despite fighting mechanical issues throughout the race.

– Before the last four NCWTS races of the 2018 season, Creed was competing full-time in the ARCA Racing Series, where their season came to a close last weekend at Kansas Speedway. Creed finished the 2018 season with four wins, 16 top-fives, 18 top-10s and 4 pole awards en route to winning the 2018 ARCA championship. He also was named the General Tire Pole Award overall winner, the Sioux Chief Short Track Challenge champion as well as the General Tire Superspeedway Challenge champion for 2018.

– For this weekend at Martinsville, as well as next weekend’s race at Texas, Creed will carry a familiar sponsor, A.M. Ortega, onboard his No. 2 Chevrolet Silverado. A.M. Ortega’s mission is to provide diverse civil engineering solutions for current and future generations with emphasis on safety, excellent workmanship and innovation. Also featured on the No. 2 this weekend will be United Rentals, another partner who has had longtime success as a part of Creed’s racing career.

– Creed’s No. 2 will carry special pink ribbons this weekend of those on the team within the GMS Racing family whose family members have been affected by breast cancer. The ribbons include Dean Cox, Annette Flashner, Linda Handy, and Shirley Handy.

Quote:

“I’m extremely pumped being able to close out the 2018 ARCA Racing season with a win and the championship. I’m looking forward to keeping that momentum rolling though into this weekend in the Truck Series. I’ve never raced at Martinsville but my goal this weekend is that I would like to run top-five, and I definitely think we can do it. GMS Racing has proven to bring fast trucks no matter where they go, so this time will be no different. At the end of the day though, I would still be just as happy with a top-10 finish being my first time at Martinsville and our first race working as a team.”

 

Johnny Sauter, No. 21 ISM Connect Chevrolet Silverado
Martinsville Stats
21 starts, 3 wins, 8 top-fives, 11 top-10s, 1 pole
2018 Season Stats
19 starts, 5 wins, 13 top-fives, 15 top-10s

Notes:

– Sauter will run GMS chassis no. 313 for Saturday afternoon’s race. Sauter last ran this chassis at Bristol Motor Speedway where he clinched the Regular Season Championship and picked up his fifth win of the season. The No. 21 team also used this Chevrolet at Iowa Speedway (started 7th, finished 5th) and Gateway Motorsports Park (started 13th, finished 3rd).

– The ISM Connect Chevrolet will once again carry the names of team members’ family and friends who have been affected by breast cancer, including Sauter’s mother-in-law Terry Owen.

– Back in March, Sauter qualified sixth and was running in the top-five just shy of halfway in the event when the No. 21 had to pit to replace a battery. Sauter was able to get one lap back before the end of the race, but the battery change resulted in a 19th-place finish.

– Sauter continues to lead the point standings heading into the first race of the Round of 6. The Necedah, Wis., native has maintained the top spot in the driver and owner point standings through all 19 events this season.

Quotes:

“I feel good about how we did in the first round. In my opinion it was a tougher stretch. The road course obviously isn’t my specialty and in Vegas I felt like we gave a little bit up there on the last few restarts. I can’t think of better tracks for us to be going into now with Martinsville and Texas, as far as past success. We’ve won a few at Martinsville and a lot at Texas, but I’m also smart enough and I’ve been around enough to know that doesn’t mean a whole lot. Other drivers and teams continue to get better just like we continue to get better. Yes, it’s a shot in the arm to go to tracks that you’ve had success at, but it also keeps you in check. Just because you’re good somewhere, that doesn’t meant anything. Anybody can get hot at any time and do what they need to do. With that being said, it has been a great season so far and I expect we’ll be able to keep it going through this next round.”

 

Timothy Peters, No. 23 AutosByNelson.com Chevrolet Silverado
Martinsville Stats
24 starts, 1 win, 8 top-fives, 17 top-10’s, 1 pole
Season Stats
4 starts, 1 wins, 2 top-fives, 3 top-10s

Notes:

– Peters and the No. 23 team will utilize chassis No. 018 this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. This chassis has been raced one other time this season, by Stewart Friesen at Atlanta Motor Speedway (start: 7th/finish: 6th).

– Veteran Xfinity crew chief, Chad Norris will be calling the shots for Peters atop the pit box. The Fremont, IA native has one year of experience in the Truck Series being in 2008 with Roush Fenway Racing with multiple drivers behind the wheel including Bobby East, Travis Kvapil, Jamie McMurray and John Wes Townley. In 22 races they collected 2 top-fives, 7 top-10’s and 1 pole.

– Peter’s will carry pink breast cancer ribbons on his No. 23 to honor GMS Racing family members who have fought and continue to fight against breast cancer, two of them being Peter’s close friends, Sheri Stallings and Elaine Compton. The remaining ribbons will include the following names, Amy Carter, Ruth Gallagher, Michelle Garcia, Mary Bammarito and Carol Barraclough.

– Peter’s, a Danville, Va. native, has had a lot of success at his hometown track. His most recent win was in 2017 in a late-model race, the ValleyStar Credit Union 300.

Quote:

“I’m excited to have another opportunity this weekend at Martinsville with GMS Racing. Autos by Nelson came on board as primary sponsor which is awesome. Barry Nelson has always been a great supporter of mine. Again it goes back to I’m very thankful for the opportunity that Maury (Gallagher), Mike (Beam) and everyone here at GMS Racing and GMS Fabrication, inside this organization has presented for me to go and try to execute on another win.”

 

Justin Haley, No. 24 Fraternal Order of Eagles Chevrolet Silverado
Martinsville Stats
5 starts, 1 top-10
Season Stats
19 starts, 2 wins, 8 top-fives, 15 top-10s

Notes:

– This weekend at Martinsville Speedway, Haley will utilize chassis no. 103. The No. 24 team has used this chassis three previous times, twice in 2017 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the fall Martinsville race, as well as earlier this year at Martinsville in the spring. Haley’s showing in the spring in chassis no. 103 resulted in a track-best finish of 10th-place.

– Like Haley’s teammates, the No. 24 Fraternal Order of Eagles Silverado will have pink incorporated into the paint scheme as well as carry two breast cancer awareness ribbons onboard for Shelby Jean Carter and Becky Lowry Jordan.

– With points resetting to kick The Playoff’s Round of 6 off at Martinsville this weekend, Haley now sits fifth in the 2018 NCWTS driver points standings, just four points below the cutoff mark. He will have the next three races (Martinsville, Texas and Phoenix) to work his way into the top-four for a shot at making it to the championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Quote:

“Martinsville (Speedway) has always been a tricky place for me, I don’t know why. They say that road course racers usually excel at a short track like Martinsville because of the heavy breaking, but I just haven’t quite figured it out yet. Last race, in the spring, we had speed in qualifying and in the race, it was just so hard to pass. The Ilmore motors are so low on RPM there that you can’t get a good run out of the corner to try get up next to someone. I think it will be a tricky race, not just for me, but everyone in that aspect.

“Hopefully, with this being the first race in the Round of Six, we will bring some speed again this time. We will be set up pretty similar to our teammate Johnny (Sauter) who is usually always one of the trucks to beat at Martinsville. I’m excited for it, but we’ll just have to wait and see how the race plays out. Someone can move you pretty quickly just because you’re constantly racing so close to one another. There’s a lot on the line this weekend and it’s tough because sometimes your fate is out of your control.”

 

Tyler Dippel, No. 25 Turning Point USA / America First Action Super PAC Chevrolet Silverado
Martinsville Stats
This will be Dippel’s first NCWTS start at Martinsville Speedway
2018 Season Stats
1 start, Best Finish: 13th (Eldora)

Notes:

– The No. 25 team will utilize GMS chassis no. 115 for this weekend’s race. This chassis has been raced nine times over the last three seasons and has seen the track twice this year, at Dover and Bristol.

– Featured on the No. 25 for this weekend’s race at Martinsville Speedway are Turning Point USA and America First Action Super PAC.

Turning Point USA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government. Since the founding, Turning Point USA has embarked on a mission to build the most organized, active, and powerful conservative grassroots activist network on college campuses across the country.
America First Action is the primary super PAC dedicated to electing federal candidates who support the agenda of the current administration. America First Action Super PAC is committed to creating an America where prosperity, safety, and strength reign–where hardworking people like you lead the charge with grit, determination, and pride.
– Dippel’s Chevrolet Silverado will also carry the names of GMS Racing employees’ family and friends who have been affected by breast cancer. Among those being honored are Dippel’s grandmothers, Charlotte Biro and Joan Lampreau, and Baxter’s sister, Cheryl Smith.

Quote:

“I’m very excited to get on track with Jerry and the 25 team this weekend. I got to spend time with them at Talladega and have already developed an understanding for how they work, which will be a huge benefit going into our first race together. Martinsville is a track where GMS has had success in the past and Johnny (Sauter) and Timothy (Peters) have been really strong, so I plan to lean on them and my other teammates a lot this weekend. Hopefully with their guidance we can have a strong day, run up front and bring some attention to the two great organizations we have on the truck this week – Turning Point USA and America First Action Super PAC.”

 

ABOUT GMS RACING

GMS Racing competes full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with drivers Johnny Sauter, Justin Haley, Sheldon Creed and Tyler Dippel, and in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. 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.

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (October 22, 2018) – Timothy Peter’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season isn’t over after all.

GMS Racing and Autos By Nelson announced Monday that Peters will be driving a GMS Chevrolet Silverado sponsored by Autos By Nelson in the Texas Roadhouse 200 at Martinsville Speedway Saturday.

After winning at Talladega Superspeedway 10 days ago, Peters thought his season was finished following the third, and what was supposed to be final start, in a substitute role for GMS.

The folks at GMS had different thoughts, though. They immediately started putting together a plan for Peters to race at his home track this weekend. Barry Nelson, owner of Martinsville-based Autos By Nelson, made the deal complete when he stepped up to sponsor the entry.

“It’s a deal they didn’t have to do, but they made a spot for me,” Peters said of the efforts to have him in a truck for Martinsville. “Obviously I had hoped that Talladega would help (with a ride for Martinsville). Nothing is ever easy by any means, but I’m thankful. GMS’ fabrication shop, GMS racing and Chevrolet all made this easier to happen.”

Peters’ Talladega win was the 11th in his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series career, but he’s been without a fulltime ride since Red Horse Racing, his home for more than a decade, closed midway through the 2017 season. Since then he has served as general manager for Nelson’s growing Late Model Stock operation, which fielded five entries in Martinsville Speedway’s recent showcase Late Model race. He also makes selected starts in Late Model events.

“It’s cool Barry is going to help me out on our Chevrolet Silverado with Autos By Nelson. Barry has helped me so much professionally and personally since we first met a few years ago,” Peters said of Nelson, who built a small family car dealership into Autos By Nelson, a group of seven auto dealerships representing 13 manufacturers in Southern Virginia and North Carolina.

When GMS Racing needed a substitute driver for three races beginning in late August, they called on Peters, who had made only a couple of truck series races this season. Those three starts resulted in strong runs, including the Talladega win and a fifth-place finish at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park.

“I can’t thank Maury Gallagher (GMS owner) for the confidence he has shown in me and this opportunity. Jerry Baxter and all of the guys on the 25 truck (the group Peters raced with the past three events) are such a big part of my success, of all of this. Without them I certainly wouldn’t be here,” said Peters. “This is such a great opportunity and it is so humbling. What still sticks out is that call from Mike Beam (GMS Racing president) to go to Canada … that we could have still been on someone’s mind …”

Peters, who lives about 30 minutes from Martinsville Speedway, has 24 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts on the iconic half-mile track along with numerous Late Model Stock races. He has won at Martinsville in both the truck series and Late Model Stock cars.

Chad Norris will serve as crew chief for Peters’ Martinsville entry, which will be the No. 23 Silverado. Norris, who normally heads up the GMS Xfinity Series entry, will bring over crew members from that team for Martinsville. The Xfinity Series is idle this weekend.

“I feel like we will adjust quickly,” Peters said of the new combination. “Obviously the laps I have around Martinsville and the success I’ve had there will help, plus the great equipment gives us confidence. Chad has a ton of experience plus the other GMS crew chiefs that will be there. Everybody works so well together; I’m sure we’ll all collaborate well together.”

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Oct. 22, 2018) – Kyle Benjamin will drive for DGR-Crosley in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) Texas Roadhouse 200 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. Benjamin will pilot the No. 17 Crosley Brands Toyota Tundra in his second start at the 0.526-mile ‘Paperclip.’

The Easley, S.C., native led DGR-Crosley to their best finish of the 2018 season in the spring race at Martinsville Speedway when he earned a second-place finish in the Alpha Energy Solutions 250. During his first time at the historic short-track, Benjamin showed impressive speed throughout the entire weekend by securing a fourth-place starting position and going on to contend for the win.

Saturday’s race will mark Benjamin’s second start in the NCWTS, however he brings a wealth of experience to the table for DGR-Crosley. The 20-year-old racer has 23 ARCA Racing Series starts in which he collected three wins and nine top-five finishes. In 33 NASCAR K&N Pro Series races, Benjamin earned five victories and 15 top-five finishes. Most recently, he has been competing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series where he earned a third-place finish this summer at Iowa Speedway and has an average overall finish of eighth-place.

“I’m really thankful for the opportunity to go back to Martinsville with DGR-Crosley,” said Benjamin. “We were so close to getting the win in the spring race and I definitely think we will be a contender again. I’m really happy to get another shot at it. I know the guys will bring me a fast Toyota Tundra this weekend. We just have to keep it clean throughout the race and be there at the end.”

Qualifying for the Texas Roadhouse 200 will take place on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 10:00 a.m., ET with racing action beginning at 1:00 p.m. Both qualifying and the Texas Roadhouse 200 will be broadcast live on FS1.