Max Gresham And His No. 9 Made In USA Brand Chevrolet Impala

Just over a year later, Gresham will be more involved at Daytona when he climbs behind the wheel of the No. 9 Made In USA Brand Chevrolet in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA classic on Saturday, February 18.

“It’s been a year since we were there last year, but I’ve waited a lifetime for this opportunity,” said Gresham, who will be making his first-ever start on the giant 2.5-mile Daytona oval. “Ever since I started driving racecars, I’ve always dreamed about racing at Daytona. To be down there and racing at Speedweeks in front of everybody is going to be really exciting. Daytona International Speedway is the biggest stage in all of motorsports and to finally be racing there is something I have dreamed about for a long time.”

Gresham’s inaugural Daytona appearance in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 will be his 13th career ARCA start. The 18-year-old Griffin, GA native left an immediate impression on the series in 2010 winning the pole at Salem (IN) Speedway in his first career ARCA start. In his third ARCA start later that season, Gresham took his family-owned stock car to victory lane winning the Tim Richmond Memorial at Mansfield (OH) Speedway.

Last year, Gresham wheeled a Venturini Motorsports entry to four top-10 finishes in just seven ARCA starts. Included in his 2011 ARCA highlights were pole positions at both Pocono (PA) Raceway and Kansas Speedway. His best finish was a second at Michigan International Speedway.

In all three cases, it was the first time Gresham had competed at those raceways.

Those positive, first-time out experiences in the ARCA Racing Series have Gresham confident he can post a top finish in his Daytona debut as well.

“I have a history of doing pretty well the first time I go to a racetrack,” stated Gresham. “I’m hoping that will be the case at Daytona. The biggest thing I may have to contend with will be tandem racing. If it’s going to be pack racing, then I think I will have some time to learn and adapt. But if it’s tandem-style racing, I’ll have to adapt right away because if you don’t you crash.”

The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA Racing Series event will be the first of two events Gresham will compete in during Speedweeks at Daytona this year. Gresham will also pilot the No. 24 Made In USA Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series NextEra Energy Resources 250 on Friday, February 24.

Gresham will wheel a Joe Denette Motorsports prepared entry in both the ARCA and Truck Series Daytona events.

“I’m going to have two very strong vehicles thanks to Joe Denette Motorsports,” said Gresham. “They have given me every opportunity to run well at Daytona. As strong as our ARCA car is, I think our Truck will be even better. I’m really looking forward to getting to Daytona and racing the rest of the 2011 season with these guys.”

The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA Racing Series event will roll off at 4:30 Eastern Time on Saturday, February 18. The race will be telecast live on SPEEDTV.

Meanwhile, SPEED will also telecast the NextEra Energy Resources 250 NCWTS race live on Friday, February 24. That event takes the green flag at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

For more information about Max Gresham, please access www.MaxGresham.com. You can also follow Gresham on
Twitter @MaxGresham and on Facebook at Max Gresham Fan Page.

For more information on Joe Denette Motorsports please visit: www.JoeDenetteMotorsports.com.

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

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

- Max Gresham Motorsports Press Release

Michigan International Speedway Logo

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets on sale for as low as $25 

BROOKLYN, Mich. (Feb. 1, 2012) ­— The wait is over! On the heels of one of NASCAR’s most amazing and exciting seasons, Michigan International Speedway tickets are finally on sale.

“Last year we celebrated an exciting NASCAR season. There’s so much buzz about NASCAR right now in the sports world so there’s never been a better time to be a part of it all at MIS,” track President Roger Curtis said.

The opening NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at MIS is on Father’s Day June 17; and Pure Michigan 400 is on August 19. Both feature some of the most affordable ticket prices in the country. In fact, the last time ticket prices at MIS were this low was in 1998 when Jeff Gordon won his third of four NASCAR championships and 13 races.

But more so, each race includes some of the best drivers in the world attempting to win in the backyard of Detroit’s Big Three auto manufacturers, a big win for any driver, indeed.

And on the heels of one of NASCAR’s most amazing seasons ever, including the closest, tightest championship battle between eventual champion Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards, five first-time winners and 18 different winners, Curtis said he can’t wait to see what this season produces.

MIS offers NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for every budget. Tickets start at $25. Kids 12 and under are free in some sections, while junior pricing for 17 and under are half price in reserved seats.

Prices on other events such as the NASCAR Nationwide Series Alliance Truck Parts 250 on June 16 and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200 on Aug. 18 have also remained low for 2012 at $25 and $20, respectively.

Lastly, the RainEater Wiper Blades 200 ARCA Racing Series event on June 15 and NASCAR Practice on Aug. 17 are $15 and $10, respectively.

Prices are subject to increase, so Curtis encourages anyone who wants to see some of the best stock car racing in the country to give MIS a try.

Additionally, MIS has been repaved, so fans will see sparks from the NASCAR drivers – including Danica Patrick in the Alliance Truck Parts 250 on June 16 – as they try to figure out the best way around the 2-mile oval.

Additionally, MIS’ continuous commitment to its fans in the form of improved fan amenities, like larger seats, paved tram routes and exclusive MISCamping.com APEX, the speedway’s new campground, are more of the improvements the speedway has on tap for 2012.

Parking is always free at MIS, and guests can bring in approved coolers. Check website for www.MISpeedway.com for size details.

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

Michigan International Speedway’s 2012 Schedule

Saturday, May 19        Great Lakes Wine Fest presented by Jackson County CVB

Friday, June 15            ARCA Racing Series RainEater Wiper Blades 200
Saturday, June 16        NASCAR Nationwide Series Alliance Truck Parts 250 and Gatorade Pole
Sunday, June 17          NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Friday, Aug. 17            NASCAR Sprint Cup Practice
Saturday, Aug. 18        NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Gatorade Pole
Sunday, Aug. 19          NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400
Tuesday, Sept. 11        Spirit of America Blood Drive

Source: Michigan International Speedway, Press Release

Mobile International Speedway

But NASCAR Senior Vice President for Racing Operations Steve O’Donnell said Thursday that improvements are needed at the track.

“Obviously we need SAFER barriers at that facility,” he said, referred to the impact-absorbing wall system at NASCAR tracks that Mobile lacks.

Other infrastructure improvements are also needed for the track to be able to handle a NASCAR race, but he said NASCAR wouldn’t go into those until the SAFER barrier system is in place.

The Truck Series started out on short tracks and would like to race at more short tracks in the future but O’Donnell acknowledged that the expense of making improvements like SAFER barriers makes it difficult.

SAFER barriers are not a problem for the ARCA Series, which will race in Mobile in March.

- The Huntsville Times – al.com

January 15, 2012 – Forsyth, GA -

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

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

About Kerry Earnhardt

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

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

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

About Family Traditions with Haley Heath

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

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

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

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

About Haley Heath

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

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

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

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

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

- Earnhardt Outdoors Public Relations Press Release

Mobile International Speedway

Las Vegas native Spencer Gallagher will pilot the Clark-Diederich Racing Teams entry for the ARCA-Mobile 200 and will be making his first trip to Alabama’s “Fastest Half Mile”. “We’re really pumped up about testing at Mobile,” said Gallagher. “Our hauler has already left headed for Mobile and we’re right behind it.”

Lafayette Louisiana’s Buster Graham will be behind the wheel for Team BCR Racing on Friday. A former Hydroplane racer Graham will make his first short track appearance for Team BCR at the ARCA-Mobile 200 in March.

The track will be open for testing at 8:00 AM. There will be break at Noon with lunch provided for credentialed Media. Testing will resume at 1:00 and the track will close at 5:00. The grandstands will be open free to the public all day.

The Flag at the Speedway will fly at half mast on Friday in memory of ARCA co-founder Mildred Marcum. Mrs. Marcum’s funeral services are slated for Friday at 11:00 in Monroe, Michigan. “Mr. & Mrs. Marcum made quite a pair and look at the opportunities they have created for so many people to be involved in racing. As ARCA starts it’s 60th year the Marcum’s legacy has never been brighter. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Marcum family,” offered Rick Crawford, MIS Manager/Promoter.

Mobile ARCA 200 tickets and weekend packages are on sale at 251-957-2063 or www.mobilespeedway.net. Infield camping is already sold out and reserved seats and infield parking are selling briskly.

- Mobile International Speedway Press Release

Pure Michigan 400

DETROIT (Jan. 11, 2012) –

The three-year partnership was announced today at the North American International Auto Show with two of NASCAR’s most popular and successful drivers, Ryan Newman and Sam Hornish Jr.

The three-year partnership between MIS and Pure Michigan is a continuation of what started in 2011, and the first time a state’s branding agency sponsored NASCAR’s premier stock car series. The inaugural Pure Michigan 400 in 2011 received overwhelmingly positive feedback from fans and tourists alike.

“As we began expanding the Pure Michigan brand beyond travel in 2011, our public and private partners quickly found the power of Pure Michigan to help all of us market Michigan and grow our economy,’’ said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “Pure Michigan tells the story of the people, places and treasures that are uniquely Michigan and MIS is part of that story.’’

Another example of a new Pure Michigan partnership announced earlier today: a collaboration with the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Holland, Mich.-based Hudsonville Creamery & Ice Cream Co. to develop a Pure Michigan ice cream flavor and take it across Michigan this summer in a Pure Michigan RV that will share the flavor and help DNR promote its parks and recreation programs including its Recreation 101 program and the Recreation Passport.

“The Pure Michigan 400 has proven to be an effective way to bring the Pure Michigan message to 75 million NASCAR fans nationwide,’’ said George Zimmermann, Vice President for Travel Michigan at MEDC. “We encourage NASCAR fans from all over the U.S. to join us in Michigan for great racing at an outstanding track this summer.’’

One of Pure Michigan’s main goals is to attract visitors and investments to Michigan. The title sponsorship of the Pure Michigan 400 in 2011 introduced the Pure Michigan branding message to 75 million NASCAR fans nationwide. This followed the $11.5 million Pure Michigan national cable television advertising buy on the air from March 14, 2011, through early July.

“The key to the success of our partnership in 2011 was Pure Michigan and MIS had, and still has to this day, similar goals: We both want people to come to this state and see all the wonderful things it has to offer – beautiful landscapes, fun activities year-round and awesome NASCAR racing,” said MIS President Roger Curtis. “That has always been our brand and that message resonated with all our guests that MIS IS Michigan. We just fit.”

Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is the State of Michigan’s official agency for the promotion of tourism. Travel Michigan markets the state’s tourism industry and provides valuable visitor information services. For Michigan travel news and updates, go to michigan.org.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a public-private partnership serving as the state’s marketing arm and lead agency for business, talent and jobs, focuses on helping grow Michigan’s economy. For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit: MichiganAdvantage.org.

For more on Michigan travel ideas, visit: michigan.org

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

Keep up with Michigan International Speedway via Twitter @MISpeedway or on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MISpeedway. Join our Mobile Fan Club by texting MISCLUB on a Sprint Handheld or other mobile device to 69050 on a Sprint Smartphone or other mobile device. Standard text message rates may apply.

The best, guaranteed lowest prices in 2012 will go to customers who make a $10 goodwill deposit. New customers can log onto http://www.MISpeedway.com or call 800-354-1010 to leave a deposit by Jan. 31. That deposit ensures race fans get the best pricing for 2012.

All other tickets go on sale Feb. 1.

- Michigan International Speedway, Press Release

Andy Belmont Racing (ABR)

Kile, a Westlake, La.-native, began his career racing go-karts at local racetracks throughout his home state of Louisiana. He progressed through the Modifieds and late-models ranks, capturing numerous wins and awards along the way.

He made his NASCAR debut in 2009, driving a partial schedule in the Camping World Series for Brad Keselowski Racing. In six starts he accumulated three top-15 finishes.

Mikey Kile

“I had a good year in 2010, but I believe that we have the pieces in place to compete for the 2012 ARCA championship”, stated Kile. “Andy has done a great job in putting together a quality team and I am really looking forward to the season opener in Daytona”.

Andy Belmont Racing is coming off a strong year in 2011 winning on the dirt at Springfield, finishing fifth in ARCA points as well as capturing the prestigious Bill France 4 Crown Award. The Langhorne PA native believes that Mikey Kile may be the last piece to the championship puzzle.

“This is definitely an exciting time for ABR”, added Andy Belmont. “I have watched Mikey progress each season as a driver and am confident that we will be in the hunt all year. I am also proud that he will be driving our No.14 Ford this season. The tradition of that number goes back to my days as a Modified driver in Pennsylvania”.

- Andy Belmont Racing Press Release

ARCA's 60th Anniversary Season Logo

Officials from ARCA and SPEED jointly announced the 2012 SPEED television schedule for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, comprised of 10 events to be televised live or same-day delayed on the popular network. SPEED in-race analyst Phil Parsons, host for this evening’s banquet, was on hand for the announcement.

SPEED will kick off its live flag-to-flag ARCA coverage at Daytona International Speedway with the 49th running of the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at 4 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, February 18.

In addition to Daytona, other events scheduled for live and/or same-day coverage in 2012 include Talladega Superspeedway on May 4, Toledo Speedway on May 20, events at Pocono Raceway on June 9 and August 4, Michigan International Speedway on June 15, Iowa Speedway on July 13, Chicagoland Speedway on July 21, and the season finale at Kansas Speedway on October 19. The late July race at Lucas Oil Raceway will also be televised; series and track officials have not yet determined the race’s exact date.

ARCA’s relationship with SPEED dates back to April 20, 1997, when the network (then Speedvision) covered the ARCA race at Salem (Ind.) Speedway. Since then, SPEED has aired a total of 188 ARCA races, making the 2012 opener at Daytona the 189th.

Before the SPEED announcement, Drager opened the afternoon by providing a short “state of ARCA” address, recognizing series presenting sponsor Menards, and unveiling the logo for ARCA’s 60th Anniversary Season celebration. Drager then introduced Rick Crawford of Mobile International Speedway, which will host the ARCA Racing Series for the first time on March 10. Crawford announced that infield camping for ARCA’s first visit to Mobile has already sold out.

Also speaking was Bob Sargent of Track Enterprises; Sargent’s company will promote the June 2 race at Elko Speedway.

The press conference also served as a weekend welcome to series champion Ty Dillon, who spoke briefly after Drager.

Key series marketing partners and Menards vendor program participants Ansell, Herr’s, and Messina Wildlife Management were recognized. Several teams, including ThorSport Racing, Team BCR Racing, Andy Belmont Racing, and Venturini Motorsports, took the podium to announce new drivers and sponsors for 2012.

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards featured 19 events at 16 tracks on its 2011 schedule. The series 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. In 2011, the series has tested the abilities of drivers and race teams over the most diverse schedule of stock car racing events in the world, visiting tracks ranging from 0.4 mile to 2.66 miles in length, on both paved and dirt surfaces as well as a left- and right-turn road course.

The 2012 ARCA Racing Series schedule is currently available at ARCARacing.com.

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

- Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

Scott Naset

Naset will accept the honor Saturday evening at the series’ annual Championship Awards Banquet at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Ky. The banquet will close the 59th season of ARCA competition.

A native of Bloomer, Wis., the 40-year-old Naset has worked at Richard Childress Racing since 1999, notably serving as the car chief for Kevin Harvick’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry from 2002 to 2009 and as the truck chief for Austin Dillon’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series entry in 2010, among other roles.

Naset finished with 6850 points in the crew chief division, which awards $3000 at year’s end and tabulates points from qualifying and race action. The crew chief of the fastest-qualifying car earns 200 points, with descending positions earning five fewer points per position. The same scoring system is in place for race finishes. Competing crew chiefs must register at the beginning of the season and carry the decal of Cometic Gasket, Inc. on the car to be eligible to score. A maximum of 400 points is possible in each event weekend.

Naset and the No. 41 team started quickly, as Dillon won the pole and finished 11th in the season opener at Daytona and swept the pole and race wins at Talladega in the next race. The team captured seven wins and seven Menards Pole Awards presented by Ansell in 19 events this year. Naset won Cometic Crew Chief of the Race honors 10 times in 19 races, earning $250 for his team’s performances at Talladega, Salem (May), Chicagoland, Michigan, Iowa, Indianapolis, Pocono (August), and DuQuoin, and in two races at Toledo.

Cometic Gasket, Inc., a Concord, Ohio company, creates the Official Gasket of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards and also contributes $3500 to the year-end championship point fund.

Gary Roulo of the No. 17 Roulo Brothers Racing team finished second in the competition with 6485 points and four race awards. Billy Venturini (No. 25 Venturini Motorsports) was third with 6135 points and one race award. Gere Kennon (No. 31 Richard Childress Racing; 5655 points and one race award) and Bill Kimmel (No. 44 Kimmel Racing; 5650 points) rounded out the top five.

Other $250 Cometic Crew Chief of the Race winners included: John Monsam (No. 52 Schrader Racing, two) and Bill Gerhart (No. 5 Bobby Gerhart Racing).

Other Cometic Crew Chief of the Race winners included: Mike Chaffee (No. 32 Win-Tron Racing, three); Paul Andrews (No. 22 Cunningham Motorsports, two); and Tony Liberati (No. 55 Venturini Motorsports, two).

Series champion Ty Dillon, Rookie of the Year Chris Buescher, other drivers from the top 20, and the top 10 car owners will be honored in Saturday’s program, which also features special award winners.

Additional special award presentations include the Bill France Four Crown, the Rookie of the Year, the H.G. Adcox Sportsmanship Award, the Manufacturer Championship, the Hoosier Tire Superspeedway Challenge Award, the Crane Cams Engine Builder of the Year Award, the Marcum Award, the Spirit Award, the Klotz Engine Mechanic Award, and the CGS Imaging Hard Charger Award. In addition, scholarship recipients will be announced, compliments of the University of Northwestern Ohio and the Bob Loga Memorial Scholarship Foundation.

While open to teams, series and track officials, and sponsors, the annual formal gala is also open to ARCA Racing Series fans. Ticket information is available at ARCARacing.com.

The public schedule of events for Saturday, December 10 is as follows:

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Redline Racing Ministry Silent Auction

2 p.m. ARCA Racing Series Press Conference

3 p.m. Redline Racing Ministry Live Auction

4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. Formal Portrait Photo Session

5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Guest Reception

6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. Awards Dinner and Program

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards featured 19 events at 16 tracks on its 2011 schedule. The series 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. In 2011, the series has tested the abilities of drivers and race teams over the most diverse schedule of stock car racing events in the world, visiting tracks ranging from 0.4 mile to 2.66 miles in length, on both paved and dirt surfaces as well as a left- and right-turn road course.

The 2012 ARCA Racing Series schedule is currently available at ARCARacing.com.

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

- Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Thumbnail

“Each of the venues on the 2012 schedule is very important to the identity and industry position of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards,” said ARCA president Ron Drager. “The geographic coverage represented by the markets we’ll be racing in and the overall number of races are good fits for the series.”

In the ARCA Racing Series’ 49th consecutive February Speedweeks appearance, Daytona International Speedway will host the season-opening Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 on Saturday, February 18. The race will precede that evening’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at the 2.5-mile superspeedway.

The 2012 ARCA Racing Series schedule will conclude with the series’ championship event at Kansas Speedway on Friday, October 19. In between, the series will appear in 18 other races at a wide variety of venues, setting the most versatile schedule in motorsports.

ARCA’s first visit to Mobile International Speedway in Alabama will be the season’s second race on Saturday, March 10. Another new track – Minnesota’s Elko Speedway – appears on the ARCA schedule for the first time, with a race on Saturday, June 2. The ARCA Racing Series has never raced in Minnesota, adding significance to the June visit to Elko and establishing the North Star State as the 29th visited by ARCA’s premier national tour since 1953.

Toledo Speedway – ARCA’s home track – will host the series on Sunday, May 20.

ARCA Racing Series teams will compete in July at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis over the Brickyard 400 weekend, following ARCA’s 2011 return to the track for the first time in 26 years. The exact date of the race will be determined shortly.

Additional short tracks returning to the ARCA Racing Series schedule include Salem (Ind.) Speedway on two weekends, Winchester (Ind.) Speedway, Iowa Speedway, Berlin (Mich.) Raceway, and Madison (Wis.) International Speedway.

Talladega Superspeedway will host its 50th ARCA Racing Series race on Friday, May 4, and Pocono Raceway will host two race dates for the 25th consecutive year, in June and August. Additional speedway events scheduled to return in 2012 include races at Michigan International Speedway and Chicagoland Speedway.

Contributing to the long-recognized diversity of the ARCA schedule will be the traditional mile dirt races in August at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and in September at the DuQuoin (Ill.) State Fairgrounds. Road course racing is in the plan for the fifth consecutive year, as the 2.25-mile Thunderbolt Raceway at New Jersey Motorsports Park will host ARCA on the first day of July.

Companion events in 2012 include race weekends with the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide, and Camping World Truck Series, as well as the USAC Silver Crown Series, the ARCA CRA Super Series, and the ARCA Truck Series.

The full 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule is as follows:

Saturday, February 18 – Daytona International Speedway

Saturday, March 10 – Mobile International Speedway

Sunday, April 29 – Salem Speedway

Friday, May 4 – Talladega Superspeedway

Sunday, May 20 – Toledo Speedway

Saturday, June 2 – Elko Speedway

Saturday, June 9 – Pocono Raceway

Friday, June 15 – Michigan International Speedway

Sunday, June 24 – Winchester Speedway

Sunday, July 1 – New Jersey Motorsports Park

Friday, July 13 – Iowa Speedway

Saturday, July 21 – Chicagoland Speedway

To be determined – Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis

Saturday, August 4 – Pocono Raceway

Saturday, August 11 – Berlin Raceway

Sunday, August 19 – Illinois State Fairgrounds

Sunday, August 26 – Madison International Speedway

Monday, September 3 – DuQuoin State Fairgrounds

Saturday, September 15 – Salem Speedway

Friday, October 19 – Kansas Speedway

The ARCA Racing Series will wrap up the 2011 season with the Championship Awards Banquet at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Ky., near Cincinnati, on Saturday, December 10.

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards featured 19 events at 16 tracks on its 2011 schedule. The series 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. In 2011, the series has tested the abilities of drivers and race teams over the most diverse schedule of stock car racing events in the world, visiting tracks ranging from 0.4 mile to 2.66 miles in length, on both paved and dirt surfaces as well as a left- and right-turn road course.

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

- Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

No. 20 GameStop Toyota Camry (Joey Logano) - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images for NASCAR

· LOGANO LOOKING FOR DUEL JGR BURNOUTS IN HOMESTEAD: Joey Logano has had the chance before. In his rookie season of 2008, the youngster took part in a duel burnout celebration with then NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion Clint Bowyer when Logano piloted the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota to a 10th-place finish and a clinch of the 2008 Nationwide Series Owner’s Championship. This weekend, Logano hopes to partake in a duel burnout situation at Homestead once again. This time however, he hopes his burnout is the result of a checkered flag win for the No. 20 GameStop Toyota in the season-finale Nationwide Series event, while the other burnout is that of his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin in the No. 18 JGR Toyota, clinching what would be the team’s fourth-straight Nationwide Series Owner’s Championship. Logano’s fourth-place finish last week in Phoenix behind the wheel of the No. 18 GameStop Toyota means the No. 18 team holds a one-point lead over the No. 60 heading into the season-finale this weekend at Homestead.

· PDP AND AFTERGLOW HOPE TO “LIGHT UP” HOMESTEAD EVENING: Performance Designed Products (PDP) and its Afterglow brand of video game controllers will ride along with the No. 20 GameStop Toyota this weekend in Homestead. PDP is an industry leader in designing and manufacturing products for all major video game platforms including the Sony PS2, PS3, PSP, Nintendo DS and Wii, and Microsoft Xbox 360, as well as a line of accessories for the Apple iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, and Android-based phones. The company has been supplying video game accessories to the U.S. market for more than a decade. PDP’s AFTERGLOW™ line of controllers features an array of LED lights that shine through the clear casing and can be turned on and off, or set to light up when the controller vibrates. PDP’s AFTERGLOW™ line includes controllers for the Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PS3.

· LOGANO A FRONT-RUNNER AT HOMESTEAD: With the NASCAR Nationwide Series visiting Homestead-Miami Speedway only once per season, Logano’s stats at the track aren’t mind-blowing. But he’s made all three of his visits to the 1.5-mile South Florida track count. Logano has twice started from the pole at Homestead (2008 and 2010) and has led laps in each of his three starts at the track (21 laps led in 2008, 13 in 2009 and 17 in 2010). Logano’s best career finish at Homestead came in 2009, when he finished fourth. In fact, according to NASCAR Statistics, Logano’s average running position under green-flag conditions at Homestead-Miami Speedway is an impressive 5.9. He also leads all drivers with an average starting position of 2.0.

· BATTLE OF NASCAR FAMILIES… AND LOGANO SET FOR HOMESTEAD: On Saturday, Joey will participate in an event featuring the new NASCAR video game, NASCAR Unleashed, at Homestead. The event is all part of the “Battle of the NASCAR Kids” competition. NASCAR drivers’ children will compete against one another for pride and glory. As their dads coach and their moms manage them, these kids will race for first place and the honor of being crowned the first ever “Battle of the NASCAR Kids” champion. The event aims to bring together NASCAR families and ultimately raise money for charities, with each participating family donating $5,000 to a charity of their choice. Post race all the racers will band together to hand a check to The NASCAR Foundation for $25,000 from Activision. As part of the event, Logano will pick two lucky raffle ticket wild card racers from the audience, and he’ll coach them while playing in the tournament and trying to win a cool $5,000.

· CHASSIS: The No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing team will bring car #127 to the track this weekend. The car has raced in two events this season, at Michigan and again at Charlotte, where Logano was set for a top-three finish before an accident with just a handful of laps to go.

· STAT OF THE WEEK: 2.0. Logano’s average starting position at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Despite only running in three races at Homestead during the course of his career, Logano has qualified 1st, 4th and 1st in his three visits.

· THE RACE: The Ford 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Homestead, FL; 1.5-mile oval) is set for Saturday afternoon, November 19, 2011. The race will be broadcast on ESPN2 at 4:30 p.m. ET, with radio coverage on MRN starting at 4 p.m. ET.

Joey Logano - Photo Credit: Rusty Jarrett / Getty Images for NASCAR

“It’s hard to believe that it’s the end of the season already and we are getting ready to run Homestead. It seems like just yesterday that we were unloading the GameStop Toyota at Daytona for the opener and thinking that we had a shot for a really good season. And now, here we are almost ready for another off season. We’ve had a lot of fun this year in the Nationwide Series. It’s been a struggle at times in figuring out these new Nationwide Series cars, but we’ve had some really good runs. We won at Daytona, which was huge for me and for the entire team. We almost won and finished second at Talladega and Bristol. We were right there at Watkins Glen. There have been plenty of ups and downs along the way. It’s also been great working with Adam (Stevens) all year. It’s been a lot of fun to see him go from being an Engineer on the Cup side to a Crew Chief over on the Nationwide side. And getting to work with guys like ‘Sib,’ ‘Rudy,’ and Joel, some of the guys I kind of came up through the racing ranks with again has been a lot of fun as well. It’s also been great to spend a few races with Jason (Ratcliff) this season. As a driver, you try to take as much knowledge from as many people as you can and that is what getting to work with Jason has allowed me to do this year. Between Adam, Jason and Zippy (Cup Crew Chief Greg Zipadelli), I’ve picked up a lot of valuable information this year.

“Homestead is a fun track. It’s one of those places where you can run just about anywhere and can move around to make your can handle better. You can go up top and run right near the wall or you can run near the bottom and take the short way around. It’s a lot of fun either way and gives you a lot of options as far as setting up the car. It’s really just about as fun as it is on the video game too. When I play the new NASCAR 2011 game in my motor home during the weekend, I often race my friends at Homestead. It’s just a lot of run in real life or on the game.

“It’s been a great year with GameStop and I’m looking forward to this weekend. We’ve got a big event with the new NASCAR Unleashed game and maybe one of my wild card picks will win $5,000. And the car this weekend looks great with PDP and Afterglow controllers on it. We’ve had some really cool games and really cool cars this year. The Batman, Wipeout, Captain America and Call of Duty cars were all really awesome this year. I’ll never get tired of driving for GameStop and the way they market themselves. They have to be one of the coolest sponsors out there, and I’m proud to represent them.”

- Joe Gibbs Racing Press Release

No. 32 Red Hot Insurance Quotes Chevrolet Silverado

First Time For Feese At Homestead-Miami… Blake Feese will make his first start at Homestead-Miami Speedway this Friday evening. In his eight starts this season for Turner Motorsports, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) rookie has earned one top-five and one top-10 finish, with his best starting spot of third coming at Texas Motor Speedway. He holds an average finishing spot of 18.2.

Red Hot in Miami… Red Hot Insurance Quotes will adorn the hood of Feese’s No. 32 Chevy this Friday evening at HMS. In it’s first foray into the racing world, Red Hot Insurance Quotes works to save hundreds on auto, home, and life insurance and strives to provide excellent care for its customers.

007… The No. 32 Red Hot Insurance Quotes Chevrolet Silverado team will unload chassis TMS-007 for Friday evening’s NCWTS season-finale. This chassis last saw track action in ‘Sin City’, where Feese qualified 19th and brought home a 13th-place finish. Feese also ran TMS-007 at Atlanta Motor Speedway where he brought home a career best fourth-place finish. Earlier this summer at Nashville Superspeedway, the rookie driver started 18th and finished in the 17th spot. TMS-007 also has a pair of top-10 finishes with Brad Sweet behind the wheel. Sweet started fourth and finished 10th at Charlotte Motor Speedway and followed that up at Kansas Speedway, starting and finishing in the ninth spot.

Looking Back on 2011 for the No. 32… The No. 32 Chevy saw four drivers take the wheel in 2011. This included three rookie drivers and a NASCAR legend who returned to the NCWTS after being absent for three years. The season started off with World of Outlaws racer, Brad Sweet, behind the wheel for the first 10 events of the season. He notched two top-10 finishes before closing out his run and making way for Canadian driver, Steve Arpin, who made his NCWTS debut with a splash, qualifying fourth at Texas Motor Speedway. The NCWTS rookie closed out his run at Chicagoland Speedway, grabbing his first career pole and becoming only third foreign-born NCWTS driver to do so. NASCAR veteran, Mark Martin, made his return to the NCWTS with the iconic Exide Batteries paint scheme for two races. Martin was on track to bring the No. 32 Chevy to victory lane, but his dominating performance was derailed by a late race accident at Michigan International Speedway. Feese returned to NASCAR this season, taking the reigns for the remainder of 2011, capturing one top-five and one top-10 finish. Overall a pretty strong year for the No. 32 Turner Motorsports crew.

Feese in 2011… After being absent from the NASCAR circuit, Feese made his return at Nashville Superspeedway earlier this summer and didn’t look back. Over the course of nine races Feese has accumulated nine NCWTS starts this season. He has earned one top-five and one top-10 finish, and earned a best career starting spot of third at Texas Motor Speedway earlier this month. He has an average finishing spot of 18.2.

Blake Feese

“I’m looking forward to heading to Homestead this weekend. It’s a track I’ve never competed at and I can’t wait to get on the track to feel it out. This season has been a rejuvenation for me and quite the learning experience. I can’t thank Mr. Turner enough for the opportunity he provided me by letting me get behind the wheel of his No. 32 Chevy. I’ll definitely take what I’ve learned this season and look to build on it in the future.”

- Turner Motorsports Press Release

No. 4 Monster Energy Chevrolet Silverado (Ricky Carmichael) - Photo Credit: Getty Images for NASCAR

Event / Date: Ford 200 – Nov. 18, 2011

Venue: Homestead-Miami Speedway – Homestead, Fla.

This Week’s Monster Energy Chevrolet Impala … Ricky Carmichael will pilot chassis TMS-021 from the Turner Motorsports (TMS) NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) stable in Friday night’s Ford 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Built new for 2011, this truck saw action most recently at Las Vegas Motor Speedway where, despite being collected in an early-race incident, Carmichael finished 12th. This truck also saw action this season at Charlotte Motor Speedway (St. 17, Fn. 12), Texas Motor Speedway in June (St. 9, Fn. 6), Kentucky Speedway in July (St. 14, Fn. 16), Michigan International Speedway (St. 7, Fn. 12) Chicagoland Speedway (St. 4, Fn.25) and Atlanta Motor Speedway (St. 1 Fn. 8).

Phoenix Facts … Carmichael participated in last weekend’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race where he and his Doug George-led Monster Energy Team turned in a gritty 15th-place performance in the WYPALL 200 Powered by Kimberly-Clark Professional at Phoenix International Raceway. It was Carmichael’s fourth and final NASCAR Nationwide Series start of 2011 but perhaps, his most determined. The ever-resolute competitor battled through miscues on pit road, handling issues and late-race contact with another racer to muster a respectable top-15 showing behind the wheel of the No. 34 Monster Energy Chevrolet Impala.

In a Nutshell … The 2011 season marks Carmichael’s second year competing on a full-time basis and third overall in the NCWTS. Since making his series debut 67 races ago, he has gone on to earn four top-five and 18 top-10 finishes. Over those same 67 races, the motocross legend has logged a 14.8 average start, a 16.9 average finish, led 40 laps, completed 90.3 percent of the laps run and earned just over of $862,000 in purse money. In Nationwide Series competition, he’s made eight starts spanning the last two years and logged a career-best ninth-place finish earlier this season at Road America.

2011 Totals … In 24 NCWTS races this season, Carmichael has notched one pole, one top-five and seven top-10 finishes. The 15-time AMA National Champion has led 39 laps this season, recorded a 16.3 average start and a 17.2 average finish. He has completed 3,254 of 3,719 total laps (87.5 percent) and finished on the lead lap 13 times.

Nationwide Notes … In 33 NASCAR Nationwide Series races in 2011, TMS-fielded teams have notched three wins, 21 top-five and 62 top-10 finishes. TMS’s No. 32 Dollar General team picked up one spot in owner’s points and now sits sixth after Ron Hornaday Jr., finished 13th last weekend at Phoenix International Raceway. Justin Allgaier, driver of the No. 31 Brandt Chevrolet, was ninth in the final rundown after Phoenix and maintained third in the driver point standings. While Jason Leffler was credited with 26th at Phoenix, the Long Beach, Calif., native still held on to sixth in points heading into the final race of the year.

RC Live … On Thursday, Nov. 17, Carmichael will appear at the NASCAR Championship Drive at Lummus Park located along Ocean Drive, between 7th and 9th Streets, in Miami Beach. The Clearwater Fla., native will be on hand from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. for a question and answer session and to sign autographs for race fans.

Turner Truck Totals … In 23 NCWTS races in 2011, TMS entries have earned 13 top-five and 31 top-10 finishes. James Buescher leads the way with 19 top 10s and is third in points – 28 behind leader Austin Dillon. Buescher has only finished outside the top 10 four times in the 23 NCWTS races in which he has competed this season. Carmichael has logged one top five and seven top 10s and is 15th in the standings. Blake Feese finished fourth and Ryan Newman was fifth in Atlanta. Mark Martin finished seventh in the No. 32 machine at Pocono while Brad Sweet drove the same truck for the first eight races of the year, logging a pair of top-10 results.

Get to the Point(s) … Carmichael jumped from 16th to 15th in points following his eighth-place finish two weeks ago at Texas Motor Speedway. Buescher is third in the standings. While Feese has made just nine starts in 2011, he is 26th in points. The No. 32 machine is also assured a spot on Friday night’s starting grid by virtue of being 20th in the NCWTS owner point standings.

Welcome Aboard … Turner Motorsports and Monster Energy are pleased to feature CVS / pharmacy on the lower-rear quarter panels of the No. 4 entry this weekend in Homestead. CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation, is America’s leading retail pharmacy with more than 7,200 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drug stores. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, both in its stores and online at CVS.com.

Up to Speed … Live coverage of the Ford 200 from Homestead-Miami Speedway will take the green flag Friday, Nov. 18 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The race will be televised live on SPEED and broadcast on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Qualifying for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series’ season-finale will be televised live on SPEED the same day at 4:30 p.m. EST.

Ricky Carmichael - Photo Credit: John Harrelson / Getty Images for NASCAR

After three years racing in the Camping World Truck Series, where do you think you are on the learning curve and have you met your expectations?

“I think I’m getting closer to where I need to be with my learning curve. I’m getting more comfortable when I get out on the race track so I can focus more on actually racing and getting the vehicle to where it’s handling better. As far as my own expectations go, there have been times where I’ve over-exceeded my expectations and times when I’ve under under-performed. I’m not a great guy to ask about judging myself. I think if you take everything into account and you know everything about my program, I’ve done pretty well, all things considered. I think I’ve done a pretty good job at holding my own against guys who have been racing on four wheels for a long time. I’m somewhat happy but, me being the competitive person that I am, I expect more and want more.”

What have been the biggest challenges?

“The biggest challenge I face every single week is my lack of experience when we don’t unload that fast and being able to explain what the vehicle is doing so I can give good feedback about what to change so we can get faster. I need to be better when it comes to taking some of the guesswork away from the crew chief. My lack of seat-time has hindered me a little bit when it comes to restarts closer to the end of races and knowing all the tricks of the trade. I think my lack of experience is pretty obvious when I’m racing guys like Hornaday (Ron Hornaday Jr.) and some of the other guys who have been doing this for years and years. That’s really when I get taken to school.”

Can you put 2011 into perspective?

“I expected to have a better season than we did. My goals at the beginning of the season were to be inside the top five in points and no worse than being in the top 10. I think, given the amount of experience I have, being inside the top five would have almost been the equivalent of winning the championship. It’s definitely been a let down from that perspective. At the same time, we made some strides as a team that shouldn’t be overlooked. We won the pole at Atlanta and ran up front all day at both restrictor-plate races. We also led some laps and that was a big deal for me, personally. I definitely feel like I’ve made some accomplishments this year but the point thing is definitely a letdown. I’m not one to make excuses so all I can do is put my best foot forward and work hard to be better next year.”

Follow Ricky Carmichael at:

Rickycarmichael.com

Twitter.com/RickyCarmichael

Facebook.com/RickyCarmichael

Facebook.com/TurnerMotorsports

Twitter.com/TurnerMotorspts

About Turner Motorsports:

Turner Motorsports, LLC, established in 1999, is in the midst of its sophomore season of NASCAR competition. Owned by Texas businessman Steve Turner, the organization has expanded in 2011 from a two-truck operation in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) to become the largest stand-alone multi-series team in NASCAR’s top-tier touring series. Turner Motorsports operates out of an 110,000 square-foot state-of-the art facility in Mooresville, N.C., and will compete with three entries in the Camping World Truck Series and four entries in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The team boasts an all-star driver line-up that includes Kasey Kahne, Mark Martin, Jason Leffler, Brian Vickers, Justin Allgaier, Ricky Carmichael, James Buescher, Brad Sweet, Brandon McReynolds and Ron Hornaday Jr. The Chevrolet-backed team has created alliances with General Motors’ powerhouse teams Hendrick Motorsports, which will provide engine support for both its NNS and NCWTS programs, Kevin Harvick Inc. for body and aero support, and Earnhardt Technology Group for drive train and suspension technology assistance. Turner Motorsports’ marketing partners include Dollar General, Great Clips, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Monster Energy, BRANDT, Rexall, Exide, AccuDoc Solutions, Wolfpack Rentals, Fraternal Order of Eagles and ABF Freight. For more information on Turner Motorsports, visit www.turnermotorsportsllc.com.

- Turner Motorsports Press Release

Rusty Wallace Racing (RWR)

Michael Annett up Two Spots in Points Race: Last week’s top-10 finish moved driver Michael Annett from 10th to eighth in the Nationwide Series championship point standings. He heads into the 2011 season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway six points ahead of ninth place Brian Scott and seven points ahead of his teammate Steve Wallace who sits in 10th. Annett’s 10th place finish at Phoenix tallied his seventh top-10 finish of the season and Rusty Wallace Racing’s 13th top-10 finish in 2011.

Combos and Pilot Flying J Partner for Homestead: Mars Inc. brand Combos will join Pilot Flying J on Annett’s No. 62 car this weekend for the last Nationwide Series race of the season. The No. 62 car will feature a bag of combos on the rear quarter panel with the treats spilling out across the back of the car. The featured flavor of these stuffed pretzel snacks is buffalo blue cheese. In conjunction with the Pilot Flying J and Combos partnership for the Homestead race, Pilot Travel Centers and Flying J locations are offering a two for $4 promotion on assorted flavors of Combos through the end of November.

Racing to Save Lives: Annett will continue his support of his choice charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, by again sporting their logo and website on his No. 62 Pilot Flying J/Combos Toyota Camry at Homestead-Miami Speedway. This weekend the logo will run in honor of nine-year-old St. Jude patient Lucas Solberg. Lucas’ family’s first sign that he had a problem was when the Miami, Florida child suffered from stomach problems. In a visit to a local emergency room, doctors ran tests and found Lucas to be affected by rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive soft tissue tumor that can arise virtually anywhere in the body. Lucas underwent chemotherapy and surgery to remove the bulk of the tumor in Miami, and the Solberg family decided on St. Jude after the surgery for radiation and chemotherapy treatment. He finished his treatment in May 2004 and now visits St. Jude for regular checkups.

Rusty Wallace Racing at Homestead: In 10 combined NASCAR Nationwide Series starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Rusty Wallace Racing entries have earned one top-five and three top-10 finishes. The organization’s best finish on the 1.5 mile oval was driver Jamie McMurray’s second-place run in November 2004. Rusty Wallace Racing entries have completed 1,963 of the 2,003 (98 percent) laps contested in those events.

Laura Palenkas, Vice President of Marketing, Pilot Flying J, on the Combos and Pilot Flying J partnership for Homestead:

“Mars Inc. is already one of our great retail partners, and this is the first time we have partnered with an in-store brand on our race car. Since Combos is one of the most popular snack foods at our Pilot Flying J travel centers, it’s a natural tie and we are thrilled to have them on board. This partnership called for more than just a logo decal. We worked hard to make Combos a part of our look and give Mars Inc. great on-track exposure. I think everyone is pleased. We think Michael Annett and our new Mars partnership is a winning combo. It is a great way to finish the year and get a jump start on our planning for next season.”

Michael Annett on the Combos / Pilot Flying J partnership:

“We’re very excited to co-brand our Camry with Combos and Pilot Flying J this weekend at Homestead. It’s great to see such a well-respected brand team with Pilot Flying J on our racecar. We’re very excited to add Mars Inc. and Combos to our list of 2011 partners, and hope to carry this relationship into the 2012 Nationwide Series season. My main goal this weekend is to hold onto eighth in the points race and give Combos, Pilot Flying J and Rusty Wallace Racing the strong finish they deserve.”

Crew chief Rick Viers on the 2011 season coming to a close:

“Every member of the team has worked extremely hard this season and we’re well prepared for our final race in Homestead. Michael is a smart driver and I can’t even begin to express how proud I am of him and each of the guys who work on this car week in and week out. Our engineer, Jason Stockert, has been a huge asset to the team and Ryan McKinney, Brian Gainey, Dan Vincent, Dennis O’Connor and all of our guys back at the shop have given a great deal of effort into building a strong No. 62 team. I thank each one of those guys for all of their hard work and support this year. Michael’s holding onto eighth in driver points with a small gap between ninth and 10th. In the last 21 races, we’ve moved up five spots in the owner points race, more than any other team has in the owners standings. We’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished and we’re looking forward to showing our strength again this weekend in Homestead.”

The Machines:

Team 62 Primary: RWR-059 – RWR’s No. 62 team most recently raced car 059 at Texas Motor Speedway. The team has also competed in this car at Iowa Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Michigan International Speedway in 2011.

Team 62 Back-Up: RWR-051 – The No. 62 Pilot Flying J team’s last race competing with this chassis was at Bristol Motor Speedway in March.

Pilot Flying J Locations on your way:

Pilot Flying J provides 21 Pilot Travel Centers and Flying J locations along the highways throughout Florida. Seven of these locations are conveniently positioned within a 200 mile radius of Homestead-Miami Speedway. For more information on Pilot Flying J and to map their nearest locations along your route, please visit www.pilotflyingj.com.

Pilot Travel Center

US 41 and SR 997

17696 SW 8th St.

Miami, FL 33194

Pilot Travel Center

Hwy 27 N

12200 NW South River Dr.

Medley, FL 33178

Pilot Travel Center

I-75 Exit 139 Luckett Rd.

6050 Plaza Dr.

Fort Myers, FL 33905

Pilot Travel Center

I-95 Exit 129

7300 West Okeechobee Rd.

Fort Pierce, FL 34945

Flying J

I-95 Hwy 68 Exit 131

100 North Kings Hwy.

Fort Pierce, FL 34945

Pilot Travel Center

I-75 Exit 161

26505 Jones Loop Rd.

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Pilot Travel Center

FL Turnpike Exit 193

3051 State Road 60

Okeechobee, FL 34972

About Pilot Flying J:

Pilot Flying J is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, and has more than 550 retail locations across North America. Pilot Flying J is also one of the Nation’s largest wholesale fuel providers, delivering over 500 million gallons of fuel to thousands of customers in 47 states and eight Canadian provinces. The company employs approximately 20,000 people and is the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America.

Broadcast Info:

Final Practice

Friday, November 18, 12:30 p.m. ET

ESPN2

Qualifying

Saturday, November 19, 1 p.m. ET

SPEED

Ford 300

Saturday, November 19, 4:30 p.m. ET

ESPN2

- Rising Star Management Group Press Release

No. 11 Shore Lodge Toyota Camry (Brian Scott) - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images for NASCAR

No. 11 Shore Lodge Team Notes of Interest

· Brian Scott and the No. 11 Shore Lodge Toyota team go into this weekend’s finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on a mission. After getting taken out of last week’s race at Phoenix International Raceway on the first lap, Scott lost a spot in the driver point standings and was prevented from contending for a win. The team will look to turn that around during this weekend’s 300-mile race in Homestead, Fla.

· The No. 11 Shore Lodge Team went into last weekend’s Wypall 200 with high expectations after performing so well in race trim during the practice sessions on Thursday. Scott qualified in the 24th place but was hit from behind on the first lap of the event and sent spinning into the inside retaining wall. The car was damaged beyond repair forcing the team to retire from the race without having completed a full lap of competition.

· The DNF in Phoenix dropped Scott a position in the driver point standings. He is now sitting in ninth place in the NASCAR Nationwide Series driver point standings, a mere six points behind Michael Annett in eighth place.

· This weekend’s race in Miami will be only Scott’s second Nationwide Series start at the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway. Scott made his lone Nationwide Series start at the track one year ago when he scored an 18th-place finish after starting from the 30th position.

· In addition to the one start in Nationwide Series competition at Miami, Scott has three starts in Camping World Truck Series competition at Miami. In three Truck Series starts at the track, Scott has finished no worse than 15th place and has a best finish of second place. Scott finished second during the Truck Series finale in 2008 after starting from the 15th position. Scott’s average Miami finish in Truck Series competition is ninth place.

· Chassis #122 is the car Scott will race during the Nationwide Series finale this weekend. Chassis #122 has been a successful chassis for the No. 11 Shore Lodge Team. This car most recently was used by the team a month ago during the Dollar General 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway where Scott scored a fifth-place finish. The car was also raced to successful results during the spring race at Charlotte (eighth-place finish) and Texas in April (10th-place finish). The backup car for the race will be Chassis #128. This car has been raced as a primary a handful of times in 2011 at tracks that includes Dover, Atlanta and Michigan.

· To access information on Brian Scott and No. 11 Team visit: www.joegibbsracing.com and follow twitter.com/bscottracing and twitter.com/joegibbsracing

Brian Scott - Photo Credit: Rainier Ehrhardt / Getty Images for NASCAR

What happened last week at Phoenix?

“Well, we had a fast car even though our qualifying effort didn’t show it. I got really loose making my run so that kind of put us behind a little bit and then, we go out on the first lap and get hit from behind and that ended our day. So we are going into this weekend’s race looking to get back that momentum this team has been building and use that going into the off season.”

Talk about this week’s race in Miami:

“I actually really like racing in Miami. It’s one of those tracks that I have just taken to and really seems to suit my driving style. Obviously I had some great runs in the Camping World Truck Series competition and that really gives me a lot of confidence going there this weekend with this No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Team. We’ve been working so well here this last half of the season and it just really pumps me up as a driver. I’m kind of bummed it’s the last race and we don’t get to go out and do what we love for a couple of months but it’s been a great year and with everything we have built this year I am just so excited to get back at it in Daytona in February.”

- Joe Gibbs Racing Press Release