The No. 52 Pink Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala driven by Tom Hessert III in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards for Ken Schrader Racing (KSR).

Decked out in a slick looking pink No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala continuing to bring attentiveness to Breast Cancer Awareness month, Hessert looks to close out his first season driving for Ken Schrader Racing (KSR) with high marks.

In all respect, the former CARS Pro Cup Series pilot has had a respectable season. Filled with some bumps along the way, the Cherry Hill, New Jersey has still proven that he has the ability to get the job done even under the toughest situations. Entering the season finale, Hessert and his Donnie Richeson-led team have inherited six top-fives and 12 top-10 finishes including a season-best of second on the road course of New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP).

Victory had been in the clutches of the team on several occasions this year, but for one reason or another, the grasps of clinching onto a trophy or spraying champagne have been derailed. Still, one race remains and it comes at a track where Hessert has boasted success.

With his eighth start at the half-mile oval on deck for Sunday afternoon, the former NASCAR Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car ace is thriving on three top-fives including a then career-best of third in 2009 before mounting a third and seventh last year driving for Cunningham Motorsports. Despite an uncharacteristic 14th place run in May, the popular ARCA driver is eager to put his No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala back at the top.

“Overall, Toledo Speedway has been a relatively good track for me,” said Hessert, who finished 13th last Friday night at Kansas Speedway. “We didn’t quite have the run we were looking for earlier in the year, but we’ve worked immensely hard on our short track program since then and I feel we have as good of a shot as any to win on Sunday afternoon.”

Tom Hessert III

“It’s truly been a blessing to work with the folks at Federated Auto Parts,” Hessert continued. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to meet all of the corporate representatives and a lot of their cliental. I know just like the spring race, we’re going to have a lot of support in the grandstands on Sunday, so hopefully with their cheers and chants, we can thank them for their support by being the first one to take the checkered flag.”

Mathematically, despite locking the seventh position in the ARCA Racing Series championship standings, just 125 points separate Hessert for leaping into the fifth position. With a grueling and expected 200-lap torrid battle set for Sunday, the 25-year old knows that he will need a picture-perfect day to bring that statistic to fruition but he’ll also need his competitors to have some misfortune as well.

“No one wants to see anyone have any bad luck, but that could be on our gain on Sunday,” Hessert humbling said. “It’s been a very competitive season, so finishing strong has been extremely important towards gaining those valuable crucial points. We’ve been plagued by some bad luck that has us ultimately sitting where we are now, but we’re going in to fight this weekend and whatever happens, we’ll take it in stride.”

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars will serve as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 83rd career ARCA start. In his previous 82 outings, he has maneuvered one win, 18 top-fives and 42 top-10s.

The Federated Car Care 200 (200 laps / 100 miles) is the 19th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 70th ARCA race at Toledo Speedway is a two-day show. Practice begins Saturday, October 15 with a forty five minute practice session planned from 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. A final forty five minute “happy hour” session has been etched in from 1:40 p.m. – 2:25 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later in the day slated to begin at 4:00 p.m. A one hour on-track autograph session has been etched in from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. on race day (Sunday). The contest will take the green flag shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 16. The event will be televised live on SPEED with additional race coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,331st race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

For more on Tom Hessert III, please visit tomhessert.com.

To join Hessert and Ken Schrader Racing in their plan to spread the message about Breast Cancer awareness and to order you own “Pink” KSR memorabilia, please visit SchraderRacing.com.

- Ken Schrader Racing Press Release

No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala

Hessert III, driver of the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala for Ken Schrader Racing recently participated in an open-test session at the 1.5-mile oval hoping to give his team an added boost towards the 18th race of the season.

Through the eight-hour test session, Hessert guided his Ken Schrader-owned automobile to the ninth quickest lap around the facility in a time of 32.608 seconds or 165.604 miles per hour, less than a second off the quickest effort posted by Scott Lagasse Jr.

In order to give the KSR organization a shot at their first win of the season, the team has vigorously been working on the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala looking not only for a path to victory lane but also an opportunity to return Hessert back to the top-10 on the grounds of Kansas Speedway.

Last October, Hessert started 17th before blasting to a respectable sixth place run which mathematically left the Cherry Hill, New Jersey native in the hunt for the 2010 ARCA championship.

“I feel Kansas is a great place to put our No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala back on the right path,” offered Hessert, a former competitor in the USARacing Pro Cup Series. “The test went pretty good. We worked on the car pretty hard throughout the day. Kansas is a very sensitive track so while horsepower is important there, so is handling. I’m looking forward to seeing how the changes will help our car and if we can’t learn a thing or two during practice on Friday.”

Another component that Hessert dwelled upon for Friday night’s dash is the distance of the event. “It’s a short race. 99 laps can go by fast, especially if you get behind early,” he explained. “You can’t afford to have any mistakes and if you do – you hope you can recover from them quickly. More than likely, it’s going to be a two-stop race as far as fuel as tires are concerned. I think you’ll see some strategy come into play and that could be the winning piece to the puzzle. It will definitely be interesting to see how the race unfolds.”

Beginning with Friday night’s Kansas Lottery 98.9, Hessert and his No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet will boast a pink paint scheme in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness which is promoted through the month of October. The KSR team will also hoist the identical paint scheme in the season finale, the Toledo ARCA 200 presented by Federated Car Care at Toledo Speedway on Sunday, October 16.

Tom Hessert III

In conjunction with the Federated Auto Parts special paint schemes, R&R Enterprises has produced an exclusive line of merchandise to support the team’s campaign. Schrader’s wife, Ann, will be participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Charlotte, N.C., on October 22 and 23, in honor of two longtime friends, Lisa Meloni and Laura Jones, who have lost their battle with cancer.

KSR, Inc., its partners, and fans will donate to Mrs. Schrader’s Avon Walk for Breast Cancer fundraising goal through the sale of the “pink” campaign merchandise, which will be offered for a limited time. Direct donations may be made to Mrs. Schrader’s fundraising efforts at http://hop.to/legsforlisa.

“The tee-shirt is really cool looking, it turned out really nice,” continued Hessert. “I encourage not only my fans but also race fans in general to log onto the team’s website and order some merchandise for a really great cause.”

With just two races remaining on the circuit, Hessert occupies the seventh position in the championship standings and within an arm’s reach of fifth. A good run on Friday night would help propel the team towards making up part of that deficit.

“It’s been a competitive season this year and we’re a lot better than seventh,” added Hessert. “We’ve had some really strong runs but some bad runs have kept us from taking a stab at the championship. Hopefully we can have two good showings at Kansas and Toledo and see where the points fall into place and maybe, we’ll inch our way up the ladder.”

The Kansas Lottery 98.9 (99 laps / 148.5 miles) is the 18th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 11th ARCA event held at Kansas Speedway is a one-day show. Practice begins Friday, October 7 with a two hour and 15 minute practice session planned from 9:00 a.m. -11:15 a.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin later in the day at 5:35 p.m. The field will take the green flag approximately two hours later at 7:30 p.m. The event will be televised live on SPEED with additional race coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,330th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars will serve as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 82nd career ARCA start. In his previous 81 outings, he has maneuvered one win, 18 top-fives and 42 top-10s.

For more on Tom Hessert III, please visit tomhessert.com.

To join Hessert and Ken Schrader Racing in their plan to spread the message about Breast Cancer awareness and to order you own “Pink” KSR memorabilia, please visit SchraderRacing.com.

- Tom Hessert Racing Press Release

CGH Motorsports Thumbnail

The family-owned team led by crew chief Kevin Reed has anxiously been waiting for a return to a mile-and-a-half track after their last outing at Chicagoland Speedway in June saw a dominating performance disappear after a blown-tire shredded a nearly nine-second lead. With the outcome still vivid in their minds, the opportunity at redemption in Kansas is clear with another night race with ideal racing conditions at a track that embraces similar characteristics as Chicagoland Speedway. To further aid fuel to their well-controlled fire, the team logged one of the quickest laps in their No. 58 Tastee Caramel Apple Chevrolet Impala during the open ARCA test last month at the 1.5-mile oval, giving them a welcomed boost heading into their second ever ARCA race in the “Land of Oz.”

No. 58 Tastee Caramel Apple Chevrolet Impala

Hackenbracht, the New Philadelphia, Ohio native knows that despite tracks showing similar characteristics doesn’t always mean identical outcomes. Still, he is focused on putting his CGH Motorsports team back on the path of success after strong runs in the last three ARCA events have been foiled by an array of racing bad luck.

Chad Hackenbracht

Another reason that the 19-year old is set to battle back at Kansas Speedway is proving that the team’s performance at the speed plant in 2010 wasn’t a fluke. After qualifying a strong ninth last October, Hackenbracht found himself surging into the top-five and attempting to pass eventual series champion Patrick Sheltra before another tire failure erased the team from battle.

“I feel like the mile-and-a-half tracks owe us,” Hackenbracht sounded. “We don’t get a lot of chances to compete at these types of tracks and we’ve been extremely competitive in the last two races, but don’t have a lot to show for it. I would like to see what type of finish we are able to maneuver if everything should go our way start to finish. Hopefully, Friday night is that night”

With a top-five finish in the championship standings still feasibly obtainable in the final two races, Hackenbracht isn’t so much focused on points but rather putting his CGH Motorsports on a strong pedestal entering the off-season that they can carry over into the 2012 season.

“Believe me, points are still important but we’re going for the strong finishes right now,” Hackenbracht said. “We know that with good, positive finishes points will come along as part of the reward. We’re sitting eighth right now. If not for some bad luck, we would be already sitting in the top-five. But, we can’t dwell on that. All we can do is to go out there and fight like we’ve never fought before and hope for nothing but success at Kansas and Toledo and see where we stand when the curtain is drawn.”

Give And Take: Continuing to shed a personal angle on Chad Hackenbracht, this week the rising star talks about one of the greatest impacts of his personal life that he had to sacrifice in order to race, school.

While most students spend their teenage years living the life in the halls of a local High School, Hackenbracht found himself in a home-schooled situation which shifted what would be a normal routine student path into a secluded portion of his life which involved shelter but allowed the grand opportunity for him to race.

“Home-schooling was never easy, but it was part of the reality to make a dream come true,” Hackenbracht recalled. “It had its good points and bad points and there are things I wasn’t able to experience because of that choice but the end reward was fulfilling and I wouldn’t change any of it.”

Lifting himself out of the Public School system allowed Hackenbracht to turn his attention towards the Buckeye Quarter Midget Association where over the course of three years he won close to 40 races. From there, he moved up the ladder and competed in the INEX Legends Car Series. In addition to one year of racing at the Summer Shootout, Hackenbracht also raced at tracks throughout the Midwest which included the states of Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.

From Kansas Speedway, the team will promptly fly home to quickly-turn around and head to Toledo, Ohio on Sunday to partake in a private test session at Toledo Speedway on Monday, October 10 in preparation for the season-finale on Sunday, October 16 for the running of the Toledo ARCA 200 presented by Federated Car Care.

The Kansas Lottery 98.9 (99 laps / 148.5 miles) is the 18th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 11th ARCA event held at Kansas Speedway is a one-day show. Practice begins Friday, October 7 with a two hour and 15 minute practice session planned from 9:00 a.m. -11:15 a.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin later in the day at 5:35 p.m. The field will take the green flag approximately two hours later at 7:30 p.m. The event will be televised live on SPEED with additional race coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,330th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

CGH Motorsports still has marketing partnerships available for the remaining 2011 ARCA Racing Series schedule and all of 2012. Interested parties can contact Jordan Dahl at Jordan@cghmotorsports.com or 570.234.5449.

For more information on Chad Hackenbracht and CGH Motorsports, please visit ChadHackenbracht.com and CGHMotorsports.com.

To purchase the popular “What’s A Chad Hacken-Something” tee-shirt, please log on to store.cghmotorsports.com or CGHMotorsports.com.

Connect with Chad Hackenbracht and CGH Motorsports through Facebook by clicking here.

Tweet with Chad Hackenbracht through Twitter at @ChadH58 or CGH Motorsports @CGH5858.

About CGH Motorsports:

CGH Motorsports (CGHMotorsports.com), established in 2007 by Ohio entrepreneur Greg Hackenbracht is located in a 10,000 sq. foot facility located in Mooresville, North Carolina. CGH Motorsports is home of rising sensation Chad Hackenbracht, who competed in nine ARCA Racing Series races in 2010 after an aggressive ARCA testing schedule in 2009. Chad Hackenbracht is the 2008 National Asphalt Legends champion, winning 33 percent of his races and finishing in the top-10, 85 percent of the events he competed in. The team has stepped up their commitment from a partial schedule in 2010 to a full-effort in 2011 with the prospects of a two-car operation in 2012.

- CGH Motorsports Press Release

Win-Tron Racing

Wilson, a native of Randleman, North Carolina will make his third start of the 2011 ARCA season and fourth of his career but first at Kansas Speedway. Earlier this summer, the rising star controlled the No. 32 Champion Brands Toyota Camry at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis and Pocono (Pa.) Raceway respectively.

No. 32 Champion Brands Toyota Camry

Returning back to the ARCA Racing Series at a track that is known for speed and handling, Wilson returns to the cockpit of one of the most respected organizations in the garage with idealistic goals.

With Chris Windom, Joey Miller and Mason Mingus keeping the seat warm for the driver of the No. 12 Randolph Bank Toyota Camry at Caraway (N.C.) Speedway, the controls will be solely his when practice resumes for the series on Friday, October 7.

“I’m looking forward to Kansas,” offered Wilson, the winner of last Fall’s Richard Petty Driver Search II. “I feel like our test was productive. The track style was something I had never experienced before, so there was a lot for me to embrace and manage. Coming away from the test we made some big gains from start to finish and I think we can return to the track next week and put our No. 32 Champion Brands Toyota Camry somewhere in the top-10.”

Wilson added, “Win-Tron has really given me some great cars to drive this year. I wasn’t sure what to really expect at Lucas Oil Raceway, but the car was bad fast. We went to Pocono the next week and picked up the pace even more. I know the team is familiar and capable of running upfront at these mile-and-a-half tracks, so I’m going to do everything in my power to keep that tradition going next Friday night.”

Nate Thiesse, co-car owner of Win-Tron Racing is hyped about having the 19-year back at the team’s controls.

“We have really liked what we’ve saw in Ryan all year long,” Thiesse sounded. “When we met with him in February, we were immediately drawn to him and over the course of the year, our intuitions have proven to be right on. We’re thrilled to have him in our car for Kansas and Toledo. As a team, we considered the Kanas test a huge success and we were very pleased with the effort that Ryan gave all day long. We’ve set realistic goals for ourselves and with Ryan’s short track experience, we feel that he can go to Toledo and fit nicely in with the field. If everything plays out the way we’re hoping, we should have a couple good finishes to boast about.”

Thiesse added, “We’re working hard on our 2012 plans and Ryan is definitely in the cards. We would love to see him run for the championship next year if we can put everything together. His devotion and talent are beyond his years and I feel he can really represent not only our team and marketing partners well but the series too. Hopefully we can make it a reality.”

Ryan Wilson

The Kansas Lottery 98.9 (100 laps / 150 miles) is the 18th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 11th ARCA event held at Kansas Speedway is a one-day show. Practice begins Friday, October 7 with a two hour and 15 minute practice session planned from 9:00 a.m. -11:15 a.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin later in the day at 5:35 p.m. The field will take the green flag approximately two hours later at 7:30 p.m. The event will be televised live on SPEED with additional race coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,330th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

Further information including driver opportunities with Win-Tron Racing is available by visiting win-tronracing.com or contacting Nate Thiesse at 612.306.1641

For more on Champion Brands LLC and their extensive line of products, please log on to championbrands.com or championsusechampion.com.

Additional input on Ryan Wilson is available by logging on the web at RyanWilsonMotorsports.com.

- Win-Tron Racing Press Release

Tom Hessert III

Set to make his fifth career start at the one-mile dirt paved oval, Hessert returns to Springfield not only hungry for his second career-win but also gunning to put his car owner, Ken Schrader back in victory lane there for the first time since 1998. Hessert’s veteran experience in an ARCA car, not to mention his healthy USAC experience have him pegged as a pre-race favorite in Sunday’s contest.

On the stretch of an impressive streak of four top-fives and eight top-10 in the last nine races, the Cherry Hill, New Jersey native is eager to improve on his track-best third place finish last August (2010) and return to victory lane with crew chief John Monsam at his side.

“Heck, it’s always exciting to go dirt racing, especially in the ARCA Racing Series,” said Hessert, a former USARacing Pro Cup Series star. “These cars are a blast to drive. You have to be prepared though for the track conditions to change quickly and having a game plan pre-set before the start of the race.”

Even though, Hessert returns to Springfield with Monsam at his side, the duo is flying under a different manufacturer and paint scheme – but the 25-year old is quick to point out that none of that matters at such an abrasive track like Springfield.

“As far as Springfield is concerned, it’s more of a driver’s race track. You have to know how to handle the track. You have to know how to pedal the throttle and work the car through the turns. It’s not a long race by any means, so starting up front is imperative to having a good run. Usually, we only make one pit stop too, so it’s crucial to make sure that the stop goes as smoothly as possible, so you can put yourselves in contention at the end.”

Pleased with the direction of his KSR team over the last month and a half, Hessert won’t be completely satisfied until the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala celebrates in victory lane.

“We’re getting closer,” he added. “John and I have been working a lot together on how to make our car stronger for the end of the race. We used some strategy at Pocono and it paid off for us. We know what we’re looking to unload with at Springfield on Sunday, so if we’re able to put the KSR machine back in victory circle for the first in 13 years at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, it would be big on a lot of accounts.”

Six races remain in the 2011 ARCA Racing Series schedule with Hessert currently locking the sixth position in the championship standings with Tim George Jr., a slim 10 points ahead.

“At this point, we’re focused on finishing strong and trying to win races,” Hessert sounded. “Just like last year, the competition has been ultra-competitive with little room for error. We’re just going to give everything we have these last half of dozen races or so and just do the best we can for Federated Auto Parts and all the supporters of Ken Schrader Racing.”

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars will serve as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 78th career ARCA start. In his previous 77 outings, he has maneuvered one win, 16 top-fives and 40 top-10s.

The Allen Crowe 100 (100 laps / 100 miles) is the 14th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 29th ARCA event held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds is a one-day show. Practice begins Sunday, August 21 with a one hour practice session planned from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin at 11:00 a.m. The field will take the green flag Sunday afternoon shortly after 1:00 p.m. The event will not be televised but race coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,326th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

For more on Tom Hessert III, please visit tomhessert.com.

- Hessert Racing Press Release

No. 59 Batter’s Dream Dodge Charger

Graham, a former hydroplane boat racer turned stock car pilot is returning to the track known as the “Tricky Triangle” on the heels of a commendable 15th place finish in the brutal heat at Iowa Speedway late last month. Surviving those conditions is a battle in itself but Graham was determined to build on his inaugural debut in the No. 59 Batter’s Dream Dodge Charger for the veteran Mark Gibson Racing (MGR) team.

Nearly two months later after surviving his debut at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway with a solid 20th place finish, Graham returns to a track of familiarity looking to duplicate or better his success from Iowa Speedway.

“I’m having a blast in these ARCA cars,” offered Graham. “This is a huge 180 from boat racing, but I’m loving every second of it. I would lying if I said I wasn’t eager to get back to Pocono. I learned so much in my first race and I’m hoping I can take from what I learn and apply it even more on Saturday.”

In June, Graham and his MGR team had 80 laps under their belt, this weekend though a double-header race with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) shortens the distance from 80 laps to just 50 laps. The large decrease means that the MGR team but have their ducks in-a-row when the green flag flies on Saturday afternoon.

Buster Graham

With two top-20 efforts in his record books thus far, Graham wouldn’t mind knocking out a third, but the USARacing Pro Cup Series racer is thriving on the possibility of a top-10 finish.

“You’ve seen over times, that strange things happen in racing,” Graham explained. “Mark (Gibson) does a great job preparing these Dodge Chargers and I know that we’re facing some tough competition but I think that’s a motivating factor for us. We know that we can find ourselves in that same class soon.”

For his third ARCA race, Batter’s Dream returns to the role as the primary marketing role of Graham’s No. 59 entry this weekend.

Batter’s Dream is an automated ball feeding system (pitching machine) that allows baseball hitters and softball hitters to maximize time in the batting cage by getting more quality cuts without fixing a tee. One of the key benefits of the Batter’s Dream batting machines is that it allows batters the freedom to focus on rhythm, stance, and timing and swing speed without the need for a second person. Simply put, Batter’s Dream is the most effective, simple and easy-to-use soft toss system ever invented to help improve a hitter’s mechanics and increase their batting average.

“None of this would be possible without my father-in-law Don (Mashburn),” sounded Graham. “Batter’s Dream is an amazing project and everyone will soon see why I stand behind this product. It’s just not because I have a personal tie to it, it’s because I truly believe in it. Hopefully we can bat ourselves to a good finish; if not a homerun.”

For Gibson, the opportunity to work with Graham again in ARCA is pleasurable. “I’ve been truly impressed with how quick Buster has adapted to these ARCA cars,” he said. “For his lack of experience in these heavier cars, I’ve been blown away with his feedback and his dedication.”

The four-time winner in ARCA competition went onto say, “I think it’s a confidence booster for Buster going back to Pocono this weekend. He’s going to a place he’s already been too and knows how to get around. With the race only being 50 laps, we don’t have time to tittle around; we have to be ready when to fire away when the moment that green flag drops!”

The Pennsylvania ARCA 125 (50 laps / 125 miles) is the 13th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 53rd ARCA race at Pocono Raceway is a two-day show. Practice begins Friday, August 5 with a one hour and twenty minute practice session planned from 1:40 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin later in the day at 5:40 p.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 6. The event will be televised live on SPEED beginning at 3:00 p.m. EST. Live timing and scoring throughout the 1,325th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

For more on Batter’s Dream, please visit Battersdream.com.

About Batter’s Dream:

Batter’s Dream is an automated ball feeding system (pitching machine) that allows baseball hitters and softball hitters to maximize time in the batting cage by getting more quality cuts without fixing a tee. One of the key benefits of the Batter’s Dream batting machines is that it allows batters the freedom to focus on rhythm, stance, timing and swing speed without the need for a second person. Simply put, Batter’s Dream is the most effective, simple and easy-to-use soft toss system ever invented to help improve a hitter’s mechanics and increase their batting average.

- Mark Gibson Racing Press Release

Tom Hessert III

Tom Hessert III, driver of the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala reunites with the .686-mile paved oval since his United States Auto Club (USAC) tandem several years ago. While the race cars are completely different, Hessert realizes that his prior experience in the “Hoosier” state could pay off with his second career win this week.

“When it was announced that ARCA was returning to Lucas Oil Raceway, I was like heck yeah,” offered Hessert. “It’s a pretty cool place with a lot of history. I haven’t been there in years, but I’ve turned many laps around there.”

Aiming for his second top-five and fourth consecutive top-10 in the last four races, Hessert leans on his Ken Schrader Racing (KSR) team led by crew chief John Monsam to help put the Cherry Hill, New Jersey native in the hunt for the 12th race of the season.

“John’s pretty much a master when it comes to short track racing,” Hessert noted. “We’ve worked long enough together that he knows what I am looking for. LOR will be new to both of us in a sense working with the ARCA car and all, but we should be able to come out of the truck strong and ready to maul.”

With Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis known for its tight figure, Hessert knows that track position and patience will ultimately lead to having the opportunity to win on Thursday night.

“You have to approach this race like any other short track,” Hessert explained. “You do the best you can in practice and in qualifying you want to start as close to the front as possible. Some short tracks, track position isn’t so important but at LOR, I think it will be. Everyone at KSR is thirsty for victory, especially for Federated Auto Parts.”

Eight races remain in the 2011 ARCA Racing Series schedule with Hessert currently occupying the seventh position in the championship standings. Just 115 points separate Hessert from cracking the top-five currently held by Tim George Jr.

“It’s go time for us,” sounded Hessert. “We’re willing to take some chances that we may not have necessarily taken even to get a better finish or gain some points. It’s not over until it’s over by any means but definitely doing whatever we can is important now more than ever.”

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars will serve as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 76th career ARCA start. In his previous 75 outings, he has maneuvered one win, 14 top-fives and 38 top-10s.

The Ansell Protective Gloves 200 (200 laps / 137 miles) is the 12th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The eighth ever ARCA race at Lucas Oil Raceway is a one-day show. Practice begins Thursday, July 28 with an hour and a half practice session planned from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated for later in the day set to begin at 4:30 p.m. The event will take the green flag shortly after 7:00 p.m. The event will air live on SPEED. Additional event coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,324th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

For more on Tom Hessert III, please visit tomhessert.com.

- Tom Hessert Racing Press Release

Casey Roderick

Roderick who leaps over to RHR from a stint at Phoenix Racing in the ARCA Racing Series will look to guide the newly formed program into the spotlight in their inaugural debut with the aid of Spraker Racing Enterprises (SRE).

The Lawrenceville, Georgia native will make his first start at Iowa Speedway this weekend. But given his impressive short track resume, no one would be surprised if Roderick would soar the No. 08 Randy Hill Racing Chevrolet Impala into the top-five in the 11th race of the 2011 ARCA season.

“I’m very appreciative and thankful for the opportunity presented to me by Randy Hill,” said 18-year old Casey Roderick. “I have to be honest: I wasn’t sure how much more racing I was going to be doing this year but the chance to prove myself with a new organization like Randy Hill Racing is a blessing. I don’t want to set our expectations too high, but I think with the people that are surrounding this team, we are definitely capable of going out there and running competitively in the top-10.”

When the former INEX Legend Car Series driver speaks of people around RHR, Jeff Spraker is one of the first to come to mind. The Motorsports veteran of 30 plus years will heed the role as crew chief on the No. 08 entry and is looking forward to the opportunity to work with a standout like Roderick.

“I’ve been around racing a long time and Casey Roderick has shown all the signs of being one of the next brightest stars in racing,” offered Spraker. “He is fast in everything he climbs in and he’s a winner. I’m looking forward to working with a driver that not only has a lot of confidence in himself but is eager to please, too.”

For Randy Hill, a Texas entrepreneur with experience in agribusiness and real estate, adding a talent like Roderick to his roster is the final touch.

“We were looking at a lot of drivers,” Hill said. “Casey stood out not only on the track with his success but off the track with his ability to bond with friends and fans alike. That’s an important factor as we build Randy Hill Racing into a successful empire. I know he is putting a lot on himself for this weekend at Iowa, but as a car owner, I just want to go out there and know that when we leave the track on Saturday, the team gave its very best.”

Roderick looks to make his eighth career ARCA start on Saturday afternoon. In his previous seven outings, Roderick has scored one win (New Jersey Motorsports Park), two top-fives and three top-10s. He also hoists a pole in his road racing debut at Palm Beach (Fla.) International Raceway in February 2010.

The Prairie Meadows 200 (200 laps / 175 miles) is the 11th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The sixth ever ARCA race at Iowa Speedway is a two-day show. Practice begins Friday, July 15th with an hour and twenty minute practice session planned from 3:00 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. A final fifty minute session has been etched in from 5:30 p.m. – 6:20 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated for race day, Saturday July 16th set to begin at 12:10 p.m. The event will take the green flag shortly after 4:15 p.m. The event will air live on SPEED. Additional event coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,323rd race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

For more on Randy Hill Racing, please visit randyhillracing.com.

Join the team on Facebook by clicking here (Randy Hill Racing).

Tweet with us through Twitter at @RandyHillRacing.

- Randy Hill Racing Press Release

Tom Hessert III

In his fourth full-season of ARCA competition, Hessert after nine races has produced two top-fives and six top-10s including a season-best fifth place run in the most recent contest at Winchester (Ind.) Speedway, a race sponsored by Federated Auto Parts.

Knowing the tricks of the trade around the tricky Berlin (Mich.) Raceway, Saturday’s night Hantz Group 200 might be the place that lifts off Hessert’s second-half in his fourth career start at the Marne, Michigan race track with his second career ARCA victory.

“Berlin Raceway is a really cool 4/10 mile uniquely shaped oval,” said Hessert, a native of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. “The tight corners and slippery surface provide a challenge for drivers and teams alike. The key to success there is having a car that turns well in the center while still having great forward drive off. To win you will have to be good on older tires and have kept your fenders straight.”

Taking the checkered flag at Berlin hasn’t been an issue for the former USARacing Pro Cup Series star. In his previous three outings, Hessert has mastered three consecutive top-10 finishes including a track best of fourth last year driving for Cunningham Motorsports after starting third. Additional top-10s were posted driving for Andy Belmont Racing and RAB Racing with Brack Maggard.

With the momentum of Winchester’s run and his pre-race vibes about Berlin (Mich.) Raceway this weekend, Hessert is relying on his KSR led by crew chief John Monsam to help put the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala in contention for their first win of the season.

“Federated Auto Parts has had a long term relationship with Ken Schrader Racing,” sounded Hessert. “2011 has been my first season working with them and it has been a blast. Everyone at Federated is very supported and excited about the racing program and I am very proud to represent them on the track. To this point in the 2011 season, despite having good speed, we have not had the results that we have been looking for, but we are looking to change that this weekend at Berlin.”

Occupying the eighth position in the ARCA Racing Series championship standings, Hessert knows that finishing races inside the top-10 will help in the race for the coveted ARCA championship trophy.

“I am really looking forward to all of the remaining races of the schedule, because I feel that our Federated Auto Parts / KSR team has the ability to compete for multiple wins before the end of the year. With that being said, of course I am excited to get back to Iowa Speedway, we got our first win there last year and I can’t wait to get back there soon.”

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars will serve as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 74th career ARCA start. In his previous 73 outings, he has maneuvered one win, 14 top-fives and 36 top-10s.

The Hantz Group 200 (200 laps / 100 miles) is the 10th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 24th ARCA race at Berlin (Mich.) Raceway is a one-day show. Practice begins Saturday, July 9 with a one hour and half practice session planned from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin later in the day at 5:00 p.m. The field will take the green flag later that night shortly after 8:00 p.m. The race will not be televised but event coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,322nd race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

For more on Tom Hessert III, please visit tomhessert.com.

- Tom Hessert Racing Press Release

Tom Hessert III

Not only would a second-career victory offer some much welcomed confidence and momentum for Hessert and his Ken Schrader Racing (KSR) team, but Hessert’s primary sponsor Federated Auto Parts is the presenting sponsor to Saturday night’s Winchester ARCA 200. Carrying the Federated colors to victory circle would only be fitting for the ARCA championship contender.

With a notch for short track racing, Hessert invades Winchester (Ind.) Speedway to reach the half-way point of the 2011 ARCA Racing Series season. While, the series will return to the demanding half-mile oval for the first time since 2007, Hessert banks experience thanks to a successful career in USAC.

“Winchester is an awesome super high banked half-mile oval,” said Hessert. “It is a really fast track that is very similar to Salem Speedway. Winchester is quite a bit smoother than Salem though, which will probably produce more side by side action for the fans. It should be a great show on Saturday night.”

A good showing would be exactly what the doctor ordered for the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet after the misfortune the KSR team endured last Friday at Michigan International Speedway. After qualifying mid-pack, Hessert made a nice move towards the front in the RainEater Wiper Blades 200, but a brake line failure caused by debris and then ultimately a blown tire ended with Hessert in the wall with a disheartening finish.

“Last week at Michigan was a rough weekend, but there is no better place for my team and I to go to for a bounce back track than Winchester,” sounded Hessert. “We seem to always run well at the short tracks and I expect no different this weekend!”

The third short track race of the season is on deck Saturday night with Hessert hoping to secure his second top-five of the season and sixth top-10 in nine races. Hessert’s No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala has notched a season best finish of fifth at New Jersey Motorsports Park while also earning a seventh place finish at Salem (Ind.) Speedway, the first short track contest of the season.

“My goals for the rest of the 2011 season are to compete for as many wins as we can,” Hessert explained. “Despite the rough first part of the 2011 season, we certainly have enough time to turn it around.”

Knowing that the competition has been fierce this year, Hessert knows that any type of charge in the championship standings or on the track won’t come without its challenges.

“The competition in the ARCA Series this year is strong. There are many teams running the full season, and a lot of driver / team combinations for “one off races” which make each individual race very competitive. Our goal this weekend is to just go to Winchester and put our Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet up front.”

Currently, Hessert occupies the eighth position in the ARCA Racing Series point standings, just 100 markers behind seventh place competitor Tim George Jr.

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars will serve as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 73rd career ARCA start. In his previous 72 outings, he has maneuvered one win, 13 top-fives and 35 top-10s.

The Winchester ARCA 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts (200 laps / 100 miles) is the ninth of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 22nd ARCA race at Winchester is a one-day show. Practice begins Saturday, June 25 with a one hour and half practice session planned from 1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin later in the day at 4:45 p.m. The field will take the green flag later that night shortly after 8:00 p.m. The race will not be televised but event coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,321st race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

For more on Tom Hessert III, please visit tomhessert.com.

- Tom Hessert Racing Press Release

Tony Marks Racing Thumbnail

Since his superb finish in the No. 8 VR-12 / Dodge Motorsports Dodge Charger at Toledo, Marks has been attending the last few ARCA Racing Series events to become more familiar with the technical side of the series, while also assisting and supporting his teammate, Maryeve Dufault in the No. 12 VR-12 / Dodge Motorsports Dodge Charger.

To enhance his efforts behind the wheel and off the track, Marks moved to Mooresville, North Carolina earlier this month where he will remain during the summer break. Currently, Marks works in the TMR shop every day, assisting both his ARCA Racing Series and Late Model teams.

Anxious to get behind the wheel as any rising star would be, Marks is focused on earning more respect and taking the checkered flag at the demanding Winchester (Ind.) Speedway.

“I think I’m ready to go,” said Marks. “We had a good run at Toledo, which has kept my confidence up heading into this weekend. Winchester is so much different than Toledo though. It’s faster and high-banked like Salem, which means concentration will probably be everything.”

He added, “I want to be competitive, qualify well and take the checkered flag. Hopefully, Maryeve and I can work together however we need to put two TMR cars in the top-10.”

Tony Marks, a successful entrepreneur from Ohio will play two roles this weekend at Winchester Speedway. In addition to car owner, Marks will continue to sit back and watch his son live out his dream.

“I’m eager to get to Winchester, just because I feel like it’s going to be a good weekend,” said Marks, a former race car driver himself. “Jared and Maryeve both have their game face on and want to do well for VR-12 and Dodge. As an owner, I cannot ask for much more than that. I can’t predict what’s going to happen during the race, but I know that both drivers will exercise patience while keeping the goal clear in the back of their mind to finish the race.”

The Winchester ARCA 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts (200 laps / 100 miles) is the ninth of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 22nd ARCA race at Winchester is a one-day show. Practice begins Saturday, June 25 with a one hour and half practice session planned from 1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin later in the day at 4:45 p.m. The field will take the green flag later that night shortly after 8:00 p.m. The race will not be televised but event coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,321st race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

For additional information on TMT, Inc. please visit; tmtcompanies.net.

To learn more about Tony Marks Racing, please click over to Tmr-racing.com

See the buzz that VR-12 is creating by clicking over to their website at VR-12.com.

About Tony Marks Racing (TMR):

Tony Marks Racing was founded in 2009 through the passion for racing of team owner and former driver Tony Marks. Marks is the successful owner of TMT, Inc., a logistics, warehousing and packaging company with over 400 employees whose customers are mainly comprised of Fortune 100 companies.

Marks began his racing career in 1985 getting behind the wheel of everything from drag racers, Dirt Late Models, SCCA Formula Fords, USAC F2000 Open Wheel and ARCA cars. Tony personally raced until 2005 amassing numerous wins, championships and track records along the way until he then changed his focus from driver to owner and began building racing programs for his children Jared (16 years old) and Rachel (13 years old). Under the auspices of TMR, Jared began his racing career in 2002 in quarter midgets and now competes in late model, CRA, ASA and ARCA Series events while Rachel continues her development program racing quarter midgets and Bandoleros.

TMR has been at the forefront of charitable giving through its’ “Driving Against Hunger” and “Million Meal Challenge” race programs which have raised over $200,000 for Forgotten Harvest in 2010 at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Michigan International Speedway.

For the NASCAR events TMR along with TMT, Inc. partnered with Forgotten Harvest for the “Million Meal Challenge For Our Kids” which helps to bridge the hunger gap while schools are out of session and feeds 20,000 children per day in the Detroit metro area. Forgotten Harvest was significantly displayed on the entry of Chase Austin during both the Truck and Nationwide events at Michigan International Speedway along with logos of “Million Meal Challenge” sponsors Walgreen’s, United Race Group, Holyfield’s Choice Alka-Power Water and Vitamin Spice. Evander Holyfield was also instrumental in the challenge, acting as Grand Marshall for the August race and announcing his “Fight Against Hunger” on behalf of Forgotten Harvest.

As the first race team to “Drive Against Hunger” through their partnership with Forgotten Harvest, TMR plans to continue their alliance with Forgotten Harvest and once again “Drive Against Hunger” during the 2011 season.

- Tony Marks Racing Press Release

Sean Corr Thumbnail

In order to capture that top-10 finish this weekend, Corr knows that being technical will be crucial to success around the triangle race course. The three-turn 2.5-mile track simulates portions of an oval and a road course combined.

Thankfully, the Goshen, New York native will make his fifth start at the track nestled in the Pocono Mountains. In his prior four races, Corr has a worst finish of 16th and started a career-best eighth last August.

Giving the team some an added boost for the seventh race of the year, Corr and his family-owned team welcome TransTech aboard their No. 82 Ford Fusion as the primary marketing partner of their automobile. TransTech joins Roush Yates Engines and Roush Yates Performance as marketing partners this weekend.

“I always enjoy going to Pocono, so I’m pumped about this weekend,” offered Corr, who currently stands ninth in the ARCA championship standings. “Pocono is a very different track but I enjoy it immensely. A good handling car and tons of horsepower is crucial towards success at Pocono. I know that my crew chief Howard (Bixman) has an ideal setup for this weekend and Roush Yates Engines offers some of the best motors in the series’, so I’m looking forward to hammering down Saturday afternoon.”

With the halfway mark approaching in the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, Corr is satisfied but anxious to show more.

“We have a great team, one of the best I feel in the garage,” explained the 27-year old. “They have worked hard all season long. Countless amount of hours all with one goal in mind, win. We’ve had fast cars all season long but we’ve just had some circumstances beyond our control that have hindered us from the finishes I feel we deserve. We’re marching forward though and Pocono would be a great place to deliver our best finish of the year thus far.”

The driver of the No. 82 TransTech / Roush Yates Engines / Roush Yates Performance Ford Fusion continued, “I really want to thank TransTech for jumping aboard for this race. Pocono is close to home, so not only will we have folks from TransTech here but I’ll also have a bunch of friends and family making the trip to watch me race.”

Corr will make his 17th career start on Saturday afternoon. In his previous 16 races, the avid dirt racer has maneuvered eight top-15 efforts and 13 top-20 finishes including six consecutive in 2011. Pocono Raceway hoists the track with Corr’s career best finish of 12th in August 2010. An eighth place qualifying effort at the 2.5-mile triangle also in August 2010 is also a personal best accomplishment to date.

Recently, Empire Racing and BoomText officially announced the “Hard Corr Fans” program powered by BoomText, a mobile marketing campaign which allows fans to pledge towards becoming an official member of the Empire Racing team – not to mention helping three of Corr’s personal charities. To join the campaign, fans just simply have to text the word “CORR” to 411247 where they will receive an automated safe-secured link to join the “Hard Corr Fans” team.

The Pocono ARCA 200 (80 laps / 200 miles) is the seventh of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 52nd ARCA race at Pocono Raceway is a two-day show. Practice begins Friday, June 10 with a one hour and fifty minute practice session planned from 10:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin later in the day at 2:05 p.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 11. The event will be televised same-day delayed on SPEED beginning at 8:00 p.m. EST. Live timing and scoring throughout the 1,319th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

For more on Sean Corr, Empire Racing and marketing partnership opportunities for the 2011 racing season, please visit empireracingllc.com.

Are you FORD tough? Connect with Roush Yates Performance Products and Roush Yates Engines through their official web site at roushyatesparts.com.

Connect with Sean Corr and Empire Racing through Facebook by clicking here.

Tweet with Sean Corr through Twitter @EmpireRacingLLC.

Empire Racing LLC

Established in 2009, Empire Racing LLC. (empireracingllc.com) is a two-tier professional Motorsports organization consisting of dirt and asphalt competition. Sean Corr, a 26-year old hailing from Goshen, New York pilots the team’s automobiles in the DIRTcar Series and Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). In 2011, the team will attempt to run for a championship in the ARCA Racing Series with aspirations of moving into the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). The team is headquartered in Goshen, New York with an additional operation in Mooresville, North Carolina.

- Empire Racing Press Release

Matt Merrell

The opportunity for “champagne wishes and caviar dreams” will once again be in prime this weekend as Merrell and his Win-Tron Racing crew return to Toledo Speedway for the running of the Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care.

No doubt that taking the checkered flag first in the No. 32 Champion Brands Dodge Charger on Sunday will help a surge in the point standings where the former USARacing Pro Cup Series competitor occupies third, just 80 markers behind leader Ty Dillon.

“I’m more than ready to win,” said Merrell. “Not only have we found ourselves close this season but in the past too. This Win-Tron Racing team continues to give me the ingredients on a weekly basis to climb into the No. 32 Champion Brands Dodge Charger and be competitive. A win at Toledo would be so sweet; I hope we can pull it off on Sunday.”

The first of two contests at Toledo Speedway this year signifies the third race that Champion Brands will heed the role as the primary sponsor for the Lakeville, Minnesota-based team. Headquartered in Clinton, Missouri Champion Brands LLC produces and blends more than 300 products including fuel, oil and engine additives and lubricants for the automotive, heavy truck, agricultural and specialty markets.

“To have a partner like Champion Brands on-board is a real blessing,” continued Merrell. “It’s because of their commitment to this team and me as a driver that I’ll be heading back to Toledo this weekend. Sure, another strong run would be good for us, but man, would a win mean that much more. We’ll just keep doing what we’re doing and hope it will all unfold.”

The 26-year old will make just his third start at Toledo Speedway on Sunday and aim to improve on his brilliant fifth place finish that occurred in 2009. “It’s been a while since I’ve been to Toledo, but hopefully I won’t forget how to drive the place,” Merrell joked.

Nate Thiesse, co-owner of Win-Tron Racing is confident in the ability of Merrell once again this weekend. “Matt has all the talent in the world to take this team back to victory lane. He’s such a wheelman. He proved that at Toledo in the past. His strong finishes this season have kept his confidence high and knowing that we know he’s going to give us 150 percent behind the wheel. We know it’s just a matter of time and not if but when Matt will add his name to the list of first time ARCA winners.”

Merrell will make his 17th career start at Toledo in the ARCA Racing Series presented Menards this weekend. In his previous 16 outings, Merrell has seven top-fives including runner-up finishes of second at Berlin (Mich.) Raceway and Pocono (Pa.) Raceway (August) in 2009 and nine top-10s. His best start position for Win-Tron Racing occurred at the tricky triangle of Pocono (Pa.) Raceway where he qualified his No. 32 CollinsHope.org Dodge Charger second in June of 2009.

The Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care (200 laps / 100 miles) is the fourth of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 69th ARCA race at Toledo Speedway is a two-day show. Practice begins Saturday, May 14th with an hour and a half practice session planned from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later in the day slated to begin at 3:30 p.m. An hour and 15 minute on-track autograph session has been etched in from 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. on race day (Sunday). The contest will take the green flag shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 15. The race will not be televised nationally but event coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the weekend will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. For the second consecutive race at Toledo Speedway, the anticipated thriller will be available locally on television through the Buckeye CableSystem Sports Network (BCSN) Sunday night at 9:00 p.m. All times are local.

Further information including driver opportunities with Win-Tron Racing is available by visiting win-tronracing.com or contacting Nate Thiesse at 952.469.1839.

- Win-Tron Racing Press Release

Performance Vehicle Works (PVW)

The professional racecar construction and fabrication company will have plenty of teams to cheer on when the green flag flies Saturday afternoon for the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200. Since the open-ARCA test at the 2.5-mile superspeedway, the PVW train led by owner Timmy McKichan has been burning the midnight oil to ensure their clients pieces were well intact and prepared to do battle in the first of two restrictor plate races of the season.

The teams of Allgaier Motorsports, CGH Motorsports, Jones Group International, Sheltra Motorsports, Steve Blackburn Motorsports and Tony Marks Racing all have utilized the experience and knowledge of the PVW team to massage their hotrods for the first of 19 ARCA events this season.

PVW will represent every manufacturer expect Ford and host two female drivers in a field of 43 Saturday afternoon.

“We are very proud of our work and excited to work with the caliber of teams that we are this weekend at Daytona,” said PVW owner Timmy McKichan. “We take a lot of pride in our superspeedway program and I know that when that green flag drops on Saturday afternoon, a PVW affiliated car will have a shot to win this year’s ARCA season-opener.”

McKichan, a former racer himself from Canada is hoping that their on-track performance could potentially generate additional cliental, but having been a competitor behind the wheel himself, the Mooresville, North Carolina resident is not dwelling on that factor but more of having a different approach in the garage.

“I see a lot of great talent in the ARCA garage,” added McKichan. “I’m here to help. I enjoy helping people and obviously it’s paid its dividends to me. You cannot describe the feeling when something you had sole control over or even just a thought turns into something positive for a team or driver. That is the acceleration that Performance Vehicle Works thrives on.”

For more information on PVW, please visit PerformanceVehicleWorks.com.

The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona (80 laps / 200 miles) is the first of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 48th ARCA race held at Daytona is a three-day show. Practice begins Thursday, February 10 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 11 slated to begin at 2:00 p.m. A forty-five minute final practice session is etched in on Saturday, February 12th 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 and radio broadcast through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local.

- Performance Vehicle Works Press Release

Tony Marks Racing (TMR)

Tony Marks Racing (TMR) and Rookie of the Year candidate Maryeve (pronounced Mary-EV) Dufault (pronounced DU-FAU) will look to keep their momentum train rolling and put their No. 12 Tony Marks Racing Dodge Charger on the map when the ARCA Racing Series kicks off their season on Saturday afternoon with the running of the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200.

Armed with the ageless Larry Moore as their crew chief, Dufault and the TMR team head to the newly re-paved superspeedway looking to kick off their inaugural season on the right foot but also gain the Canadian some attention and experience at one of the series’ most prestigious race tracks.

“This is an incredible opportunity and I surely want to make the best of it,” said Dufault, who joins the ARCA Racing Series tour after a stint in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 and a successful and impressive career in Formula cars. “We had a very productive test and I’m extremely optimistic about the race.”

Even though Dufault, a native of Sorel, Quebec, and TMR realize that they have a fast Dodge nameplate with horsepower from Illmor Engineering, the yellow stripe indicating rookie status on the back bumper of Dufault’s Charger could be her biggest downfall. Still, the team is hoping to show in practice on Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning that even though she may be a rookie, she has a feel and a sense for what is going on around her.

“Daytona will be my first restrictor plate race,” offered Dufault, who currently resides in Redondo Beach, California. “That’s pretty intense for any rookie, but I have a strong team centered on giving me the best they can and in return I’m going to give them 150 percent behind the wheel.”

Maryeve Dufault

“I tested a few years ago in the ARCA Racing Series at Daytona and was anticipating racing myself,” recalled Marks. “However, I decided to take a step back from my own racing career and help launch the racing careers of my son and daughter. I don’t take any of that back for a second. The timing was right for us to be here now, so here we are. This weekend is going to be a proud moment for me, my family, our marketing partners and everyone else who makes Tony Marks Racing possible.”

He added, “Maryeve is the real deal. We’ve tested the heck out of her the last month or so and she’s done a tremendous job. Her throttle response is impressive and her feedback is that of a veteran. She is so determined. You can see in her the desire and passion for racing in all that she does and you know that she is building every day in her quest to reach her ultimate goal of racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS). I’m very delighted to have her behind the wheel of the No. 12 Tony Marks Racing Dodge Charger.”

To help develop a new fan-base and center some attentiveness on their new marketing partners, Tony Marks Racing will carry an on-board camera for Saturday’s anticipated thriller. The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 will mark the second consecutive year that a female has hosted an on-board camera.

“I’m very appreciative to carry an on-board camera not only to represent our marketing partners and team but the ARCA Racing Series as well,” Dufault sounded. “Hopefully we’ll be able to provide some excellent video for the race fans and supporters who are watching at the track and at home.”

Veteran NASCAR spotter Mike Calinoff will help guide the avid open-wheeler in her ARCA Racing Series debut. And despite being one of six females to test in January at the “World Center of Racing”, Dufault will be joined by one other female for the first of two restrictor plate events this season.

The first official week of February will be a busy one for TMR. In addition to competition at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, Jared Marks, the son of car owner Tony Marks, will be competing at New Smyrna (Fla.) International Speedway in his No. 5 Dodge-backed Super Late Model (SLM) and Crate Late Model (CLM) divisions beginning on Friday, February 11, 2011.

The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona (80 laps / 200 miles) is the first of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 48th ARCA race held at Daytona is a three-day show. Practice begins Thursday, February 10 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 11 slated to begin at 2:00 p.m. A forty-five minute final practice session is etched in on Saturday, February 12th 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 and radio broadcast through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local.

About Tony Marks Racing (TMR):

Tony Marks Racing was founded in 2009 through the passion for racing of team owner and former driver Tony Marks. Marks is the successful owner of TMT, Inc., a logistics, warehousing and packaging company with over 400 employees whose customers are mainly comprised of Fortune 100 companies.

Marks began his racing career in 1985 getting behind the wheel of everything from drag racers, Dirt Late Models, SCCA Formula Fords, USAC F2000 Open Wheel and ARCA cars. Tony personally raced until 2005 amassing numerous wins, championships and track records along the way until he then changed his focus from driver to owner and began building racing programs for his children Jared (16 years old) and Rachel (13 years old). Under the auspices of TMR, Jared began his racing career in 2002 in quarter midgets and now competes in late model, CRA, ASA and ARCA Series events while Rachel continues her development program racing quarter midgets and Bandoleros.

TMR has been at the forefront of charitable giving through its’ “Driving Against Hunger” and “Million Meal Challenge” race programs which have raised over $200,000 for Forgotten Harvest in 2010 at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Michigan International Speedway.

For the NASCAR events TMR along with TMT, Inc. partnered with Forgotten Harvest for the “Million Meal Challenge For Our Kids” which helps to bridge the hunger gap while schools are out of session and feeds 20,000 children per day in the Detroit metro area. Forgotten Harvest was significantly displayed on the entry of Chase Austin during both the Truck and Nationwide events at Michigan International Speedway along with logos of “Million Meal Challenge” sponsors Walgreen’s, United Race Group, Holyfield’s Choice Alka-Power Water and Vitamin Spice. Evander Holyfield was also instrumental in the challenge, acting as Grand Marshall for the August race and announcing his “Fight Against Hunger” on behalf of Forgotten Harvest.

As the first race team to “Drive Against Hunger” through their partnership with Forgotten Harvest, TMR plans to continue their alliance with Forgotten Harvest and once again “Drive Against Hunger” during the 2011 season.

For additional information on TMT, Inc. please visit; tmtcompanies.net.

- Tony Marks Racing Press Release