Fain Skinner

“I’m very excited about the race. We have very competitive car and the very best horsepower under the hood I know that we have a realistic shot at winning this race and I’m looking forward to putting on a good show for all the sponsors. I have always dreamed of racing at Daytona since I was a little kid sitting in the stands, and now thanks to everyone that came on board I’m able to live that dream” said Skinner. Skinner will be piloting a 2012 red Ford Fusion a car built out of the Roush stables, the crew chief will be Mario Gosselin a past ARCA winner and proven champion. Fain would like to give a personal thanks to CarportEmpire.com and Rimrock Flooring.com for continuing to be a great supporter of him on and off the track.

Carport Empire.com information:

Carport Empire is one of the largest distributors of quality carports, carport garages, steel buildings and RV carports in the United States. We currently offer installation in all 48 continental states and have a trained staff of steel building specialists waiting to take your phone call. If you are looking to make a smart investment in a steel building or carport, then you are looking for Carport Empire.

American steel carports information:

Located in Kewanee, Illinois; Pioneer, Ohio; Colusa, California; Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; and Joshua, Texas, American Steel Carports, Inc. is your source for quality steel buildings. Choose from our full line of buildings ranging from Open Carports, Partial Carports, Mini Storage Units, Warehouses, Garages and even Portable Hunting Blinds. Our engineer certified, steel buildings are carefully constructed to provide you with the highest quality construction. Our steel buildings are reinforced in order to withstand large amounts of weight or wind. And we use steel with a commercially baked on finish providing years of low maintenance. Your choice of anchors can provide the additional security you need to put your mind at ease. If you can’t find exactly what you need in our catalog, just ask and we’ll work with you to create the building that matches your requirements.

- Fain Skinner Racing / DGM Racing Press Release

John Cena

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –

Cena was invited to participate in this year’s big race by 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series runner-up Carl Edwards on WWE’s Monday Night Raw®. Edwards got out of his official No. 99 Fastenal Ford and told Cena, “NASCAR asked me to come to Monday Night Raw and personally invite you to drop the green flag and officially start the Daytona 500 on February 26.” An appreciative John Cena enthusiastically accepted with an emphatic “Yes!”

“John Cena is the greatest Superstar in WWE today,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “We look forward to seeing him on the flag stand waving the green flag to start ‘The Great American Race’ and kick off the new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.”

Cena, who made his WWE debut in 2002, is a ten-time World Champion. He can be seen each week on the hit cable series Monday Night Raw on USA Network. The avid NASCAR fan will headline WrestleMania against The Rock® at Sun Life Stadium in Miami on Sunday, April 1, 2012.

Cena’s success has led to starring roles in various Hollywood films. He recently starred in The Reunion from WWE Studios and alongside Patricia Clarkson and Danny Glover in the family drama Legendary. His first theatrical film was the 2006 action-thriller The Marine from Twentieth Century Fox. Always a fan favorite with kids, Cena played himself in Nickelodeon’s popular teen comedies Fred: The Movie and Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred. A popular talk show guest, Cena has appeared on The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Talk and many more.

Cena, like many NASCAR drivers, has a long standing relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He is on pace to grant his 300th wish, making him the first celebrity wish granter ever to reach that lofty goal. The Make-A-Wish Foundation recently dedicated a room to WWE at the foundation’s headquarters in Phoenix, AZ, in honor of Cena’s unwavering dedication to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Past Honorary Starters for the Daytona 500 include NASCAR Hall of Famers Bobby Allison and Richard Petty, actor Ashton Kutcher, comedian Whoopi Goldberg and singer Mariah Carey.

Tickets for Speedweeks 2012 events, including the 54th annual Daytona 500, are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.comor by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

If you are unable to attend in person, be sure to tune in to the Daytona 500 on FOX on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. ET.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter (www.twitter.com/disupdates) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway). In addition, fans can follow NASCAR on Twitter (@NASCAR) and stay up to speed on the latest news by using hashtags #NASCAR and #DAYTONA500.

Source: Daytona International Speedway, Press Release

Tommy Baldwin Racing Logo

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 6, 2012) 

Pemberton comes from a family of racers. The Saratoga, N.Y., native started out sweeping floors at Roush Fenway Racing and worked his way up to a NSCS crew chief in 1997. Most recently, he served as crew chief for Brian Vickers at Red Bull Racing. During his career as a NSCS crew chief, he compiled two wins, 21 top-fives, 92 top-10s and 15 poles.

“I’m thrilled to join Tommy Baldwin Racing,” explained Pemberton. “TBR has shown a lot of growth in a short time, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of stepping up the program this year. Tommy, Dave and I all come from families of racing and have similar backgrounds, so I think it will be a good fit.”

This season will mark TBR’s fourth season of competition. TBR began as a part-time, one-car NSCS team in 2009 and developed into a top-35 team by 2011. In 2012, TBR plans to compete with two NSCS teams and a part-time NASCAR Nationwide Series team. The team would like to increase the number of races in both the NSCS and NNS schedules, provided more sponsorship can be found.

“Hiring Ryan is another stepping stone for TBR,” Tommy Baldwin commented. “Ryan brings experience and a wealth of knowledge from all the years he has been in the sport. He has been successful with every team he has worked for, and we are excited to have him be a part of our program.”

About Tommy Baldwin Racing:

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) Crew Chief Tommy Baldwin formed Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) in 2009. Baldwin utilized a declining economy to open a NSCS team with a stringent budget. The team worked to build to full-time competition, and by the 2011 season, the team’s third season, TBR competed in every race and locked the No. 36 Chevrolet in the top-35 in NSCS Owner Points. Dave Blaney drove the No. 36 Chevrolet to TBR’s highest finish of third in the October 2011 event at Talladega Superspeedway. TBR also fielded a second car for select races in the past two seasons with multiple drivers.

Based in Mooresville, N.C., TBR will compete in the NSCS in 2012 with NASCAR veterans David Reutimann and Dave Blaney. The team will also compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with Ryan Blaney, Bobby Santos and Ryan Truex.

For more information on Tommy Baldwin Racing, visit tommybaldwinracing.com or follow us on Facebook, facebook.com/TBR.HBR, and Twitter, twitter.com/TBR_Racing.

Source: Tommy Baldwin Racing, Press Release

ARCA's 60th Anniversary Season Logo

Founded in Toledo, Ohio in 1953, the Temperance, Mich.-based company will begin 2012 with a refined business plan and offer new opportunities to increase the level of on-track competition and off-track growth within the racing industry.

“Entering our 60th season, we’ve done some internal alignment to best position ourselves going forward,” said Ron Drager, ARCA’s president and chief executive officer. “Our moves will offer continued stability and a responsible pattern for growth at an important time in our company’s history.”

Drager announced the promotion of Jeff Brehmer to executive vice president and chief financial officer. Brehmer, 47, of Tecumseh, Mich., had been the vice president of finance and administration since joining the ARCA staff on a full-time basis in 2008.

Brehmer’s involvement with ARCA stretches back to the early 1980s, when he sold programs and stubbed tickets at ARCA’s two short track properties, Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways. He advanced to become the tour director for the ARCA Figure-8 Series, and returned to ARCA over three years ago after spending 20 years working in the cement and building products industry.

“Jeff has the best comprehensive base of knowledge across all of our properties, from our on-track racing activities to our business interests,” said Drager. “His experiences in racing and the strong business acumen he has developed over the years make him a worthy leader for many of our efforts going forward.”

Brehmer will directly oversee the business operations of the sanctioning body, including: the flagship ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards; Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways; the ARCA Truck Series; and the newly formed sanction agreement with Champion Racing Association and the ARCA CRA Super Series.

In addition to Brehmer’s promotion, Drager also announced changes in the marketing department, including the promotion of Mark Gundrum to vice president of business development and corporate partnerships. Gundrum, 49, has been the vice president of marketing and communications since 2004, and will now focus more of his time and efforts on business development and sales opportunities.

“Mark’s ability to bring new business opportunities and marketing partners to our company in challenging economic times has been extremely valuable,” Drager said. “Our new structure allows him to spend more time on the sales and corporate partnership side of the business, and with the growth and development of the marketing department as a whole, this is a logical progression.”

ARCA’s director of marketing, George Mergen, will be charged with the added responsibility of public relations. Mergen, a former Ford Racing agency representative who joined ARCA in the spring of 2010, will oversee the marketing and communications department.

2012 will be the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards’ 60th Anniversary Season, featuring 20 races at 18 tracks. The season begins with the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 18. The event will air live on SPEED.

The complete 2012 event schedule is available at ARCARacing.com.

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards has crowned an ARCA national champion each year since its inaugural season in 1953, and has toured over 200 race tracks in 28 states since its inception. The series has tested the abilities of drivers and race teams over the most diverse schedule of stock car racing events in the world, visiting tracks ranging from 0.4 mile to 2.66 miles in length, on both paved and dirt surfaces as well as a left- and right-turn road course in its most recent season. This year, the series will visit Alabama’s Mobile International Speedway and Minnesota’s Elko Speedway for the first time; ARCA’s first visit to Minnesota will give ARCA a race in a 29th state.

Founded by John and Mildred Marcum in 1953 in Toledo, Ohio, the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is recognized among the leading sanctioning bodies in the country. Closing in on completing its sixth decade after hundreds of thousands of miles of racing, ARCA administers over 100 race events each season in three professional touring series and local weekly events.

- Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

No 27 PEAK Menards Chevy Impala SS

WELCOME, N.C. (February 6, 2012)

Expanding on their hood sponsorship of the Menards Chevrolet, PEAK has redesigned the No. 27 Impala to be completely adorned with the signature “PEAK blue” and “Menards yellow” as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series kicks off the season with the 54th running of the “Great American Race” on February 26. The special paint scheme will also be showcased in the Budweiser Shootout on February 18 and the Duel 150 qualifying race on February 23.

“PEAK has been a great partner to work with over the years,” commented Menard. “This year, to kick off the season at Daytona with a little extra punch, PEAK decided to run a vastly different paint scheme on the No. 27 Chevrolet. There is always a special energy going into Daytona and I know the team and I are all excited to get there and do everything we can to put the No. 27 PEAK car into Victory Lane.”

PEAK first partnered with the 2011 Brickyard 400 champion in 2004, but their relationship with Menards dates back to the home improvement chain’s IndyCar days. To celebrate the occasion and generate excitement with fans, PEAK will feature exclusive online Menard content in the days leading into the Daytona 500. The blog can be followed at www.peakauto.com/blog. Fans can also follow the march to Daytona at @peakauto on Twitter and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/peakauto.

Menard had an outstanding 2011 season, capturing his first-career Sprint Cup Series win with an emotional trip to Victory Lane at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and finishing 17th in the driver championship standings, his highest career finish. Menard enters his sixth year of NSCS competition in 2012 and will make his second career appearance in the annual Budweiser Shootout at Daytona.

About PEAK

PEAK products are manufactured, marketed and distributed by Old World Industries, which is among the largest privately-held companies competing in the automotive aftermarket. The Northbrook, Illinois-based company enjoys a presence in various consumer product markets, energy exploration, and chemical manufacturing in more than 50 countries worldwide. Old World’s brands include a full line of PEAK® Performance Products; Mr. Clean® Windshield Wash, Wiper Blades, and Auto Care Products; SIERRA®, the safer antifreeze; Fleet Charge® Fully Formulated Coolant; Final Charge® Heavy Duty Global Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant; SmartBLADE™ Premium Wiper Blades; HERCULINER® Truck Bed Liner Kits; SplitFire® Spark Plugs. For more information, please visit www.oldworldind.com or www.peakauto.com.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 200 victories and 14 championships, including six in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its current Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Paul Menard (No. 27 Menards Chevrolet), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Budweiser/Rheem/Jimmy John’s Chevrolet) and Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar/Wheaties/BB&T Chevrolet). Its Nationwide Series program includes Elliott Sadler (No. 2 One Main Financial Chevrolet), 2011 Camping World Truck Series champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Advocare/Bass Pro Shops/American Ethanol Chevrolet) and Kevin Harvick/Brendan Gaughan/Paul Menard (No. 33 South Point Hotel & Casino/Menards/Hunt Brothers Pizza/Armour/Fast Fixin’/ Chevrolet). Tim George Jr. and Brendan Gaughan (No. 2 Potomac Family Dining Group/South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet), Joey Coulter (No. 22 RCR/Armour Chevrolet) and 2011 ARCA Racing Series champion Ty Dillon (No.3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet) compete in the 2012 Camping World Truck Series season.

Source: Richard Childress Racing, Press Release

Infineon Raceway

Re, who has more than 25 years of ticketing experience, will manage and oversee all aspects of ticket operations and services, including policies and procedures related to ticket sales, pricing and allocation. He will also coordinate accounting procedures on behalf of the ticketing department, oversee the maintenance of the ticketing system and will oversee customer service functions.

Prior to coming to Infineon Raceway, Re worked for a number of high-level organizations, including baseball’s Oakland Athletics (1982-1996), the Oakland Football Marketing Association selling tickets and personal seat licenses on behalf of the Oakland Raiders (1996-2006), the Stockton Arena, Ticketmaster and most recently with the Walt Disney Family Museum.

Some of Re’s most noted accomplishments include working as the Director of Ticket Operations for the Oakland A’s during the 1987 All Star Game and 1989 World Series. Re currently resides in San Ramon.

Source: Infineon Raceway, Press Release

Jimmie Johnson Foundation

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2012) –

“As the Jimmie Johnson Foundation expands its work to support K-12 education, it is amazing to see the needs that continue to emerge around technology in particular,” said Johnson. “We wanted to give people across the country the chance to help move their school forward.”

Johnson announced the awarding of the grant through a video message to students and faculty gathered around a laptop computer provided by the foundation. The $48,000 Team Up For Technology grant will allow the school to purchase the technology it needs to be able to share such videos on a projection screen for the entire student body.

The Team Up For Technology program encourages parents, teachers, administrators and children’s advocates nationwide to nominate their school to receive a technology makeover.  In its first year, more than 1,500 nominations were received through the foundation’s website (www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org) and Twitter account (www.twitter.com/jjfoundation48).  

Robert Sanders Elementary School Principal Julie Howard nominated her own school, sharing that, “We have one small computer lab for almost 500 students, and my students are hungry for technology in their classrooms.  Please help my students achieve great things while using today’s technology they long to be exposed to.”

Robert Sanders plans to use the grant award, which includes $30,000 in Samsung technology, to purchase items including projectors, laptops, digital cameras and document cameras.

”We are proud to be partnering with the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and Lowe’s to support K-12 education,” said David Steel, Executive Vice President of Samsung Electronics North America. “Not only do our efforts address current technology needs in the classroom, they also help get kids interested in science, technology, engineering, and math – subjects that help develop skills that will be so important for their future success.”

Schools selected as Team Up For Technology semi-finalists were given a prize kit that included a Samsung Digital Camcorder and Samsung Laptop to create a two minute video illustrating their school’s technology needs.  Robert Sanders Elementary was selected as the winner from a challenging group of finalists, including Brawley Middle School (Mooresville, NC), Breckenridge Elementary School (Breckenridge, MO), Claxton High School (Claxton, GA), Fair Grove Middle School (Fair Grove, MO), North Buncombe High School (Weaverville, NC), and Woodland Heights Elementary School (Mooresville, NC).  Each school’s videos are now featured on jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org.

ABOUT THE JIMMIE JOHNSON FOUNDATION

Chandra and Jimmie Johnson launched the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in February 2006.  Johnson, a five-time Sprint Cup champion, drives the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet in NASCAR’s premiere series.  The mission of the foundation is to assist children, families, and communities in need throughout the United States.  The foundation has committed more than $5 million to various charities.  For additional information on the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, please visit www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org. 

ABOUT SAMSUNG HOPE FOR CHILDREN

Samsung is dedicated to creating products that inspire passion and enable people to live Smarter Lives. Samsung Hope for Children represents the company’s philanthropic commitment in the U.S. to help improve children’s health, education and sustainability. Over the past 10 years, Samsung Electronics America and its retail and business partners have helped more than 400 schools, community-based foundations, and charities throughout the U.S. raise awareness of and funding for their causes. For more information please visit: www.samsung.com/hope.

ABOUT SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS NORTH AMERICA
Samsung Electronics North America (NAHQ), based in Ridgefield Park, NJ, is an arm of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. The company markets a broad range of award-winning consumer electronics, information systems, and home appliance products, as well as oversees all of Samsung’s North American brand management including Samsung Electronics America, Inc., Samsung Telecommunications America, LP, Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc., and Samsung Electronics Mexico, Inc. As a result of its commitment to innovation and unique design, Samsung is one of the most decorated brands in the electronics industry. The company was ranked #17 in BusinessWeek/Interbrand “100 Best Global Brands,” and named as one of Fast Company’s “50 Most Innovative Companies of 2011.” For more information, please visitwww.samsung.com. You can also Fan Samsung on www.facebook.com/SamsungUSA or follow Samsung via Twitter @SamsungTweets. 

ABOUT LOWE’S

With fiscal year 2010 sales of $48.8 billion, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE^® 50 company that serves approximately 15 million customers a week at more than 1,725 home improvement stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

Source: GMR Marketing for Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Team Lowe’s Racing, Press Release

Dr. John Maino, Michigan International Speedway’s medical director, receives the NASCAR Medical Director Award from NASCAR President Mike Helton and members of the NASCAR medical staff.

BROOKLYN, Mich. (Feb. 6, 2012) –

NASCAR has named Dr. John Maino, Michigan International Speedway’s medical director, as medical director of the year during its annual meeting with racetracks.

NASCAR annually recognizes a medical director who excels in leadership and organizational skills in the daily operations of a racetrack’s infield care center. Maino always assures medical standards are met, and that issues are quickly addressed with an immediate and positive outcome.

“MIS is successful because we are a family; a team that works well together to provide a lasting, memorable experience at every racing event,” Maino said. “The key to our success is teamwork, mutual respect and cooperation among the interacting disciplines when working together. I received the Medical Director Award from NASCAR for everyone I work with at MIS. The staffs of the fire, security and medical services should be receiving this award because without them we wouldn’t be the success we are. We are the ‘supporting staff’ that ensures that the events will be as safe as possible.”

Maino has not missed a race at Michigan International Speedway since he began working there in 1984. He oversees the infield care center’s medical efforts.

On any given weekend, the infield care center could treat 500 to 1,000 patients or more with everything from injuries they sustain at the track to existing issues that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

The care center treats anyone at MIS on a race weekend – drivers, crew members, track staff and guests. It opens on Thursday of race week through Monday. He’s treated drivers injured on the racetrack, dehydrated race fans, broken bones, sunburns, pink eye. You name it and he’s probably treated it.

“The staff must anticipate dangers and problems while being flexible and adapting to the situation. When spectators and fans come to MIS they want to be secure knowing that they will be safe and cared for should something occur,” Maino added.

A lifelong resident of Jackson, Mich., Maino is a 1971 graduate of Lumen Christ High School. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and Wayne State University School of Medicine. He currently serves as the medical director of Jackson County EMS System and the Chief Medical Examiner of Jackson County.

“Dr. Maino has a reputation for being not only a fine physician, but an even better human being. He has been an asset to us for many years and it’s an honor to have him on our team,” MIS President Roger Curtis said.

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.

Michigan International Speedway 2012 Schedule

Saturday, May 19 Great Lakes Wine Fest presented by Jackson County CVB

Friday, June 15 ARCA Racing Series RainEater Wiper Blades 200
Saturday, June 16 NASCAR Nationwide Series Alliance Truck Parts 250 and Gatorade Pole
Sunday, June 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

Friday, Aug. 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Practice
Saturday, Aug. 18 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Gatorade Pole
Sunday, Aug. 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400

Tuesday, Sept. 11 Spirit of America Blood Drive

Source: Michigan International Speedway, Press Release

Andy Belmont Racing (ABR)

The 26-year old Davis looks to strengthen an already impressive resume which includes championships in the World Challenge GT Series and most recently the 2011 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (NWAAS) on the West coast at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.). On the strength of 11 wins in the NWAAS, Davis rightfully earned a shot in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West at Infineon (Calif.) Speedway.

Brandon Davis

“I’m extremely grateful to ModSpace and Andy Belmont Racing for the opportunity to drive at Daytona,” said Davis, who will drive the No. 2 ModSpace Ford Fusion to open the 60th season for the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). “It’s Daytona, so automatically you want to go out there and do well. But, this is a whole new experience for me. I’m grasping this chance to make a positive name for myself and for everyone who’s making this possible for me.”

Andy Belmont, team principal at ABR is confident in his rookie’s abilities to get the job done at the “World Center of Racing.”

“It’s pretty clear, the kid has great credentials,” Belmont said. “We’re bringing Brandon a really good piece to the track and with his knack for success in a racecar; it should transfer over into the ARCA Racing Series with similar results. Daytona’s a monster in its own, so while we have goals, we just want him to go out there and do the best job he can and hopefully that will result in a positive finish.”

ModSpace, a leading provider of modular buildings, portable storage and services for temporary and permanent space needs will begin its third year as a sponsor for the veteran race team – but Daytona will resemble the first time that the Berwyn, Pennsylvania-based corporation has boasted a double-dose of racecar exposure at the 2.5-mile superspeedway.

“We are excited to have two cars with two great drivers paired up for this race, said William Mann, Vice President of Business Development for ModSpace. “Having a drafting partner is crucial on this track! Andy Belmont has put a lot of effort into fielding great cars and developing great drivers! We are excited to see both of these drivers represent ModSpace on this historic track.”

“ModSpace has been a great ambassador and sponsor to the Motorsports industry,” sounded Belmont. “We’re extremely thankful to have had their support the last two years and we’re hoping to build on a strong 2011 season into championship contenders this season with our full-time driver Mikey Kile. With Brandon now behind the wheel of our No. 2 Ford Fusion, our chances of getting ModSpace to victory lane again increase even more.”

Davis’s teammate, Mikey Kile will drive the team’s primary entry, the No. 1 ModSpace Ford Fusion in his 29th career ARCA start but first for ABR.

The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona (80 laps / 200 miles) is the first of 20 events on the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 49th ARCA race held at Daytona is a three-day show. Practice begins Thursday, February 16 with a four hour practice session planned from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for Friday, February 17 slated to begin at 2:00 p.m. A forty-five minute final practice session is etched in on Saturday, February 18th from 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. The event will take the green flag later that day shortly after 4:30 p.m. The race will be televised live on SPEED with additional race coverage including live timing and scoring through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local. ARCA, celebrating its 60th season in 2012 is the preamble for the highly anticipated Budweiser Shootout for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) set to ignite under the lights later that night.

For more on Brandon Davis, please visit brandondavis.com.

About ModSpace:

Modular Space Corporation (ModSpace), based in Berwyn, Pa., is a leading provider of modular buildings, portable storage and services for temporary and permanent space needs. With more than 40 years of experience, ModSpace serves a diverse set of customers and markets through a network of 80 branches throughout the United States and Canada. Further information is available by visiting http://www.modspace.com.

About Andy Belmont Racing (ABR):

Andy Belmont Racing (AndyBelmont.com) is a competitive and respected motorsports operation who fields race cars in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. ABR has been serving the motorsports community and winning for nearly 25 years. Currently, the team fields a full-time ARCA Racing Series program for series winner Mikey Kile in the No. 1 ModSpace Ford Fusion.

- Andy Belmont Racing Press Release

NASCAR Logo

(As Do The Rest Of The Plays In The Giants’ Arsenal)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 6, 2012) — Last night in the Daytona 500 of Football, the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots, employing a thrilling, breathtaking and awe-inspiring defensive package named after a thrilling, breathtaking and awe-inspiring sport – NASCAR.

The moniker, and its genesis, makes sense. Think about it…

DE Justin Tuck went to college at Notre Dame, a quick three-hour drive from Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Look at him during a game, dancing here – then there – behind the line of scrimmage. Aren’t his shimmies – which often result in a spike of some poor quarterback – reminiscent of Darrell Waltrip in Daytona International Speedway’s Victory Lane after winning The Great American Race in 1989?

Then watch the swim move from DE Osi Umenyiora, whose college (Troy University) sits about a two-and-a-half hour drive from big Talladega Superspeedway. His go-to move: Juking right, swatting a helpless defender away, and launching left. Can’t you envision a similar slingshot maneuver on Lap 200 on Feb. 26?

And now everyone’s down with JPP – DE Jason Pierre-Paul. He went to school at the University of South Florida, near NASCAR’s bookend tracks – Daytona and Homestead-Miami Speedway. His specialty: Off the block speed, every single play. If the NFL had an American Ethanol Fastest on the Restart Award (they don’t, but NASCAR does), he’d win it every game.

No wonder the Giants nicknamed its all-out pass rush after the world’s most competitive form of motorsports.

“We came up with NASCAR; we call it our speed package,” Giants defensive end Justin Tuck, who notched two sacks last night, told ESPN. “Why do we call it that? All of us compete about who’s the fastest and who gets to the quarterback the fastest. So NASCAR’s just something that felt right.”

So there’s a competition about who’s the fastest? And they bicker about who will be first to an all-important prize? Do the similarities ever end? Maybe the NFL should just give in and end games with a checkered flag.

Among the NASCAR drivers who attended Super Bowl XLVI were Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch, Clint Bowyer, Kasey Kahne, Austin and Ty Dillon.

Next, on Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. on FOX, NASCAR’s best will run the Daytona 500 for their chance at immortality.

The storylines for the much-anticipated opener are plenty. Will it be defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, who looks to fill the only hole in his brilliant career with his first win in The Great American Race? Or maybe Dale Earnhardt Jr. will nab his second 500 win, to join his 2004 trophy.

Then there’s the debut of Danica Patrick. Could she shock the world, winning the sport’s biggest race in her first series start?

Either way, the Daytona 500 appetizer is over. The main course is now only three weeks away.

Source: NASCAR, Press Release

Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway

Now, the race has an official start time.

The historic Good Sam Club Roadside Assistance Carolina 200 presented by Cheerwine will take the green flag at 1 p.m. on the legendary one-mile oval.

“This place (Rockingham Speedway) is steeped in tradition,” said speedway President Andy Hillenburg, “so, it’s nice to be back in that traditional Sunday afternoon 1 p.m. time slot.”

For more information on the Good Sam Club Roadside Assistance Carolina 200 presented by Cheerwine, or to purchase tickets, contact Rockingham Speedway at 910.205.8800 or visit online at www.rockinghamspeedway.com.

- Rockingham Speedway Press Release

NASCAR Logo

Jimmie Johnson to Present “The World’s Fastest Award”

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 6, 2012) – Carl Edwards and Trevor Bayne, known to most sports fans as winners in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, could soon add “Dance Machine” and “Gnarliest Newb” to their respective resumes.

Edwards and Bayne have been nominated as part of Cartoon Network’s second annual Hall of Game Awards, airing Monday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. ET. Five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and 2011 “Dance Machine” nominee Jimmie Johnson will also present “The World’s Fastest Award” with a special cameo appearance.

The show, hosted by Shaquille O’Neal, is a high-energy, off-the-wall, multi-platform experience that lets viewers vote and honor their favorite sports stars and sports moments of the year.

Edwards and Bayne have been nominated – and deservedly so – to compete in the “Dance Machine” and “Gnarliest Newb” categories. Edwards’ signature victory celebration, a backflip from his car, catapulted him to be a finalist in the “Dance Machine” category. Bayne’s improbable Daytona 500 victory as a 20-year-old in only his second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start last season propelled him to compete in what is essentially the “Rookie of the Year” category in this year’s awards.

Fans can vote for Edwards and Bayne on www.hallofgame.com now through Friday, Feb. 17. The site has already received over 64 million votes.

Edwards is gunning for his second straight Hall of Game award after taking home the “In It To Win It” title last year. Other NASCAR nominees from last year’s inaugural show include: Danica Patrick, “She’s Got Game” winner; Kurt and Kyle Busch, “Super Siblings” nominees; and Travis Pastrana, “Alti-tude” nominee.

This year’s Hall of Game features musical performances by Flo Rida and Hot Chelle Rae, and appearances by New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, pro and World Cup soccer goalie Hope Solo and Los Angeles Angels right fielder Torii Hunter.

Be sure to tune in and watch Edwards, Johnson, Bayne and the rest of NASCAR’s stars in the 54th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 26 on FOX at 1 p.m. ET.

Paulie Harraka

“I’m excited to be competing in the ARCA race at Daytona with Venturini Motorsports. Daytona international Speedway is certainly the hallowed grounds of motorsports, and I’ve looked at the high banks there in awe for years. To have the opportunity to compete for the first time on those high banks, and to be doing it with this team, is extremely exciting for me.” Paulie Harraka.

Harraka, a former NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver will be a part of Venturini’s 5-team effort at Daytona piloting the No.55 Venturini Motorsports Toyota.

In addition to competing in the ARCA series opener at Daytona, Harraka has teamed with veteran NASCAR crew chief Richie Wauters and will compete for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title with newly formed Wauters Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Paulie Harraka

During his collegiate career, Harraka has won countless NASCAR races while juggling a full load of academic studies; focusing on engineering, sports psychology, leadership and business. He’s also interned at Joe Gibbs Racing in their research and development division as well as interning in Corporate Marketing at NASCAR’s New York office.

Harraka is a past champion in in NASCAR’s Whelen All-American Series, and has posted (2) different NASCAR Rookie of the Year titles: NASCAR Whelen All American Series and NASCAR Camping World Series West (Now K&N Pro Series West). Most recently, Harraka posted three victories in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.

Beyond his racing and academic focus; Harraka is a Celebrity Ambassador for Childhelp, a national nonprofit that works with abused, neglected, and at risk children. No wonder Harraka has been featured on everything from ESPN and Sports Illustrated to Fox News and The New York Times.

Practice for the season-opening race starts on Thursday, Feb. 16, while qualifying is Friday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. The race, scheduled to be televised live by SPEED-TV, is Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Venturini Motorsports

Venturini Motorsports (VMS), fielding cars in the ARCA Racing Series, is one of the premier NASCAR driver development programs in the country. The 2012 season marks the teams 30th Anniversary of competition in the ARCA Series. Multiple team championships and consistent on-track success, VMS has evolved into one of the most recognizable names in motorsports.

Since 2007, VMS has assisted in the career development of notable NASCAR drivers such as Joey Logano, Justin Allgaier, Steve Arpin, Brian Scott, Max Gresham, Miguel Paludo, Josh Richards, Mikey Kile and Scott Lagasse, Jr.

For more information please visit:

www.PaulieHarraka.net / www.VenturiniMotorpsorts.com / www.ArcaRacing.com

Twitter @PaulieHarraka

Facebook Paul Harraka

- Venturini Motorsports Press Release

SPEED Logo

GATORADE DUEL AT DAYTONA HEADLINES 100 HOURS

OF SPEEDWEEKS ON SPEED™

NASCAR RACE HUB OPENS SPEED COVERAGE

LIVE FROM MEDIA DAY 

            SPEED opens its extensive Daytona Speedweeks programming lineup Feb. 16 with reports from Media Day on a special live two-hour edition of NASCAR Race Hub. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars take to the track the following day for the first Budweiser Shootout practice session and SPEED brings viewers the Budweiser Shootout Selection Show on Feb. 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

NASCAR Race Hub, which enjoyed a 27-percent ratings increase in 2011, goes live from Daytona on Feb. 20-22, with Steve Byrnes hosting, Danielle Trotta reporting and analysis from Larry McReynolds, Randy Pemberton and Matt Clark.

Byrnes, covering Daytona Speedweeks for the 27^th time, has two main goals in bringing NASCAR’s season-opening action to SPEED audiences.

“First off, look at the scale at Daytona … it’s a huge venue,” said Byrnes, who also serves as a pit reporter for FOX Sports during the Daytona 500. “We have to use all the tools at our disposal and find the best ways to deliver a sense of speed in a place that can be overwhelming. And secondly, we have to keep finding stories that convey just how special the Daytona 500 is. It’s more than our Super Bowl … it’s much more than the money … for the drivers, it’s all about the trophy and for the fans it’s all about creating memories that often last a lifetime.”

On Thursday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. ET, SPEED is live from the Gatorade Duel at Daytona as drivers battle for the final spots on the Daytona 500 starting grid. Krista Voda and Jeff Hammond host, with the NASCAR on FOX team of Darrell Waltrip, Larry McReynolds and Mike Joy calling the action and Byrnes, Dr. Dick Berggren and Matt Yocum reporting from the pits.

Coming off its most-watched season ever, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series opens its season under the lights Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. ET as NCWTS Setup w/ Krista Voda sets the tone for the green flag at 7:30 p.m. ET. Rick Allen hosts with Michael Waltrip and Phil Parsons providing analysis and Hermie Sadler and Ray Dunlap reporting from the pits.

Working with NASCAR and Sportvision, SPEED adds full telemetry to the NCWTS broadcasts in 2012. The network also will continue to explore more ways to connect with viewers through social media initiatives.

SPEED also offers live coverage of the ARCA Racing Series race Feb. 18 at 4:30 p.m. ET, with Allen and Parsons in the booth and Dunlap, Jim Tretow and Jamie Howe in the pits.

NASCAR RaceDay, which saw huge audience increases during last season’s 10-race NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup, returns for three pre-race editions with John Roberts as host, Kyle Petty, Kenny Wallace and McReynolds providing analysis and Wendy Venturini, Rutledge Wood, Clark and Howe reporting from the garage.

NASCAR RaceDay offers pre-race coverage of the Budweiser Shootout, Gatorade Duel at Daytona and a special three-hour show (Feb. 26, 9 a.m. ET) leading into FOX Sports coverage of the Daytona 500.

Wallace gets a little extra attention as the network special Chasing Daytona: Kenny Wallace chronicles the veteran driver and SPEED personality’s quest to make the Great American Race. The program premieres Feb. 22 at 9 p.m. ET.

Making a special appearance at Daytona Speedweeks, car customizer and racer Jimmy Shine, host of the SPEED original Car Warriors, stops by several shows during the week to talk season two, which gets a special preview Feb. 24 at 10 p.m. ET, following the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.

Trackside, the network’s longest-running NASCAR program, returns Feb. 25 at 4:30 p.m. ET. Voda hosts with Petty, Wood and Marianela Pereyra all returning to the show.

Live coverage of practice and qualifying sessions, as well as up-to-the minute updates from NASCAR Live!and SPEED Center round out the schedule, with Dave Despain’s Wind Tunnel returning for a 10^th season Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. ET.

NASCAR Performance kicks of its season on Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m., with Trotta making her hosting debut.

SPEED.com’s online coverage is anchored by Editor-In-Chief Tom Jensen and Senior NASCAR Editor Mike Hembree, who will provide daily breaking news stories, feature reports and analysis, contributing to SPEED’s robust video and photo offerings from Daytona. SPEED also will debut additional social media elements in Daytona. In addition to the NASCAR on SPEED Facebook page, there will be new Facebook fan pages for the popular “Trackside” and “RaceDay” shows. And SPEED’s television and online talent will be integrated across platforms, including SPEED.com, Facebook and Twitter. 

Daytona Speedweeks on SPEED (All times Eastern and subject to change):

February 13

• ·        NASCAR Race Hub – 6 to 7 p.m.

February 14

• ·        NASCAR Race Hub – 6 to 7 p.m.

February 15

• ·        NASCAR Race Hub – 6 to 7 p.m.

February 16

• ·        NASCAR Race Hub (two-hour Media Day special) – 6 to 8 p.m.

February 17

• ·        NASCAR Live! – 4 to 5 p.m.
• ·        Budweiser Shootout practice – 5 to 6 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Live! – 6 to 6:30 p.m.
• ·        Budweiser Shootout final practice – 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• ·        SPEED Center – 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• ·        Budweiser Shootout Selection Show – 8:30 to 10 p.m.
• ·        The Day – Remembering Dale Earnhardt – 10 to 11 p.m.

February 18

• ·        NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Live! – 1 to 2 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 2 to 4 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Live! – 4 to 4:30 p.m.
• ·        ARCA Racing Series race – 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR RaceDay (Budweiser Shootout) – 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• ·        SPEED Center – 8 to 8:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Victory Lane (Budweiser Shootout) – 11:30 to midnight

February 19

• ·        NASCAR Live! – Noon to 1 p.m.
• ·        SPEED Center – 7 to 8 p.m.
• ·        Daytona 500 Pole Day – 8 to 9 p.m.

February 20

• ·        NASCAR Race Hub (Live from Daytona) – 6 to 7 p.m.

February 21

• ·        NASCAR Race Hub (Live from Daytona) – 6 to 7 p.m.

February 22

• ·        NASCAR Live! – 11:30 a.m. to noon
• ·        NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Live! – 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 2:30 to 4 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Race Hub (Live from Daytona) – 6 to 7 p.m.
• ·        Chasing Daytona: Kenny Wallace – 9 to 10 p.m.

February 23

• ·        NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practice – Noon to 1 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR RaceDay (Gatorade Duel at Daytona) – 1 to 2 p.m.
• ·        Gatorade Duel at Daytona – 2 to 5:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Victory Lane – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Camping World Truck Series final practice – 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• ·        Gatorade Duel at Daytona prime time replay – 8 to 11:30 p.m.
• ·        Chasing Daytona: Kenny Wallace – 11:30 p.m.

February 24

• ·        NASCAR Live! – 10:30 to 11 a.m.
• ·        NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 11 a.m. to noon
• ·        NASCAR Live! – Noon to 12:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Live! – 1:30 to 2 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Camping World Truck Series qualifying – 4 to 5:30 p.m.
• ·        SPEED Center – 5:30 to 6 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 6 to 7 p.m.
• ·        NCWTS Setup – 7 to 7:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race – 7:30 to 10 p.m.
• ·        Car Warriors Season II Special Preview – 10 to 11 p.m.

February 25

• ·        NASCAR Live! – 10 to 10:30 a.m.
• ·        NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice – 10:30 a.m. to noon
• ·        Trackside – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• ·        Chasing Daytona: Kenny Wallace – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Performance – 6:30 to 7 p.m.
• ·        SPEED Center – 7 to 7:30 p.m.

February 26

• ·        NASCAR Performance – 8 to 8:30 a.m.
• ·        SPEED Center – NASCAR Edition – 8:30 to 9 a.m.
• ·        NASCAR RaceDay (Daytona 500) – 9 a.m. to noon
• ·        NASCAR Victory Lane – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• ·        SPEED Center – 7 to 8 p.m.
• ·        Wind Tunnel w/Dave Despain – 8 to 9 p.m. 

About SPEED™

SPEED, anchored by its popular and wide-ranging coverage of NASCAR, is the nation’s first and only cable television network dedicated to automotive and motorcycle racing, performance and lifestyle. Now available in nearly 84 million homes in North America, SPEED, a member of the FOX Sports Media Group, is among the industry leaders in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services, including SPEED2, a groundbreaking new broadband network featuring live, streaming and on-demand events complementing offerings of the linear network. For more information, please visit SPEED.com, the online motor sports authority.

About FOX Sports Media Group

FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) is the umbrella entity representing News Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets under Chairman & CEO David Hill.  Built with brands that are capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FSMG includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships.  FSMG now includes FOX Sports, the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; Fox’s 19 regional sports networks, their affiliated regional web sites and FSN national programming; SPEED and SPEED2; Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Soccer Plus; FUEL TV; and Fox College Sports.  In addition, FSMG also includes FOX Sports Interactive Media, which comprises FOXSports.com on MSN, whatifsports.comand scout.com, reaching almost 30 million unique visitors monthly.  Also included are Fox’s interests in joint-venture businesses FOX Deportes, Big Ten Network and STATS, LLC, as well as licensing agreements that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network, FOX Sports Skybox restaurants and FOX Sports Grills.

Source: SPEED, Press Release

Red Horse Racing Logo

“Good Sam Roadside Assistance to Sponsor at Season Opener”

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 3, 2012) – Red Horse Racing announced today that two-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Todd Bodine will drive the No. 11 Toyota Tundra at Daytona International Speedway for the NextEra Energy Resources 250. The Chemung N.Y. native will be backed by Good Sam Roadside Assistance, the sister company to series sponsor Camping World, for the 13th showing at the 2.5-mile speedway.

“We are thrilled to have a two-time Daytona winner as a part of our team.” Team Owner, Tom DeLoach said. “Though this is a Daytona sponsor only, we are still looking for sponsors to continue the quest for the 2012 Truck Series Championship.”

“We are very proud to go to Daytona and represent Good Sam,” stated Bodine. “Doing their marketing around our series is a great fit for Good Sam Roadside Assistance. I cannot thank Marcus Lemonis enough for giving me and Red Horse Racing this opportunity. We will go to Daytona and do our very best to represent them and get Good Sam to Victory Lane.”

Bodine captured the Truck Series season opener in back-to-back years, 2008 and 2009.

“We are excited to partner with Todd Bodine and Team Onion to sponsor him in the Red Horse Racing No. 11 Good Sam Roadside Assistance Toyota Tundra,” adds Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and CEO of Camping World & Good Sam. “Todd is an avid RVer who understands our business and our customers.”

The official RV Roadside assistance of NASCAR, Good Sam has performed over 1.6 million rescues to date. Developed and road-tested for RV owners who want the best – but handle trucks, SUVs, automobiles and motorcycles too. Good Sam is the only national tire network anywhere. Call today and get the lowest guaranteed rate of $79.95.

About Red Horse Racing:

Founded in 2005 by former Mobil Corporation executive Tom DeLoach and NASCAR veteran Jeff Hammon, Red Horse Racing aims to be a professional racing team that strives for excellence on and off the race track. Red Horse Racing hopes to build and maintain solid, mutual relationships with its partners to win races and championships and to represent itself in a professional manner. The team has five victories and six poles in its brief existence. DeLoach and Hammond also own Performance Instruction Training (PIT), the number one pit crew training center in the world that also has many corporate training options that include team-building, lean manufacturing, motorsports demonstrations and more.

About Good Sam Roadside Assistance:

The Good Sam Club, www.goodsamclub.com, is the world’s largest RV owner’s organization with over one million member families. Founded in 1966, the club offers its members a wide variety of services, including the Good Sam Extended Service Plan, Emergency Road Service, RV and Vehicle Insurance, RV Financing, Good Sam Visa Card, Life & Health Insurance and member discounts at parks, campgrounds and RV events. Good Sam Club members also receive a subscription to Highways, the club’s popular RV travel magazine. Additionally, the club represents more than 1,500 local RV chapters designed to bring RVers together from similar geographic regions for group camping excursions. Extremely committed to its RV members as well as to the environment, the club is a founder of the annual National Cleanup Day program and an advocate of public land access, Adopt-A-Highway programs and Adopt-A-Park programs.

Source: Red Horse Racing, Press Release