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

Federated Car Care, a division of Federated Auto Parts showcased the title sponsorship of the 19th race of the season giving the team an added incentive to return to the half-mile oval stronger than ever.

With the United States Auto Club (USAC) sharing Saturday with the ARCA Racing Series at Toledo Speedway, practice which was normally run as one session would now be combined into two forty minute-efforts. Mounting the fifth and 13th quickest laps in each practice respectively, the KSR driver and team were looking forward to qualifying.

It was Hessert though who stunned the field after maneuvering a lap of 16.080 seconds at 111.940 miles per hour good enough to land his decoratively pink Chevrolet Impala to commemorate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month to his second career ARCA pole, the other occurring at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in 2009.

Tom Hessert III

Unfortunately, teams returned to the ARCA-owned racetrack on Sunday under gloomy skies and consistent rain showers. Ultimately, the start of the contest would be pushed-back nearly two hours before the command to fire engines was given. ARCA would choose to utilize the 35-car starting field to finish the track drying process throwing both the green and yellow flags simultaneously for the first 40 circuits of the contest. With the yellow flag retracted and the green “officially” given to the field, Hessert controlled the field until lap 42 when eventual series champion Ty Dillon taking the top spot by lap 43 and sending Hessert back to runner-up position.

On a lap 56 restart, Dillon led Hessert by 0.454 second the first time around, using a strong jump to his advantage. Hessert closed the gap over the next several laps, though, and took advantage when Dillon encountered Milka Duno when trying to lap her on lap 62. Hessert and Enfinger drove to the right and around Dillon and re-secured the lead, controlling the half-way point but with the No. 17 of Chris Buescher hunting for the top spot. On lap 106, Buescher made a move going into turn three sending Hessert back into second only to be passed by Dillon a lap later to occupy the third position by lap 108.

Hessert would remain in a podium finishing position until the yellow flag waived 10 laps later which allowed the Cherry Hill, New Jersey native the opportune time to enter pit road for tires and fuel under the guidance of long-time Motorsports crew chief Donnie Richeson.

A solid effort for KSR on pit allowed their driver to return to the track in the 10th position and begin a charge back towards the front on lap 124. By lap 132, Hessert had brilliantly crafted his Chevrolet to sixth and closing. Just six laps later, the former CARS Pro Cup star found himself in the same position he did entering pit road sitting on the tails of leaders Buescher and Dillon.

As racing pressed on, the action heated up with Hessert now having to battle Brendan Poole for the third position. Poole would eventually win the spot bypassing the No. 52 on lap 153.

Hunkered in fourth, the pressure would be put on the 25 year old approaching lap 177 when battling the No. 58 of Chad Hackenbracht. Unable to maneuver around Hessert, Hackenbracht offered a shove from behind which knocked the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala sideways igniting a short track feud with Hessert returning the favor a lap later but with Hackenbracht spinning out on the frontstretch, bringing out the yellow flag.

By lap 183 Hessert had fell to fifth after being passed by Chad McCumbee with Hessert finding his groove on the track. A green-white-checkered finish allowed Ryan Wilson and Grant Enfinger the opportunity to pass Hessert who by then had moved back into fourth after the leaders collided on lap 199, but to no avail. Hessert took the checkered flag in fourth, notching his fourth top-five finish at Toledo Speedway.

“We would have liked to close out the season with a win, but we just didn’t have the car at the end of the race,” said Hessert, who led a race-high 86 laps. “Everyone at Ken Schrader Racing put their heart and soul into this car this weekend and we were able to score the pole and run upfront all day long. I want to thank Federated Auto Parts and all of their partners for their support of our team all year long.”

Hessert’s pole which rewarded him with 15 bonus points toppled with his 13th top-10 of the season allowed the NASCAR Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car ace to slide past Tim George Jr. in the ARCA Racing Series championship standings to claim sixth overall.

In all, Hessert made 19 starts this season posting one pole, seven top-fives, 13 top-10s and 114 laps led in two races (Salem (Ind.) Speedway and Toledo Speedway).

Next up for the ARCA Racing Series is the 2011 championship banquet which is set for Saturday, December 10th at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Ky., near Cincinnati. The top-20 drivers and top-10 owners and drivers will be recognized for their participation in the series this year.

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars served as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 83rd career ARCA start. In those outings, he has maneuvered two poles, one win, 19 top-fives and 43 top-10s.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tom Hessert III

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Ken Schrader Racing Press Release

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

The final one-day event for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards started off on a solid footing for Hessert and KSR. Hoping to utilize some of their knowledge from the open ARCA test last month, the team made a series of adjustments throughout practice before the Cherry Hill, New Jersey native landed the eighth quickest lap overall.

Still knowing that he had to consult with his team on changes to his pink No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala, the team remained optimistic heading into Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying. Hessert’s lap of 31.929 seconds at 169.125 miles per hour was good enough to land the KSR machine 10th on the starting grid, a personal best in the “Land of Oz.”

Confident about the ability of his racecar, Hessert joined 37 of ARCA’s finest to take the green flag just after 7:45 p.m. local. Quickly, the former CARS Pro Cup driver had moved into the ninth position by lap three and rose to eighth by lap five – proving that he had a fast machine under the Sunflower State skies.

By lap 15, the 25-year old had slipped back to the ninth position but remained in the clutches of Chad McCumbee. Seven laps later, a loose condition on the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala allowed Chad Hackenbracht to overtake him for the ninth position and settling in 10th.

The first caution flag of the night waived on lap 24 for debris allowing ample opportunity for Hessert to bring his KSR automobile to the attention of his team assisted by David Hyder, as crew chief Donnie Richeson played the double-duty role Friday night as both team leader and spotter. After receiving four tires, fuel and a chassis adjustment, Hessert returned to competition. Unfortunately, the team informed their driver that they had to serve a penalty under the yellow for a tire escaping from pit lane which also forced the former NASCAR Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car ace to start the contest from the tail end of the longest line.

Restarting 17th on lap 29, Hessert blasted his way through the pack and moved into the 16th position six laps later before finding himself entering the top-15 two laps later. A yellow flag would halt the field from racing conditions with Hessert occupying the 12th position.

Racing resumed on lap 40 with Hessert quick to get on the gas and determined to slice his way back into the top-10. When the next caution flag waived just after the halfway mark, Hessert sat 11th on the track. However, he would join the rest of the field for a routine pit stop when it opened.

Nestled in the 14th position on the restart, Hessert made quick work of Milka Duno and set his sights on Hackenbracht for 12th. With 40 laps remaining, the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala made an impressive move by bolting around both Hackenbracht and Ryan Wilson to claim 11th.

Five laps later, Hessert’s machine continued to throttle forward passing McCumbee and Tim George Jr. to hoist the ninth position where he would hover until his race took a dramatic turn in the closing laps.

When championship point’s leader Ty Dillon and Michael Leavine collided on the frontstretch with 12 laps remaining, a piece of debris struck Hessert’s Chevrolet bowtie creating a hole in the frontend of the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala.

Despite the damage, the team elected to keep their driver on the racetrack where he would restart seventh. When racing resumed, the damage would prove to dramatically change the handling of his General Motors automobile which meant that cars were passing Hessert left and right. A gallant effort behind the wheel allowed the team to take the checkered flag on the lead lap but having to settle for a discouraging 13th place finish.

Tom Hessert III

He added, “I also want to remind everyone to log onto SchraderRacing.com. and help us spread the word about Breast Cancer Awareness month. I was told that the car looked pretty slick on the track and it’s all for a good cause, so I’m excited to carry the paint scheme over to Toledo.”

With just one race remaining on the calendar, Hessert sits seventh in the championship standings 80 markers behind sixth place runner Tim George Jr. The curtain will fall on Hessert’s fourth year of full-time competition in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season on Sunday, October 16 when the checkered flag falls in the Toledo ARCA 200 presented by Federated Car Care. The final race of the year which consists of 200 laps will be televised live on SPEED beginning at 2:00 p.m. local.

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

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

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

- Tom Hessert Racing Press Release

No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala

Not only does Hessert turn to the 17th race of the season as a chance to bounce back but also an opportunity to put his sponsor Federated Auto Parts in victory lane as their Car Care division is a presenting sponsor for the highly anticipated slugfest this weekend.

Considered one of the most deceptive tracks on the ARCA Racing Series schedule, Hessert is set to make his eighth start at the Southern Indiana race track. In his previous seven outings, he has hustled to two top-fives and five top-10s including a seventh place finish in May. Historically, the half-mile oval has been extremely kind to the former USARacing Pro Cup Series star as he is entering Saturday’s rally with five consecutive top-10 finishes at the facility.

Though, in order to keep himself and his Ken Schrader Racing (KSR) team in the hunt for his second career ARCA victory, Hessert knows that he’ll have to exercise the word “care” if he wants an opportunity to be the first to see the checkered flag.

Tom Hessert III

We were all disappointed with the results at DuQuoin. In a way though, that gives up the opportunity to step up to the bat and try and hit a home run at Salem as a way of recovering from the mishap. A win would be huge and a welcomed boost for our entire organization.”

Not only is Hessert in search for a “w” on Saturday night, the 25-year old is looking to close the gap in the championship standings as he resides in the seventh spot, just 15 markers behind sixth place runner Tim George Jr. and just 75 points from entering the top-five held by Chad McCumbee.

“It’s a fight within a fight,” he said. “We’re doing everything we can to put Ken Schrader Racing and Federated Auto Parts back in victory lane and we still have three opportunities to do it. But, I would also like to finish inside the top-five in points. It’s not going to be easy, but we’re up for the challenge and we are prepared to take this battle down to the wire at Toledo Speedway next month.”

While the ARCA Racing Series had a break in their schedule this past weekend, Hessert wasn’t dormant from a racecar. On Saturday afternoon, the former NASCAR Grand-Am Rolex Sport Car Series racer competed in the postponed Kevin Whitaker 140 for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKNPSE) event at Greenville-Pickens (S.C.) Speedway for longtime Motorsports car owner Jeff Spraker.

In addition to Greenville-Pickens, Hessert will compete in the final two NKNPSE races behind the wheel of the No. 37 Spraker Racing Enterprises Chevrolet Impala at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Dover (Del.) International Speedway respectively.

“Greenville was a learning experience,” explained Hessert, who finished 17th. “It was the first time that I had worked with Jeff and his team. We made some huge strides during the race that I feel will only strengthen our efforts when New Hampshire and Dover rolls around.”

When asked why he’s competing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, he replied. “I’m a racer. I love to race. If there’s an open seat and I can jump in it, I’m going to do it. Jeff (Spraker) is well known and respected in the racing community, so I know I’m in good hands. It’s also a lot of fun to race against the competition which is flourished with a lot of young talent and some cagey veterans.”

The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic by Federated Car Care (200 laps / 111 miles) is the 17th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 87th ARCA event held at Salem (Ind.) Speedway is a one-day show. Practice begins Saturday, September 17 with an hour and a half practice session planned from 1:05 p.m. – 2:35 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin at 4:00 p.m. The field will take the green flag later in the evening at approximately 7:15 p.m. The event will not be televised but race coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,329th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars will serve as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 81st career ARCA start. In his previous 80 outings, he has maneuvered one win, 18 top-fives and 42 top-10s.

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

- Tom Hessert Racing Press Release

No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala

By the end of the lone practice session on Labor Day, it was easy to deviser why. Hessert in his No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala sported the quickest time throughout the one-hour assignment. When the cross-flags had waived Hessert landed the second fastest time overall.

Confident in his racecar, Hessert leaned into Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying with high hopes. By the time Hessert’s Chevrolet bow-tie took to the one-mile dirt track, lap times began to drop because of the track’s changing characteristic. When time trials came to a close, Hessert would start the 100-lap shootout from the 13th position.

Disappointed but still highly optimistic about his racecar, Hessert climbed into his racecar shortly after 1:00 p.m. ready to do battle in the 16th race of the season.

Hessert wasted no time maneuvering through the field as by the completion of lap five, the Cherry Hill, New Jersey native bolted into the top-10 with some very quick lap times.

Six laps later, Hessert had nestled his way into the eighth position and climbed up to seventh just five circuits later before his day took a dramatic turn.

While gaining ground on the competition ahead of him, the engine seized on lap 22 forcing a trail of white smoke to emerge from the tailpipes of the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala. Hessert was able to bring his machine to pit road but made the quick left hand-turn into the garage area as he knew his day was done.

Tom Hessert III

“There was no warning whatsoever,” offered the 25-year old. “The car felt weird for about one lap and then it went away and the next thing I knew she blew up. It’s extremely disappointing because I think we had one of the top-contending cars. We were moving through the field quickly before our day abruptly ended. I hate it especially for Federated Auto Parts who was a presenting sponsor for our annual trip to DuQuoin. We’ll do everything we can to make it up to them at Salem.”

Unofficially with three events remaining on the 2011 schedule, Hessert slipped to seventh in the championship standings just 15 markers behind Tim George Jr. for sixth and 75 markers for fifth currently occupied by Chad McCumbee.

Next up for the ARCA Racing Series is a return trip to Salem, Indiana for a Saturday-night shootout at the brutal half-mile short track for the running of the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic by Federated Car Care. The one-day show is set for Saturday, September 17th with the green flag scheduled to drop just after 7:15 p.m. Hessert will make his eighth-start at legendary short track and aims to improve on the team’s seventh place outing in May. Overall, Hessert has collected two top-fives and five top-10s there.

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars served as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 80th career ARCA start. In those 80 outings, he has maneuvered one win, 18 top-fives and 42 top-10s.

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

- Tom Hessert Racing Press Release

Entering Monday’s Labor Day tradition, momentum is definitely on Hessert’s side.

No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala

Knowing it’s just a matter of when not if that Hessert will roar his No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala to victory circle, the Cherry Hill, New Jersey native wouldn’t mind if it came in ARCA’s annual stop at the one-mile oval.

“I’ve been ready for DuQuoin,” offered Hessert. “Our cars have been really good lately and with our second at Springfield, we’re thirsty for a win. We’re bringing the same car that we raced at Springfield to the track on Monday, so I think our chances are as good as anyone else.”

The win would not only be huge for Hessert, who is considered one of the most popular drivers in the ARCA garage but even bigger for Ken Schrader Racing and Federated Auto Parts who is a presenting sponsor for the 16th race of the season.

“I know it’s been a while since KSR has been in victory lane and I couldn’t put together a better picture other than to do it on Monday in a race supported by our great sponsor Federated Auto Parts. It’s been a blast carrying their colors in 2011, but I’m ready to get my suit drenched in water and Gatorade.”

While some drivers and teams tend to compare the Illinois State Fairgrounds and the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds as sister tracks, Hessert knows that’s far from the case.

Tom Hessert III

Currently locking the fifth position in the championship standings with just four races remaining, Hessert knows that moving up the ladder is still possible but he also knows that defending his current spot is just as important.

“The competition has been so strong this season that even with our strong runs lately we’ve haven’t been able to make as big of a dent as we want to do in the points. We’re not going to give up. We’re going to stay focused and hope to keep our strong runs alive and hopefully earn a win or two before the end of the year,” sounded Hessert.

On top of everything, Hessert has the ammunition in the back of his mind of last year’s Southern Illinois 100 where he took the checkered flag in second behind Steve Arpin, keeping him away from victory, something he was accustomed to in his USAC days.

“One more spot. That’s all we need on Monday,” concluded Hessert.

The Southern Illinois 100 presented by Federated Auto Parts (100 laps / 100 miles) is the 16th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 29th ARCA event held at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds is a one-day show. Practice begins Monday, September 5 with a one hour practice session planned from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin at 11:00 a.m. The field will take the green flag that afternoon shortly after 1:00 p.m. The event will not be televised but race coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,328th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars will serve as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 80th career ARCA start. In his previous 79 outings, he has maneuvered one win, 18 top-fives and 42 top-10s.

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

- Tom Hessert Racing Press Release

No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala

During the only practice session on Friday, Hessert posted the 18th quickest lap overall with a time of 19.110 seconds at 94.192 miles per hour, an uncharacteristic placing for the veteran team and driver. Fighting an incredible tight No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala.

Throwing everything but the “kitchen sink” at their Chevrolet bowtie before qualifying Friday afternoon, Hessert climbed into his racecar optimistic about where he would land for his 79th career ARCA start. Mounting a lap of 18.697 seconds transferring to 96.272 miles per hour, the KSR team landed 13th in the lineup.

“We’re making some progress,” said Hessert following qualifying. “We’re still tight, but it’s not as bad as it was in practice. A good finish won’t be handed to us; we’re going to have earn it.”

The green flag waived shortly after 8:30 p.m. with Hessert quickly thundering his way towards the front. By lap six the Cherry Hill, New Jersey native moved into 11th and maintained his position just outside the top-10 through the race’s first 25 circuits.

Knocking on the door of the top-10, Hessert would find himself in a close battle with Sean Corr for 10th. Tight quarters at Madison International Speedway meant a lot of incidental contact on-track including the incident on lap 30 when the No. 52 and No. 82 made contact going into turn one. No harm no foul for Hessert as the caution flag waived with Hessert claiming 10th.

Moving into eighth when the yellow flag waived on lap 87, Monsam elected to bring his driver to pit road for tires, fuel and a chassis adjustment to combat the tightness on the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala.

By lap the half-way mark, good work by the team on pit road and a determined driver saw them into the top-five claiming fourth. Fending off his prey behind him, Hessert would maintain a safety-net inside the top-five until a spin on lap 157.

With his coveted track position now gone, Hessert would bring his No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala where the team inspected the vehicle and bolted on new Hoosier rubber sending their driver back into the hunt, now restarting 10th.

On the restart, Hessert knew that patience was out the window. If he wanted to revive his team, some harmless aggressiveness from behind the wheel would have to be in the playing cards to battle his way back through.

Using the new rubber to his advantage, Hessert was quickly and impressively able to climb the leaderboard moving back into eighth by lap 166. A few laps later, Hessert continued to motor his way back towards the top-five and found himself their by lap 176.

Continuing to stay focused on the wheel, Hessert set his sights on fourth place runner Ty Dillon. Inside the final 10 laps of the race, a caution flag waived which set the field for a three-lap shootout. Despite trying to make the move around Dillon, Hessert would have to protect fifth from nine-time ARCA champion Frank Kimmel. Despite being unable to pass point’s leader Dillon, Hessert was able to keep Kimmel at bay and take the checkered flag in fifth, recording his sixth top-five finish of the season.

Tom Hessert III

Completing the puzzle consists of Hessert bettering his runner-up finish earlier this month at Springfield which would have put him in victory lane for the second time in his career.

“I’m always thrilled to go back to the dirt. I think you’re going to have to battle Chad (McCumbee), Frank (Kimmel) and the likes of Josh (Richards), but I feel we have a good of a shot as anyone to celebrate in victory lane on Labor Day.”

Hessert’s sixth top-five of the year and 12th top-10 overall has him detached from McCumbee whom he entered Madison tied for fifth in the championship standings. With four races remaining, Hessert solely controls the spot at 3,450 points. 165 points separates the former USARacing Pro Cup Series star from fourth in the championship standings hoisted by Grant Enfinger.

Next up for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is the second and final installment on the dirt when the sanctioning body makes their annual trip to the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds for the running of the Southern Illinois 100 presented by Federated Auto Parts on Labor Day, Monday, September 5. Hessert will make his fifth start at the one-mile dirt track and look to better his runner-up finish their last year with Cunningham Motorsports.

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars served as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 79th career ARCA start. In those outings, he has maneuvered one win, 18 top-fives and 42 top-10s.

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

- Tom Hessert Racing Press Release

No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala

On the heels of a runner-up and season best finish last Sunday afternoon at the Illinois State Fairgrounds (Springfield), Hessert, driver of the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala, the desire, will and “want” that the Cherry Hill, New Jersey native has been displaying signals that his second career victory is sitting on the horizon.

“I’ve been more than pleased with the way the team has really gelled over the last couple of months or so,” said Hessert. “I knew our No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet was fast from the moment we unloaded at Springfield and that’s a benefit to any driver right off the bat. I know that John (Monsam) is well in-tuned for these last five races and I really feel we have a chance at winning between now and October.”

Even though Hessert has never been to the half-mile of Madison International Speedway, the former NASCAR Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series navigator, he knows that having a veteran leader like Monsam calling the shots; there isn’t much to worry about.

“I’m not worried about getting acquainted with Madison,” sounded Hessert. “John (Monsam) is one of the best in the business and I’ll take that to the bank. He’s been around racing more than I’ve been alive,” he continued jokingly. “His background on the short tracks is as thick as a dictionary but that’s a good thing. I know that he has a comfort for what he wants in the car and he knows what I like behind the wheel, so I’m confident that when our Federated Auto Parts Racing machine hits the track, we’ll be right where we want to be.”

Tom Hessert III

“You know, I haven’t really looked at our stats lately, but that’s really impressive,” Hessert mentioned. “We were running good at Michigan (the only finish outside the top-10) too but endured some tough luck otherwise, we might be in a better position points wise. Right now though, we can’t worry about that. We’re just focused on keeping the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet upfront and contending.”

Currently locking the fifth position in the championship standings and sitting 210 points behind third and fourth place runners Chris Buescher and Grant Enfinger, Hessert knows that it might come down to the last lap at Toledo in October that will determine the final rundown in the point standings.

“Unfortunately, I think we’re out of the hunt for the championship title, but we still can get a piece of the top-three and maybe even second,” added the former USARacing Pro Cup Series star. “Anything can happen these next fives races and we’ll be prepared for that. If we have to use strategy to gain positions on the race track, we’ll do that. We did it at Pocono a few weeks ago and it paid off. I also know that it could the other way just as fast. As a driver though you can’t be worried about that, you just have to strap into that seat and give it all you have.”

Before making the hike to Wisconsin this week, Hessert had the opportunity to hang out with fellow driver and friend Grant Enfinger where the two represented the series Wednesday night at the Twenty Third Annual Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Induction Ceremony in Detroit.

“Man, what an honor and invitation that was from ARCA,” Hessert said. “I really enjoy the ARCA Racing Series and when I was asked to represent the series for an event of this magnitude. The drivers that attended the induction were some I considered idols throughout my racing career. I cannot thank ARCA enough for the invitation; it was something that you’ll remember for a very long time.”

The Herr’s Live Life With Flavor 200 (200 laps / 100 miles) is the 15th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The fourth-ever ARCA event held at Madison International Speedway is a one-day show. Practice begins Friday, August 26 with an hour and a half practice session planned from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin at 5:30 p.m. An on-track autograph session has been etched into the schedule from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 8:30 p.m. that evening. The event will not be televised but race coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,327th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars will serve as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 79th career ARCA start. In his previous 78 outings, he has maneuvered one win, 17 top-fives and 41 top-10s.

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

- Tom Hessert Racing Press Release

Tom Hessert III

Still, the finish is a continued boost for Hessert and his John Monsam-led team as their recent string of six consecutive top-10s which has lifted the team morale as the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season slowly begins to dwindle down.

Hessert, a former USAC driver with experience at the historic one-mile oval was considered a pre-race favorite considering his previous success and drive in the “mud.” Sunday’s race proved to be no different for the ARCA fan favorite.

A extremely short one-day show for the teams and competitors would send them into practice just after 9:00 a.m. Hessert in his Chevrolet bowtie would maneuver several laps around the track and inch his No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala up to seventh on the rundown.

With the track showing some uncharacteristic conditions, Hessert wasn’t fazed by the team’s performance in practice. He knew that he had a good piece underneath him.

Qualifying was set just one hour from the conclusion of practice which allowed just enough time for Hessert to regain his thoughts and steer his concentration momentarily towards time trials. Hessert was the next-to-last competitor to maneuver a qualifications lap. In attack mode, Hessert muscled ironically the seventh fastest lap overall.

“We have a good car for the race,” offered Hessert. “The track slowed down a bunch from practice, so I wasn’t really surprised with our lap time. I think the conditions will be in our favor though when the green flag drops.”

Hessert wasn’t kidding. Almost immediately after receiving the green flag for the 14th race of the season, the ARCA pro began flexing his muscle and machine by punching his way into the top-five by lap 20.

The former USARacing Pro Cup Series competitor would maintain his position inside the top-five as the field spread out considerably during the first run of the day, until the caution waived on lap 36.

It was during the yellow that Monsam chose to bring his driver to pit road for the mandated stop by ARCA officials. Four tires, fuel and a minor chassis adjustment was the call from the ring leader with Hessert rejoining the field in the third position.

By lap 47, Hessert made the move on Will Kimmel and set his sights on championship leader Ty Dillon. An incident in turn one on lap 52 would bring the freeze the field with Hessert now tucked on the rear-bumper of Dillon’s No. 41 Chevrolet.

On the restart, Hessert attempted to take the lead from Dillon on the backstretch and for a quick moment pulled ahead in the number one spot before a hard-charging Chad McCumbee made a bold move around Hessert to re-obtain the top spot.

A few cautions over the next forty laps would allow Hessert to tag onto the rear of McCumbee and have a shot at his second career ARCA victory. However, it would be for not – as McCumbee would fend off the Federated Auto Parts Racing team to the checkered flag, which came in overtime as an incident broke out in turn three on lap 99; setting up for the extended laps.

Hessert climbed out of his KSR smiling after delivering the team’s best effort of 2011 thus far.

“We had a good car, but Chad’s was hooked up,” said Hessert. “Congratulations to him. I cannot thank Federated Auto Parts, John (Monsam) and this entire Ken Schrader Racing team for giving me the opportunity. This was my best finish at Springfield and easily continues our stretch of good runs. I knew that even though we didn’t lay down the laps that we wanted to in practice or qualifying, we didn’t have anything to worry about as I felt our car would come to life in the race. That she did.”

Hessert’s 78th career ARCA start stretches a string of six consecutive top-10s paired with three consecutive top-fives excelling past the team’s previous season-best of fourth just two weeks prior at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway.

“Momentum is on our side right now and we need to keep it alive,” added Hessert. “The team has really gelled over the last couple of months and it’s shown on the track with our performances. We’re knocking on the backdoor to answering with a victory. I have a feeling it’s going to come sooner rather than later.”

Hessert’s fifth top-five of the year and 11th top-10 overall has him tied with McCumbee for the fifth position at 2,995 points apiece. 210 points separate both drivers from third and fourth in the championship standings hoisted by Grant Enfinger and Chris Buescher who are also tied for those positions respectively.

Next up for the ARCA Racing Series is an overdue return to Madison International Speedway for the running of the Herr’s Live Life With Flavor 200. The one-day show is set for Friday, August 26 with the green flag scheduled to waive just after 8:30 p.m. local. The series returns to the half-mile short track for the first time since 1973.

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars served as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 78th career ARCA start. In those outings, he has maneuvered one win, 17 top-fives and 41 top-10s.

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

- Tom Hessert Racing Press Release

Tom Hessert III

Hessert, driver of the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala is no stranger to the track dabbed at the “Tricky Triangle.” Poised to make his eighth career start their and searching for his second-career win, Hessert knows that Saturday’s shootout may be as good as time as any.

“You cannot help but not like Pocono,” said Hessert, who has one top-five and three top-10 in his previous seven starts. “We had a pretty good run with our No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala in June, but we know we need to step up our game this weekend. The action will be just as competitive if not more, so it’s crucial to put ourselves in contention this weekend.”

While Hessert has found himself contending at the 2.5-mile triangle, the 13th race of the on season offers a shoot-out style contest. Serving as the finale after the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event, the stars and cars will have just 125 miles or 50 laps to get the job done. While Hessert dealt with this last August driving for Cunningham Motorsports, where he nestled a fourth place finish, he knows that once the action begins, there is no time to mess around.

“It’s literally a shootout,” added Hessert, a former USARacing Pro Cup Series star. “50 laps is short and even though it’s a big track, a lot can happen. Sometimes we can have some lengthy cautions there that really take away from the number of laps that we can run under green. There’s no doubt that we’re going to have to use some strategy, but that’s why I have one of the best in the business on top of the box.”

The man he is referring to is crew chief John Monsam. Making the move to Ken Schrader Racing (KSR), the duo has still proven that they have the bond that makes them contenders.

“Pocono will be my third race with John (Monsam), explained Hessert, a native of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. “Even though we are working with a different manufacturer than we did last year, we still have a pretty good baseline on where we need to be. I’m confident that when we hit the pavement in practice on Friday afternoon, you’re going to see that No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala near the top.”

With the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series revving their engines early Saturday afternoon, Hessert realizes that the different tire compound could potentially play a difference in the early stages of the Pennsylvania ARCA 125, but he also knows that it really won’t be something he’ll really be thinking about.

“Any time you put a division on a racetrack with two different types of tires, you’re a little hesitant. In the scheme of things, I don’t think it’s really going to be that big of a deal, but it’s still pondering in the back of all our minds. If it does come into play, there won’t be anything we can do about it until we’re racing ourselves.”

Seven races remain in the 2011 ARCA Racing Series schedule with Hessert currently tied for the sixth position in the championship standings with Tim George Jr. A mere 90 points separates Hessert from climbing into the top-five which currently locked by Chad McCumbee.

“We made some huge gains in the points last weekend,” sounded Hessert. “That’s important and that’s what we need to keep doing as the season begin slowly heads towards the checkered flag. There is no doubt in my mind that with luck, that our Federated Auto Parts Racing team will be somewhere in the top-five, we just need to keep doing what we’ve been doing over the last month or so.”

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars will serve as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 77th career ARCA start. In his previous 76 outings, he has maneuvered one win, 15 top-fives and 39 top-10s.

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

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

- Tom Hessert Racing Press Release

Tom Hessert III

Returning to the .686-mile paved oval for the first time since his USAC career, the Cherry Hill, New Jersey native aboard Ken Schrader Racing’s No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala eyed another strong run that would continue his climb in the second-half of the season.

In the lone practice session of the day Thursday afternoon, Hessert with crew chief John Monsam collected the 20th fastest lap at 23.432 seconds at 105.394 miles per hour. Baffled by the performance in practice, the Ken Schrader Racing team went back to the drawing board and opted to make several changes to their Chevrolet in time for qualifying.

The changes worked in time trials as Hessert mounted the 17th fastest lap after mounting a time of 23.052 seconds or 107.132 miles per hour. Somewhat content with their starting position, Hessert and his KSR team had hoped their car would dial into the track’s changing conditions as the temperatures began to fall and the sun began to set.

Early on in the 12th race of the season, Hessert slowly picked his way through the field. Moving into the top-15 by lap eight and hovering safely within that group, it was evident that the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala was reacting positively.

Electing to come to pit road following a caution on lap 41, Hessert received tires and fuel before rejoining the field in the 17th position. Unable to get his No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala to rotate from the center off earlier in the day, his handling hiccup improved considerably as the race motored on.

By lap 50, the former USARacing Pro Cup Series star had climbed into the 15th position tracking down rookie Jared Marks. Stalking Marks until a caution waived on lap 60, Hessert continued to deliver respectable lap times despite being marred in heavy traffic.

Monsam informed his driver to remain on the race track during the yellow flag which allowed the 25-year old to jump into the fifth position after several cars ahead of him made their first pit stop of the day.

With the heat on from his fellow racers, Hessert would have to defend for every position on the race track, though the cars on newer tires were able to maneuver their way past Hessert leaving him 10th by the half-way mark.

After a quick caution, Hessert restarted eighth finding himself in a comfort zone until he would be able to make his final pit stop of the day. That opportunity came on lap 120 when the No. 5 spun. Monsam brought his protégé down pit lane for tires, fuel and another chassis adjustment – hoping to help his KSR automobile rotate even more.

When the yellow waived yet again on lap 130, Hessert had climbed from 14th to 10th. On the ensuing restart, heads-up driving by the former NASCAR Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series pilot allowed him to avoid a massacre on the frontstretch as several lead cars collided.

The carnage allowed Hessert to leap to sixth where he found himself hovering for the final 57 laps of the contest. A move by Chad Hackenbracht on lap 145 allowed Hessert to hop into the fifth spot. Having to fend off former teammate Dakoda Armstrong inside the final 50 laps, Monsam elected to keep his driver on the race track after a caution waived lining the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala in the runner-up spot.

Eventually having to give-way to the cars on newer Hoosier rubber, Hessert would not go down without a fight and was able to hold on to the fifth spot where he took the checkered flag.

“I’m happy with that,” said Hessert who recorded his third top-five of the season. “We weren’t real happy with our No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala earlier but John kept working on it and the car responded nicely to the changes. It was great to be back at LOR, I wish we could have had something for those leaders, but we just need to keep hammering out these types of finishes and we’ll be in contention for the win real soon.”

With seven races remaining, Hessert is tied for sixth in the championship standings with Tim George Jr. 90 points separate Hessert from fifth place runner Chad McCumbee.

Next up for the ARCA Racing Series is a return to trip to the “Tricky Triangle” at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway for the running of the Pennsylvania 125. The 50-lap shootout is set for Saturday, August 6 with live coverage on the SPEED channel beginning at 3:00 p.m. In June, Hessert finished ninth after starting 11th in the fog-shorten Pocono ARCA 200.

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars served as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 75th career ARCA start. In his previous 76 outings, he has maneuvered one win, 15 top-fives and 39 top-10s.

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

- Tom Hessert Racing Press Release

On the heels of a solid sixth place finish at Berlin (Mich.) Raceway last weekend, a win in Saturday afternoon’s Prairie Meadows 200 would be a boost that Hessert in Ken Schrader Racing’s No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala would be more than glad to welcome.

Tom Hessert III

The odds of pulling off his second career ARCA win in the 11th race of the 2011 season are grand. Adding ammunition towards the field for yet another victory at Iowa Speedway will come with the guidance and helm of crew chief John Monsam.

“Our car was virtually perfect,” Hessert recalled. “We made some adjustments from practice to qualifying and in the race we just found our niche. John Monsam is a large part of the success that we had all of last season and having him with us this year is awesome. He and I communicate very well and have a great place to start with the car based upon last year’s set up. I feel that with the information we have and with the strong team at KSR we can certainly contended for another win at Iowa Speedway.”

He continued, it’s been too long since Ken Schrader Racing and Federated Auto Parts have been to victory lane, so hopefully we’ll be able to turn that around this weekend.”

Grabbing his seventh top-10 finish in 10 races last weekend places Hessert eighth overall in the championship standings with just nine races remaining. Trailing sixth place competitors Tim George Jr. and Matt Merrell by 95 points and fending off Chad Hackenbracht in ninth whose just 25 markers behind; points are crucial as ever with the series beginning to make a dent in their second half.

“If we can continue our solid finishes, hopefully we can chop off some of our deficit to some of the other drivers and teams and move the KSR team up the ladder,” sounded Hessert. “The competition is tight, maybe even a little tighter than last year, so we just have to remain focused and hope in the end, the points will take care of themselves and we’ll be in the hunt.”

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars will serve as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 75th career ARCA start. In his previous 74 outings, he has maneuvered one win, 14 top-fives and 37 top-10s.

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

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

- Tom Hessert Racing Press Release

Tom Hessert III

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Tom Hessert Racing Press Release

Tom Hessert III

On the heels of three consecutive top-10 runs, Hessert was aiming to put his blue and white Chevrolet bowtie up front in the Motor City. After mounting the 12th fastest time in the lone practice session on Thursday afternoon, the KSR team led by crew chief John Monsam were set to tackle qualifying.

Friday morning offered both time trials and Hessert’s fourth tango with MIS. In qualifications, Hessert posted the 15th fastest time overall, the team’s seventh top-15 starting position thus far in 2011.

At the start of the RainEater Wiper Blades 200, Hessert was a man on a mission. Quickly maneuvering his No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala SS through the competitive field, Hessert was able to move into the 14th position when the first caution flag of the day waived on lap three.

Restarting the event on lap 10, Hessert returned to battle and continued to climb the leader board. With a solid race setup underneath him, the former USAC competitor found himself knocking on the door of entering the top-10 by lap 20.

With a quarter of the race over with, Hessert found himself contained in the 11th position as the field began to stretch out during the green flag run. Reporting to Monsam of a tight condition on his No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala SS, the team would have an opportunity to adjust on their race car when the yellow flag waived on lap 30 for debris with Hessert finally able to climb into the 10th position.

Restarting the race on lap 37, Hessert held onto the 10th position before finding himself in a taunting battle with Bryan Silas and Chad Hackenbracht. While the three continued to battle for ninth, 10th and 11th.

With Hackenbracht overtaking the No. 52 by lap 38, Hessert re-entered the top-10 on lap 40 when third place runner Sean Corr lost a right front tire. The yellow flag waived again on lap 41 when the No. 55 of Hal Martin also lost a right front tire with Hessert locked in the ninth position.

The former USARacing Pro Cup Series star would have to relinquish his position inside the top-10 when Hessert reported a problem with the brakes on his General Motors automobile generated from debris on the race track. Coming to the attention of his KSR crew, the team determined that the right front brake line had been broken, which the team repaired and bleed but in the process Hessert lost a lap to the competition.

Down but not out, Hessert was determined to become the Aaron’s Lucky Dog when he restarted the race in the 19th position.

Unfortunately, the team’s day would go from bad to worse as on lap 52, Hessert lost a right rear tire on his No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet sending his machine hard into the outside wall, collecting Maryeve Dufault along the way.

Although heavily damaged, Hessert tried to re-fire his machine and head to the garage but to no avail. Stopped on the backstretch, Hessert would climb into the ambulance for the mandatory trip to the infield care center, where he would be later be treated and released.

“It’s a shame, because I really thought we were going to have a good day,” said Hessert. “We were methodically moving our way through the field and then the problems seemed to have piled on us. The Federated Auto Racing team did a great job repairing the brake line. We went back out there, just trying to find ourselves in the hunt for the lucky dog and I knew something was wrong but the car just came around and into the wall I went. I hate that Maryeve (Dufault) was involved in that, she was having a good day too.”

He added, “I’m not going to try and dwell on Michigan. There’s still a long way to go this season, we just have to bounce back next weekend at Winchester. I’ve never been there, but I like the short tracks in ARCA, so hopefully we can rebound for everyone at Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars and Ken Schrader Racing.”

With Hessert’s 29th place finish, he slipped from seventh to eighth in the championship standings 100 markers behind Tim George Jr.

Next up for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is a return to Winchester (Ind.) Speedway for the running of the Winchester ARCA 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts.

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

- Tom Hessert Racing Press Release

Grasping the thrill and joy of victory at Iowa Speedway last year, Hessert knows winning on a speedway would mean that much more for his racing resume and team moralhttp://www.catchfence.com/wp-admin/media-upload.php?post_id=77678&type=image&TB_iframe=1e as the half-way mark approaches on the calendar.

The Cherry Hill, New Jersey native will make his fourth career start at the monstrous two-mile oval in the RainEater Wiper Blades 200, but eyes his first career top-10 finish at the track nestled in the Irish Hills of Michigan.

Tom Hessert III

Hessert, a former successful USAC racer added, “to win is always a blessing. I’ve experienced once before in ARCA and I’m eager to do it again. It’s the Motor City, so motoring to victory lane would be justified for sure.”

Michigan International Speedway’s enormous size and wide racing groove leave the door open for plenty of action and Hessert feels that neither the fans nor the competitors will be denied excitement in the eighth race of the season.

“It’s definitely an enjoyable place to race, if you have a good car,” Hessert explained. “The track is plenty wide, so if you have a mistake, your odds of recovering are better than another track we may compete on. John (Monsam, crew chief) and I will work together on the setup on Thursday and hopefully we can put our Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet in a position we can be satisfied with rolling into race day.”

Currently, Hessert occupies the seventh position in the ARCA Racing Series point standings, just 90 markers behind sixth place competitor Matt Merrell.

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars will serve as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 72nd career ARCA start. In his previous 71 outings, he has maneuvered one win, 13 top-fives and 35 top-10s.

The RainEater Wiper Blades 200 (100 laps / 200 miles) is the eighth of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 30th ARCA race at the Irish Hills track is a two-day show. Practice begins Thursday, June 16 with a one hour and half practice session planned from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin on race day, Friday, June 17th at 10:00 a.m. The field will take the green flag later in the day shortly after 5:00 p.m. The event will be televised live on SPEED. Live timing and scoring throughout the 1,320th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

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

- Hessert Racing Press Release