Category: Truck Series PR

BRISTOL, Tenn.: Fresh off a superb top-10 finish in last Thursday night’s ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway, Codie Rohrbaugh and his CR7 Motorsports carry the momentum of their second top-10 finish of the season hoping for a duplicate performance of Richmond in Thursday night’s UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

A brilliant call from crew chief Doug George, plus a blazing fast No. 9 Praying for Joshua Chevrolet Silverado allowed Rohrbaugh to scream through the field during Stage 3 and land his third career top-10 finish in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series.

With an upbeat morale from the team, the Petersburg, WV native is looking forward to his return to Thunder Valley.
“I can’t tell you how much our Richmond performance meant for our CR7 Motorsports team,” said Rohrbaugh. “Everyone did their jobs to perfection and we took advantage of strategy and a fast truck to contend and successful leave there with a top-10 effort.

“This for sure was the rebound we needed after we’ve been back teetering week to week with our finishes. Knowing that we’re in a place to pick up on the momentum and get back-to-back top-10 finishes in Truck Series competition is what we’re after.”

After finishing 16th at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile in 2018, Rohrbaugh is confident in his family-owned team led by George that they can contend on Thursday night and continue to steal the thunder from some of the series’ regular.

And while this week’s race is the opening round of the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Playoffs, Rohrbaugh says he’ll be respectful of his competitors but also knows he has a job to do for his team.

“Bristol is going to be a busy race,” Rohrbaugh added. “It’s the first race of the Playoffs and while I plan to be completely respectful of the guys in the Playoffs, we still have a job to do on Thursday night.

“If we have a chance at a top-10, we’re going for it. If we’re in position to win, heck yeah I’m going to go for it. We’re trying to make some noise of our own in the Playoffs – even though we’re not it in, but Bristol also is a place where the competition will be super tight and little room for error.”

Many have pointed to CR7 Motorsports’ recent two-week break from Truck Series competition for being a contributing factor to the recent stretch of respectable finishes, the 26-year-old driver is letting it be known, there’s still plenty of work to be done.

“We’re making gains that’s for sure,” he said. “But we’re not going to get complacent. From now until Phoenix, the competition is going to be fierce, but we’ll be ready. I promise you of that.

“Richmond gave us a great boost and I hope we can carry that dosage for the next couple of weeks, if not months.”

For their 10th consecutive race, CR7 Motorsports and their partner Grant County Mulch has again given up their space this weekend race for Joshua Shirk.

The No. 9 Chevrolet Silverado has been designed with a western-theme scheme, personally selected by Shirk.

The hood carries a special touch with Shirk displaying a message of his own that he wrote before the accident, “I am a child of God. He saves me. I talk to he.”

On May 17, 2020, eight-year-old Joshua Shirk was kayaking with family in rural West Virginia.

While on the water, the kayak capsized and Shirk became trapped under the water in debris.

When the family was finally able to pull him to safety, the young boy had no pulse. Quick work by medical workers at a local hospital was able to revive him but he remained in critical condition.

Shirk was later transported to WVU hospital in Morganton, West Virginia where he has made vast improvements but still needs the love, prayer and support of many.

Over the last two and a half months, Shirk has been able to come off a breathing machine and has started intense physical rehabilitation with a focus on working his muscles and standing up with assistance. His progress lately has been exceptional, as his muscles continue to strengthen – but a long road still remains.
After 16 races, Rohrbaugh is 21st in the championship standings.

CR7 Motorsports will have a busy Thursday at Bristol. Following the UNOH 200, Jason Kitzmiller will make his seventh ARCA Menards Series start of 2020 in the Bush’s Bean 200.

CR7 Motorsports has 25 NGOTS starts to their credit with a career-best finish of third at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway (February 2020). Additionally, the team owns two other top-10 finishes at Richmond (Va.) Raceway (sixth) in September 2020 and Martinsville (Va.) Speedway (10th) in October 2019. An 11th place qualifying effort at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway (Oct. 2019) is the team’s best time trials effort to date.

In 20 career ARCA starts, Rohrbaugh has a best finish of seventh twice at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway (July 2018 and Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway (February 2019). He has qualified a career-best fourth on four different occasions most recently at Kansas Speedway (Oct. 2018).

Marketing partnership(s) opportunities are available for the No. 97 A.L.L. Construction | Grant County Mulch Chevrolet and No. 9 Grant County Mulch Chevrolet for the 2020 ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series seasons and beyond. Interested inquiries are encouraged to contact at tonya@gcmulch.com or 304.257.8783.

The UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics (200 laps | 106.6 miles) is the 17th of 23 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series races on the 2020 schedule. The 36-truck field will take the green flag on Thurs. Sept. 17, 2020, shortly after 7:00 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Satellite Radio, Channel 90). All times are local (Eastern).

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (September 15, 2020)—Camden Murphy heads to the Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway with NEMCO Motorsports for a race at the short track that guarantees beating, banging, and temper tantrums. The NEMCO Motorsports No. 8 Chevrolet Silverado will carry the Advanced Collision Inc., branding as the primary partner in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series (NGROTS) UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics at the Bristol Motor Speedway on Thursday, September 17 with Murphy at the wheel.

This weekend marks the 24-year old’s sixth event with NEMCO Motorsports, and his first at The Last Great Colosseum in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. The Itasca, Ill.,-native is no stranger to the family-owned and operated team. Murphy started turning wrenches with NEMCO Motorsports in May 2019.

“I am incredibly excited to be able to drive for NEMCO Motorsports,” Murphy said. “NEMCO Motorsports has been an institution for the Nemechek family. To be able to drive for the family is an absolute honor. The No. 8 has so much history behind it, and for Mr. Nemechek to give me this opportunity is truly a dream come true.

“I have a history behind-the-wheel with NEMCO Motorsports but not at this capacity. Having worked on the trucks as well, I know how much dedication and hard work goes into these fast trucks. I am excited to have Advanced Collision and the Southern Appalachian Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc., on-board for this weekend at the Bristol Motor Speedway, as it is their first event on-track. I am so thankful to NEMCO Motorsports for giving me this opportunity, and I look forward to making them and my sponsors proud.”

Nestled between the rolling hills and mountains of Northeast Tennessee, Bristol Motor Speedway is the home track for primary partner Advanced Collision Inc., a locally owned and operated auto collision repair specialist company serving Chattanooga and the surrounding areas.

“Camden has been a huge part of the Advanced Collision family and the motorsports arm of our business since the beginning,” Curt Swearingin, chief executive officer for Advanced Collision Inc., said. “We are very excited about the opportunity to support Cam as he continues on his extraordinary growth and trajectory in the sport.”

The driver of the No. 8 Advanced Collision Inc., Chevrolet Silverado for NEMCO Motorsports has one start in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) at the .533-mile high-banked bullring, with a 26th-place finish in 2016.

As an ambassador of the Ronald McDonald House Charities for eight years, Murphy will continue his mission of supporting local chapters with placement on the No. 8 Chevrolet Silverado. He has travel extensively with Monster Jam, an adrenaline-charged family entertainment featuring the most famous trucks in the world, visiting chapters throughout the United States. At the Northeast Tennessee’s “Thunder Valley,” Murphy will showcase the Southern Appalachian Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc., this weekend.

The UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics will be broadcast live on FS1 on Thursday, September 17 at 7:30 p.m. (ET). It will also broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About Advanced Collision Inc.

Advanced Collision is the greater Chattanooga area’s premier collision center with locations in Chattanooga, and

Toyota Racing – Christian Eckes
NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Series Quotes

CHARLOTTE (September 14, 2020) – Kyle Busch Motorsports driver Christian Eckes was made available to media via videoconference during the NASCAR Playoffs Media Day:

CHRISTIAN ECKES, No. 18 Safelite Auto Glass Toyota Tundra, Kyle Busch Motorsports

Former KBM (Kyle Busch Motorsports) driver Erik Jones won the championship as a rookie. What makes you think you can do the same?
“Probably the same reason he did, the team. Rudy (Fugle, crew chief) has been extremely good at winning championships pretty much the last 10 years. I have some experience as well fighting for an owner’s championship with him last year. It’s been a blast to work with him so far, and we have been close and have been running well at time. We just have to put it together for the next seven and be perfect.”

You have been so close to getting the first win. Do you feel like in the Playoffs it is going to take wins to advance through these rounds?
“Obviously, wins will make it easy. There are a couple race tracks in both rounds that I feel really good about, really the next round I feel good about all of them. Bristol and Vegas in this one. You can’t really feel good about Talladega. I feel good about our chances to go and win. Three of them I’ve ran second to Kyle at and one of them I wrecked. I feel good about it. Obviously, we haven’t won yet, but the Playoffs and the energy that provides might help us push across that line. We will see what happens, but I feel pretty good about it.”

How do you describe the benefit of working with Rudy Fugle?

“Just the experience. Working with William (Bryon) and Erik (Jones) and all of these young drivers. He’s gone through what I’m going through with the lack of experience multiple times. He’s keeping me up to speed on what to expect. That’s been pretty crucial and he’s a really smart guy. He’s hard working, like I’d consider myself. We’ve been working alongside of each other and getting as good as we can for the Playoffs. Like I said, he’s won a lot of championships and hopefully we can do that again this year.”

What do you think your biggest weakness is?

“I think I would just say defining everything. Everything needs to be better. There’s not necessarily really one group that needs to be better, just everything needs to be better. I feel like the Playoffs, and the energy of needing to be focused and needing to do all this stuff and working harder for the Playoffs will kind of help bring us into that area that we need to be in, so I’m just looking forward to getting to Bristol.”

Do you put the pressure to win on yourself more than you should?

“Not necessarily. Obviously, there is pressure. Honestly, pressure is a privilege when it comes to running for a championship, so we will just take the pressure how it is and hopefully we can go win a couple and win the big one in the end.”

How much pressure do you feel, or do you feel like I’m a young driver and this is as much about gaining experience on how to run for a title?
“There’s a lot of pressure just in running in the Truck Series, and trying to move on to next year. It’s always a challenge trying to find the next thing, and I don’t have anything yet – it’s in the works, but I think a championship will kind of define that a little bit more. I’m out here fighting for my life; I’ve just got to be a little bit better. Hopefully, we can go win some races and contend for the championship.”

If you had to pick one driver, who is the biggest threat?

“I’d probably say Sheldon (Creed), just because of the speed that they have had. They’ve been running really well. Him and his crew chief, (Jeff Stankiewicz), have ran really well. They’ve won a championship together in the past. If they can put it together, they are going to be really strong. I’d probably rank him as the biggest threat.”

Kyle Busch Motorsports did not make the Playoffs last year. What have been the differences from this year to last year?

“We are just doing a better job at getting points. Obviously, we have not won yet. We’ve been close a few times. Working with Rudy (Fugle, crew chief) year to year has definitely improved myself. I’d probably just say that. We’re trying to be better. I don’t think we are quite where we need to be just yet. We are really close, but to be better than the other teams we are just lacking a little bit. Hopefully, the next seven are really good for us. I feel like pretty much all seven we can go and win at. We will do the best we can and see what happens.”

I’ve been talking with most of the drivers today, and they have been saying that their biggest underdog is Todd Gilliland. Do you agree?
“Honestly, I would consider myself as the underdog in this deal. We are the eighth seed. We have been close to winning multiple times, and probably should have won a few of those. I feel like we are kind of undervalued at this point. At the same time, we have seven races to go and prove that. Todd’s also really good and has shown speed at times. He has run good at Bristol as well. I’d probably rank me and him at the top of that list.”

It’s been a few years since we have seen a rookie win a championship. Do you think that you are in that similar situation that there is pressure on you to possibly win the title?
“No, I wouldn’t say it’s pressure per say. Obviously, there is pressure to succeed, but at the same time, we just push that aside and focus on what we need to do and that’s execute on a weekly basis and provide the best result for this no. 18 Safelite Toyota Tundra. That’s pretty much it. We’ve just got to go execute and do the best we can.”

Did you feel like a rookie coming into this?

“Yeah, I would definitely say I had a leg up. I think I had twelve starts before I came in, so half a season. Obviously, we didn’t have the entirety of the season to kind of build momentum and stuff like that, but the experience last year definitely helped coming into this year, working with Rudy (Fugle, crew chief) and running those eight races at mile-and-a-halves and a bunch of other race tracks. Yeah, definitely didn’t feel like a rookie this year. Hopefully if I’m back in the series next year, it will feel even better, but we’ve done a pretty good job so far.”

It’s down to you and Zane Smith for Rookie of the Year. How much of an emphasis are you putting winning that?

“I’m not really focused on that, per say. Obviously, it’s a really cool award and we want to win, but the championship is at the top of the list. If we can get it, great, but we are trying to go for a championship and that’s the main focus.”

# # #

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 40 million cars and trucks in North America, where we have 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama (10 in the U.S.), and directly employ more than 47,000 people (over 36,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold nearly 2.8 million cars and trucks (nearly 2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2019.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Toyota Racing – Austin Hill
NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Series Quotes

CHARLOTTE (September 14, 2020) – Hattori Racing Enterprises driver Austin Hill was made available to media via videoconference during the NASCAR Playoffs Media Day:

AUSTIN HILL, No. 16 United Rentals Toyota Tundra, Hattori Racing Enterprises

You have more top-10’s than anyone in the Playoffs. How important is it to maintain that consistency?

“It’s definitely really tough. You are going into these race tracks where anything can happen. Bristol is one of those race tracks, if you put yourself in a predicament, you can end up in a wreck very easily. Then you look at a place like Talladega or Martinsville, and it’s one of those race tracks – especially Talladega – where you can be doing everything right, leading the race and end up in a wreck somehow. We just have to do our thing – what we’ve been doing all season, which is be aggressive on restarts, be aggressive throughout the race to try to get stage points and try to keep that clean air. That’s been the biggest success for us, just being up front, each and every week and not losing spots during the race and on restarts, trying to stay consistent with all of that. Just keep doing our thing. Scott (Zipadelli, crew chief) and everybody at HRE (Hattori Racing Enterprises) has been doing a good job at being really consistent on where the truck is when we unload, when we get to these race tracks. The setups and everything have been really close. We’ve had to work on it a few times throughout the season to make it a little bit better, but it’s been good. We’ve been strong all season, and we just have to keep it up.”

Who do you think could be a dark horse going into this?

“It’s hard to say honestly. All 10 of us – once you get into the Playoffs you just get into a different mode. Your guys get into a different mode, and everybody in the shop seems like they just dig a little harder when Playoffs get here. I’m not going to count anybody out for this Final Four. I think that Todd (Gilliland) has been doing really well these past few races. They’ve been really fast. I think that he can, could potentially be a dark horse. He’s shown some really good speed, especially at these short tracks. They are starting to hit on all cylinders a bit. There’s still some things that they have to work on and get a little bit better at, but I think they could be a dark horse, but you can’t count anybody out. Once the Playoffs start, all it takes is one bad race, and you can be out very easily. So, it’s all about consistency, staying out of wrecks and doing your own thing.”

If we look back to last year, Martinsville and Phoenix weren’t the best outings for your team, so what have you or the team worked on specifically for these races?

“With no practice or qualifying, it’s been tough for us because we’ve definitely needed to work on our short track program from last season. Actually, Gateway was the first short track that we went to that we brought a whole new package. It was something that they have never ran before at HRE (Hattori Racing Enterprises) and Scott (Zipadelli, crew chief) and all of the guys, they have never run the setup before. Going into Gateway, we knew that we were going to have to figure it out. We started out in left field and we had to work on it, we had to make it better. By the end of the race, we were top-three and we finished third. It just shows how hard these guys fight. Same thing at Richmond. We kind of brought that same package from Gateway and tuned on it a little bit and we were really good at Richmond and tires kind of beat us at the end. I thought we had a shot at winning, and we thought a caution might come out late in the race and it didn’t. It’s going to be the same thing at all of these other short tracks that we go to. Bristol’s going to be a brand-new setup that they have never ran there. We just have to work on it throughout the race. There’s going to be things that we’ve learned these last two short track races that I think are going to help us. Martinsville, last year, we actually – I felt like we were fairly decent. I think we were running somewhere around sixth or seventh all day. We were going to have a good points day, and it was just one of those deals. A few guys in front of us got a little antsy and wanted to go three-wide and next thing you know, we kind of ended up in somebody else’s mess. Phoenix was one of those races though where we just missed it. Phoenix was one of those races that we thought we were good in practice. We qualified on the pole, and the green flag dropped, and we just dropped like a rock and we just could not get it better throughout the day. It was just one of those race tracks where we just struggled a little bit. I think that’s one of those race tracks that we definitely have to work on, and I think the things that we have learned at Gateway, and Richmond, and so on and so forth, will help us going into Phoenix. I think that it’s going to help us out a lot. We are going to be a lot better, and there’s no telling. If we make it to Phoenix, it’s going to be interesting.

How different of a driver are you this year knowing what to expect after having success last year?

“The biggest thing that I’ve done this season that I felt like I didn’t do a great job at last season was just be a lot more aggressive on restarts. If you look back at all of the races this season, there’s been numerous times that I’ve went three-wide on restarts and just trying to make anything happen that I can make happen. I try to be patiently aggressive, but at the same time you’ve got to be aggressive on these restarts because I feel like clean air is huge in the Truck Series. That’s something I’ve learned from last season to apply to this season is you can get inside the top five and your truck starts driving a lot different and then once you get in the top three your truck starts driving even a little bit better. And, if you’re leading the race then the truck normally drives really well. That’s been the biggest key for me that I’ve worked on all season long is just being really aggressive. You’re going to see that in the Playoffs. I’m not going to let up just because the Playoffs starts, I’m not going to do anything different. I’m not going to approach it to where I do a little more give and take and stuff, it’s going to be as much take as I can get. I think that’s the way you’ve got to approach it. You have to be aggressive because every position matters and every stage point matters. That’s one thing this season that I’ve really focused on is just trying to be a lot more aggressive.”

Who do you think is the biggest threat in your eyes in the Playoffs this year?

“I’m going to probably say Sheldon (Creed) right now. Sheldon has been really good all season long. He’s been really fast. It seems like from last year to this year he’s taken what he learned last year on being fast and making it throughout the whole race and finishing races. I think that he’s going to be really good. You really can’t count out any of the GMS trucks. I feel like they’ve been really good all season long. Even though Brett (Moffitt) hasn’t won a race I think that he’s going to be hard to beat. He won the championship in 2018 so he’s been there before, and he’s done it. He knows how to get it done and he made the Final Four last season. I think he has a shot of making it there again. There again it goes back to, all of these races coming up you have to be perfect. You can’t have any bad days. You’ve got to get all you can get and the only way you’re going to make it to the next round is to be consistent or win a race. Being consistent is a little bit easier than winning races because winning races is tough. I felt like we should’ve won more races than we’ve won this year. It just hasn’t fallen our way. I’m sure that a lot of other guys feel the same way. Once the Playoffs start, it’s going to be tough, but I think the GMS trucks are going to be tough to beat.”

How much does your experience being in the Playoffs last year matter for this season?

“I think it matters some for sure. Just because you’ve been there, and it seems like when you get to the race track everything is a little bit more hyped up especially around you and all of the Playoff guys. You have to get in a different mode almost and you have to really just focus in on racing and not listening to the outside noise or anything else. Just focus on what you’ve been doing all season that got you here and trying not to change anything that you’ve done. Which is hard to do. You get into the Playoffs and you know that you’re racing a lot more points wise and more so that than just trying to win races. You’ve got to focus on stage points, and you’ve got to focus on everything else. It’s very easy to kind of change what you’ve been doing all season that’s worked for you, but that’s something I feel like we’re going to be really good at this Playoffs is just keep doing what we’re doing, don’t change anything. Like I said, we’ve changed some setup stuff throughout the season that I think is going to help us on the short tracks. I think if we’re good at Bristol, I think it’s almost one of those things that if we’re good at Bristol we should make Phoenix unless something crazy happens. Say we wreck at Talladega and we’re close in points or something. Or we go to Martinsville and we get in a wreck or something crazy. I think something crazy has to happen for us not to make the Final Four because of how good we’ve been all season long. I feel like we’ve been one of the best teams and it shows in being the regular season champion. It just shows that our consistency has been there all season long, and like you said we’ve only been outside of the top-10 twice and that’s because of having an engine issue one race and the other race we were going for the win and got wrecked. That’s the only reason we’ve finished outside the top-10 this season and other than that we’ve finished inside the top-10 and got a lot of top five’s and wins. I just think that we’re going to be the guy to beat this year.”

# # #

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 40 million cars and trucks in North America, where we have 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama (10 in the U.S.), and directly employ more than 47,000 people (over 36,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold nearly 2.8 million cars and trucks (nearly 2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2019.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

RICHMOND, Va.: Back on the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series (NGROTS) scene after a brief sabbatical, Codie Rohrbaugh and his CR7 Motorsports team take their respectable Darlington (S.C.) Raceway finish and look for an impressive outing in Thursday night’s ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway.

It’s no secret that the 2020 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series season has had its ups and downs for the Rohrbaugh and his family-owned team but approaching the final race of the regular season – the team is hoping that hard work over the past month and a relentless effort from Rohrbaugh behind the wheel will showcase with on-track results.

“Darlington went OK,” said Rohrbaugh. “It was good for our team mojo to come back to the race track and have a clean and respectable race.

“Yeah, we would have wanted a little better finish – but we still made some gains from the start to the checkered flag. Now, we just have to keep going in the right direction.”

Thursday night’s race marks the final race of the regular season and while the focus of the race will shined around those that are contending for a Playoff spot, Rohrbaugh hopes his No. 9 CR7 Motorsports team is able to put themselves in position to be in the spotlight.

“Richmond is like a hometown race for us,” he said. “It’s three hours south from home, but its one of those races we had circled on our schedule that we are looking forward too.”

As for the ToyotaCare 250, Rohrbaugh has never tacked the 0.875-mile track, but is looking forward to leaning on the experience of his crew chief Doug George and spotter Tim Fedewa for some Richmond guidance.

“I’ve never been to Richmond but neither has most of the drivers in the series, that helps, I think,” added Rohrbaugh. “There’s a couple of the veterans that have laps at Richmond – but not many. I think Stage 1 is going to be important to get a good read for what our truck is doing – then we can make changes from there.

“I really want to come out of Richmond with a top-20 finish then we go to Bristol next week for one of my favorite races and look to do even better. It’s hard to believe that the season is slowly coming to a close, but these next eight weeks will really go by quick and we need to do everything we can to make sure we’re set to end the season on a high note and prepare for 2021.”

For their ninth consecutive race, CR7 Motorsports and their partner Grant County Mulch has again given up their space this weekend race for Joshua Shirk.

The No. 9 Chevrolet Silverado has been designed with a western-theme scheme, personally selected by Shirk.

The hood carries a special touch with Shirk displaying a message of his own that he wrote before the accident, “I am a child of God. He saves me. I talk to he.”

On May 17, 2020, eight-year-old Joshua Shirk was kayaking with family in rural West Virginia.

While on the water, the kayak capsized and Shirk became trapped under the water in debris.

When the family was finally able to pull him to safety, the young boy had no pulse. Quick work by medical workers at a local hospital was able to revive him but he remained in critical condition.

Shirk was later transported to WVU hospital in Morganton, West Virginia where he has made vast improvements but still needs the love, prayer and support of many.

Over the last two months, Shirk has been able to come off a breathing machine and has started intense physical rehabilitation with a focus on working his muscles and standing up with assistance. His progress lately has been exceptional, as his muscles continue to strengthen – but a long road still remains.

With prayer, love and support working, Rohrbaugh hopes others will now pledge their support alongside his CR7 Motorsports team uniting strength in numbers and the power of prayer.

“Our mission continues to be really important to me,” said Rohrbaugh. “The prayers from everyone are working and I’m so happy that Joshua is making huge strides towards his recovery. I continue to plead when asking the NASCAR community to please support him by offering their thoughts and prayers to Josh and his family. It really means a lot to me.”
After 15 races, Rohrbaugh is 22nd in the championship standings.

CR7 Motorsports has 24 NGOTS starts to their credit with a career-best finish of third at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway (February 2020). Additionally, the team owns another top-10 finish at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway in October 2019. An 11th place qualifying effort at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway (Oct. 2019) is the team’s best time trials effort to date.

In 20 career ARCA starts, Rohrbaugh has a best finish of seventh twice at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway (July 2018 and Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway (February 2019). He has qualified a career-best fourth on four different occasions most recently at Kansas Speedway (Oct. 2018).

Marketing partnership(s) opportunities are available for the No. 97 Grant County Mulch Chevrolet and No. 9 Grant County Mulch Chevrolet for the 2020 ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series seasons and beyond. Interested inquiries are encouraged to contact at tonya@gcmulch.com or 304.257.8783.

The ToyotaCare 250 (250 laps| 187.5 miles) is the 16th of 23 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series races on the 2020 schedule. The 35-truck field will take the green flag on Thurs. Sept. 10, 2020, shortly after 8:00 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Satellite Radio, Channel 90). All times are local (Eastern).

Sheldon Creed, No. 2 Chevy Accessories Chevrolet Silverado
Richmond Gander Trucks Stats
– No prior Gander Trucks starts at Richmond.

2020 Gander Trucks Stats
– Starts: 15, Wins: 3, Best start: 1, Best finish: 1, Top 5s: 5, Top 10s: 8, Stage wins: 5, Laps led: 204

Notes:

– Sheldon Creed and the No. 2 team will compete with chassis No. 327 this week in Richmond. This is the same chassis Creed took to victory lane at Gateway.
– Creed has led laps in nine of the last 10 Gander Trucks races in 2020.
– Creed is currently fifth in the championship standings and is locked into the playoffs with his wins at Kentucky, Daytona Road Course and Gateway

Quote:

“Richmond should be a lot of fun. There’s a lot of different situations that could play out. It’s going to be wild short track racing, so we’ll just have to patient and let things sort themselves out. If we do our job right, hopefully we’ll be around at the end to compete for another win.”

Zane Smith, No. 21 Atari Hotels Chevrolet Silverado
Richmond Gander Trucks Stats
– No prior Gander Trucks starts at Richmond.

2020 Gander Trucks Stats
– Starts: 15, Wins: 2, Best start: 1, Best finish: 1, Top 5s: 4, Top 10s: 9, Stage Wins: 4, Laps led: 227

Notes:

– Zane Smith welcomes new sponsor, Atari Hotels, for four consecutive Gander Trucks races beginning at Richmond Raceway. Atari, a trailblazer in the gaming industry, is pioneering a new concept: a unique lodging experience combining the iconic brand with a one-of-a-kind video game-themed destination. Atari Hotels level up hotel entertainment with fully immersive experiences for every age and gaming ability, including the latest in Virtual and Augmented Reality. Select hotels will also feature state-of-the-art venues and studios to accommodate esports events.
– Smith has two top-10 finishes in two career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Richmond Raceway in 2019.
– Smith and the No. 21 team will compete with chassis No. 325 at Richmond. Smith has four top 10s in five starts with this chassis in 2020.
– Smith is currently third in the championship standings, 56 points behind the leader. Smith is locked into the playoffs with his wins at Michigan and Dover in August.

Quote:

“Richmond is one of my favorite tracks. I ran really good there last year in the Xfinity car and I hope to translate things over to the Gander Trucks. Hopefully, we’ll get another win and build some good momentum heading into playoffs.”

Brett Moffitt, No. 23 Superior Essex Chevrolet Silverado
Richmond Gander Trucks Stats
– No prior Gander Trucks starts at Richmond.

2020 Gander Trucks Stats
– Starts: 15, Best start: 1, Best finish: 2, Top 5s: 6, Top 10s: 10, Stage wins: 5, Laps led: 213

Notes:

– Brett Moffitt has two prior NASCAR Cup Series starts at Richmond Raceway in 2015.
– Moffitt and the No. 23 team will utilize chassis No. 313 this week in Richmond. This is the same chassis that Moffitt finished second with at Gateway and earned three top 10s with in 2019.
– Moffitt has led laps in eight of the last nine Gander Trucks races.
– Moffitt is currently second in championship points standings, 38 points behind the leader. Moffitt clinched a spot in the playoffs based on points in last week’s race at Darlington Raceway.

Quote:

“Richmond is definitely going to be interesting. There’s a lot of unknowns, since the trucks haven’t been there in so long. We’ll just have to be patient and let things play out. It takes a little pressure off knowing we’re locked into the playoffs on points, but I would feel a lot better heading into Bristol with a win. Hopefully we can get the job done Thursday night.”

Sam Mayer, No. 24 All Weather Armour Chevrolet Silverado
Richmond Gander Trucks Stats
– No prior Gander Trucks starts at Richmond.

2020 Gander Trucks Stats
– Starts: 2, Best finish: 4, Laps led: 24

Notes:

– Sam Mayer returns to the Gander Trucks series this week for his Richmond Raceway debut. The 17-year-old earned his career best Gander Trucks finish in his last start at Gateway in August.
– Mayer and the No. 24 team will compete with chassis No. 308 this weekend in Darlington. Mayer finished 15th at Dover with this chassis.
– Mayer will head to Toledo following the conclusion of Thursday’s Gander Trucks event to compete in the ARCA Menards Series event.

Quote:

“Going to Richmond for the first time with no practice is going to be interesting. I know GMS is bringing me a fast truck, it’s just a matter of what I can do to gain experience throughout the race. Hopefully in the end we’ll be right there in contention for the win!”

Tyler Ankrum, No. 26 Chevy Silverado Chevrolet Silverado
Richmond Gander Trucks Stats
– No prior Gander Trucks starts at Richmond.

2020 Gander Trucks Stats
– Starts: 15, Best start: 2, Best finish: 2, Top 5s: 2, Top 10s: 6, Laps led: 1

Notes:

– Tyler Ankrum heads to Richmond looking to secure a spot in the Gander Trucks playoffs for the second consecutive year. Ankrum and the No. 26 have been consistent in recent weeks. Ankrum has earned six top-10 finishes since the series returned from the break and, with the exception of the Kansas double header, has not finished worse than 16th in that time frame.
– Ankrum is currently ninth in points entering Richmond, 14 points above the playoff cutoff line.
– Ankrum and the No. 26 will utilize chassis No. 311 Thursday night in Richmond. This chassis had five top-six finishes in six races in 2019.

Quote:

“Richmond is a complete wild card race and nobody really knows what’s going to happen. The trucks haven’t been there in so long that we’re really relying on simulator time and manufacturer support for our set ups. It’s shaping up to be the most exciting short track racing, especially with the playoff cutoff. For the 26 team this weekend is about being perfect, running up front, getting all the points you can and going for a win.”

ABOUT GMS RACING

GMS Racing competes full-time in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series with drivers Brett Moffitt, Sheldon Creed, Tyler Ankrum and Zane Smith as well as part-time with David Gravel and Chase Purdy. The team also competes in the ARCA Racing Series with Sam Mayer. Since the team began in 2014, GMS Racing won the 2016 Gander Trucks Championship, the 2019 ARCA East championship and has grown to occupy several buildings located in Statesville, N.C. The campus also includes operations for GMS Fabrication. More information can be found at https://gmsracing.net/.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

Track: Richmond Raceway, 0.75-mile oval
Race: 16 of 23
Event: NGROTS 250 (187.5 miles, 250 laps)

Schedule:
Thursday, Sept. 10
8:00 p.m…………..Race (FS1)
(all times ET)

Tanner Gray, No. 15 Ford Performace F-150

The last time the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series (NGROTS) raced at Richmond (Va.) Raceway in 2005, Tanner Gray was six years old. Now Gray is 21 and ready for his first race at the three-quarter-mile oval. Coming off a disappointing finish last Sunday at Darlington (S.C) Raceway when he spun late in the race and finished 29th, he is ready to put that behind him and focus on the next race.

In 15 Truck Series races this season, Gray has two top-five, five top-10 finishes, has led four laps and sits 13th in the driver point standings. It has been a challenging season for Gray and the rookie class going to new tracks without any practice, or qualifying for a majority of the races. Thursday at Richmond, most of the field will be making their first start there along with Gray.

He has spent time preparing for Richmond by watching film of recent races there. He also has veteran resources for advice leading up to the race with team co-owner David Gilliland who has 23 starts at Richmond in the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series, DGR-Crosley teammate David Ragan with 30 starts there, crew chief Shane Wilson who has 29 starts with two Xfinity Series wins and long-time spotter Kevin Hamlin.

The NGROTS 250 from Richmond Raceway will be run on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. ET. The race will be broadcast live on FS1. The 250-lap race will be broken into three segments with stage-ending cautions on laps 70 and 140.

Gray on Richmond: “Richmond looks like a fun track for the trucks. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it and I’m excited it was added to the schedule. It’s nice going to some of these tracks like the Daytona road course, Darlington and now Richmond where hardly anybody has experience there. It’s kind of an equalizer that most of us are in the same boat with never having turned a lap there before the race starts. Hopefully we can have a good run and get back into a rhythm for the upcoming races.”

David Ragan, No. 17 Select Blinds Ford F-150

The NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series (NGROTS) returns to Richmond (Va.) Raceway for the first time since 2005. For many drivers this will be their first race at Richmond, but NASCAR Cup Series veteran David Ragan has plenty of experience at the three-quarter-mile track. Ragan will make his second start in the No. 17 Select Blinds Ford F-150 for DGR-Crosley this season. He finished 22nd at Darlington (S.C) Raceway last weekend after running in the top 10 most of the race. A truck spinning down the track hit the right front of his truck causing damage and a flat tire.

Ragan has 26 starts at Richmond in the NASCAR Cup Series and four NASCAR Xfinity Series starts. His best finish of third came in the Cup Series race in 2007 driving for Jack Roush. He also has one start in the NGROTS in 2004 when an accident took him out 15 laps into the race. Ragan has made 11,315 laps around Richmond in his career.

Select Blinds will sponsor Ragan’s No. 17 Ford entry at Richmond. It is the online home for all your window covering needs. The company offers child-safe cordless blinds to prevent injury along with a wide variety of blinds and shades for your home or business. Their online home makes it easy, affordable and secure for fans to purchase new window coverings.

The NGROTS 250 from Richmond Raceway will be run on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. ET. The race will be broadcast live on FS1. The 250-lap race will be broken into three segments with stage-ending cautions on laps 70 and 140.

Ragan on Richmond: “Richmond is one of my favorite race tracks. I love going there and it’s a great short track for the trucks to race. Hopefully after learning a few things at Darlington we’ll be able to hit the ground running and have a fast Ford F-150. We’re proud to have SelectBlinds.com on our truck. They have been a partner of mine for the last several years and I’ve got a great relationship with Rick Steele (founder) and the entire Select Blinds team. It will be fun to hit the track Thursday and get the weekend started off right.”

Richmond Raceway 250 | Richmond Raceway Race Advance

Team: No. 45 Proceller8 Chevrolet Silverado

Driver: Trevor Bayne

Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @TBayne6

Trevor Bayne on Racing at Richmond: “I’m pumped to get another shot this weekend in the Niece Motorsports Proceller8 Chevy,” said Bayne. “Last weekend didn’t show what we are capable of, and I feel way more comfortable going into the weekend, now knowing what these trucks drive like. I’ve always liked short track racing and look forward to 250 more laps at Richmond.”

Bayne at Richmond: Thursday night’s race at Richmond Raceway marks Bayne’s first NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series start at the .75-mile track.

In eight NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at Richmond Raceway, Bayne earned two top-five finishes and six top-15 finishes.

Bayne has seven NASCAR Cup Series starts at the Virginia track, with two top-15 finishes.

On the Truck: The No. 45 Chevrolet will race with support from Proceller8 at Richmond Raceway.

In a crowded market of nutritional supplements, the Proceller8 product line stands out, with a high standard for product quality and non-stop mission to bring the best to customers.

About Niece Motorsports:

Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2020, Niece Motorsports enters its fifth season in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 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.

Richmond Raceway 250 | Richmond Raceway Race Advance

Team: No. 44 Ruedebusch Development & Construction Chevrolet Silverado

Driver: Natalie Decker

Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @NatalieRacing

Natalie Decker on Racing at Richmond: “I can’t wait to get back into the truck after a week off,” said Decker. “The Truck Series hasn’t been to Richmond in a few years, so it will be a new challenge for most of us. I’m excited to go racing under the lights on Thursday!”

Decker at Richmond: Thursday night’s Truck Series race at Richmond Raceway marks the first time in 15 years that the Series returns to the .75-mile track.

On the Truck: Decker’s No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado will race with support from Ruedebusch Development & Construction.

Ruedebusch Development & Construction, Inc. is a highly qualified, vertically integrated full service commercial construction, and real estate development company located in Madison, Wisconsin which offers: Commercial Real Estate Development Design Build Construction Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Economic Development, Commercial Real Estate, and Facility Consulting.

About Niece Motorsports:

Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2020, Niece Motorsports enters its fifth season in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 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.

Richmond Raceway 250 | Richmond Raceway Race Advance

Team: No. 40 Scott’s/GM Parts Now Chevrolet Silverado

Driver: Carson Hocevar

Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @CarsonHocevar

Hocevar on Racing at Richmond: “I’ve been ready to get back into one of these Niece Motorsports trucks since we took the checkered flag at Gateway,” said Hocevar. “We’ve had strong trucks and good speed so far this season. I’m learning as much as I can every time I get in the truck. I love short track racing and am excited for Thursday night’s race. If we can keep our nose clean, we will be in contention for another solid finish.”

Hocevar at Richmond: Thursday night’s Truck Series race at Richmond Raceway marks the first time in 15 years that the Series returns to the .75-mile track.

On the Truck: The No. 40 Chevrolet will carry the Scott’s and GM Parts Now colors at Richmond Raceway.

Scott’s Sport Cards, Coins & Jewelry carries the largest selection of high-quality estate jewelry, rare coins, and anything in between in Southwest Michigan. Since 1972, Scott Hocevar has been collecting, buying, and selling gold and silver jewelry, coins, and bullion. Having earned a reputation for offering fair prices, working with Scott’s allows customers to be confident that they are getting the best, most current prices available when buying gold and silver, estate jewelry, and sports memorabilia.

GM Parts Now is the go-to online auto parts store for OEM car parts. Whether customers are looking to repair or customize an old or new vehicle, GM Parts Now has what you need. GM Parts Now offers car parts and GM accessories for a variety of years, makes and models.

About Niece Motorsports:

Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2020, Niece Motorsports enters its fifth season in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 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.