Catchfence

Denver, North Carolina (January 6, 2011) – TriStar Motorsports announces the appointment of Rick Carpenter as General Manager for their NASCAR Nationwide Series effort. Carpenter replaces Keith Barnwell in this position after his departure from the team last week.

“We are proud to add Rick to our growing organization,” stated team owner Mark Smith. “He brings a wealth of experience to the team and we think he will be a great addition as we continue the growth of our program. I believe his personality is a great compliment to our group of employees and everyone has welcomed him with open arms.”

Carpenter is a veteran within NASCAR serving many capacities in the sport. Prior to joining TriStar Motorsports he served as General Manager for Rusty Wallace’s Nationwide Series operation at RWI Racing. Rick has also held management positions at Penske Racing and Jasper Motorsports.

“I have known Mark Smith for many years and to be able to come into the situation of leading his NASCAR team is pretty cool,” said Carpenter. “Also, in my early years of this business the Morgan McClure teams were always tough and I admired their work in the sport – and now to be able to work with Eric McClure is awesome. My goal is to provide Eric and the rest of our drivers with the best opportunity they have had in this sport to excel and to help Mark grow TriStar Motorsports into a very formidable organization. We do have some lofty ambitions and I am anxious to get started with everything.”

TriStar Motorsports will field three entries this coming season in the NASCAR Nationwide Series – with McClure piloting the No. 14 Hefty® Chevrolet as well as the team fielding the No. 19 and No. 44 Chevrolets. The team will be making future announcements on drivers and sponsors for the other two entries

- Integrity Sports Marketing Press Release