ARCA's 60th Anniversary Season Logo

The agreement includes a continuation of the UNOH student intern program, which creates at-track internship opportunities with race teams and the sanctioning body for UNOH students. Numerous UNOH students have served as technical officials at ARCA events, and many others have worked in varying roles on ARCA race teams.

“The program we have with ARCA and the ARCA teams has been extremely beneficial to our marketing and branding strategies,” said Steve Farmer, vice president of corporate development for UNOH. “Our students have benefited from the hands-on experience they get working with some of the best teams in the racing industry. It is an education they can get nowhere else in the country.”

The university will contribute $2500 to the series’ annual point fund, and also sponsor several special award programs – totaling $300 per each of the season’s 20 events and a $2500 award at the season’s end.

The relationship’s ninth season began in earnest last weekend, when over 25 ARCA Racing Series officials traveled to Lima to visit the university’s Dr. Jeffrey A. Jarvis High Performance Motorsports Complex for a preseason training session.

Split into four small groups, the officials took instruction on several elements of at-track procedure. Two classroom settings provided pit road and race procedure discussions, and two in-garage classes allowed officials to learn more about qualifying and impound procedures. A race car formerly used in competition stood on jack stands to give officials a closer view. Each of the four classes lasted one hour, allowing for a lecture, a question-and-answer session, and other discussion in every area. All officials – returning and new – were tested at the end of the day.

Though many attending the program were ARCA veterans looking to refresh their knowledge after seasons of experience, several new officials participated and gained real experience.

At 75,000 square feet, UNOH’s High Performance Motorsports Complex features eight different compartments: custom engine-building, engine-building, fabrication, high-performance welding, high-performance chassis, steering and suspension, accessories trends, and a dyno building with four dyno machines. The dyno building also houses the school’s motorsports team, which fields modified cars and stock cars at the university’s Limaland Motorsports Park.

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.

The University of Northwestern Ohio is an entrepreneurial, not-for-profit, university founded in 1920. There are five colleges within the university: The College of Applied Technologies, College of Business, College of Occupational Professions, College of Health Professions, and the Graduate College. UNOH has taught students from all 50 states and 16 foreign countries, and currently has more than 4500 students enrolled from 36 states and 6 foreign countries. UNOH offers more than 60 different programs of study including Master’s, Baccalaureate, Associate, and Diploma programs.

- Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

ARCA's 60th Anniversary Season Logo

Founded in Toledo, Ohio in 1953, the Temperance, Mich.-based company will begin 2012 with an enhanced participant accident insurance plan.

ARCA president and CEO Ron Drager announced an increase in the insurance coverage for all ARCA-licensed members competing in ARCA-sanctioned events. With no direct increase in ARCA membership fees, ARCA and insurer K&K Insurance Group, Inc. will offer $500,000 in participant accident medical coverage to each license holder, up from $300,000 in 2011 and previous years.

The increased insurance coverage will not be limited to people participating in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Participants at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedway, in the ARCA Truck Series, and the ARCA CRA Super Series will also benefit. The ARCA CRA Super Series is the product of a new relationship between ARCA and the Champion Racing Association, announced last July.

Fittingly, Fort Wayne, Ind.-based K&K Insurance, recognized as the leading provider of sports, leisure, and entertainment insurance products, recently celebrated its 60th year in business. K&K was founded in 1952, one year ahead of ARCA.

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

ARCA's 60th Anniversary Season Logo

“Doc Mattioli was a visionary, but he was unique in that he had the fortitude to follow through and fulfill his vision. His strong will, strong work ethic, and family values made him a true individual in our sport. Doc and Rose and ARCA founders John and Mildred Marcum were friends and business associates for six decades, and that relationship continues today with the third generation. All of us in the ARCA community express our appreciation for Doc and wish the Mattioli and Pocono Raceway families our very best at this time.”

Founded by John 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

ARCA's 60th Anniversary Season Logo

(TEMPERANCE, Mich.) –

The events for this weekend’s SpeedFest 2012 will be conducted as in the past, as a CRA South special event, without the ARCA sanction.

“We have a big rollout planned for that first event in April,” said ARCA president Ron Drager, “and wanted to make sure we clarified that fact, since we won’t have a presence or a role of any kind at the event this weekend in Cordele, Ga.”

The three-day event, which features the CRA Super Series South and the CRA JEGS All-Stars Tour presented by GM Performance Parts, features practice Friday, January 27, practice and qualifying Saturday, January 28, and main events for both divisions Sunday, January 29.

“We are excited to roll out the ARCA relationship at Anderson in April,” said CRA partner and series director Glenn Luckett. “Since ARCA does not have a role this weekend we thought it was important to let everyone know that April 14 is the beginning of this relationship at the track. We are really looking forward to it.”

- Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

Empire Racing LLC Thumbnail

Ben comes to Empire Racing with an 18-year career in the motorsports industry. Leslie’s background includes experience in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series, where he worked with drivers such as former Sprint Cup Series champions Kurt Busch, Matt Kenseth and Bobby Labonte, and defending Nationwide Series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

“This is a great opportunity to be working with a growing team like Empire Racing,” Leslie said. “I had the opportunity to work with Sean at Kansas last year. He has a very good feel for the car and excellent ‘car control’. The whole organization is dedicated to putting out the best equipment every race.”

Sean Corr

Leslie spent the majority of his Sprint Cup career with Roush Fenway Racing, where he got his NASCAR start in 1994 as a mechanic and tire changer. In 1998, he was named car chief for the No. 26 Ford of Johnny Benson and was later promoted to interim crew chief, which led to a permanent crew chief position with the championship-winning organization.

Leslie’s career highlights include rookie of the year honors with Kenseth in 2000 and a runner-up championship finish with Mark Martin in 2002, which encompassed a win at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Coca-Cola 600.

Following the 2002 season, Leslie went on to fulfill crew chief positions with organizations such as Wood Brothers Racing, Yates Racing and Hall of Fame Racing. He also has served as field director at Ford Racing for several years.

In 2010, Leslie returned to Roush Fenway Racing and was named crew chief of the No. 6 Ford driven by Stenhouse Jr.

For more on Sean Corr, Empire Racing and marketing partnership opportunities for the 2012 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.

About Empire Racing:

Established in 2009, Empire Racing LLC. Is a two-tier professional Motorsports organization consisting of dirt and asphalt competition. Sean Corr, a 27-year old hailing from Goshen, New York pilots the team’s automobiles in the DIRTcar Series and Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). In 2012, the team will once again attempt to run for a championship in the ARCA Racing Series and selected NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events .The team is headquartered in Goshen, New York with an additional operation in Mooresville, NC

- Empire Racing Press Release

ARCA's 60th Anniversary Season Logo

The date announcement for the track’s second consecutive ARCA Racing Series event and ninth since 1971 finalizes the 20-race ARCA Racing Series schedule for 2012. The Lucas Oil Raceway event had appeared on the previously-announced race schedule without a confirmed date.

The ARCA Racing Series and ARCA CRA Super Series events will follow a USAC Midget and Silver Crown doubleheader on Thursday, July 26.

“We are pleased to welcome back ARCA for the second consecutive season following their thrilling race last year, and the ARCA CRA Super Series has long been a valuable partner,” said Wes Collier, general manager of Lucas Oil Raceway. “The history and tradition Lucas Oil Raceway has with USAC is long and storied with past race winners including some of the greatest names in racing. We are anxious for a tremendous two nights of racing.”

Ty Dillon won at Lucas Oil Raceway last season, scoring one of his series-leading seven victories before becoming the 2011 ARCA Racing Series champion. ARCA’s July visit to the track in Clermont, just west of Indianapolis, was the series’ first since 1985.

The ARCA CRA Super Series is a top stock car sanctioning body and features some the finest up-and-coming talents in all of racing. Past CRA winners at Lucas Oil Raceway have included Scott Hantz, Jeff Land, and Ross Kenseth.

The track will announce a schedule of events and ticket prices for the weekend shortly, and ARCA will make future announcements regarding event broadcast coverage and sponsorship.

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

Made In USA Logo

“We’ve got a great red, white and blue Made In USA Brand paint scheme for both our ARCA car and NASCAR truck at Daytona,” said Gresham, who will drive for Joe Denette Motorsports in 2012. “Race fans are proud of their sport and their country. The Made In USA Brand Certification Mark is a perfect fit for me, my family and my JDM race team, because it stands for buying American products produced by American workers. That’s really important in today’s world when creating and sustaining jobs is a priority for all Americans. We can all make a difference by checking for the Made In USA Brand Certification Mark on the products we purchase. That’s a message we are going to bring to the racetrack throughout the 2012 racing season and we think there are a lot of American companies out there that are going to want to partner with us and be a part of that.”

Developed by Marcie Gabor, President, Made In USA Brand, a principal at Conrad Phillips Vutech, a branding and marketing firm located in Columbus, Ohio, the Made In USA Brand Certification Mark is the only certification mark for identifying goods either made or grown in the United States registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

In the past year, the number of Made In USA Brand accredited companies has grown from 45 to more than 600. “US businesses that meet the accreditation standards are invited to use the Made In USA Brand Certification Mark on their products to label and identify their American-made goods,” said Gabor.

According to Jim Vutech, principal at Conrad Phillips Vutech, the association with Gresham will provide the Made In USA Brand Certification Mark an opportunity to build awareness of the symbol among millions of patriotic businesses and fans that support American motorsports.

“NASCAR is the ideal platform for the Made In USA movement,” stated Vutech.

Companies interested in securing the Made In USA Brand Certification Mark for their products are encouraged to log on to http://www.madeinusabrand.com.

Race fans interested in pledging along with Max to purchase made in USA manufactured goods can log on to http://www.PledgeForUSA.com.

Max Gresham

Gresham will then turn his sights to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series where he will pilot the No. 24 Made In USA Brand / Joe Denette Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado in a 250-mile test at Daytona. The Friday, February 24 event rolls off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time and again will be telecast live on SPEED. The event will also be carried live on SIRIUS/XM Radio NASCAR Channel 90 and on more than 400 Motor Racing Network (MRN) radio stations worldwide.

For more information about Max Gresham, please visit www.MaxGresham.com.

You can also follow Gresham on Twitter @MaxGresham and at Max Gresham Fan Page on Facebook.

For more information about the Made In USA Brand Certification Mark visit http://www.MadeInUSAbrand.com.

- Max Gresham Motorsports Press Release

January 15, 2012 – Forsyth, GA -

“I’ve been a guest on a lot of hunting shows and have always had a burning desire to do more within outdoor entertainment. I’m excited about turning the page to a new chapter of my career. Aside from being behind the wheel of a race car, I can’t think of any other place I’d rather be than in the wide open spaces of the outdoors,” says Earnhardt. “I’m good friends with Haley and her husband G.O. and have always enjoyed watching their show. We share the same family values and that was important to me coming on board.”

The Heaths’ feel that, “in 2012 you will get to see a glimpse of what Family Traditions has in-store for the 2013 season. Kerry is an intense hunter and true outdoorsman. We are looking forward to bringing Kerry in as a Co-Host and know that the viewers will enjoy spending time with him as well.”

About Kerry Earnhardt

Kerry Earnhardt has been racing since the early 1990’s. Son of the legendary, 7-time NASCAR Champion Dale Earnhardt, Kerry claimed the Rookie of the Year title driving the Late Model Stock ranks before he started running select Bush Series races in 1998 / 1999. Earnhardt moved to the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Series in 2000. In six starts, he posted four top five finishes and a first victory celebrated at Pocono Speedway in the Winner’s Circle with his proud father. During the same season, Kerry made his debut in NASCAR’s Winston Cup Series when he raced at Michigan International Speedway competing against both his father and his brother. Kerry claimed three ARCA victories in 2001 including a win at Lowes Motor Speedway and then went on to compete within all three divisions of NASCAR.

Kerry’s same passion for racing is reflected in his commitment to the great outdoors. Today he has swapped the driver’s seat for the tree stand. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast committed to supporting and educating the importance of land and animal preservation and conservation.

To find out more information about Kerry Earnhardt please contact Earnhardt Outdoors Public Relations at info@earnhardtoutdoors.com [mailto:info@earnhardtoutdoors.com]

About Family Traditions with Haley Heath

Family Traditions with Haley Heath is as much about family as it is the pursuit of big game. This show takes an inside glimpse into the life of successful outdoorswoman Haley Heath and her family of avid hunters. Lessons learned in the show extend beyond hunting tips and delve into the importance of family traditions. In a crazy world where spending time with family takes a back seat to providing for one, this program showcases how accomplishing both at the same time is possible.

Let this entertaining, All-American family take you on a journey into the wild and introduce you to a new family tradition…

Family Traditions with Haley Heath airs exclusively on the Sportsman Channel Wednesday at 10 p.m., Thursdays at 1:00 a.m., and Thursdays at 1:00 p.m., EDT.

To learn more about Family Traditions with Haley Heath, please visit www.FamilyTraditionsTV.com

About Haley Heath

At first glance, Haley Heath is a striking young woman with a friendly smile and obvious warmth. She is the dedicated mother of two young children and wife of her 1st grade sweetheart, G.O. She is a devoted daughter and dependable sister and the kind of person you quickly call friend.

This All-American girl-next-door is also a fifth- generation avid outdoorsman with a passion for the pursuit of wild game. Her love of hunting was honed at her father’s knee as he patiently introduced her to the outdoors. Her first claim to fame was when, at the age of 6, she shot her first deer, a basket-rack, seven-pointer that still hangs proudly on her wall today. Since those early days, the size of her trophies has increased along with her fame.

What began in 2006 with Haley’s participation in a ‘Survivor-like’ competition on the ESPN television show, “ESPN’s Ultimate Outdoorsmen Search,” evolved into the popular television show, Family Traditions with Haley Heath.

Since the show began, Haley has earned much-deserved recognition. In 2008, she was the first woman to receive the “Viewer Favorite Personality” Sportsman Award. In 2009, she was appointed as the Ambassador for The Sportsman Channel’s organization Hunt Fish Feed, which works to feed needy families. In 2009, Haley was highlighted in USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and ABC Nightly World News.

Today, Haley is the host of Family Traditions with Haley Heath and earns the respect of hunting enthusiasts around the world.

- Earnhardt Outdoors Public Relations Press Release

JD Motorsports

The first is; – Daytona is coming up really fast, and they’re going to be there. The second is; they’re not sure who is going to be on their car as marketing partners all year.

So, the search for sponsorship is in full swing with Wallace and JD Motorsports to make them more competitive for the NNS schedule. G&K Services is going to be part of the team, just as they were last year.

“We know who some of our partners are going to be this year,” said Wallace. “We just don’t know what capacity they are going to be on the No. 01 Chevrolet. We appreciate everyone who becomes one of our partners.

“Like everyone else, we’re looking to add to our partnerships to help be the best we can at the track each week. We have a great team of people and know we can get the job done. We just need those solid partnerships to get us to that point.”

With 416 starts in the Nationwide Series, Wallace has shown he’s capable of getting the job done. With four trips to Victory Lane and 63 top-10s to his credit, he and the JD Motorsports team backed that up with a pretty good 2011 season.

With 18 top-20 finishes in 34 starts last year, they had a best finish of fifth at Road America. They were consistent qualifiers and come into the 2012 season after Wallace finished 13th in the Driver’s Standings.

Daughter Chrissy searching for place to put here talents

It’s rare when a father-daughter duo is race car drivers. What’s even odder is when they are both searching for help for a solid season.

Chrissy, 23, is coming off a historic year as the only female driver to win the ASA West Regional Championship and an ASA Track Champion, which she did through her efforts at Lebanon (MO) I-44 Speedway. With success like that, it only makes sense the third-generation driver seeks to move up the racing ladder into the NASCAR ranks.

She’s no stranger to NASCAR racing having made NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Nationwide Series starts in the past. Now, she’s ready to show she can be just as competitive in those ranks as she was in ASA competition. Wallace started the ARCA Series finale at Toledo (OH) Speedway in October and has talked to some teams in that series, as well

“Everyone I talked to on NASCAR teams said to go show I could be a winner,” Chrissy said. “So, I went Late Model racing proved I could win and be a champion. I learned so much about car control, tire management and how to become a better driver last year.

“Now, I’m just looking to put all I learned to use with a NASCAR Truck, Nationwide or an ARCA team. Keeping this momentum going would benefit all of involved with my racing.”

This past Saturday night, January 7, the Wallace racing brothers of Rusty, Mike and Kenny were inducted into the Ozark Area Racers Hall of Fame in Springfield, MO. Kenny and Mike were on hand to receive the induction. Father Russ Wallace was previously inducted in 2004.

- JD Motorsports Press Release

Mildred Marcum

In 1953, Mildred and husband John Marcum founded a pair of motorsports companies in their home of Toledo, Ohio: the Midwest Association for Race Cars (MARC), a sanctioning body for organizing and administrating races and licensing and insuring competitors which would evolve into the present-day Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA); and Marcum Promotions, formed to operate the grandstand side of the racing business. Mildred worked in the ARCA home office right up until her birthday on Friday.

Mildred is survived by her daughter Suzie Drager, grandsons John, Ron and Jim, and a host of great grandchildren.

Funeral services are pending.

- ARCARacing.com

ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Thumbnail

Teams will be permitted to test at Mobile International Speedway on Friday, January 13. The first race at Mobile will take place Saturday, March 10.

Talladega Superspeedway, which will hold its 50th ARCA race this season, will open to testers on Tuesday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 18. The race at Talladega is scheduled for Friday, May 4.

Michigan International Speedway will host testing Tuesday, May 22, weeks ahead of the Friday, June 15 race.

Testing at Chicagoland Speedway will take place Monday, June 18, just days after the series’ event at Michigan. ARCA will race at Chicagoland on Saturday, July 21.

Kansas Speedway will host ARCA’s season finale for the first time this year, and testing at the track will occur Tuesday, October 2. The season finale is slated for Friday, October 19.

Daytona International Speedway will host open testing for its 2013 race Friday, December 14, Saturday, December 15, and Sunday, December 16.

All drivers must be pre-approved by the ARCA competition committee, and have a 2012 physical and drug screen on file with ARCA. More testing information is available by contacting Joe Wells, vice president of competition for ARCA, at (734) 847-6726 or jwells@arcaracing.com.

The full test schedule is as follows:

Friday, January 13 – Mobile International Speedway

Tuesday, April 17 – Talladega Superspeedway

Wednesday, April 18 – Talladega Superspeedway

Tuesday, May 22 – Michigan International Speedway

Monday, June 18 – Chicagoland Speedway

Tuesday, October 2 – Kansas Speedway

Friday, December 14 – Daytona International Speedway

Saturday, December 15 – Daytona International Speedway

Sunday, December 16 – Daytona International Speedway

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 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 two professional touring series and local weekly events.

- Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

Randy Hill Racing (RHR)

Chastain who is working with Texas entrepreneur and NASCAR Nationwide Series car owner Randy Hill utilized the open-test in order to allow 19-year old Chastain, who made five NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) this season to prepare for his attachment to Hill’s driver development program in 2012 joining Casey Roderick.

Throughout the weekend, Chastain utilized his No. 08 Randy Hill Racing Ford Fusion to gain speed and comfort with the 2.5-mile superspeedway. Overall, Chastain turned the 19th quickest lap out of an impressive list of drivers which consisted of 79 drivers overall.

The No. 08 Randy Hill Racing Ford Fusion in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards (ARS) driven by RHR development driver Ross Chastain.

He added, “I want to thank Randy Hill and the team for putting their best foot forward to make this weekend possible. I cannot compare Daytona to anything else I’ve ever competed on. It’s a blast and the drafting was unbelievable. I was able to have a lot of on-track time, so that was helpful and I’m looking forward to coming back in February and doing everyone a good job.”

Hill was excited to bring a new driver into the ARCA Racing Series and is eager to see what the team can muster together between now and the race.
“We know we have some work to do, but that was one of our objectives of testing,” sounded Hill. “I’m proud of Ross and the team for working hard to get the car on the track and laying down some respectable lap times and making steady improvements throughout the weekend. I know when we come back for the race; we’re going to have a piece competitive enough that will allow Ross to hopefully contend for victory.”

One of the newest owners in stock car racing continued, “I was extremely impressed with the way that Casey (Roderick) and Ross (Chastain) gelled together. Not only did they consult, confer and share ideas at the track, but they took their relationship as teammates to the next level by participating and hanging out in non-racing activities outside the track. As a car owner, that makes me proud to work with two of the most promising up-and-coming drivers and know that they enjoy being around each other.”

The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona officially kicks off the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season and the 60th year of competition for the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). The season-opener will be televised live on SPEED and will serve as a preamble for the highly anticipated Budweiser Shootout for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS).

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

Team BCR Racing

Graham, driver of the No. 88 Batter’s Dream Ford Fusion would tackle the “World Center of Racing” for the first time on Friday morning. In a session that saw 40 machines tackle the 2.5-mile superspeedway, Graham would put his blue oval powered by RoushYates Engines to the 15th quickest lap. That afternoon saw the Mooresville, North Carolina-based team find additional speed and land 13th fastest overall in a four hour session that consisted of 53 cars.

Saturday morning’s session of single-car runs showed that the Lafayette, Louisiana could show consistency with his Team BCR Racing entry landing nearly identical lap times. With the afternoon session took the green flag, the ARCA Racing Series officials made drafting possible for the first time in a day and a half. The former hydroplane racer was eager to experience his first serious taste of drafting – after all, it’s a critical piece to success at Daytona.

Showing extreme focus and positive coaching from Howard Bixman, Graham clicked off the 12th fastest lap in 48.279 seconds at 186.416 miles per hour – his then fastest time of the weekend.

With the final day of testing set to conclude on Sunday, Graham and his team guided by owner Howard Bixman made small changes to their RoushYates powered automobile hoping for a little more speed when the track opened for business.

Buster Graham, driver of the No. 88 Batter’s Dream Ford Fusion in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards for Team BCR Racing.

“Man, I’m so excited, you have no idea,” said Graham. “Howard and Team BCR Racing along RoushYates Engines have poured a lot of effort into our program and I cannot tell you how much that means to me that we’re able to come here together as a group and run as competitively as we did. We didn’t make any major changes to the car it was great right from start, the RoushYates power under the hood is a bullet. We ran well in single-car format and we’re rocketing fast in the draft, that was the most fun I have ever had. I don’t think I could ask for much more. I’m looking forward to coming back in February.”

Bixman offered his thoughts on the weekend’s venture. “I’m real proud of Buster (Graham) and all the guys on this Team BCR Racing team. We worked our tails off and I can’t thank this group enough how much I appericate them. I can not begin to thank RoushYates Engines along with Nick Ramey and his staff for their support and willingness to make us a viable outfit in the ARCA Racing Series. We were ninth fastest overall and the second quickest Ford overall. We have some work to do to try find a little more with the car between now and February, but after what we’ve been able to accomplish, I think we’re all hoping Daytona would be a here little sooner than February. I think we showed that we’re going to be someone that’s going to be reckoned with here in a couple months.”

The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona officially kicks off the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season and the 60th year of competition for the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). The season-opener will be televised live on SPEED and will serve as a preamble for the highly anticipated Budweiser Shootout for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS).

For more information including marketing partnerships for the 2012 ARCA Racing Series season for Team BCR Racing and Buster Graham, please log onto teambcr.com.

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

Connect with RoushYates Performance Products and RoushYates Engines through their official web site at roushyatesparts.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.

- Team BCR Racing Press Release

ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards

Graham’s morning lap of 48.229 seconds (186.61 mph) in the No. 88 Ford gave him the lead in the weekend’s fifth testing session, and in turn the only top 10 time outside of Saturday afternoon’s drafting session. Duno, Jared Marks, Will Kimmel, and Alex Bowman comprised the remainder of the morning top five.

Only 30 cars participated in the last afternoon session, which Duno led with a best lap of 48.34 seconds (186.161 mph). She was followed by Joey Coulter, Brandon McReynolds, Bowman, and Josh Richards. Full speed charts for both Sunday sessions are available at ARCARacing.com.

Overall, Venturini Motorsports ended the weekend with the top positions among 79 drivers who took laps over 21 hours. Bowman’s Saturday afternoon lap of 47.787 seconds (188.336 mph) in the No. 25 Chevrolet will stand as the test’s top effort, just ahead of teammates John Stancill, Brennan Poole, and Ryan Reed. Marks, driving a Tony Marks Racing Dodge, ended the weekend fifth.

Duno’s Saturday afternoon lap in the Sheltra Motorsports Ford ended the test sixth overall, just ahead of Venturini’s Nelson Canache, DC Racing’s Drew Charlson, Graham, and Coulter Motorsports’ Matt Lofton.

The overall weekend results are listed below.

CAR # DRIVER MFG TIME SPEED

1 25a Alex Bowman Chevy 47.787 188.336
2 55 John Stancill Toyota 47.811 188.241
3 25 Brennan Poole Chevy 47.812 188.237
4 15 Ryan Reed Toyota 47.821 188.202
5 12 Jared Marks Dodge 47.832 188.159
6 63 Milka Duno Ford 48.166 186.854
7 35 Nelson Canache Chevy 48.212 186.676
8 51 Drew Charlson Chevy 48.221 186.641
9 88 Buster Graham Ford 48.229 186.610
10 16 Matt Lofton Chevy 48.234 186.590
11 94 Steve Blackburn Chevy 48.245 186.548
12 69a Fain Skinner Ford 48.251 186.525
13 58 Chad Hackenbracht Chevy 48.340 186.181
14 61 Joey Coulter Chevy 48.363 186.093
15 4 Brandon McReynolds Chevy 48.364 186.089
16 32 Chris Windom Toyota 48.380 186.027
17 66 Josh Richards Toyota 48.438 185.805
18 68 Will Kimmel Ford 48.488 185.613
19 08 Ross Chastain Ford 48.569 185.303
20 12 Maryeve Dufault Dodge 48.573 185.288
21 75 Ginny Quinones Toyota 48.674 184.904
22 44 Frank Kimmel Toyota 48.773 184.528
23 6 Cale Gale Chevy 48.803 184.415
24 14 John Ferrier Chevy 48.839 184.279
25 05 Derrike Cope Chevy 48.846 184.253
26 00 Ed Kennedy Chevy 48.865 184.181
27 66 Mark Thompson Toyota 48.931 183.932
28 1 Alli Owens Ford 48.953 183.850
29 90 Zachary Ralston Ford 48.971 183.782
30 29c Bobby Pelland Dodge 49.076 183.389
31 29a Sam Edwards Dodge 49.092 183.329
32 5a Bobby Gerhart Chevy 49.169 183.042
33 82a Sean Corr Ford 49.190 182.964
34 61 T.J. Duke Chevy 49.193 182.953
35 11b Rick Clifton Chevy 49.340 182.408
36 75a Benny Chastain Toyota 49.392 182.216
37 17 Chris Buescher Ford 49.417 182.124
38 29b Sloan Henderson Dodge 49.461 181.962
39 5b Damon Lusk Chevy 49.469 181.932
40 14a Josh Williams Ford 49.609 181.419
41 05 Spencer Gallagher Chevy 49.625 181.360
42 1a Jeremy Petty Chevy 49.725 180.995
43 40a Michelle Therault Dodge 49.745 180.923
44 10a Dennis Strickland Ford 49.793 180.748
45 13 George Cushman Dodge 49.985 180.054
46 69 Chris Brown Ford 50.133 179.522
47 18 Michael Affarano Chevy 50.207 179.258
48 10b Ryan Glenski Chevy 50.223 179.201
49 90a Grant Enfinger Ford 50.258 179.076
50 40t Nick Tucker Dodge 50.390 178.607
51 11 Paul Harraka Chevy 50.403 178.561
52 11c Trevor Edwards Chevy 50.517 178.158
53 10 Derrick Griffin Ford 50.539 178.080
54 1b Thomas Praytor Ford 50.560 178.006
55 11a Ed Pompa Chevy 50.579 177.939
56 29 Bob Bryant Dodge 50.606 177.845
57 11e Sunny Hobbs Chevy 50.617 177.806
58 29d Andy Jones Dodge 50.626 177.774
59 18f Chris Coker Ford 50.640 177.725
60 04c Danny Esposito Dodge 50.651 177.687
61 04 Scott Edwards Dodge 50.695 177.532
62 1c Alexsander Gregory Ford 50.715 177.462
63 40b Trent Mayo Dodge 50.926 176.727
64 04a Juan Carlos Blum Dodge 51.029 176.370
65 40d Larry Barford Dodge 51.054 176.284
66 11d Bill Coffey Ford 51.162 175.912
67 40d Josh Watkins Dodge 51.162 175.912
68 06 Ricky Byers Chevy 51.173 175.874
69 11h James Hylton Ford 51.243 175.634
70 10f Brad Lloyd Chevy 51.257 175.586
71 10b Daryl Eustice Ford 51.277 175.517
72 18c Tyler Speer Chevy 51.348 175.275
73 89 Chris Lafferty Chevy 51.563 174.544
74 40c Ryan Rust Dodge 51.605 174.402
75 7 Brent Cross Chevy 51.792 173.772
76 40 Michael Bockler Dodge 51.795 173.762
77 40b Roger Carter Dodge 51.827 173.655
78 89a Korbin Forrister Chevy 52.314 172.038
79 74 Jimmy Nowell Chevy 60.220 149.452

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards will return to central Florida in less than two months, as the February 18 Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway will open ARCA’s 60th Anniversary Season. The 80-lap, 200-mile race is scheduled as the first of 20 races in 2012 and will air live on SPEED, with additional coverage available at ARCARacing.com.

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 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 two professional touring series and local weekly events.

- Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Thumbnail

Ryan Reed drove the No. 15 Toyota to a best lap of 48.857 seconds (184.211 mph) in the second session of ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards open testing at the 2.5-mile oval, just edging teammates Brennan Poole, John Stancill, and Mark Thompson for the day’s best times. T.J. Duke, driving for Coulter Motorsports, finished the day fifth.

Poole led the three-hour morning period with a best lap of 48.915 seconds, and he and Reed were the only drivers to top that mark in the four-hour afternoon session.

Reed has never competed in the ARCA Racing Series, but is a track champion and super late model Rookie of the Year and race winner at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale in California. Just months past his 18th birthday, Reed enters ARCA with three NASCAR K&N Pro Series starts to his credit. In February, as he prepared to move to North Carolina from Bakersfield, Calif., Reed was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Rick Clifton, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year Joey Coulter, Chris Windom, Nelson Canache, and Sloan Henderson filled out the top 10 for the first day. Seven-time and defending Daytona winner Bobby Gerhart ended the day 13th, and 2011 Daytona runner-up and ARCA Rookie of the Year Chris Buescher finished 27th.

Open testing for teams and drivers will continue Saturday and Sunday at Daytona International Speedway.

The full list of every driver’s best speed is available below.

CAR # DRIVER TIME SPEED

1 15 Ryan Reed 48.857 184.211
2 25 Brennan Poole 48.862 184.192
3 55 John Stancill 48.921 183.970
4 66 Mark Thompson 48.931 183.932
5 61 T.J. Duke 49.193 182.953
6 11b Rick Clifton 49.340 182.408
7 61 Joey Coulter 49.350 182.371
8 32 Chris Windom 49.360 182.334
9 35 Nelson Canache 49.439 182.043
10 29b Sloan Henderson 49.461 181.962
11 5b Damon Lusk 49.469 181.932
12 82a Sean Corr 49.475 181.910
13 5a Bobby Gerhart 49.502 181.811
14 58 Chad Hackenbracht 49.552 181.627
15 4 Brandon McReynolds 49.553 181.624
16 99 Buster Graham 49.637 181.316
17 14 John Ferrier 49.666 181.210
18 94 Steve Blackburn 49.717 181.025
19 16 Matt Lofton 49.725 180.995
20 00 Ed Kennedy 49.761 180.865
21 12 Jared Marks 49.772 180.825
22 63 Milka Duno 49.787 180.770
23 1 Alli Owens 49.813 180.676
24 69a Fain Skinner 49.862 180.498
25 68 Will Kimmel 50.016 179.942
26 6 Cale Gale 50.034 179.878
27 17a Chris Buescher 50.035 179.874
28 90 Zachary Ralston 50.114 179.591
29 08 Ross Chastain 50.131 179.530
30 69 Chris Brown 50.133 179.522
31 18 Michael Affarano 50.207 179.258
32 10b Ryan Glenski 50.223 179.201
33 90a Grant Enfinger 50.258 179.076
34 75 Ginny Quinones 50.278 179.005
35 11 Paul Harraka 50.403 178.561
36 75a Benny Chastain 50.461 178.356
37 11a Ed Pompa 50.579 177.939
38 11c Trevor Edwards 50.681 177.581
39 04 Scott Edwards 50.695 177.532
40 51 Drew Charlson 50.744 177.361
41 05 Spencer Gallagher 50.903 176.807
42 13 George Cushman 50.928 176.720
43 04a Juan Carlos Blum 51.029 176.370
44 04c Danny Esposito 51.089 176.163
45 11d Bill Coffey 51.162 175.912
46 06 Ricky Byers 51.173 175.874
47 10b Daryl Eustice 51.277 175.517
48 04b Nick Tucker 51.405 175.080
49 40d Larry Barford 51.511 174.720
50 04d Josh Watkins 51.674 174.169
51 40b Roger Carter 51.827 173.655
52 40 Michael Bockler 51.990 173.110
53 05a Derrike Cope 52.067 172.854
54 7 Brent Cross 52.376 171.834

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 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 two professional touring series and local weekly events.

- Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release