Event: Prairie Meadows 200
Track: Iowa Speedway
Track length: 7/8-mile paved tri-oval
Coverage: ARCARacing.com live audiocast, 8:00 PM EST
Testing, testing
Though the ARCA RE/MAX Series had two weeks off from competition, the ESR camp remained busy at the track, participating in open test sessions at Iowa Speedway and Kentucky Speedway, in preparation for upcoming events at both facilities. All four ESR drivers, Justin Lofton, Steve Arpin, Craig Goess, Jr. and Tim George Jr. participated in the Iowa test last week while only Goess and George Jr. were scheduled for the Kentucky test earlier this week. Lofton was also on hand, hopping into George Jr.’s machine for a few laps of his own around the speedway.
Where there’s racing, there’s Arpin
Steve Arpin, driver of the No. 20 Toyota Camry, kept his plate full over the two-week spread in the ARCA schedule. First, he headed north of the border to his native Canada to attend his brother’s wedding. Then, he traveled to Iowa for the open test before heading to Minnesota for the Minnesota Modified Nationals at Viking Speedway Alexandria.
“Our dirt racing was a lot of fun over the 4th of July weekend. With it being our first time out in our new Taylor Chassis I was very pleased. We started eighth in the main event and were having a great battle for the lead, running third. It was an exciting race for both myself and the fans for sure. With around 16 laps to go, we broke a transmission,” Arpin said of his run.
Arpin again hit the track on Wednesday, running the Gopher 50, a charity event for modified and World of Outlaw Late Models, at Deer Creek Speedway, before heading to Iowa.
Giving back
In addition to Arpin participating in the charity race, Justin Lofton put on his poker face and participated in WAM (Women’s Auxiliary of Motorsports) Poker Run on June 27th. Benefits of the Poker Run went to ESR crew member Matt Daniels, who is battling Guillan-Barre Syndrome (a disorder where the immune system attacks the central nervous system).
Also supporting a good cause over the Fourth of July weekend was Tim George Jr. George Jr. offered up an autographed photo while associate sponsor Chrome Heart contributed a pair of sunglasses to a charity auction dubbed “Boogies Bash for the Buddies,” benefiting the Buddy Program, a non-profit organization that pairs adults with children from broken homes, serving as a mentor/”big buddy”.
“I’m thrilled that I can help out with such a good cause through my racing business and sponsors. Chrome Hearts has been great,” George Jr. said of the participation.
Looking ahead
Steve Arpin, driver of the No. 20 Toyota:
“Iowa is going to be a great race for us. Our team has a little momentum behind us the past few races and we are just going to continue to improve. The car was pretty good at the test but Jefferson (Hodges, crew chief) knows what it’s going to take to make it better. I’m looking forward to posting our first top three this weekend.”
For more on Eddie Sharp Racing, please visit http://www.TeamESR.com
- Activ8 Communications Press Release