Chase Austin

The 21-year-old Kansas native spent the early years of his career bouncing from circuit to circuit, piling up time driving everything from dirt go-karts to mini sprints to NASCAR’s Nationwide and Camping World Truck series. But moving to open-wheel racing isn’t the only barrier he’s breaking at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

If he qualifies the No. 75 Willy T. Ribbs car for the Freedom 100 on May 27, he’d be the first black driver to start a Firestone Indy Lights race. Qualifying also would mean he’d be following in the footsteps of one of his team owners, Ribbs, who was the first black man to compete in the Indy 500 when he finished 32nd in the 1991 race.

That’s hardly on his mind, though.

“I don’t really see it from one perspective,” said Austin, whose mother is white and father black. “As far as the color barrier, I don’t really think about that stuff. When I’m on the race track, I worry about racing.”

- The Desert Sun

Firestone Indy Lights

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, May 13, 2011) -

The Englishman led the 18 drivers who participated in the one-day Open Test on the famed 2.5-mile oval with a lap of 190.571 mph in his No. 5 Andretti Autosport car.

“We had a bit of help to get (the fastest) lap, but at the end of the day, everyone had a bit help to get their fastest lap,” Wilson said. “The car felt really good. We had a few laps in traffic at the end, and the car felt even better. We were working hard all day and tried to run by ourselves for most of the day. When I got the fastest lap, it was the only time I had an actual tow.”

Team Moore Racing’s Gustavo Yacaman was the only other veteran in the top five on the speed charts, posting the second-fastest lap (189.841 mph). Yacaman’s teammate Victor Garcia, Sam Schmidt Motorsports’ Josef Newgarden and Bryan Herta Autosport’s Duarte Ferreira rounded out the top five.

Yacaman was happy to run up front, but knows things can change very quickly at Indianapolis.

“We were on top (of the speed charts) for most of the day, but at the end of the day it doesn’t matter,” Yacaman said. “Last year, I was the fastest here, but at the race I was dead last because the car wasn’t good on Race Day. Today was good. The car was good in traffic, but we’ll see if we’re still good come race day.”

In all, drivers turned nearly 1,300 laps of incident-free testing. Rookie’s Rusty Mitchell (Team E) and Jorge Goncalvez (Belardi Auto Racing) each turned 88 laps, most of any drivers.

OPEN TEST QUOTEBOOK:

STEFAN WILSON (No. 5 Andretti Autosport): “We had a bit of help to get (the fastest) lap, but at the end of the day, everyone had a bit help to get their fastest lap. We felt pretty confident after today. The car felt really good. We had a few laps in traffic at the end, and the car felt even better. We were working hard all day and tried to run by ourselves for most of the day. When I got the fastest lap, it was the only time I had an actual tow. I think it represents the team very good. Looking at the lap times when people were by themselves, we were at the sharp end, definitely in the top three. I think it’s a great job by the entire No. 5 Andretti Autosport crew.”

GUSTAVO YACAMAN (No. 2 Team Moore Racing): “It was a good test day. We were on top (of the speed charts) for most of the day, but at the end of the day it doesn’t matter because last year I was the fastest here, but at the race I was dead last because the car wasn’t good on Race Day. Today was good. The car was good in traffic, but we’ll see if we’re still good come race day.”

VICTOR GARCIA (No. 22 Team Moore Racing): “This was my first day at Indy, and I have to say it’s awesome. We tried a bunch of things, and we were really quick in the morning. We tried some things behind people and tried to be behind a lot of people to see how the car looked. I finished third, so I’m really happy. I’m looking forward to coming back for the Freedom 100 and the most important race of the season.”

CHASE AUSTIN (No. 75 Willy T. Ribbs/Starting Grid/Brooks Associates Racing): “Since I come from stock cars, Indianapolis wasn’t a big deal. Daytona was a big thing for me, so I looked at it as just another track. I know it’s a big deal and there will be a lot of fans here. It’s cool to be a part of this.” (What did you learn today?): “Tight, or understeer as they call it here, is not good. That’s what we were fighting for most of the day. I learned the line that you need to take to compensate for that and a lot of other things that I can use when I come back for the race. We need to work on the setup. Hopefully when we come back for the race we’ll be a little better prepared.”

OPEN TEST NOTEBOOK:

Spain’s Victor Garcia continues to adapt to ovals very quickly.

The Team Moore Racing driver, who claimed his first Firestone Indy Lights win at Barber Motorsports Park earlier this year, experienced the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first time in the Firestone Indy Lights Open Test.

“I like this track a lot,” Garcia said. “It is very different from Chicago. Although I was fast there, I didn’t like that track as much as here. This is more like a road course with four turns.”

Garcia had the third-fastest time of the test and will return to Spain to complete university exams before returning for the Firestone Freedom 100.

***

Firestone Indy Lights team owner Sam Schmidt and his four drivers for the Firestone Freedom 100 – Victor Carbone, Bryan Clauson, Esteban Guerrieri and Josef Newgarden – met with the media today.

Sam Schmidt Motorsports drivers have dominated the Firestone Freedom 100 since its inception in 2003, winning five of the eight races.

SAM SCHMIDT: “We just have a really strong lineup. They’re all pushing each other individually and as a team. That’s obviously helped us. It’s good.” (About the importance of the Firestone Freedom 100 for the team): “We’ve put a lot of effort into it and are very blessed to have won five of them. It is the Indy 500 for our team even though we have a full-time IndyCar team. Still, it hasn’t decreased the emphasis.”

JOSEF NEWGARDEN: (About a Tennessee native racing open-wheel cars): “It is really weird. I don’t know of any other Tennessee drivers racing open-wheel cars. For me, I’ve definitely got some flavor to my background. My dad is from New York and my mom is from Denmark. But I was born and raised in Tennessee, a great place to grow up. I had Formula One and INDYCAR and a lot of open-wheel series on TV when I was growing up. That’s what I really liked, and that’s where they trained me. Not that I don’t like NASCAR or any other forms of racing. Racing is racing to all of us. But open-wheel racing I something that really intrigues me. The technology behind it, the sophistication, is really interesting. That’s what I want to be involved in, especially with what’s going on with the IZOD IndyCar Series right now, with the new chassis they’re trying to develop. That innovation again is coming to the front.

ESTEBAN GUERRERI: (About racing on an oval for the first time): “It’s definitely a new experience. I’ve been racing in Europe on some street courses and mainly road courses. For me, it’s something to find out about his big it is. I’ve heard so many good things about this event. I’m really looking forward to it because it’s really a special race. It’s the start of the oval season, as well. I’m learning a lot of new things. The team has a lot of experience. I’m trying to learn as much as I can and be competitive.”

BRYAN CLAUSON: (About feeling pressure for carrying the flag for USAC short-trackers in Firestone Indy Lights and about his first day turning laps at IMS): “It was unbelievable. I’ve drove around this place and dreamed of being here. There’s nothing that will ever describe rolling down the front straightaway for the first time. It was an unbelievable feeling and definitely a lot of nervousness the first few laps. But it was a lot of fun and learned a lot today. Still have a lot of learning to do before we come back in a couple of weeks. I’m really excited about this opportunity. This is something that I’ve dreamed of for a long time and have been looking forward to since Randy (Bernard) and the league announced they were putting this program together, and I hadn’t even won it yet. I was real excited for whomever was going to win it, and I was fortunate enough to win it. It definitely carries a little pressure going back to being one of the first American open-wheel short-track guys to come back through without any road experience. Even though I’m only doing the ovals, it seems like road courses breed Indy-car drivers. So to be one of the first dirt guys to come back through the ranks, that definitely carries a little bit of pressure on me. But that’s why we’re here. That’s why we drive, for the pressure and to come here and do our job.”

VICTOR CARBONE: (About first impressions of Indianapolis): “Lots of fun. I’ve never raced on an oval before, so I’m really looking forward to it, especially being at Indy for my first experience.” (Was it harder than it looked?): “I tested before at Phoenix and Vegas, but this place is completely different. I felt pretty good. It’s hard to expect something before I go out the first time. I felt pretty good, and I think we’ll be all right for the weekend.”

***

IZOD IndyCar Series driver Justin Wilson was on pit lane watching his younger brother Stefan Wilson test…Three-time Firestone Freedom 100 winner Wade Cunningham, who will make his IZOD IndyCar Series debut with Sam Schmidt Motorsports at Texas, was on the spotter stand helping all four of Sam Schmidt Motorsports Firestone Indy Lights drivers…Sam Schmidt hopes to move Victor Carbone from Miami to Indianapolis to be closer to the team in the near future. The 18-year-old is due to graduate from high school later this month.

***

The 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season continues with the 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 on May 29 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at Noon (ET) by ABC. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, SiriusXM channel 94 and www.indycar.com. The 2011 Firestone Indy Lights season continues with the Firestone Freedom 100 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 27. The race will be televised live by VERSUS.

- INDYCAR, Press Release

Tony Marks Racing (TMR)

Armed with the legendary Larry Moore as crew chief, TMR brought three drivers to the “World Center of Racing” as an opportunity to prepare the newest female sensation Maryeve Dufault to become acquainted with the breathtaking racetrack while also utilizing the experience of NASCAR driver Chase Austin to critique the team’s performance.

For 16-year old rising star Jared Marks, the dream of competing at Daytona inched one step closer as the Champion Racing Association (CRA) competitor also climbed into the cockpit for several laps around DIS to give him a taste of what is yet to come.

Even though three drivers were on-hand with for the first official open-test of the new season, much concentration was surrounded on the team’s full-time pilot of Maryeve Dufault, who will make her first ARCA Racing Series start next month.

After spending 2010 competing in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1, Dufault, a native of Los Angeles will leap into the most diverse racing series in the United States hoping to gain experience, respect and support as she vows to become the first female driver to win an ARCA Racing Series event in the history of the 59-year old sanctioning body.

To say that the Tony Marks Racing team wasn’t busy during the three days is a huge understatement. From single-car runs to drafting and everything else in between, Dufault, Marks and Austin all delivered solid results which censored off good vibes for the freshman team heading into the season-opener in less than a month.

Overall, Dufault led the TMR charge by placing her No. 12b Tony Marks Racing Dodge Charger into 28th out of 58 competitors after posting her fastest lap at 49.203 seconds at 182.916 miles per hour. Dufault edged out several familiar ARCA competitors including nine-time ARCA champion Frank Kimmel and the 2010 ARCA Racing Series champion Patrick Sheltra. She was also the second fastest of the six other females on-track during the open-test only trailing Milka Duno.

Marks and Austin, both in single-car rounds posted times that were 41st and 42nd respectively overall. The team leaned on comfort not speed for Jared Marks, son of car owner Tony Marks. The second generation driver hopped in the seat of the No. 12a Charger and wheeled his automobile around the track in 49.830 seconds or a tick over 180.550 miles per hour. It was a solid lap time for the teenage racer, who under ARCA Racing Series sanctioning age restrictions is allowed to test but not race at the historic facility.

“Overall, we’re completely satisfied with the test,” said Tony Marks, owner of Tony Marks Racing. “Chase, Jared and Maryeve all did an exceptional job shaking the cars down and producing great feedback. I appreciate Chase being here with the team as a driver coach to the future of our great program. Maryeve did exactly what she needed to do and we believe she gained a lot of respect from her competitors.”

He went onto say, “Jared will run some ARCA races later this year and we wanted to make sure he was comfortable in the car not to mention gather priceless seat time. We’ll be back next month and hope we can continue to gain the trust and respect of our competitors while also deliver solid results for our team partners.”

Maryeve Dufault

Tony Marks Racing plans to sport two cars in the 2011 season-opener with Dufault and possibly Austin as a teammate. The schedule will turn later in the year and allow Marks behind the second-car for up to 11 races, including much of the series’ short track contests.

Before tackling the breathtaking Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway this week, the freshman organization spent Monday testing at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway allowing the team to shake down their short-track program with all three TMR protégés being allowed priceless seat time behind the wheel. Dufault will make her ARCA Racing Series short track debut at Salem (Ind.) Speedway on May 1, 2011.

Nestled back at their shop in Napoleon, Ohio, the TMR team is preparing for the first of 19 ARCA Racing Series events on the 2011 schedule which launches with the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona on Saturday, February 12, 2011 live on SPEED.

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

Tony Marks Racing (TMR)

Piloted by NASCAR driver Chase Austin, rising female sensation Maryeve Dufault and Champion Racing Association (CRA) competitor Jared Marks, the rookie team spent the first two days (Tuesday and Wednesday) of ARCA Racing Series testing at the newly re-paved 2.5-mile speedway getting their car up to speed and their drivers comfortable with the new and extremely fast asphalt.

On Tuesday, Dufault, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series pilot edged out Austin for the fastest TMR time after placing her machine 17th out of 40th on the speed charts. Austin followed in 18th. Dufault was one of three female drivers testing on the first day behind Milka Duno (Dodge) and ahead of Hannah Baker (Chevrolet).

Leaving the track with some satisfaction, the team returned for round two Wednesday looking for additional seat time and solid results. In their eyes, mission accomplished.

Dufault was again the prime target for the newly founded-race team and was the only driver behind the wheel of their Chrysler emblem Wednesday morning during the three-hour session which resulted in a 23rd place single-car run.

Yesterday afternoon, ARCA Racing Series officials opened up the legendary track to drafting. The Tony Marks Racing team opted to play it safe though and continued with single-car runs for much of the afternoon before dabbling just a little bit on the defying skill of drafting, which zones heavily on superspeedway racing, much like Daytona or its sister track, Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

For the first time of the week, 16-year old Jared Marks, son of car owner Tony Marks hopped in the seat of the No. 12a Charger and wheeled his automobile around the track in 49.830 seconds or a tick over 180.550 miles per hour. It was a solid lap time for the teenage racer, who under ARCA Racing Series sanctioning age restrictions is allowed to test but not race at the historic facility. The team admitted though that comfort, not speed was the primary agenda for the second-generation racer.

Dufault clocked in her inaugural drafting lap Wednesday afternoon with a time of 49.781 seconds amounting to a speed of 180.792 miles per hour landing her a respectable 31st on the rundown.

“We’re happy with the results thus far in Daytona,” said Tony Marks, owner of Tony Marks Racing. “In a short time, I feel like we’ve been able to build a strong team with a talented group of people. So far, we’ve achieved all of our goals here in Daytona and look to use the last day (Thursday) as a prime opportunity to further push our team into the spotlight. All three of our drivers are doing a tremendous job. What they are learning is valuable not only in ARCA but stock-car racing in general. They still have a lot to learn here in Daytona and ahead in 2011, but I’m very pleased with the overall effort of TMR this week.”

Testing will conclude at 5:00 p.m. Thursday evening for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. The three-day test is preparation for the first of 19 events on the 2011 calendar which begins on Saturday, February 12th, 2011 live on SPEED. Dufault, the Los Angeles resident is expected to lead the two-car team for TMR next month from the “World Center of Racing.”

Tony Marks Racing hopes to sport two cars in the 2011 season-opener with Dufault and possibly Austin as a teammate. The schedule will turn later in the year and allow Marks behind the second-car team for up to 11 races, including much of the series’ short track contests.

Before tackling the breathtaking Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway this week, the freshman organization spent Monday testing at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway allowing the team to shake down their short-track program with all three TMR protégés being allowed priceless seat time behind the wheel. Dufault will make her ARCA Racing Series short track debut at Salem (Ind.) Speedway on May 1, 2011.

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

The test was intended to provide Dufault and Marks an opportunity to get familiar with the ARCA car and get some valuable seat time as TMR prepares their 2011 campaign. Under the watchful eye of veteran crew chief Larry Moore, Austin took the first laps in the ARCA car, shaking it down and making certain that it was dialed in prior to Dufault and
Marks taking the wheel.

“This was only the 2nd time in the ARCA car for me but it all came back pretty easy,” said Austin. “I just shook down the car to get a good baseline so that Maryeve and Jared could run without worrying about anything but getting familiar with the ARCA car. They both did a good job. I was impressed with how well they did and despite the rain, it
was a successful test.”

Crew chief Larry Moore planned the test so that Dufault and Marks could run quite a few laps in the CRA Late Model car and learn the ½ mile oval of New Smyrna before moving into the ARCA car. “We came into the weekend with the goal being to get Maryeve and Jared familiar and comfortable in the ARCA car,” explained Moore. “I was impressed with
how smooth and calm they both were when we moved to the ARCA car as that is really something you can’t teach a driver. They both handled the ARCA car really well and I was impressed with how quickly they picked up on the weight and horsepower of the car. It’s nice to leave a test and say there was no drama with the drivers or the cars.”

For Dufault, the test was a good opportunity to get seat time in the ARCA car and begin to learn the nuances of the stock car. “I am really very happy with the whole weekend,” said Dufault at the close of the test. “The team did a great job and we communicated really well. I was really happy to adapt so quickly to the 800 HP ARCA car and the
test has really boosted my confidence going into the Daytona test in January.”

Marks started the weekend running the CRA Late Model that TMR plans to enter for the 2011 season. “The test started off really well, we were fast in the late model right out of the trailer so that was nice,” explained Marks. “I’m going to be running Speedweeks at New Smyrna in February so it was nice to get a chance to run this track and fine tune
the car and start getting ready for the Crate Late Model and Super Late Model events.” Marks also got his first opportunity to test the ARCA car on Sunday. “I wanted to get my feet wet in the ARCA car,” said

Marks. “It’s very different than the late model with a lot more horsepower and a heavier car so it was nice to get a feel for the car and get a little seat time. I am looking forward to doing some more testing in the ARCA car as the season goes forward.”

The team has now returned to their shop in Toledo, Ohio where preparations for their next test at the Daytona International Speedway January 11-13, 2011 are underway. “Now we’re going to spend the next few weeks going over the cars and making sure we’re ready to go testing in January,” said Moore. “Even though we have a lot of work on our
plates, I think we are just thrilled to be here and get to work with Maryeve and Jared and watch their careers grow.”

The team is slated to run the full 19 race season in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards with Dufault. Additional team plans for 2011 include entries for additional drivers in select ARCA Racing Series events. TMR will also enter Jared Marks in a full schedule of late model racing in CRA and ASA and is exploring the possibility of limited Nationwide Series schedule.

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 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 Truck and Nationwide 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. go to www.tmtcompanies.net.

- Tony Marks Racing Press Release

Chase Austin

Team Owner: Gary Baker & Mike Curb

Sponsor: Forgotten Harvest / Walgreens Million Meal Challenge

Team: Baker Curb Racing

Series: NASCAR Nationwide Series

Chase Austin Quotes:

You made your 2010 season debut at Michigan in June in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Race. How excited are you to get back to this track for a second time?

“I look forward to it. I was able learn a great deal during the truck series practices but unfortunately we lost an engine very early in the race. I still feel like I need more seat time, so it will be nice to get back on the track Thursday to log some more laps and learn as much as possible before the race on Saturday.”

You get to drive the new version of the NASCAR Nationwide Car this weekend. Do you expect any differences in the handling of this body versus the older one?

“The new cars in the Nationwide Series look really cool. I expect them to handle different but most of that is due to the aero changes in the body. However, I’ve only had five races in the previous body style, so the learning curve should be pretty comfortable for me since I don’t have a large amount of races in the older style. I know the other drivers will really feel the difference when on the track. I’m just excited to have the opportunity to get back on the track period and getting the chance to race the new body is a plus.”

You had the chance to tour the Forgotten Harvest Headquarters in Detroit this past June. How was that experience?

“It was mind blowing the commitment the folks at Forgotten Harvest have in giving those in poverty an opportunity to put a healthy meal on their table. Visiting their headquarters was an awesome experience. I had a chance to see how much effort goes into it and I can tell you it was very impressive. You could see their passion and the fact that they’re able to rescue over 19 million pounds of food in a year is incredible.”

What does it mean to be associated with a program like the Million Meal Challenge for the Kids?

“It’s an honor. Through companies like Walgreens and programs like the Million Meal Challenge for the Kids, Forgotten Harvest has been able to feed so many kids in the Detroit Metro area this summer. I encourage everyone to go visit their local Walgreens and donate today, so they can continue to make sure that every kid in need has a meal this summer.”

Fun Fact: What are your favorite hobbies?

“I enjoy relaxing with friends and family….playing my X-BOX. Of course, this summer I’ve spent a large amount of my time at the pool, perfecting my diving.”

Forgotten Harvest / Walgreens Million Meal Challenge Racing:

Chase Austin Quick Facts:

- Chase Austin will be making his second start at Michigan International Speedway

- Chase Austin has 5 career NASCAR Nationwide Series Starts

- Chase Austin’s best career finish in the NASCAR Nationwide Series was 29th in 2009 at Atlanta Motor Speedway

- NASCAR Nationwide Series: Career Starting Avg. 28.6 – Career Finishing Avg. 35.0

- Chase Austin has 19 NASCAR Starts; 5 NASCAR Nationwide Series, 3 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and 11 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East – Best Finish: 6th (Dover in 2007, K&N Pro Series East)

RACE INFORMATION:

What – CARFAX 250; NASCAR Nationwide Series Race

When – Saturday, August 14, 2010; 2:00 p.m. EST

Where – Michigan International Speedway

Broadcast – Qualifying: Speed Channel (Saturday, August 14th, 10:10 a.m. EST)

Race – ESPN 2 & MRN Radio Network; 125 laps, 250 miles

Chase Austin Bio:

Chase Austin took his first green flag at the age of eight in a worn out little go-kart that he pieced together with his Dad, Steve. Little did Chase know that just ten years later and barely eighteen, he would become the first bi-racial driver in history to compete in a NASCAR Nationwide Series oval track event when he took the green flag at Memphis Motorsports Park.

Determined from the beginning to earn his way up the racing ladder, Chase Austin spent his formative years competing in anything with an engine and four wheels, from 900 pound midgets to 700 horsepower dirt late models. Racing exclusively on dirt, and mostly in equipment fielded by his unsponsored, family-owned team, Chase earned victories in virtually every type of car he drove.

A crowning achievement was winning the “Future Dirt Track World Championship”. Just thirteen at the time and one of the youngest in the field, Chase bested an “invitation only” group of the country’s top teenage Dirt Late Model drivers. By age fifteen, Chase had posted more than 100 feature wins and had earned numerous Points Championships and Rookie of the Year awards.

Signed by NASCAR’s most successful team Hendrick Motorsports before his fifteenth birthday, Chase again made history, this time as the youngest driver ever contracted by a NASCAR team. In his first season racing on asphalt, he captured two victories, numerous top five and top ten finishes, and a pole award. Sadly, the Hendrick Driver Development Program ended and Chase found himself searching for more opportunities.

While under contract with Rusty Wallace Racing in 2007, Chase was once again making history by becoming the first bi-racial driver to compete in a NASCAR Nationwide Series oval track event. RWR’s plans to field cars for Chase in the full 2008 season fail victim to the economic downturn and a resulting lack of sponsorship. Genuinely disappointed past NASCAR Champion Rusty Wallace said, “Chase has a lot of talent, and with enough seat time and the right financing, he can definitely be a star in NASCAR.”

With sponsorships, and therefore NASCAR “rides”, in short supply in 2009, Chase was only able to run a handful of NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series races last season. Austin remains resolutely undaunted. “I’ll just keep praying, keep digging and make the most out of every opportunity I get until the right one comes,” says Austin.

With his commitment to excellence and success in motorsports, both on and off the race track, young Mr. Austin will continue to relentlessly and fearlessly “Chase The Dream”. Join the Chase!

- Sports One Press Release

Michigan International Speedway

Some of the series brightest stars including Justin Allgaier, Chase Austin, Michael Annett, Trevor Bayne, Colin Braun, Shelby Howard, Brian Keselowski, Reed Sorenson, Jason Leffler, Tayler Malsam, Joe Nemechek, Danica Patrick, Robert Richardson Jr., Brian Scott, Morgan Shepherd and Ryan Truex are scheduled to participate in an autograph session from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Thursday underneath the Turn 1 grandstand.

“This is very exciting for us and we are thankful the drivers are participating in an autograph session for some of our fans,” speedway President Roger Curtis said. “Look at these names! These are the series’ superstars and they truly appreciate the fans as much as we do at MIS and it shows.”

The first 250 fans who collect wristbands when the gates open for the Thursday practice session will receive entry into the autograph session. Turn 1 opens at 9 a.m. through Gate 17.

Grandstands will be open during the test of the new Nationwide car all day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cars will be practicing for Saturday’s CARFAX 250.

Fans who don’t get a wristband for the autograph session can still participate in a Nationwide “Tech Talk” after practice around 4 p.m. with NASCAR Nationwide Series Director Joe Balash and driver Colin Braun. Tech Talk is designed to tell fans about the new car, using Braun’s Con-Way Freight Ford showcar as a backdrop.

Fans and encouraged to ask Balash and Braun about the car and what it holds for the CARFAX 250 Saturday at MIS.

The new car made its race debut last month at Daytona to much fanfare, where two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion and current Nationwide team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. won in a Chevrolet Impala. Other makes of the car include Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger and Toyota Camry.

The cars are more tailored toward what are actually on the road today. The drivers have said they’re impressed with the handling and look of the car. The manufacturers still have extended use of graphics to help further distinguish their models.

Fans may park in Lot 10 and access the Turn 1 grandstands through Gate 17, near the track’s water tower.

A continuous tram loop will run throughout the property to pick up campers. Fans are asked to stay out of the New Holland Fan Plaza as Thursday is a busy set-up day for the track. Preparation are under way for the “Show Me the CARFAX Race Weekend” featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400.

Merchandise and refreshment items will be on sale in the Turn 1 area throughout the test session.

The autograph schedule is dependent on weather and may change. Please call MIS for details.

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

Tickets for Saturday’s Nationwide Series CARFAX 250 are $40 for adults with kids 12 and under free. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for all of this weekend’s events at MIS, including the CARFAX 400 Sprint Cup race.

You can also visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MISpeedway or Tweet with us @MISpeedway.

Michigan International Speedway 2010 Schedule

Friday, Aug. 13 Meijer Pole Day

Saturday, Aug. 14 NASCAR Nationwide Series CARFAX 250

Sunday, Aug. 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400

- Michigan International Speedway Press Release

Chase Austin

“I’m really excited to be driving the No. 43 this weekend at Michigan. I raced in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Race in June at Michigan, so I do have a few laps on the track. Still, I have a lot to learn in the practices on Thursday and Friday – getting accustomed to the new Nationwide car and just getting more laps on the track will be important,” said Chase Austin.

In addition, Chase will continue to help drive away hunger from Metro Detroit this weekend at Michigan International Speedway as part of Forgotten Harvest’s Million Meal Challenge, with support from Walgreens of Southeast Michigan.

As part of the Million Meal Challenge partnership, which started in June and continues until September 6, 125 Southeast Michigan Walgreen’s locations are supporting the Million Meal Challenge by accepting food donations in its stores of items like peanut butter, jelly and other Walgreen’s sold food items.

It’s a fact that one in five children live in poverty and are at risk of going hungry. One in two children in the City of Detroit live in poverty and many of these children rely on schools or other day programs to get the food and nutrition they need. Forgotten Harvest is raising funds and collecting nutritious food for children to eat during the final days of their Summer Vacations and at other times when they would ordinarily be eating meals at school.

“It’s an honor to be representing such a gracious organization as Forgotten Harvest and Walgreens. What they do in the Detroit Metro area is remarkable and a blessing to so many. Their program, the Million Meal Challenge has helped so many kids already this summer and I’m hoping next weekend we can get even more people to go visit a Walgreens to donate,” said Chase.

Watch for Chase Austin, as he makes his 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in the No. 43 Forgotten Harvest / Walgreens Million Meal Challenge Dodge Challenger this weekend at Michigan International Speedway for the CARFAX 250 on August 14, 2010.

About Forgotten Harvest:

Forgotten Harvest was formed in 1990 to fight two problems: hunger and waste. Forgotten Harvest is on target to “rescue” 19.4 million pounds of food this fiscal year by collecting surplus prepared and perishable food from 455 sources, including grocery stores, fruit and vegetable markets, restaurants, caterers, dairies, farmers, wholesale food distributors and other Health Department-approved sources. This donated food, which would otherwise go to waste, is delivered free-of-charge to 158 emergency food providers in the Metro Detroit area. Learn more about Forgotten Harvest and how to help drive hunger from our community at www.forgottenharvest.org.

- Sports One Press Release

No. 51 Aric Almirola, No. 30 Todd Bodine and No. 18 Kyle Busch got three-wide (Photo Credit: Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR)

A blown motor by the No. 88 of Matt Crafton would jumble up the field closing in on the finish of the ninth race of the 2010 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) season. On the restart, a spin by former Formula One driver Nelson Piquet would again bunch up the field for what would turn out to be the final restart of the day.

Aric Almirola celebrates his second career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series win Saturday in Michigan International Speedway's Victory Lane in Brooklyn, Mich. (Photo Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

“We struggled at the beginning of the race just being really tight. Dirty air was so bad today. Clean air was so important and we got to the front and we got in clean air and it just was a different truck. It drove great. It was a little bit free where I had fought tight all day, but Richie Wauters (crew chief) and all the guys at Billy Ballew Motorsports – they work their tails off all week long and it shows man,” sounded Almirola

He went on to say, “we had an awesome truck. I want to thank Graceway Pharmaceuticals. They stuck behind us and they’ve been a great supporter of ours. I want to thank the fans – what a crowd today. I was doing my burnout there and I seen them all cheering and waving and stuff so that’s cool. That makes you feel good when you come and see a packed house like that.”

Kyle Busch in his No. 18 unsponsored Toyota Tundra finished third. A frustrated Busch said “the driver didn’t get it done” as to why he did not take his Kyle Busch Motorsports team to victory lane for the second time this season.

Ron Hornaday Jr., in his final race with Longhorn Moist Snuff as the primary sponsor of his Kevin Harvick Inc. owned No. 33 Chevrolet Silverado before new rules enforced by the Food and Drug Administration will prevent cigarette and smokeless tobacco sponsorships in sporting events as of June 22 finished fourth after starting on the outside pole.

Pole-sitter Austin Dillon was able to recover from a piece of speedy dry in his eye (which was attended to during the red flag for rain in the infield care center) and a late-race penalty to net his second consecutive top-five finish after notching his second straight NCWTS pole.

Red Horse Racing’s Timothy Peters took sixth. Jason White in a Ford F-150 for the second time this year recovered from a poor qualifying run to finish seventh in his No. 23 GunBroker.com machine. Randy Moss Motorsports’ David Starr recovered from being a beneficiary of the Aaron’s lucky dog to finish eighth. He was followed in toe by Elliott Sadler who recovered from a flat tire and two-lap deficit to steal ninth with Almirola’s teammate Nelson Piquet also making a nice comeback from the final yellow flag of the second of three races of the weekend at MIS to close out the top-10.

After starting ninth, Stacy Compton finished 11th. Donny Lia in the No. 07 Outdoor Channel Outfitters notched a solid top-15 finish by placing 13th for SS Green Light Racing while Ricky Carmichael in the No. 4 Monster Energy Drink Chevrolet Silverado edged out fellow Turner Motorsports teammate James Buescher for 15th and 16th respectively.

Florida native Chris Fontaine in the No. 84 Gleden Enterprises Chevrolet Silverado bounced back from the first caution flag of the day to post a top-20 finish with Justin Lofton, the 2009 ARCA Racing Series champion maintaining his starting position to claim 18th.

Brad Sweet in his Michigan debut for Stringer Motorsports steered his No. 90 Great Clips Toyota Tundra to 19th while the other Sadler, Hermie comprised the remainder of the top-20 drivers.

Birthday girl Jennifer Jo Cobb muscled another solid effort by posting a 21st place run while former ARCA Racing Series standout Mario Gosselin wheeled his No. 12 TireMonkey.com Chevrolet to 23rd.

Brett Butler, the son of Aaron’s President Ken Butler was the highest running driver from the Rick Ware Racing clan as he claimed 24th with teammate Donnie Neuenberger right behind to round out the top-25.

Michael Guerity, making his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut in front of his hometown crowd at MIS soldiered on from his 35th place starting position in the No. 01 Koma Unwind Chevrolet Silverado to place 26th in the Daisy Ramirez Motorsports entry.

Brent Raymer in the Ford Drive one Ford F-150 exited the field early on lap 30 with a vibration while several start and park vehicles brought up the rear of the field that included Chad McCumbee (30th), Mike Garvey (31st), Chris Jones (33rd), Mike Harmon (34th) and J.C. Stout (36th). Chase Austin, making a return to the series for the first time since early 2009 fell out of competition 10 laps into the contest when the motor in his No. 46 Walgreens / Team Gill Racing Dodge Ram expired.

Bodine, who led the most laps at Michigan International Speedway on Saturday with 33 maintains first in the championship chase with a 55-point edge over race winner Almirola. The Germain Racing driver is the only driver to record eight top-five finishes in nine of the races run this season, compared to Almirola’s three top-fives and seven top-10’s.

Crafton was the biggest loser of the weekend slipping three spots in the standings to 10th following his disappointing 27th place run. Jason White was the first of the drivers inside the top-10 to swap a spot as he jumped from eighth to seventh following his third top-10 run of 2010. There were no drastic changes in the truck owner standings.

Before exiting the Media Center during post-race interviews, Bodine left the media with a statement that virtually brought the room to a complete standstill. “A lot of guys in this sport have lost site of that fact of why we’re here and why we do this. It’s a damn shame that some people can’t go back out there and enjoy it,” he said. “I just want you to all know that the Truck Series is a lot of fun and this is what we do every week. A lot of you guys don’t see us every week, but this is what we do and we have fun doing it and it’s a crying shame that the rest of these guys can’t.”

Saturday’s race was halted for nearly 40 minutes after a light shower dampened the two-mile oval nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan just 13 laps from halfway.

Round 10 for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series takes the series out west to Newton, Iowa for the running of the Lucas Oil 200 set for Sunday, July 11 live on SPEED, MRN and Sirius Satellite Radio NASCAR channel 128 beginning at 2:00 p.m. local.

Driver: Chase Austin

Team Owner: Danny Gill

Crew Chief: Joey Jones

Sponsor: Forgotten Harvest Million Meal Challenge / Walgreens

Team: Team Gill Racing

Series: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

Chase Austin Quotes:

You make your 2010 season debut this weekend at Michigan. How excited are you to get back on the track?

“Very excited! I’m a racer – it’s my passion and what I love to do, so not being on the track has been incredibly difficult. I’m very thankful for this opportunity and I look forward to getting back out there and getting more seat time.”

You competed in two NASCAR Camping World Truck races in 2009 and ran very respectable in those two appearances. Why do you think this Series is such a gateway for up-and-coming drivers?

“The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is perfect for young drivers. It’s very competitive and you see exciting racing, because you have NASCAR veterans mixing it up with young drivers who are hungry to show their talents.”

Parents always sacrifice for their children, as yours have done to make sure you never went hungry, along with chasing your dreams. What does it mean to you to be supporting such a noble cause as the Forgotten Harvest and the Million Meal Challenge for the Kids?

“It’s an honor to be representing such a gracious organization as Forgotten Harvest. What they do in the Detroit Metro area is remarkable and a blessing to so many. Their program, the Million Meal Challenge for the Kids, just shows their strong commitment to making sure all children get the chance to chase their own dreams.”

What are some of the challenges about racing at Michigan International Speedway?

“This weekend will be my first opportunity to compete at Michigan and I’m eager for Friday to get here so I can get on the track for some laps during practice. I have raced at Fontana, which is similar. I expect fast straight-aways and long sweeping turns.”

Fun Fact: What is your favorite music and favorite musician?

“I like listening to Hip-Hop and I guess I would consider Eminem my favorite musician.”

Forgotten Harvest Million Meal Challenge Racing:

Chase Austin Quick Facts:

- Chase Austin will be making his first start at Michigan International Speedway

- Chase Austin has 2 career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Starts (Daytona & California in 2009)

- Chase Austin’s best career finish in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series was 13th in 2009 at Daytona International Speedway

- NASCAR Camping World Truck Series: Career Starting Avg. 23.0 – Career Finishing Avg. 18.0

- Chase Austin has 18 NASCAR Starts; 5 NASCAR Nationwide Series, 2 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and 11 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East – Best Finish: 6th (Dover in 2007, K&N Pro Series East)

RACE INFORMATION:

What – VFW 200; NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race

When – Saturday, June 12, 2010; 2:00 p.m. EST

Where – Michigan International Speedway

Broadcast – Qualifying: Speed Channel (Saturday, June 12, 9:30 p.m. EST)

Race – Speed Channel & MRN Radio Network; 100 laps, 200 miles

- Sports One Press Release

Raybestos Rookie Contender Logo

– NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES

J R Fitzpatrick was the Raybestos® Rookie of the Race in the August 19 O’Reilly 200 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. Fitzpatrick scored an 11th-place finish and grabbed top rookie honors for the second time this season.

CLOSE BATTLE FOR THE POINTS LEAD Tayler Malsam leads Johnny Sauter by one point (156-155) in the overall Raybestos® Rookie standings entering the August 28 Chicagoland 225 at Chicagoland (Joliet, Ill.) Speedway.

Malsam is ninth in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie. He is 14 points behind eighth-place Dennis Setzer and 10 ahead of 10th-place Rick Crawford.

RAYBESTOS® ROOKIE CONTENDER POINT STANDINGS

DRIVER POINTS

Tayler Malsam 156

Johnny Sauter 155

James Buescher 146

Ricky Carmichael 93

J R Fitzpatrick 79

Brian Ickler 67

Chris Jones 53

Brent Raymer 52

Chase Austin 16

Ryan Hackett 5

HIGHEST-FINISHING RAYBESTOS® ROOKIE BY RACE

EVENT HIGHEST-FINISHING ROOKIE

NextEra Energy Resources 250 J R Fitzpatrick, fourth

San Bernardino County 200 Ricky Carmichael, eighth

American Commercial Lines 200 Tayler Malsam, 13th

Kroger 250 James Buescher, 11th

O’Reilly Auto Parts 250 Johnny Sauter, ninth

North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Tayler Malsam, eighth

AAA Insurance 200 Johnny Sauter, fifth

WinStar World Casino 400 Johnny Sauter, sixth

Michigan 200 Brian Ickler, third

Copart 200 James Buescher, fifth

Memphis Travel.com 200 Johnny Sauter, eighth

Built Ford Tough 225 Ricky Carmichael, seventh

AAA Insurance 200 James Buescher, sixth

Toyota Tundra 200 Johnny Sauter, sixth

O’Reilly 200 J R Fitzpatrick, 11th

RAYBESTOS® ROOKIE HISTORY

· Colin Braun was the 2008 Raybestos® Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Braun became the SIXTH Roush Fenway Racing driver to win Raybestos® Rookie of the Year in the series. In 25 starts Braun scored three top-five and eight top-10 finishes and placed 13th in the series championship standings. His best finish was a third-place effort at Kansas Speedway in April. Braun’s official margin of victory over Brian Scott in the final Raybestos® Rookie standings was 19 points (234-215).

DID YOU KNOW? The most recent Raybestos® Rookie to win a race in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is Scott Speed. Speed won the 2008 AAA Insurance 200 at Dover (Del.) International Speedway, crossing the finish line 3.379 seconds ahead of second-place Jack Sprague (32 races).

DID YOU KNOW? The most recent Raybestos® Rookie to win a pole position in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is Brian Ickler. Ickler won the pole for the 2009 Copart 200 at The Milwaukee (Wisc.) Mile (six races).

The most Raybestos® Rookies to win a race in a single season: THREE in 1997 (Kenny Irwin, Tony Raines, and Randy Tolsma).

The most poles by a Raybestos® Rookie: FOUR (Greg Biffle in 1998 and Kurt Busch in 2000).

Kurt Busch holds the record for best championship finish (2nd), most wins (four), and most money earned ($745,632).

The record for most top-fives by a Raybestos® Rookie is 13 (Kurt Busch in 2000 and Carl Edwards in 2003).

The record for most top-10 finishes by a Raybestos® Rookie is 19, by Ricky Hendrick in 2001.

SIX drivers from Roush Fenway Racing have won Raybestos® Rookie of the Year while competing in the Camping World Truck Series:

2008: Colin Braun

2006: Erik Darnell

2005: Todd Kluever

2003: Carl Edwards

2000: Kurt Busch

1998: Greg Biffle

Kenny Irwin was the first Raybestos® Rookie to win a race in the Camping World Truck Series. Irwin captured the Florida Dodge Dealers 400K at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 16, 1997. He took the checkered flag by .289 seconds over Mike Bliss.

Irwin also holds the record for quickest win by a Raybestos® Rookie in the Craftsman Truck Series, scoring his first career win at Homestead in just his third career start.

Raybestos® brand brake and chassis parts are produced by affiliated companies in Affinia’s Global Brake and Chassis Group, the leading manufacturer of braking systems and chassis parts in the transportation industry. The brake line includes everything from brake drums to rotors, pads, shoes and hydraulic parts, while the chassis line features tie rods, ball points, idler arms and sway bar links. Raybestos brand braking and chassis systems are also the only systems used by NASCAR’s Joe Gibbs Racing in competition. For more information about Raybestos brakes, visit Raybestos.com. For more information on Raybestos Chassis visit RaybestosChassis.com

Affinia Group Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, including extensive offerings of aftermarket parts for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles. With more than $2 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe, Asia and India. For more information, visit www.affiniagroup.com.

*Affinia Group Inc.’s affiliated companies include Brake Parts Inc. WIX Filtration Corp LLC, Affinia Products Corp LLC and other high quality manufacturers of the Affinia family of brands.

- Camp & Associates, Inc. Press Release

Toyota Motorsports Logo

Bristol Motor Speedway – August 21, 2009

- Camry drivers Jason Leffler (sixth) and Michael Annett (eighth) recorded top-10 finishes in Friday night’s NASCAR
Nationwide Series (NNS) race at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway won by David Ragan.

- David Reutimann (11th) also posted a top-15 finish for Toyota on Friday night.

- Toyota drivers Trevor Bayne (24th), Kyle Busch (28th), Brad Coleman (29th), Brian Scott (30th), Kasey Kahne (37th) and
Coleman Pressley (39th) were also in the field.

- Busch remains atop the unofficial NNS point standings following Bristol, now 248 points ahead of second-place Carl
Edwards.

Jason Leffler

Finishing Position: 6th

How was your race tonight?

“It was a long day and I didn’t think we would run that good. We really did run well – attrition helped us get up there, but we
ran really well in the long run. That last restart was kind of a bummer because the 33 (Kevin Harvick) got loose and I thought I
was going to go by the 33 (Harvick) and the 16 (Matt Kenseth) and the caution came out. But overall it’s a good day. I
appreciate all the guys working hard and Great Clips and everybody that supports us.”

Michael Annett

Finishing Position: 8th

Can you talk about your race tonight?

“This is what these cars are supposed to look like. We had to change motors before qualifying, so we had to go to the back.
That’s just what the car should look like. This track is fun. They keep saying the track is changed and that kind of racing
doesn’t happen anymore, but we were bumping the crap out of each other. It was a blast.”

Where did your car work the best?

“I just had to keep going up higher and higher. The best I was running was probably when I was a foot off the wall. What I
really didn’t expect was to see everybody else hold that arc up the top. When I could get the car pointed back down off the
corner — that seemed to work the best for us.”

How did the crew chief change help your race team?

“I don’t think it was necessarily just changing one person. We got a bunch of people that got their hands around it, and we just
kind of sat down and knew something needed changing and we made a change. You can just tell watching my guys around the
garage area — their heads are up and they’re excited and they’re excited to make the car better. That’s been the coolest part.
We used to go to the track on the weekend and when we unloaded, that’s what we had. Now when we unload, we keep making
the car better through practice and even through the race. That’s been the biggest change I’ve seen.”

DAVID REUTIMANN, No. 32 Dollar General Stores Toyota Camry, Braun Racing

Finishing Position: 11th

TREVOR BAYNE, No. 99 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing

Finishing Position: 24th

Kyle Busch

Finishing Position: 28th

What happened that took you out of the race?

“I saw a slow car up high and he came right across the nose, right in front of me. I didn’t know where to go except where I was
going. I had (Kevin) Harvick on my outside and he was able to miss it. Pretty unfortunate there that we got caught up in that
mess. The NOS Energy Drink Camry was awesome – it was good, it was coming right to the front. Got all the way up there
and was taking the lead, but mistakes happen sometimes – I’ve made plenty. We’ll go on and get them next week.”

Can you talk about what has put you behind the wall?

“I don’t know what exactly happened. The 07 (Chase Austin) had a problem there and came across traffic right in front of the
leaders – right in front of where I was going. I couldn’t pinch it any lower – I was cranked all the way left. Just unfortunate
for the whole NOS Energy Drink team – these guys did a great job today. We had a fast car, we quit practice early and we felt
good about it. We were coming right to the front, was passing for the lead and just got wadded up there. Hate it for the fans.”

How disappointing is it to be in the garage after just taking the lead of the race?

“It’s pretty bad and unfortunate for these guys. We quit practice early thinking we had a great race car and we were showing it
there. We came from 15th to first. Real unfortunate that it happened. I’ve made mistakes too. I guess the spotter just didn’t
see the spotter coming or whatever happened.

It stinks for these guys because they’ve done a great job today and they deserve
to win this thing about four or five times now – we just haven’t had the luck to do it. We’ll have to piece it back together and
get out there and collect points – it won’t be very much fun anymore.”

How can Chase Austin learn from this mistake for the next race?

“Sometimes you take for granted spotters and I’ve got the best one in the world – he’s great at what he does and really pays big
attention to what’s going on. He always gives me as much information as I can take. Chase (Austin) I guess didn’t have the
spotter tell him that the leaders were bearing down, stay high.

If he had a flat tire or whatever, it’s a rookie thing. You live and you learn – it’s his first time here, it’s whatever. It took out a great race car today and it hurt the One’s (Reed Sorenson) car’s chances at winning this thing – Reed (Sorenson) was good too. It stinks that it’s this early in the race and that we’re sitting here talking.”

BRAD COLEMAN, No. 20 BigSpot.com Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 29th

BRIAN SCOTT, No. 11 Ridemakerz.com Toyota Camry, CJM Racing

Finishing Position: 30th

Kasey Kahne

Finishing Position: 37th

What happened that took you out of the race?

“We had a good McDonald’s car here. We were moving up quick – that was cool. I was happy, the 18 (Kyle Busch) was still
in my mirror, which is a good sign when you’re racing in this series. These guys did a great job all day and worked hard. We
made a lot of gains from where we started this morning. We got together with the 66 (Steve Wallace) and there was no room
for him. We got together. It’s too bad – Stanley Tools and Ace Hardware were going to put up a lot of money for the
Children’s Miracle Network if we could win tonight and I think we had a decent shot.”

COLEMAN PRESSLEY, No. 47 www.constructionjobs.com Toyota Camry, JTG-Daugherty Racing

Finishing Position: 39th

- TOYOTA Motorsports Press Release

2009 Raybestos Rookie Contender Logo

– NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES

Johnny Sauter was the Raybestos® Rookie of the Race in the August 1 Toyota Tundra 200 at Nashville (Lebanon, Tenn.) Superspeedway. Sauter scored a sixth-place finish, his fifth top-10 of the season. He collected Raybestos® Rookie of the Race honors for the fifth time this season.

Tayler Malsam claimed a ninth-place finish, his seventh top-10 of the season. Malsam is seventh in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship standings.

Malsam leads Sauter by four points (155-151) in the overall Raybestos® Rookie standings entering the August 19 O’Reilly 200 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

THE STREAK STAYS ALIVE! At least one Raybestos® Rookie has finished in the top-10 in the last 10 consecutive races.

Scott Speed was the Raybestos® Rookie of the Race in the 2008 O’Reilly 200 at Bristol, claiming a third-place finish.

Speed won the pole for the 2008 race and is the only Raybestos® Rookie to win a pole position in 11 previous races at Bristol.

DID YOU KNOW? No Raybestos® Rookie has led a lap in 11 Camping World Truck Series races at Bristol.

The best finish by a Raybestos® Rookie at Bristol is third-place by Speed and Jay Sauter (1996).

The most Raybestos® Rookies to finish in the top-10 at Bristol are THREE in 1996: Jay Sauter (third), Bobby Gill (seventh) and Lance Norick (ninth).

Top-five finishes by Raybestos® Rookies at Bristol:

1996: Jay Sauter, third

2008: Scott Speed, third

Top-10 finishes by Raybestos® Rookies at Bristol:

1996: Jay Sauter, third

1996: Bobby Gill, seventh

1996: Lance Norick, ninth

1997: Rick Crawford, sixth

1997: Chuck Bown, ninth

1998: Kevin Cywinski, eighth

1998: Ron Barfield, seventh

1999: Scott Hansen, 10th

2008: Scott Speed, third

RAYBESTOS® ROOKIE CONTENDER POINT STANDINGS

DRIVER POINTS

Tayler Malsam 155

Johnny Sauter 151

James Buescher 140

Ricky Carmichael 93

J R Fitzpatrick 68

Brian Ickler 67

Brent Raymer 45

Chris Jones 45

Chase Austin 16

Ryan Hackett 5

HIGHEST-FINISHING RAYBESTOS® ROOKIE BY RACE

EVENT HIGHEST-FINISHING ROOKIE

NextEra Energy Resources 250 J.R. Fitzpatrick, fourth

San Bernardino County 200 Ricky Carmichael, eighth

American Commercial Lines 200 Tayler Malsam, 13th

Kroger 250 James Buescher, 11th

O’Reilly Auto Parts 250 Johnny Sauter, ninth

North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Tayler Malsam, eighth

AAA Insurance 200 Johnny Sauter, fifth

WinStar World Casino 400 Johnny Sauter, sixth

Michigan 200 Brian Ickler, third

Copart 200 James Buescher, fifth

Memphis Travel.com 200 Johnny Sauter, eighth

Built Ford Tough 225 Ricky Carmichael, seventh

AAA Insurance 200 James Buescher, sixth

Toyota Tundra 200 Johnny Sauter, sixth

RAYBESTOS® ROOKIE HISTORY

· Colin Braun was the 2008 Raybestos® Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Braun became the SIXTH Roush Fenway Racing driver to win Raybestos® Rookie of the Year in the series. In 25 starts Braun scored three top-five and eight top-10 finishes and placed 13th in the series championship standings. His best finish was a third-place effort at Kansas Speedway in April. Braun’s official margin of victory over Brian Scott in the final Raybestos® Rookie standings was 19 points (234-215).

DID YOU KNOW? The most recent Raybestos® Rookie to win a race in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is Scott Speed. Speed won the 2008 AAA Insurance 200 at Dover (Del.) International Speedway, crossing the finish line 3.379 seconds ahead of second-place Jack Sprague (31 races).

DID YOU KNOW? The most recent Raybestos® Rookie to win a pole position in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is Brian Ickler. Ickler won the pole for the 2009 Copart 200 at The Milwaukee (Wisc.) Mile (five races).

The most Raybestos® Rookies to win a race in a single season: THREE in 1997 (Kenny Irwin, Tony Raines, and Randy Tolsma).

The most poles by a Raybestos® Rookie: FOUR (Greg Biffle in 1998 and Kurt Busch in 2000).

Kurt Busch holds the record for best championship finish (2nd), most wins (four), and most money earned ($745,632).

The record for most top-fives by a Raybestos® Rookie is 13 (Kurt Busch in 2000 and Carl Edwards in 2003).

The record for most top-10 finishes by a Raybestos® Rookie is 19, by Ricky Hendrick in 2001.

SIX drivers from Roush Fenway Racing have won Raybestos® Rookie of the Year while competing in the Camping World Truck Series:

2008: Colin Braun

2006: Erik Darnell

2005: Todd Kluever

2003: Carl Edwards

2000: Kurt Busch

1998: Greg Biffle

Kenny Irwin was the first Raybestos® Rookie to win a race in the Camping World Truck Series. Irwin captured the Florida Dodge Dealers 400K at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 16, 1997. He took the checkered flag by .289 seconds over Mike Bliss.

Irwin also holds the record for quickest win by a Raybestos® Rookie in the Craftsman Truck Series, scoring his first career win at Homestead in just his third career start.

Raybestos® brand brake and chassis parts are produced by affiliated companies in Affinia’s Global Brake and Chassis Group, the leading manufacturer of braking systems and chassis parts in the transportation industry. The brake line includes everything from brake drums to rotors, pads, shoes and hydraulic parts, while the chassis line features tie rods, ball points, idler arms and sway bar links. Raybestos brand braking and chassis systems are also the only systems used by NASCAR’s Joe Gibbs Racing in competition. For more information about Raybestos brakes, visit Raybestos.com. For more information on Raybestos Chassis visit RaybestosChassis.com

Affinia Group Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, including extensive offerings of aftermarket parts for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles. With more than $2 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe, Asia and India. For more information, visit www.affiniagroup.com.

*Affinia Group Inc.’s affiliated companies include Brake Parts Inc. WIX Filtration Corp LLC, Affinia Products Corp LLC and other high quality manufacturers of the Affinia family of brands.

– Camp & Associates, Inc. Press Release

2009 Raybestos Rookie Contender

– NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES

- Johnny Sauter was the Raybestos® Rookie of the Race in the June 27 Memphis Travel.com 200 at Memphis (Tenn.) Motorsports Park. Sauter scored an eighth-place finish, his fourth top-10 of the season and claimed top rookie honors for the fourth time this season.

- Tayler Malsam leads Sauter by one point (120-119) in the overall Raybestos® Rookie standings entering the July 18 Built Ford Tough 225 at Kentucky Speedway.

- Malsam is seventh in the series championship standings, best of any Raybestos® Rookie. He trails sixth-place Brian Scott by 50 points and is three ahead of eighth-place Terry Cook.

THE STREAK STAYS ALIVE! At least one Raybestos® Rookie has finished in the top-10 in the last SEVEN consecutive races.

- Marc Mitchell was the Raybestos® Rookie of the Race in the 2008 Built Ford Tough 225 at Kentucky, scoring a ninth-place finish.

DID YOU KNOW? A Raybestos® Rookie has scored a top-10 finish in the last THREE consecutive races at Kentucky and in six of the nine races held at the 1.5-mile speedway.

DID YOU KNOW? Carl Edwards is the only Raybestos® Rookie to score a win in nine Camping World Truck Series races at Kentucky Speedway. Edwards won the 2003 event by 3.568 seconds over Ted Musgrave. He led the race only once, covering the final 40 laps.

Only TWO Raybestos® Rookies have scored top-five finishes in nine races at Kentucky:

2001: Travis Kvapil, fourth

2003: Carl Edwards, FIRST

The best start by a Raybestos® Rookie at Kentucky is second, shared by Ricky Hendrick (2001) and Todd Kluever (2005).

Raybestos® Rookies that have led a lap at Kentucky:

2000: Kurt Busch (once for 12 laps)

2001: Jon Wood (once for two laps)

2003: Jody Lavender (once for one lap)

2004: Shane Sieg (once for one lap)

The most Raybestos® Rookies to finish in the top-10 at Kentucky: FOUR in 2001.

Top-10 finishes by Raybestos® Rookies at Kentucky:

2001: Travis Kvapil, fourth

2001: Rick Hendrick, sixth

2001: Jon Wood, seventh

2001: Billy Bigley, 10th

2001: Nathan Haseleu, 10th

2003: Carl Edwards, FIRST

2004: David Reutimann, ninth

2004: Robert Huffman, 10th

2006: Erik Darnell, ninth

2007: Joey Clanton, seventh

RAYBESTOS® ROOKIE CONTENDER POINT STANDINGS

DRIVER POINTS

Tayler Malsam 120

Johnny Sauter 119

James Buescher 102

Ricky Carmichael 70

J R Fitzpatrick 60

Brian Ickler 59

Brent Raymer 41

Chris Jones 32

Chase Austin 16

HIGHEST-FINISHING RAYBESTOS® ROOKIE BY RACE

EVENT HIGHEST-FINISHING ROOKIE

NextEra Energy Resources 250 J.R. Fitzpatrick, fourth

San Bernardino County 200 Ricky Carmichael, eighth

American Commercial Lines 200 Tayler Malsam, 13th

Kroger 250 James Buescher, 11th

O’Reilly Auto Parts 250 Johnny Sauter, ninth

North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Tayler Malsam, eighth

AAA Insurance 200 Johnny Sauter, fifth

WinStar World Casino 400 Johnny Sauter, sixth

Michigan 200 Brian Ickler, third

Copart 200 James Buescher, fifth

Memphis Travel.com 200 Johnny Sauter, eighth

RAYBESTOS® ROOKIE HISTORY

· Colin Braun was the 2008 Raybestos® Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Braun became the SIXTH Roush Fenway Racing driver to win Raybestos® Rookie of the Year in the series. In 25 starts Braun scored three top-five and eight top-10 finishes and placed 13th in the series championship standings. His best finish was a third-place effort at Kansas Speedway in April. Braun’s official margin of victory over Brian Scott in the final Raybestos® Rookie standings was 19 points (234-215).

DID YOU KNOW? The most recent Raybestos® Rookie to win a race in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is Scott Speed. Speed won the 2008 AAA Insurance 200 at Dover (Del.) International Speedway, crossing the finish line 3.379 seconds ahead of second-place Jack Sprague (28 races).

DID YOU KNOW? The most recent Raybestos® Rookie to win a pole position in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is Brian Ickler. Ickler won the pole for the 2009 Copart 200 at The Milwaukee (Wisc.) Mile (two races).

The most Raybestos® Rookies to win a race in a single season: THREE in 1997 (Kenny Irwin, Tony Raines, and Randy Tolsma).

The most poles by a Raybestos® Rookie: FOUR (Greg Biffle in 1998 and Kurt Busch in 2000).

Kurt Busch holds the record for best championship finish (2nd), most wins (four), and most money earned ($745,632).

The record for most top-fives by a Raybestos® Rookie is 13 (Kurt Busch in 2000 and Carl Edwards in 2003).

The record for most top-10 finishes by a Raybestos® Rookie is 19, by Ricky Hendrick in 2001.

SIX drivers from Roush Fenway Racing have won Raybestos® Rookie of the Year while competing in the Camping World Truck Series:
2008: Colin Braun

2006: Erik Darnell

2005: Todd Kluever

2003: Carl Edwards

2000: Kurt Busch

1998: Greg Biffle

Kenny Irwin was the first Raybestos® Rookie to win a race in the Camping World Truck Series. Irwin captured the Florida Dodge Dealers 400K at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 16, 1997. He took the checkered flag by .289 seconds over Mike Bliss.

Irwin also holds the record for quickest win by a Raybestos® Rookie in the Craftsman Truck Series, scoring his first career win at Homestead in just his third career start.

Raybestos® brand brake and chassis parts are produced by affiliated companies in Affinia’s Global Brake and Chassis Group, the leading manufacturer of braking systems and chassis parts in the transportation industry. The brake line includes everything from brake drums to rotors, pads, shoes and hydraulic parts, while the chassis line features tie rods, ball points, idler arms and sway bar links. Raybestos brand braking and chassis systems are also the only systems used by NASCAR’s Joe Gibbs Racing in competition. For more information about Raybestos brakes, visit Raybestos.com. For more information on Raybestos Chassis visit RaybestosChassis.com

Affinia Group Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, including extensive offerings of aftermarket parts for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles. With more than $2 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe, Asia and India. For more information, visit www.affiniagroup.com.

*Affinia Group Inc.’s affiliated companies include Brake Parts Inc. WIX Filtration Corp LLC, Affinia Products Corp LLC and other high quality manufacturers of the Affinia family of brands.

- Camp & Associates, Inc. Press Release

Sheltra Motorsports Logo

Race Information: Event: Prairie Meadows 200, Saturday, July 11 at 8:00 p.m. Local Time Track: Iowa Speedway Qualifying: Saturday, July 11 at 4:00 p.m. Local Time; Track Length: .875-mile paved-oval.

Mansfield Motorsports Recap: Veteran ARCA RE/MAX Series driver Patrick Sheltra suffered misfortune for the second consecutive ARCA RE/MAX Series at Mansfield Motorsports Park after being entangled in another competitor’s incident on lap one. The team was able to rebound and race competitively in the top-15 only to succumb to suspension failure 28 laps from the finish. The team finished 21st.

NASCAR Split: Between the most recent ARCA RE/MAX Series event at Mansfield Motorsports Park and the upcoming event at Iowa Speedway, Sheltra made his third career NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) start at Daytona International Speedway last Friday night. After qualifying 27th, Sheltra drafted his No. 81 D.H. Griffin Companies-Quality Turf-Buffalo Wings & Rings-Indiantown Marina Dodge Charger to the top-15 with the leaders insight when contact from the No. 07 of Chase Austin sent Sheltra hard into the backstretch wall. The incident also collected Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Steven Wallace. He finished 41st.

Returning To The Hawkeye State: Indiantown, Florida native Patrick Sheltra will make his third start at the relatively new Iowa Speedway Saturday night. Sheltra made his inaugural debut at the .875-mile short track in 2007 where he qualified 15th and finished 20th. Last year, Sheltra started eighth and captured his first top-10 finish of the 2008 season by crossing the line ninth. Sheltra has been running at the finish of both events.

Happy Birthday Mama Grace: Car Owner and Patrick Sheltra’s mother Grace Sheltra celebrated her 53rd birthday on Wednesday. Grace Sheltra is one of several female owners in the ARCA RE/MAX Series and was the highest finishing female car owner in 2008. As one of the top-female car owners in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, she has one win, nine top-fives and 18 top-10 finishes to her credit.

In Memory of Matt Hawkins

On Top Of His Game: To better prepare himself and his team for Saturday night’s Prairie Meadows 200, Patrick Sheltra and his Sheltra Motorsports team participated in an open test at Iowa Speedway last Tuesday. Sheltra and his posse spent seven hours familiarizing working on the handling of the No. 60 Buffalo Wings & Rings Dodge Charger hoping to find the upper-hand that will better them for the 10th installment on the 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule.

Watcha Haulin?: Crew Chief John Hayden has elected to bring Sheltra chassis number 11 to Iowa Speedway this weekend. The primary machine will be the same Dodge that Sheltra wheeled to a podium finish of third at Pocono Raceway last month. The former Penske Racing automobile will be run for just the fourth time in Sheltra’s ARCA career. Chassis number 16 will serve as the team’s back-up automobile. That former Richard Childress Racing entry is a new addition to the team’s fleet. The Whitesville, Kentucky based team tested this Dodge Charger at Michigan International Speedway in May. It has yet to see any ARCA race competition.

Points Check: After round nine on the 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule, Patrick Sheltra sits eighth in the championship standings accumulating 1625 points. Just 130 points keeps Sheltra from the fifth position. Sheltra is 490 markers from the top-spot. Car owner Grace Sheltra sits 10th in the car owner standings.

No. 60 Buffalo Wings & Rings Dodge Charger

Autographs Anyone?: After his duties at the track on Friday afternoon, Sheltra is TENATIVELY scheduled to spend his evening at the Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino (Altoona, Iowa) participating in an autograph session from 7:00pm to 8:00pm local time.

You Can Be Apart Of The Ultimate Hunting Experience: Sheltra Motorsports wants to give a race fan an ultimate opportunity to join Patrick Sheltra or Sheltra Motorsports dirt driver Shannon Babb a chance at a paramount moment to hunt with either driver at Patrick Sheltra’s hunting ranch in Dryden, Texas. The best part, all expenses paid! Race fans will have the entire ARCA season to enter the contest with the winner being announced in the ARCA RE/MAX Series finale at Rockingham Speedway in October. Visit HuntingExtravangza.com for more details.

This Is The People’s Car: In an effort to bring race fans closer to the Sheltra Motorsports team, the team is full throttle with their Peoples Car promotion. Race fans will have the opportunity to have their name plastered on the No. 60 for the rest of the ARCA RE/MAX Series season. In addition, each time a fan joins the People’s Car their name will be tossed into a drawing for an-all expensed paid trip (minus lodging expenses) to the 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series season finale at Rockingham Speedway. The lucky fan will be an honorary member of the Sheltra Motorsports team plus enjoy a few little surprises the team has spiced up for the lucky winner. Browse PatrickSheltra.com or ThePeoplesCars.com for all the details.

Vote Him Your Favorite Driver: Race fans can vote Patrick Sheltra as the 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series most popular driver by visiting ARCANation.com. From now until the end of the season, race fans can click on to ARCA’s official fan-related web site and vote once a day for their favorite ARCA RE/MAX Series driver. The winner will be announced at the ARCA RE/MAX Series Championship Awards Banquet in Covington, Kentucky this December. If you’re an ARCA Nation member your vote counts twice per day for one driver. If you’re a non-ARCA Nation member, your vote counts only once. Sign up today at ARCANation.com and vote for Patrick Sheltra!

Patrick Sheltra

On Mansfield Motorsports Park: “We just can’t seem to catch a break. We were entangled in a wreck in the first corner of lap one and unfortunately that set our tone for the night. We were able to rebound from that and fight our way into the top-10 but then something on the suspension broke and put us out of the race.”

On NASCAR Nationwide Series Race At Daytona: “First, I have to thank MacDonald Motorsports, D.H. Griffin, Quality Turf, Buffalo Wings & Rings and Indiantown Marina for allowing us to race at Daytona last weekend. There was no doubt about it that we had a good car and opportunity to finish in the top-10 but an inpatient driver hit us from behind and ruined a bunch of guy’s night. I was glad to be back in the Nationwide garage and I’m hoping to do more races later this season.”

On Car Owner and Mother’s Grace Sheltra Birthday This Week: “This ARCA program wouldn’t be active if it wasn’t for my mom. The guys on the team love her and care for her like a mom, so it’s one big family. A win on Saturday night might just be the biggest present she could ever receive.”

On Iowa Speedway: “It really is a nice place. The track provides some great racing and I’m even happier about racing back under the lights there. It should be a good night of hard short track racing. We’re going for our second win of the season and I hope we’re able to pull it off.”

On Matt Hawkins: “Matt Hawkins was a great racecar driver. We raced several times together last year and while we raced each other extremely hard, we never touched. He was a great competitor for the ARCA RE/MAX Series and we miss seeing his face at the track. We’re going to try and win the race this weekend for our marketing partners but also in honor of Matt as well.”

On The Point Standings: “We took a hit again but we are not sunk. Justin Allgaier came back last year from a huge defect; almost were we’re sitting and won the championship. It could happen for a second straight year. It’s not going to be easy and it will take a lot of hard work but with the devotion of this race team we’ve made the impossible happen.”

Sheltra Motorsports, Iowa Speedway: Grace Sheltra, owner of the

On Mansfield: “It was a tough race. We’ve been fast all year but we always seem to face different obstacles during the race. If we don’t we’re finishing in the top-five and winning. We think Mansfield was the last race with the hump on our back.”

On Iowa: “It’s a great place for a racetrack. It’s practically in the middle of nowhere but fans arrive at that place in droves. The track reminds me a lot of Richmond International Raceway. Patrick and the team had a good test there last week, so hopefully we can keep going in the right direction and get that second win on Saturday night.”

On NASCAR Nationwide Series Race At Daytona: “No mistaking it, people knew that Patrick Sheltra was there. Not only because he was returning to the track for the first time since the accident in February but because he was driving a very clean and smart race. That was earning him the respect of guys like Carl Edwards, David Gilliland, Kevin Harvick, David Ragan, Kenny Wallace and so on. You can’t control an unjustified call from another driver but the bright picture is Patrick wasn’t hurt and we were running near the front when it happens. We’ll be back to race in the Nationwide Series again this year and we’ll make up for the Daytona finish for sure.”

PRIOR RESULTS:

Date Event Start Finish Laps Status

06/07 Prairie Meadows 250 15 20 241/250 Running

04/08 Prairie Meadows 250 8 9 250/250 Running

The Prairie Meadows 200 (200 laps / 175 miles) is the 10th of 21 events on the 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule. The fourth ever ARCA race at Iowa Speedway is a two-day show. Practice begins Friday July 10 with an hour and half practice session planned from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is set for Saturday, July 11 slated to begin at 4:00 p.m. The event will take the green flag shortly after 8:00 p.m. The event will not be televised however flag-to-flag coverage will be broadcasted live through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local.

Fast Links:

Driver / Team: Patrick Sheltra on the web: PatrickSheltra.com

Marketing Partner: Buffalo Wings & Rings on the web: BuffaloWingsandRings.com

Sanction: ARCA RE/MAX Series: ARCARacing.com

About Sheltra Motorsports:

Sheltra Motorsports (sheltramotorsports.com) is a three-tier Motorsports operation consisting of dirt and asphalt competition. Patrick Sheltra, a 23-year old native of Indiantown, Florida competes in the UMP and WoO (Dirt) Series; while also running a full schedule in the ARCA RE/MAX Series (No. 60) and a limited schedule in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Sheltra Motorsports ownership is combined of Richard, Grace and Patrick Sheltra. The team is headquartered in Indiantown, Florida with additional operations in Richmond, Indiana and Whitesville, Kentucky.

- Sheltra Motorsports Press Release