Catchfence

Chase Austin

Team Owner: Gary Baker & Mike Curb

Sponsor: Forgotten Harvest / Walgreens Million Meal Challenge

Team: Baker Curb Racing

Series: NASCAR Nationwide Series

Chase Austin Quotes:

You made your 2010 season debut at Michigan in June in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Race. How excited are you to get back to this track for a second time?

“I look forward to it. I was able learn a great deal during the truck series practices but unfortunately we lost an engine very early in the race. I still feel like I need more seat time, so it will be nice to get back on the track Thursday to log some more laps and learn as much as possible before the race on Saturday.”

You get to drive the new version of the NASCAR Nationwide Car this weekend. Do you expect any differences in the handling of this body versus the older one?

“The new cars in the Nationwide Series look really cool. I expect them to handle different but most of that is due to the aero changes in the body. However, I’ve only had five races in the previous body style, so the learning curve should be pretty comfortable for me since I don’t have a large amount of races in the older style. I know the other drivers will really feel the difference when on the track. I’m just excited to have the opportunity to get back on the track period and getting the chance to race the new body is a plus.”

You had the chance to tour the Forgotten Harvest Headquarters in Detroit this past June. How was that experience?

“It was mind blowing the commitment the folks at Forgotten Harvest have in giving those in poverty an opportunity to put a healthy meal on their table. Visiting their headquarters was an awesome experience. I had a chance to see how much effort goes into it and I can tell you it was very impressive. You could see their passion and the fact that they’re able to rescue over 19 million pounds of food in a year is incredible.”

What does it mean to be associated with a program like the Million Meal Challenge for the Kids?

“It’s an honor. Through companies like Walgreens and programs like the Million Meal Challenge for the Kids, Forgotten Harvest has been able to feed so many kids in the Detroit Metro area this summer. I encourage everyone to go visit their local Walgreens and donate today, so they can continue to make sure that every kid in need has a meal this summer.”

Fun Fact: What are your favorite hobbies?

“I enjoy relaxing with friends and family….playing my X-BOX. Of course, this summer I’ve spent a large amount of my time at the pool, perfecting my diving.”

Forgotten Harvest / Walgreens Million Meal Challenge Racing:

Chase Austin Quick Facts:

- Chase Austin will be making his second start at Michigan International Speedway

- Chase Austin has 5 career NASCAR Nationwide Series Starts

- Chase Austin’s best career finish in the NASCAR Nationwide Series was 29th in 2009 at Atlanta Motor Speedway

- NASCAR Nationwide Series: Career Starting Avg. 28.6 – Career Finishing Avg. 35.0

- Chase Austin has 19 NASCAR Starts; 5 NASCAR Nationwide Series, 3 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and 11 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East – Best Finish: 6th (Dover in 2007, K&N Pro Series East)

RACE INFORMATION:

What – CARFAX 250; NASCAR Nationwide Series Race

When – Saturday, August 14, 2010; 2:00 p.m. EST

Where – Michigan International Speedway

Broadcast – Qualifying: Speed Channel (Saturday, August 14th, 10:10 a.m. EST)

Race – ESPN 2 & MRN Radio Network; 125 laps, 250 miles

Chase Austin Bio:

Chase Austin took his first green flag at the age of eight in a worn out little go-kart that he pieced together with his Dad, Steve. Little did Chase know that just ten years later and barely eighteen, he would become the first bi-racial driver in history to compete in a NASCAR Nationwide Series oval track event when he took the green flag at Memphis Motorsports Park.

Determined from the beginning to earn his way up the racing ladder, Chase Austin spent his formative years competing in anything with an engine and four wheels, from 900 pound midgets to 700 horsepower dirt late models. Racing exclusively on dirt, and mostly in equipment fielded by his unsponsored, family-owned team, Chase earned victories in virtually every type of car he drove.

A crowning achievement was winning the “Future Dirt Track World Championship”. Just thirteen at the time and one of the youngest in the field, Chase bested an “invitation only” group of the country’s top teenage Dirt Late Model drivers. By age fifteen, Chase had posted more than 100 feature wins and had earned numerous Points Championships and Rookie of the Year awards.

Signed by NASCAR’s most successful team Hendrick Motorsports before his fifteenth birthday, Chase again made history, this time as the youngest driver ever contracted by a NASCAR team. In his first season racing on asphalt, he captured two victories, numerous top five and top ten finishes, and a pole award. Sadly, the Hendrick Driver Development Program ended and Chase found himself searching for more opportunities.

While under contract with Rusty Wallace Racing in 2007, Chase was once again making history by becoming the first bi-racial driver to compete in a NASCAR Nationwide Series oval track event. RWR’s plans to field cars for Chase in the full 2008 season fail victim to the economic downturn and a resulting lack of sponsorship. Genuinely disappointed past NASCAR Champion Rusty Wallace said, “Chase has a lot of talent, and with enough seat time and the right financing, he can definitely be a star in NASCAR.”

With sponsorships, and therefore NASCAR “rides”, in short supply in 2009, Chase was only able to run a handful of NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series races last season. Austin remains resolutely undaunted. “I’ll just keep praying, keep digging and make the most out of every opportunity I get until the right one comes,” says Austin.

With his commitment to excellence and success in motorsports, both on and off the race track, young Mr. Austin will continue to relentlessly and fearlessly “Chase The Dream”. Join the Chase!

- Sports One Press Release