“Youngster Still Looking for Sponsorship Help to Run Event with Eddie Sharp Racing in April”

Brandon McReynolds

McReynolds was the second-quickest of the 21 cars in attendance at the ARCA Racing Series open test session. McReynolds’ time of 29.071 seconds (185.752 mph) was less than 0.04 of a second off the fastest time turned in during the one-day test.

“I didn’t know what to expect when I pulled out onto the track for the first time,” said McReynolds, who has been to the track before as a spectator, but never driven on the ultra-fast speedway in Fort Worth. “But right away, the car was fast. We were on top of the charts after the early runs, then got pushed down the list as cars were bolting on new tires. When we put on new tires, we got right back up there on top of the list.

“At the end of the day, we were second fastest on the speed charts. I really think we were the best on old tires as well, which is where we wanted to be. So overall, I think it was a very productive day.”

McReynolds is hoping to find sponsorship that will allow him to compete in the Rattlesnake 150 on April 16th at Texas Motor Speedway with Eddie Sharp Racing. The Friday event is scheduled to follow both NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series practice as well as Sprint Cup qualifying, which will bring a potential sponsor added attention. In addition to the live audience at the track, the race will be aired on SPEED TV as well.

“We are working a lot of angles and trying to put something together,” said Larry McReynolds, Brandon’s father. “There is a lot of interest out there, but putting everything together is the hardest part. We’re working on giving a potential sponsor not just their name on a racecar, but a competitive package with a championship-winning team. And after Brandon’s test at Texas, I think we are on our way to that. I’m really proud of what Brandon did down there never turning a lap on that track before. It was quite different from his ARCA test at Daytona and he adapted to it rather well.”

Larry joined son Brandon at the test, which helped Brandon get a feel for the track a little faster than most.

“Obviously, with Dad over here, it is amazing the things he can tell you even though he didn’t drive the race car; he really knows what he’s doing,” added Brandon. “There were a lot of good cars down here; a lot of cars that had some sort of Cup affiliation. The RCR guys had Scott Wimmer at the track helping one of their drivers and that turned out to be a lot of help to me too. I watched Scott closely and learned from what he was doing.

“I came out of there with a new respect for Texas. That place is really fast. I thought Daytona was wicked, but this place is just unreal. I thought coming into it that you would use more throttle than you did, but you have to let out and get the car set. It was a lot of fun and I learned a lot.

“If we get the chance to come back for the race, I think we will be a favorite to run up front.”

Brandon is coming off the most successful season in his young racing career. Brandon piloted his #28 Team McReynolds Dodge to three wins and three poles in 16 UARA-Stars Series starts, coming home third in the final point standings. He also had seven top-five finishes and 10 top-10 finishes along the way. In addition to his UARA accomplishments, McReynolds finished second in the annual Bailey’s 300 at Martinsville Speedway in early October.

Team McReynolds hopes to move to the ARCA Racing Series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series or USA Racing Pro Cup Series for the 2010 season, along with continuing to run a handful of UARA events. Brandon also has it on his schedule to compete in a 250 lap NASCAR Late Model event at Southside Speedway in VA. This race is sponsored by NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Denny Hamlin and will run on the Thursday night prior to the Sprint Cup Weekend at the Richmond International Raceway in late April.

The biggest challenge to accomplish any of this is to secure sponsorship. With the package of a talented young driver, a championship caliber race team and the likes of Larry McReynolds, any company would benefit in a relationship with Team McReynolds to help promote their product or company. Please contact the shop office at 704-799-9170 to discuss the opportunities available.

As always, check out Brandon McReynolds’ official website, www.brandonmcreynolds.com, for all the most recent news and information on Brandon and the entire team.

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MOORESVILLE, NC (03-11-10) – For the past month ARCA Series rookie Sean Corr has been preparing to take on yet another new track in his young racing career. After a successful first run at Daytona International Speedway, in the season opener for the ARCA Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards, Sean got ready for another challenge, Texas Motor Speedway.

Ready to go on Tuesday morning, Sean and the team arrived at the track bright and early. However, the track had other ideas with water seeping out of the racing surface from rain the previous day. Forced, ARCA officials had to cancel the morning test session, but beautiful skies and sun prevailed. This had all 21 teams at the test, including Empire Racing, preparing for an afternoon session. After hours of waiting, the track was declared good to go at 1 PM, and Sean got right out on to the speedway.

After running 9 sessions on track, 75 laps total, the #82 Ford Fusion of Empire Racing was 8th fast overall on the speed charts by the end of the day. Corr and the team had accomplished what they came to Texas to do, learn. Throughout the 9 runs, many adjustments were made to improve the cars handling and performance and help the team prepare for next months Rattlesnake 150 at the Speedway.

“Texas Motor Speedway is fast, exciting, and a challenge both physically and mentally.” said a satisfied Corr. “I’m glad we came and tested because it gives me an idea of what to expect out of the car and track next month.” Corr was extreamly happy with Empire Racing Chassis #1, and even noted it is one of his “favorite cars”.

The team will return to Texas in April for the Rattlesnake 150 at “The Great American Speedway” on Friday, April 16, a part of the Samsung Mobile 500 NASCAR doubleheader weekend. The race will be broadcast on SPEED Channel. For anyone interested in attending the race visit http://www.texasmotorspeedway.com or call (817) 215-8500 for tickets.

- Empire Racing Press Release

Eddie Sharp Racing Logo

The morning session was delayed due to heavy precipitation the day before. The 1.5-mile superspeedway was dry enough to start practice by 1 PM CDT, and 21 drivers took to the track in preparation for the Rattlesnake 150 on Friday, April 16, 2010.

Brandon McReynolds tested the No. 2 Eddie Sharp Racing Toyota, running second fastest overall at 185.752 mph. McReynolds, son of former crew chief and current FOX race analyst Larry McReynolds, was also fast when he tested at Daytona in an ESR Toyota. He hopes to return to TMS for his first career ARCA Racing Series start if sponsorship is found.

McReynolds found his experience being around the track with his dad, who served as crew chief for Dale Earnhardt and Davey Allison, to be beneficial in establishing his comfort level at the track during the test. “It definitely helped being around the race tracks,” said McReynolds. “I’m comfortable at TMS because I’ve been here before, and I’ve seen the facility. Obviously, with Dad over here, it is amazing the things he can tell you even though he didn’t drive the race car; he really knows what he’s doing.”

Craig Goess, driver of the No. 81 Toyota, also had a successful test, finishing fourth fastest with a speed of 184.074 mph.

“We made good, steady progress all day,” Goess said. “We tried a bunch of stuff; some worked and some didn’t, but we learned a lot. We should be very competitive when we come back.”

Goess took advantage of the test day not only as a time to hone his skills during the 6-week break between races, but also to get acquainted with a track he has never raced on.

“It was my first time driving at Texas,” said Goess. “It’s fast. You find yourself holding your breath for the first few runs. It takes a while to figure out just how much corner speed you can carry here. The winner of this race is going to have to be on his toes.”

After recent news that he will be running three ARCA Racing Series races with ESR, Piquet tested the No. 6 ESR Toyota and finished the test in the 16th position with a speed of 180.186 mph. The test provided another opportunity for the Formula One driver to get more comfortable during his first year in stock cars.

“Every day I’ve been learning a lot, hearing stories,” said Piquet. “The driving part is taking time because I’m not in a car every day. For me, it’s tougher to run these kinds of cars than a normal road course. Hopefully, I’ll eventually get more and more used to it. Today is a big day for me.”

Piquet made his debut in both the ARCA Racing Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in February at Daytona.

Eddie Sharp, owner of ESR, was pleased with the progress all teams made at the TMS Test. “The test went very well. I think we made progress on all fronts,” said Sharp. “I was really pleased with Brandon’s quickness and Craig’s car. It was the first true test for Craig and the communication was exceptional. I think this test really proved to us that the changes we made over the winter worked. I’m excited for Craig going forward.”

“The test was an eye-opener for Nelson,” Sharp stated. “The only thing he had to relate to was Daytona, so Nelson got another chance to see what he still needs to learn. Seat time and running more ARCA races are really going to help him. I think if he went back and tested tomorrow, he would have done even better. Nelson really has a lot of talent.”

The next race for ESR is the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200 presented by ApplianceZone.com on April 11, 2010 at Salem Speedway. ESR will return to TMS on April 16 for the Rattlesnake 150.

About Eddie Sharp Racing

Eddie Sharp set up shop in 2005 after several years of transforming young, talented drivers into ARCA championship contenders. Today, Eddie Sharp Racing has evolved into the rite of passage for any serious upcoming driver with an ambition for professional stock car racing. Located in Denver, North Carolina just north of Charlotte, Eddie Sharp Racing occupies a top-notch facility that closely resembles a five-star NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team, both inside and out. The two ESR buildings each contain two teams where on any given day, championship contending cars are assembled, engines tuned and teams strategize to score the next race day victory.

- Eddie Sharp Racing Press Release

Nur Ali

“I’ve been looking forward to the day I drove a stock car at Texas Motor Speedway for a long time,” said Ali, who has moved to Fort Worth with his family 27 years ago. “As a Texan and a race car driver, there is no bigger thrill than driving on Texas’ high banks. Before I left pit road, I pinched myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.”

The session did not go completely as planned for Ali but it still proved to be very beneficial.

“The car that Mario (Gosselin, team owner) brought was fast right off the truck,” said Ali. “Within a few laps we were up to speed. We started making changes and it continued to get even better.

“We made a few more runs when I noticed a problem with the motor. We didn’t want to risk damaging it or causing a wreck, so we cut the day a little bit short. There is not doubt in our minds that we would have been much faster had we not encountered that problem. We have a fresh motor for the race so we will be fine.”

The 35-year-old has five previous starts in the ARCA Racing Series. Prior to setting his sights on a career in stock cars, Ali spent several years competing internationally. He was the driver for Team Pakistan in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport during the 2006-2007 season. In the states, he spent eight seasons competing in the Star Mazda Series. Ali, who has raced in 12 countries, is also the first and only professional race car driver of Pakistani descent.

Ali is sponsored by three Texas-based corporations – Fort Worth-based Ben E. Keith Company (Budweiser), Houston-based Tara Energy and Dallas-based A to Z Wholesale

The Rattlesnake 150 at Texas Motor Speedway will be televised live on SPEED on April 16. The broadcast begins at 7:30 P.M. (ET). SPEED is DirecTV channel 607 and Dish Network channel 150. Check with your cable provider for SPEED in your area

- Sports Media & Events Press Release

Talladega Superspeedway

The $99 package, created by Talladega Superspeedway and Barber Motorsports Park, gives race fans access to all six days of racing at the April 9-11 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber and the April 23-25 Aaron’s Dream Weekend at Talladega.

“It’s almost unfair that we can pack this much racing action into one month,” joked Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. “We are very excited to partner with Barber Motorsports Park to welcome both IndyCar and NASCAR fans to the great state of Alabama. Where else can go you from watching the twist and turns of IndyCar to the beating and banging of NASCAR in only 30 minutes? This $99 package is a great value for race fans and we look forward to a strong turnout at both events. ”

“You have to love being a motorsports fan in the State of Alabama”, says Gene Hallman, President of ZOOM Motorsports. “This $99 package makes it possible to see the best of what both facilities have to offer in the month of April at a very affordable price. We’re fortunate to have a partner in Talladega that’s willing to join us in reaching out to the fans with this incredible six-day deal.”

The Aaron’s Dream Weekend features qualifying for the NASCAR Nationwide Series, followed by the ARCA Racing Series 250 race on Friday, April 23. On Saturday, April 24, fans will see qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, followed by the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. On Sunday, April 25, NASCAR’s greatest drivers face off in the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

The Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by Legacy Credit Union will feature both open-wheel and sports car racing during the April 9 – 11 event. On Friday, April 9, the Firestone Indy Lights and IZOD IndyCar Series will be on-track for their practice sessions, as well as practice and qualifying for both the Grand-Am Rolex Series as well as the Continental Tire Series. Saturday, April 10 will feature IZOD IndyCar qualifying and both the Porsche 250 Grand-Am Rolex and the Continental Tire races. On Sunday, April 11, the Firestone Indy Lights will race in the morning while the main event, the Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, gets underway in the afternoon.

To order the $99 package, contact the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA or online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. CDT, Monday- Friday.

- Talladega Superspeedway, Press Release

ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards Logo

West Lake, Louisiana’s Mikey Kile, in a Venturini Motorsports Toyota, led the charts circling the 1.5-mile speedway in 29.033 seconds, an average speed of 185.995 mph.

Brandon McReynolds, in an ESR Toyota, was second quickest overall at 185.752 mph. McReynolds is the son of former crew chief and current FOX race analyst Larry McReynolds. McReynolds hopes to make his first career ARCA Racing Series start in the Rattlesnake 150.

“It definitely helps chatting with Dad and other guys that have been around here a lot,” said Brandon, whose father served as a successful crew chief for the likes of Dale Earnhardt and Davey Allison, among others. “It definitely helped being around the race tracks. I’m comfortable because I’ve been here before. I’ve seen the facility. Obviously, with Dad over here, it is amazing the things he can tell you even though he didn’t drive the race car; he really knows what he’s doing.”

Steve Arpin, suffering from flu-like symptoms, took just 20 laps around the track but managed the third fastest speed (184.647 mph).

“We’ve got a really good car, but to be honest, my whole body aches,” said Arpin. “I woke up sick Sunday night, and I’m just not at my best. We’re going to lean on my teammate Mikey (Kile) for the notes. He made a bunch of runs, so that’s going to help a lot. This track’s so fast; one mistake and you’re going to be in trouble. Car’s great though. I know that.”

Craig Goess, also in an ESR car, was fourth on the charts.

“We made good, steady progress all day,” Goess said. “We tried a bunch of stuff; some worked, some didn’t. But we learned a lot. We should be very competitive when we come back. First time on the track for me; it’s fast alright. You find yourself holding your breath for the first few runs. It takes a while to figure out just how much corner speed you can carry here. Winner of this race is going to be on his toes.”

Grant Enfinger, in a Ford, was fifth fastest followed by Chad Finley in a Brad Keselowski Racing Chevrolet.

“We worked on our aero package all day,” said the 17-year-old Finley, the son of former ARCA Racing Series winner Jeff Finley. “Mostly, it was just me getting used to how fast everything happens here. I talked to Brad (Keselowski) on Saturday and he gave me some pointers. It helped a lot. He talked about the transitions of the corners here, that it takes some getting used to.”

For many of the ARCA drivers, the test was the first opportunity for them to get a look and feel for ‘The Great American Speedway!’

“You always hear about the racing going on in Texas,” veteran ARCA Racing Series driver Patrick Sheltra said. “To come here and experience that is amazing. To come back here for the first time since 1998, you really see how far Texas Motor Speedway has come. It’s a blessing for ARCA to come back here.”

For a pair of Texans, today’s test session was more than just about logging laps.

Lance Fenton, of nearby Tyler, and Nur Ali, of Fort Worth, took their cars around Texas Motor Speedway for the first time. Ali, who has raced on Texas Motor Speedway’s road course while competing in the Star Mazda Series, has yet to compete on the 1.5-mile oval. Ali, who moved from Pakistan to Fort Worth in 1983 and graduated from Trinity High School, is looking forward to the opportunity to race in front of the hometown crowd next month.

“It’s been exciting,” Ali said. “I’ve always wanted to be in NASCAR. I’ve grown up in Texas for the last 27 years and Fort Worth is home. I’m very excited that the ARCA Series is now participating at Texas during the NASCAR weekend. We are excited about racing here at home in front of the home crowd.”

For Fenton, racing close to home provides some added pressure to perform but is definitely looking forward to his first opportunity to compete at Texas Motor Speedway.

“We are really stoked about being close to home and getting to come back to home turf,” Fenton said. “I tell everyone that I get to race, but none of them get to see it at the other tracks so it will be cool to bring the entourage and make it a local event for me.”

The test session marked yet another opportunity for former Formula One driver Nelson Piquet Jr. to gain more track time. Piquet Jr., the son of three-time Formula One champion Nelson Piquet, is making the transition from the open-wheel discipline to stock cars. To ease into his transition, Piquet Jr. is running a limited number of ARCA and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events this year. That schedule includes two stops at Texas Motor Speedway, the first being the Rattlesnake 150 and then the WinStar World Casino 400k NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on June 4. For Piquet Jr., the test session offered him yet another opportunity to enhance his learning curve as he makes the transition.

“Every day I’ve been learning about a lot, hearing stories,” said Nelson, who made his debut in both the ARCA Racing Series and Camping World Truck Series at Daytona in February. “The driving part is taking a bit of awhile because I’m not in a car every day. For me, it’s tougher to run these kinds of cars than a normal road course. Hopefully slowly, I’ll get more and more use to it. Today is a big day for me.”

The Rattlesnake 150 race caps off The Dallas Morning News Qualifying Days on Friday, April 16, that will feature qualifying in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series for the Samsung Mobile 500 and O’Reilly Auto Parts 300, respectively. The ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards kicks off the race week action for the Samsung Mobile 500 with practice and qualifying for the Rattlesnake 150 on Thursday, April 15.

Tickets for the Samsung Mobile 500 race week events are available by calling (817) 215-8500 or by visiting www.texasmotorspeedway.com.

ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards

POS NO DRIVER MAKE TIME SPEED

1 25 Mikey Kile Toyota 29.033 185.995

2 2 Brandon McReynolds Toyota 29.071 185.752

3 55 Steve Arpin Chevy 29.245 184.647

4 81 Craig Goess Toyota 29.336 184.074

5 09 Grant Enfinger Ford 29.352 183.974

6 29 Chad Finley Chevy 29.422 183.536

7 16b Joey Coulter Chevy 29.490 183.113

8 82 Sean Corr Ford 29.502 183.038

9 60 Patrick Sheltra Toyota 29.601 182.426

11 11 Bryan Silas Ford 29.768 181.403

12 31b Scott Wimmer Chevy 29.782 181.318

13 15 Alli Owens Chevy 29.786 181.293

14 22 Dakoda Armstrong Dodge 29.904 180.578

15 36 Robb Brent Dodge 29.947 180.319

16 6 Nelson Piquet, Jr. Toyota 29.969 180.186

17 38 Alex Kennedy Dodge 30.080 179.521

18 12 Nur Ali Chevy 30.353 177.907

19 77 Tom Hessert Dodge 30.543 176.800

20 95 Lance Fenton Dodge 30.547 176.777

21 31a Tim George Chevy 31.024 174.059

- ARCA Press Release

NASCAR has suspended two crewmen for violating its substance abuse policy, including the former brother-in-law of Jeremy Mayfield.

William David Keith, a spotter for David Gilliland in the Sprint Cup Series, is one of the two crewmen and was suspended Tuesday. Keith is also a former winner in the ARCA Racing Series.

Keith gave a deposition in Mayfield’s legal battle with NASCAR, claiming he witnessed Mayfield using methamphetamines several times. Mayfield became the first driver last May to be suspended under NASCAR’s toughened drug policy.

Matthew Huffstetler was the other crewman suspended. He works for Daisy Ramirez Motorsports in the Camping World Truck series.

- SI.com

Training Camp & Competition Will Award Opportunity in ARCA Racing Series

(Concord, NC.) March 9, 2010 – Unlike virtually any other major American sport, auto racing does not have any typical path to the “big leagues.” Today’s top racers come from diverse racing backgrounds that include dirt track and asphalt, big track and small, road course and oval, open wheel and stock cars.

But despite the many different paths taken, most of these racers have one thing in common; they were lucky enough to have people who could make a difference in their careers recognize their ability, help refine it and provide a real chance to display it on a big stage.

To that end, Richard Petty’s Driver Search was created to help bring racing talent, training and opportunity together.

Named for the winningest driver in NASCAR Sprint Cup history and designed as a unique training camp and competition for aspiring race car drivers looking for an opportunity to advance their careers, the inaugural Richard Petty’s Driver Search will take place April 26^th – April 29^th.

The program will be limited to only 12 participants. At the end of the four-day training camp, one competitor will be awarded a fully supported opportunity to qualify for, and compete in, the ARCA Racing Series event June 5^th at Pocono Raceway the day prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

“Guys ask me all the time how they can advance their racing careers,” said Petty, “and the truth of it is, it’s not easy. So many times it comes down to who you know, not what you know how to do. This Driver Search is gonna give a group of racers the chance to show what they can do while, at the same time, making them better at it.”

“We’ve designed the overall itinerary and specific modules with input from guys who know what it takes” said Rick Fedrizzi, President and COO of Richard Petty Driving Experience, which will manage and execute the program. “In addition to Richard’s feedback, we’ve incorporated suggestions from Marcos Ambrose, Kyle Petty and other accomplished racers.”

Richard Petty’s Driver Search will focus on the core skill set necessary for success at the highest levels in motorsports. Over the course of the program, which will take place at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Speedway and Carolina Speedway in Kershaw, SC, competitors will demonstrate their abilities, and learn from experts, in the areas of Car Control, Endurance, Track Management, Adaptability, Race Practices, Passing Exercises, Car Knowledge and Feel, Mechanical Knowledge, Speed, Communication and Marketability.

“Nothing like this program currently exists” said Kyle Petty. “Most of the driver competition-type programs that have come along are all about a TV package or have some other angle. But this program is about helping racecar drivers further develop their abilities and giving one of them a legitimate shot to compete in a big race on a national stage.”

The cost to participate is $15,000.  Complete information and driver applications can be found at www.pettydriversearch.com.

“While just one driver will win the ARCA series opportunity, after four intense days of training and competition, every participant will leave with the experience and knowledge to be a better race car driver,” said Fedrizzi.

- Richard Petty Driver Search, Press Release

RAB Racing with Brack Maggard

The 25-year-old Fairhope, AL, native will once again pilot the No. 09 RAB Racing BeasleyAllen.com – Roush Yates Performance Ford entry for the second of five races this season. Enfinger, in his third year of ARCA competition, competed in the series’ opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 6th.

In 12 ARCA Racing Series starts since 2008, Enfinger has four top-five and five top-10 finishes, including career-best second-place finishes at both Kentucky Speedway (July 2009) where he led 35 laps, and Chicagoland Speedway (August 2009). In addition, Enfinger has one top-five and five top-10 starts in ARCA Series competition.

RAB Racing has maintained a presence in ARCA Racing since 2001, accumulating two poles, 155 laps led, 10 top-five and 37 top-10 finishes. In 2009, RAB Racing competed in its first full-season in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Following the ARCA Racing Series event featuring Enfinger, RAB Racing will complete a double-header weekend by also fielding the No. 09 Ford Fusion entry in the Nationwide Series’ O’Reilly 300 on Saturday, April 17th.

There are 21 competitors currently entered for the open test at Texas Motor Speedway. Enfinger and RAB are scheduled to continue their alliance through July, teaming-up at Texas as well as Talladega Superspeedway, Michigan International Speedway and Iowa Speedway. Indiana’s Salem Speedway marks the site of competition for the next ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards race on April 11th for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200.

For more information on RAB Racing please visit: www.teamrab.com.

For more information on Grant Enfinger please visit: www.grantenfinger.com

- RAB Racing Press Release

Infield campers bus will get whole new look for 2010 race season

Michigan International Speedway

Following a successful painting and unveil of Maurice “Moe” Clark’s infield bus in August 2009, MIS decided to give two other lucky race fans an Extreme Bus Makeover in time for the June 11-13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 race weekend.

Co-owners Tom “Woolfy” Wolfram of Coloma, Mich., and Mike Smith of Hartford, Mich., will receive a bus makeover courtesy of MIS. The two infield campers, who have been attending races at MIS with their current bus since 1999, dropped off their longtime infield sleeping quarters to the speedway. Fellow infield campers Katie Smith and Scott Downey also came along to drop off the bus.

“This is very exciting for us,” Wolfram said. “We bought this bus from our local school district back in 1999 for $800 and it’s been with us at MIS every June and August ever since. Thanks to MIS for painting our bus for us. It runs good, but doesn’t look all that great from the outside. We can’t wait to see it when it’s finished.”

Over the next four to six weeks, MIS staff members Jesus Salvador, Dustin Gilbert and Jamie Nichols will give the bus a makeover, which includes a new paint job and decals. MIS will incorporate the track’s brand of NASCAR in a national park into its new design.

The bus will be unveiled during camper lineup on Thursday, June 10, just prior to infielders being parked in the infield camping area.

“We had a lot of fun painting and designing Moe Clark’s bus last year, so we’re challenged to create something even better for Tom and Mike this year,” Gilbert said.

The bus makeover is just one item in a line events that make up the speedway’s Fan Appreciation presented LifeLock program. The speedway will also give away ticket upgrades, experiential items such as pace car rides, garage passes and special access at MIS events throughout the year. Fans are celebrated year-round with the Fan Appreciation presented by LifeLock program — not just on race weekend.

Affordable tickets, wider seats, larger infield campsites and earlier NASCAR Sprint Cup start times are just a few of the fan initiatives in place at MIS. Check out MISpeedway.com for details.

Remember: The Sprint Cup races start at 1 p.m. this season at MIS.

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

MIS’ Value Pricing is now available to the public until April 4. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 13 and CARFAX 400 on August 15 are as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for 2010 events at MIS.

Michigan International Speedway – 2010 Schedule

Friday, June 11           ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards Racing for Wildlife 200

Saturday, June 12      NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200

Sunday, June 13         NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400

Friday, Aug. 13           Gatorade Pole Day

Saturday, Aug. 14       NASCAR Nationwide Series CARFAX 250

Sunday, Aug. 15         NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400

- Michigan International Speedway, Press Release

Nelson Piquet, Jr.

Piquet Jr. and the ESR team will compete in the Rattlesnake 150 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 16, the Racing for Wildlife 200 at Michigan International Speedway on June 11 and the Pennsylvania ARCA 125 at Pocono Raceway on July 31.

“I consider this opportunity to work with Eddie Sharp Racing the next phase of my development in stock car racing,” said Piquet Jr. “ESR is the perfect team to work with to learn about the sport because of their championship team and great driver development track record in the ARCA Racing Series.”

Piquet Jr. finished 27th in his first stock car race in his ARCA Racing Series debut at Daytona International Speedway. Although disappointed with his finish in his first stock car finish, Piquet Jr. went on to finish sixth in his debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on Feb. 12, 2010.

“I learned a lot in the Daytona ARCA race, and I know it helped me with my sixth place finish in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series,” said Piquet Jr.

In continuing with tradition of building up drivers to be successful in NASCAR, Eddie is excited to work with Piquet Jr. once again and grow the former Formula One driver into a dominant force in stock cars.

“I am extremely excited to be working with Nelson again,” said Sharp. “I am very impressed that he has recognized the value of getting seat time in the ARCA Racing Series.”

Mike Calinoff will be the spotter for Piquet Jr.’s ARCA Racing Series appearances. Calinoff, who is also the spotter for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver No. 17 Matt Kenseth and NASCAR Nationwide Series driver No. 6 Ricky Stenhouse Jr., worked with Piquet Jr. in his ARCA Racing Series and NCWS debuts.

“I am looking forward to working with Nelson again,” Calinoff said. “Since the Daytona race, we have become good friends, and I look forward to continuing to build our relationship and his skills on the track.”

About Eddie Sharp Racing

Eddie Sharp set up shop in 2005 after several years of transforming young, talented drivers into ARCA championship contenders. Today, Eddie Sharp Racing has evolved into the rite of passage for any serious upcoming driver with an ambition for professional stock car racing. Located in Denver, North Carolina just north of Charlotte, Eddie Sharp Racing occupies a top-notch facility that closely resembles a five-star NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team, both inside and out. The two ESR buildings each contain two teams where on any given day, championship contending cars are assembled, engines tuned and teams strategize to score the next race day victory.

For more information about Eddie Sharp Racing, visit www.teamesr.com.

About Activ8 Communications

Activ8 Communications, based in Mooresville, North Carolina, specializes in public relations, marketing strategies, brand development and sponsor activation. With focus on NASCAR public relations and relationship building, Activ8 creates unique identities and connections for the drivers and clients under its umbrella.

For more information about Activ8 Communications, visit www.goactiv8.com.

- Activ8 Communications, Press Release

Nur Ali

The 35-year-old has five previous starts in the ARCA Racing Series. Prior to setting his sights on a career in stock cars, Ali spent several years competing internationally. He was the driver for Team Pakistan in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport during the 2006-2007 season. In the states, he spent eight seasons competing in the Star Mazda Series. Ali, who has raced in 12 countries, is also the first and only professional race car driver of Pakistani descent.

Ali is sponsored by three Texas-based corporations – Fort Worth-based Ben E. Keith Company (Budweiser), Houston-based Tara Energy and Dallas-based A to Z Wholesale.

“This is a dream come true,” said Ali. “I’m a Texan and have lived in this area for the past 27 years. This is my home and there is nothing more special than racing in my hometown with Texas sponsors. For much of my career, the only way to see me race was to watch it on TV. This will be the first attended race for many of my family and friends. I expect to have at least 500 guests in the grandstands cheering me on.”

Team owner Mario Gosselin and his DGM Racing team has been fielding winning cars in the ARCA Racing Series since 1999. It has two poles, four wins and multiple top 10’s to its credit. In addition to fielding entries in ARCA, DGM Racing also competes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with Gosselin behind the wheel of its No. 12 Chevy Silverado.

On March 9, Ali will get his first taste of the Texas Motor Speedway in a stock car when he participates in ARCA’s official test day. He plans to use the day to get comfortable with the unique characteristics of the speedway.

“Every track is different, ” said Ali. “It doesn’t matter if they are all 1.5 mile ovals, each will have unique attributes. This test gives me the chance to learn the track and develop a relationship with Mario and the team. Come race day, I plan to be as prepared as possible.”

- Sports Media & Events Press Release

Nelson Piquet, Jr.

Nelson can confirm that he will compete in the Rattlesnake 150 at Texas Motor Speedway on 16 April, the Racing for Wildlife 200 at Michigan International Speedway on 11 June and the Pennsylvania ARCA 125 on 31 July at Pocono Raceway. The 24-year-old will also be competing in selected NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events, details of which will be announced soon.

“I consider this opportunity to work with Eddie Sharp Racing the next phase of my development in stock car racing,” said Piquet. “ESR is the perfect team to work with to learn about the sport because of their championship team and great driver development track record in the ARCA Racing Series. I learned a lot in the Daytona ARCA race, and I know it helped me with my sixth place finish in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. I have a very good relationship with the Eddie Sharp boys already, we gelled from the very beginning so I’m really happy to continue to work with such a good group of people.”

Eddie Sharp Racing won the 2009 ARCA Championship with current NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Justin Lofton. For more information on ESR, please visit www.teamesr.com

- Nelson Piquet Communications Press Release

“18-Year-Old Planning to Test at 1.5-Mile Track with Ultra-Competitive Eddie Sharp Racing”

McReynolds Incorporated Logo

McReynolds is currently planning to partake in the ARCA Racing Series open test at Texas Motor Speedway on March 9th with Eddie Sharp Racing. If all goes well, the combination of McReynolds and ESR would like to return to the track for the 100-lap event on April 16th at the 1.5-mile track.

Of course, much of it hinges on finding a sponsor for the Rattlesnake 150.

“We are really looking hard to put together a deal to run the Texas race because I honestly think we can go there and be a contender to win the race,” said McReynolds. “We are hoping to put together a multi-race deal with a company out there, but we would even do a one-race program for the Texas event. Texas is going to be a huge weekend since the ARCA event is a companion race to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. This is going to be the first race at Texas Motor Speedway for the series since 1998, so there will be a lot of hype for the event.

“It’s really the perfect opportunity for a company to come on board with myself and be teamed up with a top-notch team like Eddie Sharp Racing. Eddie has the best team in ARCA hands down. They won the championship last year and haven’t been outside of the top three in the point standings since they started running the ARCA Series full-time.”

It won’t be the first time McReynolds and ESR have teamed up. The two parties worked together during an open test at Daytona International Speedway back in December with hopes of running the season opening event for the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards at the famed 2.5-mile oval. McReynolds was one of the fastest cars at the test, consistently finding himself in the top-five on the speed charts in both single-car and drafting runs.

However, sponsorship never got lined up for Daytona and McReynolds had to postpone his ARCA debut to the Texas event.

“We are really working hard to get something put together and get Brandon in the Texas ARCA event,” said Brandon’s father Larry McReynolds. “As a program, we have a lot to offer a company who might want to team with us for this event or a number of others during the remainder of the year. We have a full-service website, along with a public relations program that will help that sponsor get their name out there. Sponsors will also have the ability to use myself as a marketing tool, which is an added bonus. We just need to get the right people interested and we can build a winning program together.

“I have the utmost confidence in Brandon, not only as a father, but as a learned observer of the motorsports world. Between Brandon’s ability behind the wheel and the quality equipment that Eddie Sharp always brings to the track, I think we have a race-winning combination. We just need to get a company on the hood and quarter panels of the car and get them onboard to help us get to Texas and contend for the win.”

Should sponsorship get lined up, McReynolds and the Eddie Sharp Racing team will have a leg up on the competition based off of the upcoming Texas open test session.

“I’ve never been to Texas as a driver, but I’ve grown up watching plenty of races there and even run there on the computer simulators before,” added Brandon. “But nothing will compare to when we get there for the open test. Based off how good our Daytona sessions went, I think we will be a strong contender. Once we take some laps and get used to the track, we will be able to dial in the Toyota and see where we rank. I don’t see anything but good things coming out of the test, which means we would be that far ahead of the game when we came back for the race weekend.

“We just need a little bit of help to get it done.”

Brandon is coming off the most successful season in his young racing career. Brandon piloted his #28 Team McReynolds Dodge to three wins and three poles in 16 UARA-Stars Series starts, coming home third in the final point standings. Brandon also had seven top-five finishes and 10 top-10 finishes along the way. In addition to his UARA accomplishments, McReynolds finished second in the annual Bailey’s 300 at Martinsville Speedway in early October.

Team McReynolds hopes to move to the ARCA Racing Series or USARacing Pro Cup Series for the 2010 season, along with continuing to run a handful of UARA events. The biggest challenge to accomplish any of this is to secure sponsorship. With the package of a talented young driver, a championship caliber race team and the likes of Larry McReynolds, any company would benefit in a relationship with Team McReynolds to help promote their product or company. Please contact the shop office at 704-799-9170 to discuss the opportunities available.

As always, check out Brandon McReynolds’ official website, www.brandonmcreynolds.com, for all the most recent news and information on Brandon and the entire team.

- McReynolds Racing Press Release

Speedway earns 2010 Best of Jackson award for top tourist attraction

Michigan International Speedway

Other nominees for the award included Cascades Falls, the Dahlem Environmental Education Center and Ella Sharp Museum, all great attractions for the area. Voting was conducted on Jackson Magazine’s Web site and by mail from October to mid-January.

The award is special for MIS because it is voted on by the community and gives the speedway an understanding about the importance of being a good community partner and great tourist stop for the area.

“We are honored to be named by our local residents as one of Jackson’s best as the top tourist attraction,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “This awards program and the special nod to the winners and nominees is such a shining example of everything that’s positive about this community. And we’re extremely proud to be a part of that.”

MIS hosts two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends every summer in June and August. The race weekends are a top tourist destination for fans that travel from all 50 states and 13 countries. Many local businesses in the Jackson and surrounding areas receive a great deal of economic benefit from the races.

MIS has also gone to great lengths to listen to its race fans, many from the Jackson area, by improving local traffic, widening seats and reducing ticket and concession prices. The speedway also introduced a Fan Appreciation Program presented by LifeLock, which gives fans the chance to win race tickets, pit passes, pace car rides, exclusive access to driver introductions and other popular prizes.

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

MIS’ Value Pricing is now available to the public until April 4. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 13 and CARFAX 400 on August 15 are as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for 2010 events at MIS.

Michigan International Speedway – 2010 Schedule

Friday, June 11           ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards Racing for Wildlife 200

Saturday, June 12      NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200

Sunday, June 13         NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400

Friday, Aug. 13           Gatorade Pole Day

Saturday, Aug. 14       NASCAR Nationwide Series CARFAX 250

Sunday, Aug. 15         NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400

- Michigan International Speedway, Press Release