American Ethanol

Austin Dillon, 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion, will drive the iconic No. 3 Chevrolet during the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series season with American Ethanol serving as the primary sponsor for six races as well as one race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2012. Dillon’s No. 3 American Ethanol Chevrolet paint scheme was unveiled at the event.

“I’m proud to carry the American Ethanol colors in NASCAR,” said Dillon. “Growth Energy is committed to clean air, and as an avid outdoorsman I truly appreciate their desire to protect our nation’s air and water for future generations. I commend the work they do and I am looking forward to representing American Ethanol, Growth Energy and the National Corn Growers Association.”

In addition to American Ethanol’s partnership with Dillon, the organization will serve as an associate sponsor with the entire RCR family of drivers. Team owner Richard Childress as well as RCR’s Sprint Cup Series veterans Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Paul Menard will also serve as spokesmen for the cause.

Kenny Wallace, who notched 11 top-ten finishes last year, will drive the No. 09 Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for RAB Racing. American Ethanol will partner with Wallace for the Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500, as well as five races in the Nationwide Series.

“I’m honored to represent American Ethanol. I not only talk about American Ethanol, I truly believe in it. I’ve been to the farms, I’ve met the families, I’ve been to the plants, and I’ve been in the hallways of the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C., in support of it. I believe it is our job to cut down on dependency of foreign oil, and American Ethanol is a major part of that,” Wallace said.

“American Ethanol is in this for the long haul. Through our partnerships with Austin Dillon and Kenny Wallace, we are telling NASCAR and its fans that American Ethanol is committed to the sport,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, which led the effort to create American Ethanol. “These drivers are ideal ambassadors for the American Ethanol team and will help tell the story of how American-made ethanol creates jobs, cleans our air and fosters energy independence.”

“American Ethanol is getting a lot of positive attention because it’s a good fit for NASCAR’s green initiative, and because of the increased horsepower on the track,” said NCGA President Garry Niemeyer. “Our partnership with RCR and RAB Racing will assure continued success in letting the American public know that if ethanol can stand the stress these drivers put it through, it’s good for the family car, too.”

The American Ethanol partnership was established with the goal of increasing awareness of ethanol’s renewable, clean-burning, high-octane abilities as a fuel. One initiative included the release last September of a white paper detailing NASCAR’s use of E15 (15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline) in more than a million miles of racing, qualifying and practice laps – proving that E15 can withstand the test of America’s toughest proving ground.

Ethanol is the most commercially-viable alternative that America currently has to offset the economic impact of foreign petroleum. Corn ethanol reduces emissions by 59 percent, and cellulosic ethanol is at least 86 percent cleaner. And by strengthening America’s energy independence, ethanol helps create American jobs; studies have shown that for every $1 sent overseas for oil, $1.55 leaves the U.S. economy.

Growth Energy, a coalition of American ethanol supporters, filed the petition to the federal government, called the Green Jobs Waiver, to increase the allowable blend of ethanol in fuel from 10 percent to 15 percent, or E15. In 2010, NASCAR embraced the desire for greener, American-job-producing fuels when it announced its decision to move to Sunoco Green E15 for NASCAR’s three national series.

Representing a wide array of ethanol supporters, from farmers to bio-engineering firms, American Ethanol was established by Growth Energy in partnership with the National Corn Growers Association and others. By establishing a marketing partnership with NASCAR starting with the 2011 racing season, the same year that NASCAR switched its fuel to Sunoco Green E15, American Ethanol aims to educate and inform the broader American public about the benefits of U.S.-made ethanol.

About Growth Energy

Growth Energy represents the producers and supporters of ethanol who feed the world and fuel America in ways that achieve energy independence, improve economic well-being and create a healthier environment for all Americans now. More information can be found at www.growthenergy.org.

About National Corn Growers Association

Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association represents 35,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide and the interests of more than 300,000 growers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their states. NCGA and its 48 affiliated state associations and checkoff organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for their members and their industry. For more information, visit http://www.ncga.com.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 200 victories and 14 championships, including six in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its current Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Paul Menard (No. 27 Menards Chevrolet), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Budweiser/Rheem/Jimmy John’s Chevrolet) and Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar/Wheaties Chevrolet). Its Nationwide Series program includes Elliott Sadler (No. 2 One Main Financial Chevrolet), 2011 Camping World Truck Series champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Advocare/American Ethanol/Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet) and Kevin Harvick/Brendan Gaughan/Paul Menard (No. 33 South Point Hotel & Casino/Menards/Hunt Brothers Pizza/Armour/Fast Fixin’/ Chevrolet). Tim George Jr. and Brendan Gaughan (No. 2 Potomac Family Dining Group/South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet), Joey Coulter (No. 22 RCR/Armour Chevrolet) and 2011 ARCA Racing Series champion Ty Dillon (No.3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet) will compete in the 2012 Camping World Truck Series season.

About RAB Racing with Brack Maggard

Founded in 2005, RAB Racing with Brack Maggard is a Concord, North Carolina-based auto racing team that fields entries in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its 2012 lineup includes Kenny Wallace in both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series and John Wes Townley in the Camping World Truck Series. For more information on RAB Racing with Brack Maggard, please call 704-788-7811, visit www.teamrab.com. Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings by liking the team on Facebook (RAB Racing) and by following the team on Twitter (@RAB_Racing).

- Richard Childress Racing Press Release

RAB Racing with Brack Maggard Logo

Rice, a South Boston, Va., native, has been with RAB Racing since July 2011, working as Director of Special Projects.

“I’m looking forward to working with John Wes Townley in 2012,” said Rice. “With the aid of our Nationwide Series program and Toyota support, it is going to be a great season. I want to thank RAB Racing for providing us with the opportunity to compete for the Rookie of the Year title in the Camping World Truck Series. It has been exciting to see this team expand and I hope to bolster these efforts moving forward.”

Rice, a former race-winning crew chief in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has experience atop the pit box in all three of NASCAR’s top divisions since 2003. In his most recent stint serving as crew chief for a Camping World Truck Series team, Rice garnered one top-five and two top-10s in 15 starts with driver Shelby Howard in 2008.

“Chris played an integral role with our Nationwide Series team last year and assisted Scott Zipadelli on numerous projects,” said Robby Benton, owner of RAB Racing. “When the Camping World Truck Series opportunity came about, he was the natural fit for both our team and for driver John Wes Townley. Chris and John Wes worked together for a few events in 2009 when he was driving our Nationwide Series entry and then reconnected with him several weeks ago as crew chief for a NASCAR regional series event at Myrtle Beach Speedway. Chris brings along a wealth of experience and knowledge and I look forward to growing our Truck program around him.”

About RAB Racing with Brack Maggard

Founded in 2005, RAB Racing with Brack Maggard is a Concord, North Carolina-based auto racing team that fields entries in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its 2012 lineup includes Kenny Wallace in the Nationwide Series, and John Wes Townley in the Camping World Truck Series. For more information on RAB Racing with Brack Maggard, please call 704-788-7811, visit www.teamrab.com. Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings by liking the team on Facebook (RAB Racing) and by following the team on Twitter (@RAB_Racing).

- RAB Racing with Brack Maggard Press Release

RAB Racing with Brack Maggard Logo

Townley, 22, has made seven starts in the Camping World Truck Series, most recently at Phoenix International Raceway in November, 2008.

Townley will join teammate Kenny Wallace, driver of the No. 09 Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

“I’m looking forward to this year,” Townley said. “It’s good to be racing in the Camping World Truck Series again, and doing it with RAB Racing makes it that much better.”

While the season-opening event will mark Townley’s first laps at Daytona International Speedway in Camping World Truck Series competition, he is no stranger to the World Center of Racing. In three ARCA Racing Series starts, the Watkinsville, Ga., native has two top-five finishes, including a career-best finish of third in February, 2010.

“I’m looking forward to expanding our operation and racing in the Camping World Truck Series,” said Robby Benton, owner of RAB Racing. “We’ll have a presence in two NASCAR garage areas this year, and I’m happy to be adding another strong Toyota entry. We started our current Nationwide Series program with John Wes, and we’re happy to be starting our Truck Series presence with him, as well.”

Townley will be backed by new sponsors for the 2012 season, as well as current sponsors of RAB Racing’s NASCAR Nationwide Series program.

The 22-race NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule kicks off on February 24 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., and concludes November 16 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

A crew chief for the team will be named at a later date.

About RAB Racing with Brack Maggard

Founded in 2005, RAB Racing with Brack Maggard is a Concord, North Carolina-based auto racing team that fields entries in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its 2012 lineup includes Kenny Wallace in the Nationwide Series, and John Wes Townley in the Camping World Truck Series. For more information on RAB Racing with Brack Maggard, please call 704-788-7811, visit www.teamrab.com. Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings by liking the team on Facebook (RAB Racing) and by following the team on Twitter (@RAB_Racing).

- RAB Racing with Brack Maggard Press Release

Venturini Motorsports Thumbnail

Ryan Reed, originally from Bakersfield, CA moved across the country by himself at the age of 17 to Mooresville, NC in order to surround himself with the racing community.

In February 2011, Ryan was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as he was preparing his move to North Carolina but he didn’t let that slow him down. The aspiring young NASCAR driver completed his move to North Carolina to pursue his driving career professionally.

Ryan Reed

Focusing on his commitment and determination, Ryan has set records and compiled an impressive list of racing accomplishments. As an outspoken diabetic who puts his passion for racing into “Ryan’s Mission,” helps build awareness and support for people with diabetes around the world.

Since the age of 4, Ryan has moved up through the racing structure with high levels of success and 5 racing Championships in his career. Ryan has continued to show his ability and talent on and off the track.

In 2009, Ryan became the Legends Division Track Champion at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Irwindale, CA). Ryan backed up his Championship the following year at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale by becoming the 2010 Rookie-of-the-Year in the Super Late Model Division. He took home one win in the 2010 season becoming the youngest winner at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale in the Super Late Model Divison.

In 2011 season, Reed raced in many different series, racing surfaces, tracks, and cars, including the Pro Allstars Series, NASCAR Whelen All American and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. The diversity of racing in the 2011 will better prepare Ryan for the variety of tracks that the ARCA Racing Series offers; including superspeedways, intermediate tracks, short tracks, and a road course.

Ryan Reed looks to achieve high levels of success with the Venturini Motorsports development platform to showcase his talent and put him in position to achieve his professional goals.

Venturini Motorsports, fielding cars in the ARCA Racing Series, is one of the premier NASCAR Driver Development Programs in the country. Since 2007, Venturini Motorsports has assisted in the career development of notable NASCAR drivers Joey Logano, Justin Allgaier, Scott Lagasse Jr., Brian Scott, John Wes Townley, Marc Davis, Steve Arpin and Mikey Kile.

As an up and coming driver, Ryan Reed looks to add to the storied history of successful drivers and team of Venturini Motorsports.

For more information on Ryan Reed visit www.RyanReedRacing.com

For more information on Venturini Motorsports visit www.VenturiniMotorsports.com

- Venturini Motorsports Press Release

Kenny Wallace - Photo Credit: John Harrelson / Getty Images for NASCAR

KENNY WALLACE, NO. 09 AMERICAN ETHANOL/IOWA CORN TOYOTA CAMRY, IOWA SPEEDWAY PREVIEW

Team:RAB Racing with Brack Maggard

Car: No. 09 American Ethanol / Iowa Corn Toyota Camry

Race 22 of 34: U.S. Cellular 250 presented by the Enlist Weed Control System at Iowa Speedway

Event Info: Live race coverage begins at 7:30PM EST on ESPN2 and at 7:00 PM EST on MRN

Pulling Out All the Stops… The second half of the NASCAR Nationwide Series season offers a second stop at many of the tracks from earlier in the year. This week, Kenny Wallace will return to Iowa Speedway where he recorded his 500th NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) career-start earlier in May and a career-best finish of sixth at the track owned by his older brother and NASCAR Champion, Rusty Wallace. On Saturday night, Wallace and RAB Racing with Brack Maggard will get their second opportunity to pull out all the stops to help Wallace find victory lane at the .875-mile family-owned, tri-oval track.

Keeping Tabs… When a 12th-place finish feels like a loss, you know it must have been a good month. Last weekend at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, RAB Racing scored a fifth top-12 finish in as many weeks. Hoping to close out the month of July with a string of top-10 finishes, the team left disappointed with the finish. Returning to the site of a sixth-place finish in the spring, Wallace and RAB Racing expect a rebound from last week and another hearty finish in the No. 09 American Ethanol/Iowa Corn Toyota Camry. In 21 NNS events this season, RAB Racing has notched nine top-10 finishes. Wallace, a veteran in the sport, is currently seventh in the 2011 Nationwide Series driver point standings.

Iowa Speedway Details…

· Saturday night Wallace will make his fourth NNS start at Iowa Speedway.

· Wallace, who made his 500th Nationwide Series career-start in May at Iowa, will take the green flag this time for the 510th time.

· In three previous events, Wallace has an average finish of 11.3 along with two top-10’s.

· RAB Racing has competed in three events at Iowa Speedway with two different drivers. John Wes Townley piloted the No. 09 twice before Wallace joined RAB Racing as full-time driver in 2011.

Welcome Back… American Ethanol returns as primary sponsor of the No. 09 RAB Racing Toyota Camry. American Ethanol made its debut on the RAB Racing machine in April 2011 at Texas Motor Speedway. American Ethanol’s profile will be front and center and seen by millions of fans as American Ethanol helps take NASCAR’s environmental commitment to the next level. The efforts of NASCAR and American Ethanol are projected to expose 80 million people to the benefits of ethanol and link millions of American farmers with the sport of NASCAR. In addition to American Ethanol, Iowa Corn will be on the No. 09 Camry as an additional partner.

Living for the “Chase”… RAB Racing will stay at the Chase Suite Hotel West Des Moines in Clive, Iowa, this weekend while competing at Iowa Speedway. Conveniently located in the heart of West Des Moines, the Chase Suite Hotel is the ideal destination for West Des Moines business or leisure travelers. The hotel is situated in Clive just miles from the Des Moines International Airport, Jordan Creek Town Center, Valley West Mall, Clive Water Park, Adventure Land, Science Center, and plenty of golf courses. The Chase Suite Hotel Des Moines is quickly becoming the preferred hotel choice. With oversize suites, well-maintained interiors, and pristine grounds, the Chase Suite Hotel provides a unique experience reflecting the local character and a great value. For more information, please visit www.chasehoteldesmoines.com.

The “fans” have spoken… Wallace will drive the No. 09 Toyota Camry supported by fans from around the world in October’s Nationwide Series event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. For $20, fans can get their name on Wallace’s No. 09 RAB Racing Toyota Camry and receive a postcard. In addition to fan support, the University of Northwestern Ohio will be featured on the hood for the memorable event. For more information, please visit www.kennywallace.com.

Can’t get enough…

Follow RAB Racing with Brack Maggard on Twitter: http://twitter.com/RAB_Racing

Become a fan of RAB Racing with Brack Maggard on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RABRacing

Follow Kenny on Twitter: http://twitter.com/kenny_wallace

About National Corn Growers Association:

Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association represents 35,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide and the interests of more than 300,000 growers who contribute through corn check off programs in their states. NCGA and its 48 affiliated state associations and check off organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for their members and their industry. For more information, visit www.ncga.com.

- RAB Racing with Brack Maggard Press Release

Kenny Wallace - Photo Credit: John Harrelson / Getty Images for NASCAR

CONCORD, N.C. (July 13, 2011) –

KENNY WALLACE, NO. 09 TOYOTA CAMRY, NEW ENGLAND 200, NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Team:RAB Racing with Brack Maggard

Car: No. 09 Toyota Camry

Race 19 of 34: New England 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Event Info: Saturday, July 17, 2011, broadcast on ESPN at 3:30PM EST and PRN 3:00PM EST

The Low-down on Loudon… With 18 NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) events complete this season heading in to the New England 200 this Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, RAB Racing with Brack Maggard is in the midst of their best NNS season since joining NASCAR’s junior division full-time in 2009. Helping RAB Racing find their footing this season by piloting the No. 09 Toyota Camry to seven top-10 finishes thus far, veteran driver Kenny Wallace has helped to guide and bring enthusiasm to the young RAB Racing organization each and every weekend. This weekend at the 1.058-mile oval Loudon, N.H. track, Wallace hopes to score his third consecutive top-10 and possibly take RAB Racing to victory lane for the first time this season.

Keeping Tabs… The last time around at Kentucky Speedway, RAB Racing Crew Chief, Scott Zipadelli, turned a last-minute fuel strategy into a sixth-place finish for Wallace in the No. 09 UNOH Toyota Camry. Inching closer to the top spot, Wallace heads to New Hampshire this weekend with one Nationwide Series win at the track already under his belt. In the NNS driver point standings, Wallace maintains the seventh position while the No. 09 resides in the 13th spot in the NNS car owner standings.

New Hampshire Details…

· In 17 previous starts at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Wallace has accumulated one win (1991), one pole (1992), three top-five and four top-10 finishes.

· Wallace has one top-five and three top-10 finishes in 16 events in the Sprint Cup Series.

· Competing full-time in the Nationwide Series for the third consecutive season, RAB Racing will be making its third start in Loudon, N.H. In the previous two events, the No. 09 was piloted by John Wes Townley in 2009 and Sean Caisse in 2010.

· Fun Fact: The estimated NNS crowd last Friday night at Kentucky Speedway for the Feed the Children 300 was 52,000. In comparison, Wallace has almost as many followers on Twitter, over 50,000, as fans who attended the Friday night event.

From New Britain to New Hampshire…. A native of New Britain, Connecticut, just three hours south of New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Scott Zipadelli will have a homecoming of sorts when NASCAR returns to Loudon this weekend. Zipadelli, who joined RAB Racing as Crew Chief in 2010, has worked in racing his entire life, and would like nothing more than to make a trip to victory lane with his friends and family in attendance.

The “fans” have spoken… Wallace will drive the No. 09 Toyota Camry supported by fans from around the world in October’s Nationwide Series event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. For $20, fans can get their name on Wallace’s No. 09 RAB Racing Toyota Camry and receive a postcard. In addition to fan support, the University of Northwestern Ohio will be featured on the hood for the memorable event. For more information, please visit www.kennywallace.com.

Can’t get enough…

Follow RAB Racing with Brack Maggard on Twitter:http://twitter.com/RAB_Racing

Become a fan of RAB Racing with Brack Maggard on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RABRacing

Follow Kenny on Twitter: http://twitter.com/kenny_wallace

- RAB Racing with Brack Maggard Press Release

ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards

Given a field of drivers hungry for their first win on the 2.5-mile superspeedway oval and the historic track’s newly-paved surface, the 48th appearance for the ARCA Racing Series at Daytona should live up to the billing.

As has been the case every year since 1964 – three years prior to Super Bowl I – the ARCA Racing Series will provide fans at Daytona International Speedway and throughout the racing world the year’s first stock car race on the storied track. That distinction takes on added meaning this season, as the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 will be the first race for stock cars on the full oval’s fresh pavement – a job which used 50,000 tons of asphalt and began last July.

Fifty-eight drivers took to the track earlier this month in a three-day testing period for the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200. Benny Gordon (No. 09 VSI Ford) finished with the test week’s top speed, driving a lap of 48.414 seconds (185.897 mph) in a car owned by Grant Enfinger.

Tim George Jr., the returning full-time driver of the No. 31 Richard Childress Racing Development Chevrolet, came away impressed after the first morning on the new surface.

“It’s really smooth. It’s astonishing how much grip there is, so we’ll have to see. Hopefully, that won’t cause tire issues. The Hoosier tire is a good tire and should keep holding strong. As far as the pavement, there’s a little bump down in (Turns) 3 and 4. Everything else feels really, really smooth,” George said.

George, who finished ninth in the ARCA Racing Series standings last season, will enter the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 with some race experience on the track. The 30-year-old New Yorker is entered in the Grand Touring (GT) class for this weekend’s Grand-Am Road Racing Rolex 24 at Daytona, and will drive as part of a four-man team in the No. 66 Porsche GT3 for TRG Motorsports. George’s experience, not to mention the addition of rookie Ty Dillon to the Richard Childress Racing team, figures to give RCR a slight advantage in February and throughout the season.

“It’s good to have a teammate here, Ty Dillon; he’ll be a good drafting partner. He’s been racing cars way longer than I have. You know, he’s much younger than I am. I’m going to lean on him for some stuff and he’ll probably lean on me for some stuff on the road courses and maybe the superspeedways,” George said. “There’s a lot that he’s done in his racing career that I’m looking forward to doing, including winning in the ARCA Racing Series. It’ll be good to have support between him and I, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Dillon will drive the No. 41 University of Northwestern Ohio / RCR Development Chevrolet, and will be looking for his third consecutive ARCA Racing Series win in just his fourth series start. Last season, at 18, Dillon started on the pole at Iowa Speedway in his first career start, and then won in back-to-back races at Kansas Speedway and Rockingham Speedway to close the year.

The 80-lap, 200-mile Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 airs live on SPEED at 4:30 p.m. Eastern on February 12, with live timing and scoring presented by ARCA Nation at ARCARacing.com. Bobby Gerhart (No. 5 Lucas Oil Chevrolet) is the defending and all-time leading winner at the track, with wins in 1999, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2010. Gerhart also won four consecutive poles between 2003 and 2006.

No other entered driver has won at Daytona International Speedway, but several have come close. Mark Thompson (No. 66 Phoenix Air Toyota) finished second last season and has finished in the top 10 on two other occasions in nine career starts at the track since 1991. Frank Kimmel (No. 44 Ansell / Menards Ford) has made 19 starts at the track since 1992 without a win, but has finished in the top three four times and in the top 10 on 11 occasions.

James Buescher started last season’s race from the pole and led the first 29 laps, but Gerhart took control over the final 51 laps to win for the sixth time. John Wes Townley finished third and Buescher fourth, and eventual series champion Patrick Sheltra completed the top five. Danica Patrick, making her stock car debut, finished sixth.

The race is the first of 19 this year, and activity begins with a four-hour practice at 1 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, February 10. Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell begins at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 11, and the series will host a final, 45-minute practice at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Live timing and scoring of all events will be presented by ARCA Nation at ARCARacing.com.

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards has crowned an ARCA national champion each year since its inaugural season in 1953, and has toured over 200 race tracks in 28 states since its inception. The series tests the abilities of drivers and race teams over the most diverse schedule of stock car racing events in the world, annually visiting tracks ranging from 0.4 mile to 2.66 miles in length, on both paved and dirt surfaces as well as a left- and right-turn road course.

Founded by John Marcum in 1953 in Toledo, Ohio, the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is recognized among the leading sanctioning bodies in the country. Closing in on completing its sixth decade after hundreds of thousands of miles of racing, ARCA administers over 100 race events each season in two professional touring series and local weekly events.

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Hal Martin

“I’m really looking forward to hitting the track again at Daytona,” Martin said. “I had a bit of a head start on the field by being able to participate in the Hoosier Tire Test here in December for Venturini Motorsports – so I feel I had a good chance to get somewhat acclimated to the track with some laps logged. Any seat time is fantastic, so I’m ready to jump back in for not only three more days of testing, but also a solid year with several starts. We’re in this for solid finishes for a championship team.”

Tom Venturini, Public Relations Director at Venturini Motorsports, is optimistic about Martin’s potential in the Venturini stable in 2011. “We’ve got strong talent among all of our drivers, and our reputation stands behind the equipment and support we’re able to provide each and every one of them. Hal has proven his talent for our organization in the past, as well as on the gulf coast late model tracks. We’re really excited to see how he’ll perform this season. He has tremendous talent. We’re hopeful he will not only add more top 10s to that resume, but also top 5s and maybe even a trip to Victory Lane.”

Despite the fact that Martin did not get behind the wheel of his first car until he was 15 years old, his success came at early with the Louisiana State Shifter Kart Championship in 2004. After completing several successful prestigious driving programs, Martin also went on to become the Mobile International Speedway Track Champion in the Pro Late Model Division in 2007. He was also crowned Louisiana State Champion in 2007 by Late Model Digest and took two more wins at gulf coast tracks in 2008.

“In 2009 and 2010, I was able to get a good variety in my driving and also get experience at different tracks,” Martin continued. “When the call came to race Talladega for the Venturinis, I jumped at the chance. It’s the opportunity that every driver wants – to be able to showcase his or her driving skills with a championship organization. We’re actively working on securing marketing partners for additional racetracks. I know we’re going to continue this momentum in 2011 together, and I’m ready to go get some great results for such a respected team.”

Martin plans to make five official starts with Venturini Motorsports in 2011 – to include Daytona, Talladega, Chicagoland, Pocono and Michigan. He joins teammates Firestone Indy Lights driver Alastair Jackson, Joe Gibbs Racing development driver Max Gresham and USAC Champion Darren Hagan in an impressive rookie class of 2011 for Venturini Motorsports.

ABOUT VENTURINI MOTORSPORTS:

Venturini Motorsports, fielding cars in the ARCA Racing Series, is one of the premier NASCAR Driver Development Programs in the country. Since 2007, Venturini Motorsports has assisted in the career development of notable NASCAR drivers Joey Logano, Justin Allgaier, Scott Lagasse Jr., Brian Scott, John Wes Townley, Marc Davis, Steve Arpin and Mikey Kile. For more information on the Venturini Motorsports Driver Development program, visit www.VenturiniMotorsports.com. Find them on Facebook at Venturini Motorsports and Twitter: @VenturiniMotor.

ABOUT HAL MARTIN:

Martin, in only four years of stock car racing and limited starts, has 36 top 5 finishes and 37 top 10 finishes under his belt in ARCA Series presented by Menards, Pro Late Models, ASA Late Models. Martin also holds the title of 2007 Mobile International Speedway Track Champion; 2007 Louisiana State Champion; and track record holder at Mobile International Speedway. Off the track, Martin is a certified Mechanical Engineer with a degree from the University of New Orleans. His 2011 plans include driving in the esteemed Venturini Motorsports stable under the ARCA Series presented by Menards. For more information, visit www.HalMartinRacing.com. Facebook: Hal Martin (Athlete). Twitter: @HalMartinRacing.

- Girl Friday PR & Marketing Press Release

RAB Racing with Brack Maggard

Independent Nationwide car owners Robby Benton and Brack Maggard, the guys who pulled off a major upset when they won at Montreal this past season with Boris Said driving their No. 09 entry, appeared to have gained much of the stability they’ve been seeking. Their RAB Racing team has signed veteran Kenny Wallace to drive their car, which will be a Toyota next year. And that manufacturer alliance also means they’ll have more resources to pull from, including some possible information sharing with the Nationwide teams owned by Wallace’s brother Rusty.

Plus, there are sponsors already in place for many of the upcoming races, something RAB often didn’t have this past season.

The latest step comes on the heels of a season where Benton and Maggard recovered – but struggled in doing so – from the loss of their primary sponsor from 2009. Back then, Georgia-based Zaxby’s was sponsoring the car and John Wes Townley, the son of Zaxby’s co-founder Tony Townley, was doing the driving.

But Zaxby’s and the Townleys took their money to Richard Childress Racing, leaving Benton and Maggard to regroup. The team started the season with veteran Scott Riggs as their driver. In an interview back at Daytona in February, Riggs said that when he was first contacted by RAB, he expected to find a team in disarray. Instead he saw a shop with well-prepared race cars and owners with a real feel for the sport.

- Read More At RacinToday.com

Venturini Motorsports Logo

The 2011 season will be a transition year for Darren as he’s currently slated to run in selective 2011 ARCA Racing Series events. Hagen and Venturini Motorsports are working diligently to secure primary sponsorship in order to maximize his exposure during the upcoming season and beyond. Although Darren’s focus is to compete full-time in the ARCA Racing Series, he will continue his USAC efforts until the right opportunity to advance presents itself.

“Darren possesses all the tangibles to become a great race car driver. I don’t think anyone can deny his racing ability. It’s his determination and character on and off the track that makes him standout. We’re excited to have him join our organization,” says, General Manager Billy Venturini.

Darren Hagen began his driving career with Go-Karts at the age of 11. By the time he finished his third season, he had won more than 90 races including the So Cal Championship, two Tri C Championships and the California Junior State Championship in Junior Sportsman and Super Box. In 2005 he made USAC history by becoming the first driver ever to be awarded “Rookie of the Year” for both Sprint and Midget racing in the same season. In 2006, Darren won the “Hut Hundred” National Midget Car race at Terre Haute and officially became “The Fastest Sprint Car Driver in the World” (2006-2010) by running a lap of 146.145 mph at Iowa Speedway – Darren held the prestigious title for 4 years.

Collecting more hardware along the way, Hagen won the 2010 USAC National Midget Car Series Pavement Championship, feature winner at Toledo in the USAC National Midget Car Series, won the POWRi National Midget Series at Belle-Clair Speedway, swept the Gold Crown Midget Nationals at Tri-City (highest paid midget race of 2010) and won his Preliminary Night feature at the 2010 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals.

Focusing on his faith and determination, Darren has set records and compiled an impressive list of racing accomplishments. But what is most refreshing about this 24-year-old from Riverside, California is his humility and good nature. He sees himself as part of a team and competes to win, not just for himself, but for his crew and his family. While he dreams of someday driving in the Sprint Cup Series, he knows his goal cannot be achieved without hard work and dedication in his daily life both on and off the track. He strives to lead his life in a way that any team or marketing partner would be proud to be represented by him.

Venturini Motorsports, fielding cars in the ARCA Racing Series, is one of the premier NASCAR Driver Development Programs in the country. Since 2007, Venturini Motorsports has assisted in the career development of notable NASCAR drivers Joey Logano, Justin Allgaier, Scott Lagasse Jr., Brian Scott, John Wes Townley, Marc Davis, Steve Arpin and Mikey Kile. For more information on Venturini Motorsports Driver Development program, visit www.VenturiniMotorsports.com.

- Venturini Motorsports Press Release

Richard Childress Racing

Race: O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge

Location: Texas Motor Speedway

Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Nationwide Series Race Notes:

RCR’s NASCAR Nationwide Series History at Texas … In 35 previous NNS appearances at Texas Motor Speedway, Richard Childress Racing has acquired four wins, 11 top-five finishes, 21 top-10s and one pole. The organization has led 564 laps at Texas and has completed 90.2 percent of the laps attempted at the 1.5-mile oval (6,099 of 6,760).

Averages … RCR boasts an average start position of 12.7 and an average finish position of 12.9 among all NNS races the organization has contested at Texas.

Harvick’s Track … Each of RCR’s four NNS wins at Texas came with driver Kevin Harvick, who is currently just one win shy of the track’s all-time race win record in NNS competition. Other RCR drivers have fared well in the NNS at Texas as well. In the organization’s last fall appearance at the track in November 2009, Casey Mears posted a second-place finish.

RCR teams have posted top-10 finishes in 10 of the last 13 NNS attempts at Texas. In addition to Mears’ runner-up finish last fall, Jeff Burton finished eighth in April 2009 and Clint Bowyer finished sixth in April 2008.

Twitter … To keep up-to-date with the latest news and information and to view exclusive content, visit RCR’s NASCAR Nationwide Series team Twitter page – @RCR21NNS, and RCR’s Official Twitter page – @RCRRacing.

Catch the Action … Flag-to-flag coverage of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge will be televised live on Saturday, November 6, beginning at 12 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on ESPN2 and on the Performance Racing Network and Sirius XM Satellite Radio at 12:15 p.m.

Clint Bowyer

This Week’s Zaxby’s Chevrolet at Texas … Clint Bowyer will drive Chassis No. 080 in Saturday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge. Bowyer was running second in this Chevrolet at Dover International Speedway in May when contact with another competitor with just three laps remaining relegated the team to a disappointing 25th-place finish. In addition, John Wes Townley drove this Chevrolet to a career-best 15th-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in February.

Bowyer’s Texas Stats … In nine previous NNS starts at Texas, Bowyer has earned two top-five finishes and five top-10s. His best Texas finish to date of third came in April 2008.

In the Spring … In the Spring NNS race at Texas, Bowyer had a competitive Zaxby’s Chevrolet, and ran in the top five for much of the race, but finished a less-than-desired 35th after a mid-race incident when a right-front tire went down as a result of fender damage from a side-by-side battle for fourth position.

Seven Years Ago … Clint Bowyer made his career-first NNS start at Texas Motor Speedway on April 3, 2004. Since that time, the Emporia, Kans., native has acquired eight wins, 62 top-five finishes, 108 top-10s, eight pole awards and the 2008 NNS Driver’s Championship among 168 series starts.

Stockman Calling the Shots … Danny Stockman will serve as crew chief for the No. 21 Zaxby’s Chevrolet this weekend. Stockman, the fulltime crew chief for Raybestos rookie of the year contender Austin Dillon in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, made his debut as Bowyer’s crew chief in the NNS at Bristol in August. Several members of the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet will join Stockman in Richmond this weekend. This season, Stockman, a 28-year-old California native, has earned race wins in both the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (Iowa, Las Vegas) and ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards (Kansas, Rockingham), with drivers Austin Dillon and Ty Dillon.

Zaxby’s Last Hoorah … Saturday’s race marks the last NNS race for Zaxby’s and the RCR NNS program this season. RCR and KHI recently announced a partnership in which KHI will field NNS entries in 2011 with RCR providing chassis, engine and technical support. Since its inception in 2000, RCR’s Nationwide Series program has earned 56 victories and five championships; two overall championships (2001, 2006 with Kevin Harvick), two owners-only titles (2003 with Harvick and Johnny Sauter; 2007 with Jeff Burton and Scott Wimmer), and one driver-only title (2008 with Clint Bowyer).

Double Duty … Following Saturday’s NNS race at Texas, Bowyer will compete in Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Texas in the No. 33 Cheerios / Hamburger Helper Chevrolet.

Clint Bowyer - Photo Credit: Getty Images

CLINT BOWYER QUOTES:

What are your thoughts on Texas Motor Speedway?

“Speed is more important than handling at Texas. The Nationwide cars carry a lot of speed entering the corners and the key is finding the groove where your car handles the best. That can be tricky during the Nationwide race because Texas is the type of track where additional grooves develop as the weekend progresses. On Sunday, there are more options because the track has been raced on all weekend. I really like Texas. It’s fast, you have got to get the car rolling the centers. You can get too loose there, but I’d definitely prefer a loose car there over a tight one. I’ve finished as high as third but I haven’t won there yet so it would be neat to get that opportunity this weekend. Those cowboy hats they give you in victory lane look pretty neat.”

- Richard Childress Racing Press Release

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