Casey Smith

“Yeah, it has been close to twelve years since I’ve raced at Watermelon Capital (Speedway) so I’m sure there have been a few changes since then. I know the car count looks good and towards the end of the year last year we really found out what made our car fast, so I’m pretty eager to get there and hit the track for practice,” said Smith. “Supposedly Kyle Bush and David Ragan, whose hometown in just up the road, will be racing this weekend with us which is always something to look forward to especially when you are able to out run them.”

In conjunction with this weekend’s January event, one of the earliest dates ever to kick off the season for the #99 team, Casey is proud to announce his 2012 season plans which span seventeen races long, throughout four states, including a series debut in PASS South competition. Longtime fans will continue to see the #99 SealMaster of Austin Chevy Impala at both five race mini series at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida and Mobile Int’l Speedway located just outside of Mobile, Alabama.

In addition to the races at the two above mentioned tracks Smith will hit three events at Jefferson, Georgia’s ultra fast Gresham Motorsports Park highlighted by the 29th Annual World Crown 300 on November 11th. Two of the most historic super late model races in the country will highlight Casey’s 2012 schedule. The Texas native will make his return to Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, Tennessee for his PASS South series debut as the series will bring back the traditional 400 lap All American 400 event on Saturday October 6th. From there Casey will do what he has done for years now and close out his 2012 schedule with the 45th running of the Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway on Sunday afternoon December 2nd.

“I didn’t get to race as much as I wanted to in 2011, so this year we came up with a little bit more of an aggressive schedule,” stated Smith. “This year’s schedule is awesome especially with the chance to go back to the Fairgrounds at Nashville for a chance to win the All American 400 again. I think this could really be the year that we get back to victory lane and it feels like a long time coming. I honestly couldn’t be more ready for racing season to get here.”

For all the latest news on Texas native Casey Smith visit his home on the web at www.caseysmithracing.com.

- Tex Motorsports Marketing Press Release

Andy Loden

“It was another great year for me and this race team. We didn’t get the finishes to indicate how good of a car we had at Pensacola, but it was the best showing we’ve had as a team since our first Derby three years ago. Both cars qualified up front, we just had some bad luck with the blown motor that really threw us off track a bit and made a hard weekend with two cars even harder,” said Loden.

Beyond the two final non PASS South series events which included the World Crown 300 at Gresham Motorsports Park and the above mentioned Snowball Derby; the R & L Motorsports team notched one win coming at South Boston Speedway on May 7th, three fast qualifier awards, seven top five finishes, and eight top ten finishes in thirteen PASS South series starts in 2011. Those combined stats placed Andy third in the final championship points standings for the second year in a row out of the 132 drivers who made a PASS South series start this season.

“I’m not afraid to say that the PASS South series without a doubt is the most competitive super late model series out there from coast to coast. There are plenty drivers I have seen out there that go out and win races at other tracks or other series, but then they come and race a PASS South race and they struggle to make the show,” added Andy. “That right there tells you how tough it is to race for a championship, and even though we ended up third we had a shot to win it all and that feels pretty good at the end of the day.”

“We were fortunate to win a race at South Boston and finish fifth in the biggest paying short track race in the country that had more cars attempt to make the show than any other race in the country. Those are just a couple of high points we can look back on as we head into the off season this winter and think about our 2012 plans. I just really want to take the time to thank my family, team members, sponsors, and fans for another great year of phenomenal support both on and off the race track,” continued the second year super late model driver, Loden.

The R & L Motorsports team will take the next several weeks to relax and recover with friends and family over the holidays before discussing 2012 plans. In the meantime stay tuned to www.andyloden.net for the latest news and information about Andy and the entire Monroe Roadways race team as they prepare for future events.

- Tex Motorsports Marketing Press Release

Andy Loden

Andy Loden Notes and Quotes

Car: #29 Chevy Impala SS

Engine: Hamner Super Late Model Spec Engine

Sponsor(s): Monroe Roadways / Red Mango Yogurt

Series: PASS South

Event: Over the Mountain 150

Standings: 3rd

Venue: Hickory Motor Speedway-Hickory, NC

Track Size: 1/3rd mile (.33)

Event Schedule: Saturday Oct. 29th: Practice- 2PM

Saturday Oct. 29th: Qualifying- 4:30PM

Saturday Oct. 29th: Race- 6PM

QUOTES:

-This will be the second PASS South series event at the Hickory Motor Speedway this season after the Easter Bunny 150 was held back in April; how did it go for you in that race?

“The race in April was about like all of our races at Hickory we’ve had so far, in the fact they are just so average for us at a place we are use to being stellar at. We led a few laps after qualifying fourth but the slipped to a sixth place finish in the end. I’m hoping some of the stuff learned at a recent test session will work when we unload the car this weekend. If it does we should have a better car in the final thirty laps or so than we’ve had in the past which traditionally has been when our car started to fade.”

Transferring Success:

-Everyone knows about your success at Hickory behind the wheel of at a late model stock winning multiple track championship, but so far that success hasn’t transferred to a win in the PASS South series there; any idea why it hasn’t yet?

“Yeah we haven’t had a winning car yet at Hickory like we did week in and week out with the late model stock. It’s not that we’ve been bad, we’ve had top five finishes just never a car capable of winning. We tested a few weeks ago and tried some stuff that seemed to work pretty well, but you know how Hickory is very weather sensitive so hopefully it will work when we unload this weekend.”

The Big Announcement:

-Its that time of year where teams plan to attend big money non-points races; what races will we see the #29 Monroe Roadways/Red Mango Chevy Impala at this year?

“We are going to run the World Crown 300 at Gresham Motorsports Park, and then we’ll probably skip the last PASS South race Thanksgiving weekend at Orange County to focus on running both the Snowflake and Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola (FL). Its not 100% that we won’t run Orange County; I mean if we have a real close shot at winning the championship we’ll be there. Put it this way I’ll be able to tell you one way or another after this weekend’s race at Hickory. ”

For more information on driver Andy Loden and his R & L Motorsports including news, results, and merchandise visit his all new website at www.andyloden.net.

- Tex Motorsports Marketing Press Release

No. 20 Panhandle Grading & Paving Toyota Tundra (Photo Credit: Lesley Ann Miller)

Friday was a jam-packed day at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Long set out to learn the track with her driver coach Johnny Benson as the team worked on adjusting the truck throughout both practice sessions. Long improved over her practice times to qualify 24th for the N.C. Education Lottery 200 with a time of 31.269 seconds.

The 134-lap race began with an early caution period on lap 7. Long radioed to the crew that she was happy with the handling of her Tundra. Long brought the No. 20 Panhandle Grading & Paving Toyota to the pits for four tires, fuel and adjustments to fix the loose truck under the next caution period on lap 19.

On lap 44, the young driver reported a vibration in the steering wheel but was able to continue racing hard until the next caution on lap 51. The team pitted for another adjustment, new tires and fuel. Long restarted in 19th and started driving toward the top-15. Following a pit stop when the caution flag waved on lap 75, Long was happy with her truck and continued to gain spots.

Under the final caution period, on lap 106, Long reported that the truck had taken on a tight-handling condition in the corners. The Panhandle Motorsports team called the 18-year-old in to the pits for a package of adjustments and sent her out for the remainder of the race. Long restarted in 21st position on Lap 111 and raced her way to a top-20 finish.

Johanna Long and the Panhandle Motorsports team will return to the track on Saturday, June 4th, for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 250 at Kansas Speedway. The race will air on SPEED with coverage beginning at 2 pm EDT.

Johanna Long (Photo Credit: Lesley Ann Miller)

“Charlotte was a really tough track to learn, but Johnny Benson helped show me the lines and worked with me all day to adjust to the track. We were a little free during the first half of the race, but we got it handling a lot better. After the last pit stop, the truck was a little free, but we kept on digging and were able to salvage a top 20 finish. I’m really thankful to all my guys for their hard work. We will take what we learned at Charlotte and move on to Kansas.”

About Johanna Long:

At 18 years old, Johanna Long is the youngest driver in the elite NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. After making several starts in the NCWTS in 2010, Long plans to run the complete schedule in 2011 for family-owned Panhandle Motorsports. She began racing at the age of eight, quickly moving from go-karts to Legends cars to a Late Model. She made history, becoming the youngest driver and only female to win a track championship at Five Flags Speedway. She went on to win the prestigious Snowball Derby at the track in 2010. For more information on Johanna, please visit www.JohannaLong.com.

- Spire Sports + Entertainment Press Release

No. 20 Panhandle Motorsports Toyota Tundra

Race: N.C. Education Lottery 200

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series: 7 of 25

Track: Charlotte Motor Speedway

Date: May 20, 2011

Johanna Long will race the No. 20 Panhandle Grading & Paving Toyota Tundra in the N.C. Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) on Friday, May 20. Coverage of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) event will begin at 8:00 pm EDT on Speed and at 7:45 pm EDT on MRN Radio.

Charlotte Motor Speedway – Although this will be Long’s first race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Panhandle Motorsports will feel at home at CMS as the team’s shop is located in nearby Mooresville, N.C.

Last Race Recap – Long’s strong run at Dover International Speedway ended a few laps early when the No. 20’s driveshaft broke on lap 191. Despite her 22nd-place finish, the young driver was happy with her debut at the Monster Mile. She led the first laps of her NCWTS career and was competing for her top finish before the mechanical problem arose with nine laps to go.

Teaming Up with Johnny Benson – Former NCWTS championship driver Johnny Benson will again help the No. 20 Panhandle Motorsports team and Long at CMS. Benson first came aboard to work with Long at Dover International Speedway, where he was instrumental in helping the 18-year-old learn the track.

Race Week Appearances – Long is scheduled for several appearances in the Charlotte-area over the next week. She will be signing autographs at Wal-Mart, near CMS, in Concord today, May 19, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm EDT. She will also participate in an autograph signing at CMS tomorrow, May 20, from 2:15 to 2:30 pm EDT in the PlayZone. In addition, Johanna will attend the NASCAR Hall of Fame autograph session on Wednesday, May 25, from 10:00 to 11:00 am EDT.

Keeping Up with Jo – Keep up with Johanna on Twitter at http://twitter.com/johannalong or on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/JohannaLongFB.

Johanna Long

About Johanna Long:

At 18 years old, Johanna Long is the youngest driver in the elite NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. After making several starts in the NCWTS in 2010, Long plans to run the complete schedule in 2011 for family-owned Panhandle Motorsports. She began racing at the age of eight, quickly moving from go-karts to Legends cars to a Late Model. She made history, becoming the youngest driver and only female to win a track championship at Five Flags Speedway. She went on to win the prestigious Snowball Derby at the track in 2010. For more information on Johanna, please visit www.JohannaLong.com.

- Spire Sports + Entertainment Press Release

David Stremme Racing

The City of Forest Acres, South Carolina, a longtime sponsor of Forest Acres native Anderson, will serve as the primary sponsor of the team’s No. 19 Hamke chassied Super Late Model.

Anderson has previously competed in Dirt Late Models, accumulating 15 wins across North Carolina since 2009. He has twice won the Charlotte Motor Speedway Summer Shootout Legends Pro Division championship (2007 and 2008) and has amassed over 150 wins in Legends Cars.

Gill brings to the team four USAR Pro Cup Series championships and two wins in the Snowball Derby, one of Late Model racing’s most prestigious races.

“To see all of this come together is thrilling for me,” said Anderson. “I’m more than ready to make the transition from dirt to pavement. David (Stremme) and Bobby Gill are going to provide one tremendous education for me.”

“I am excited to carry the colors of my hometown, Forest Acres, who have supported me since my days in Legends Car racing. I look forward to representing the city and moving to full-time pavement Late Model racing with them.”

David Stremme Racing will provide a base of operations and technical support for the pairing of Anderson and Gill.

“Jordan is a good kid. He’s done all the right things and really just needs a chance to show what he can do,” said Stremme. “I love short track racing, and I believe in helping drivers out when I can. I first saw Jordan when he was testing a dirt car and have been impressed with him since. We have set him up in our shop right next to our Inception Motorsports Cup program, and he is in there all the time working on his car. I think he and Bobby (Gill) are going to make a real good team.”

Dick Dyer Toyota, another partner of Anderson’s since his days in Legends Car racing, joins the team as an associate sponsor.

Anderson’s debut will be June 4 at the Pro All-Stars Series race at Orange County Speedway in Rougemont, N.C.

- Spire Sports + Entertainment Press Release

No. 20 Panhandle Grading & Paving Toyota Tundra (Photo Credit: Lesley Ann Miller)

On Thursday, Long took to the track for her very first laps on the banked concrete mile. She ended the first practice session in 31st but improved in the second session, laying down the 27th fastest lap. Long continued to improve steadily over the weekend as she worked with former NCWTS champion Johnny Benson to learn the Monster Mile.

The 18-year-old driver qualified 21st in Friday morning’s qualifying session, with a time of 23.517 seconds. Long lost a few spots in the beginning laps of the Lucas Oil 200 at Dover as she radioed to the team that her truck was loose handling but rolled steadily through the corners. As the second caution flag waved on lap 45, Long brought her No. 20 Panhandle Grading & Paving Toyota to pit road for four tires and fuel. Long restarted in 18th position on lap 50.

On lap 54, Long’s truck made contact with Miguel Paludo’s truck. Having no damage, Long pitted for fuel. As the race continued, she improved her lap times, driving into the top 20 before a lap 72 caution. After pitting for tires and fuel, the young driver restarted in the 19th position.

She moved into the top 15 on lap 125 and eventually up to the fourth-place position by lap 145. She went on to lead two laps before relinquishing track position on lap 152, pitting under green flag conditions for fuel and two tires. In spite of a caution flag waving as she completed her pit stop, Long would find herself in 12th-place on the lap 159 restart.

Long’s truck fought an ill-handling condition, leading to another stop on lap 177 for four tires and fuel. She restarted in 15th position on lap 182 and continued to race in the top 15 until lap 191 when the driveshaft on her Toyota Tundra broke, ending the team’s day a few laps short of the race finish. She registered a 22nd-place result.

Johanna Long and the Panhandle Racing team will return to the track this Friday, May 20, in her first NCWTS race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The race will air on Speed, with coverage beginning at 8 pm EDT.

Johanna Long (Photo Credit: Lesley Ann Miller)

“Logging laps and getting used to the track was huge considering that this was my first time at Dover. The truck was a little tight during the first half of the race, but the guys worked really hard all day to get it where it needed to be. We were running in the top 15 and I really thought we were going to have a great finish until the driveshaft broke. We will keep the momentum that we have built from Dover and move on to Charlotte. I want to thank all of my guys for preparing a great truck and Johnny Benson for showing me the ropes at Dover; he helped me out tremendously.”

About Johanna Long:

At 18 years old, Johanna Long is the youngest driver in the elite NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. After making several starts in the NCWTS in 2010, Long plans to run the complete schedule in 2011 for family-owned Panhandle Motorsports. She began racing at the age of eight, quickly moving from go-karts to Legends cars to a Late Model. She made history, becoming the youngest driver and only female to win a track championship at Five Flags Speedway. She went on to win the prestigious Snowball Derby at the track in 2010. For more information on Johanna, please visit www.JohannaLong.com.

- Spire Sports + Entertainment Press Release

No. 20 Panhandle Motorsports Toyota Tundra

Long qualified 22nd for the Kroger 250 and made it as high as eighth position midway through the race. A longtime short-track racer and winner of the Snowball Derby, nicknamed the “Superbowl of Short Track Racing,” Long was comfortable on the pavement as she radioed the crew.

“We were snug off and snappy loose for most of the race, and the guys did a great job getting it dialed in for me to be comfortable on those corners,” said Long. “I was running really hard, and it’s the hardest I’ve raced this year, which was good. For the first time this year, I didn’t hesitate to run with the frontrunners or be conservative. Short tracks are my roots, so when I heard Cowboy (Starland, crew chief) say over the radio, ‘Get mad, girl!’ I knew I had to start racing the race track hard. It felt really great.”

Johanna Long

The team is back in the Mooresville shop preparing for Nashville Superspeedway on April 22nd. Starland is proud of his young driver’s progress four races into the season. “Johanna really showed she can run in the top 10 yesterday. She was super comfortable racing right there in the 10th, 12th spots, but we lost a little on the restarts. That’s the progress I want to see a rookie like Jo continue to make. The first return track this year and she posted a better finish and a confident racing style. We’re going to bottle that for Nashville.”

- Panhandle Motorsports Press Release

Mooresville, NC– Racing 2 Cure (R2C) a 501c3 non-profit and Ruston Racing Development announced today that Kenzie Ruston will join Racing 2 Cure as an Ambassador. Ruston, who competes in the PASS Late Model Series and select ARCA series events, will help promote and carry the mission of R2C throughout her 2011 racing season. In addition, she will provide feedback and support to R2C’s unique new social network style fund-raising website, which is being launched this month. Ruston has already raised over four thousand dollars for Racing 2 Cure during her campaign in the famed Snowflake Derby at Five Flags Speedway (FL). Sponsors and Friends of Ruston made pledges to donate for every race lap she completed in the event. Ruston completed all laps and finished with a top ten in her first-ever Snowflake race.

“Kenzie and her entire family and crew have been a huge blessing for Racing 2 Cure,” said Alycia Stewart, co-founder of Racing 2 Cure, and two time breast cancer survivor. “What Kenzie is accomplishing on the race track is amazing. What she and her team give back off the track is equally inspiring.”

Ruston has already finished with a few more top ten’s in 2011. And will continue to work for the efforts of Racing 2 Cure. “Once we heard their story we knew we had to help,” said Kenzie. “We can’t thank our sponsors and friends enough for stepping up and helping out this great cause. I look forward to continuing to work with R2C throughout the year. I know we will do great things together and it’s exciting to be part of their program. I’m honored to be named an Ambassador.”

Racing 2 Cure is currently in the final stages of launching their new website www.Racing2Cure.org, which will be the home of the first ever online “Race-A- Thon”. This online fund raising program will provide racers from all forms of motorsports at any age with a fully automated, turn-key, cause-marketing campaign. The funds raised will help parents undergoing treatment with everyday life needs and provide children undergoing treatment special activities. In the social network style website racers will have the opportunity to promote themselves and their sponsors while conducting their fund raising program. Racers are encouraged to pre-register at www.Racing2Cure.org.

For more information on Kenzie Ruston visit: www.GoKenzie.com

RACING 2 CURE began as a simple act of then 7-year old Hunter Stewart. Hunter was just starting his off-road racing career when he received troubling news. Just a few weeks before his first-ever race, his Mom at just 34-years old, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. In order to maintain a positive focus, the family decided to continue racing. After attending an event held by Susan G. Komen for the Cure (R), Hunter was inspired to take action. He carried the Komen logo on his race truck, wore pink shoe laces, and gave one-week’s worth of his allowance for every race lap he completed. This one-race effort inspired others to take action.

Hunter’s story was largely covered by the media and recognized by public officials, including a guest appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. After several treatments Hunter’s Mom (Alycia) went into remission (for three years.) Unfortunately Alycia was diagnosed again with Breast Cancer. After more surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments she is currently back in remission. Alycia’s cancer has taught the Stewart family the first hand hardships that Cancer brings to families. It was families in need while undergoing treatment that inspired the formation of Racing 2 Cure a Non-Profit Organization.

- Racing Solution, LLC Press Release

Becca Kasten

“This is all about Becca (Kasten). I think she has the will and determination, as well as the talent to succeed in this sport,” said Bob Dillner, who is also a NASCAR TV broadcaster for SPEED. “We are pumped to compete in several Pro and Super Late Model races around the country, as well as run some UARA Late Model Stock Car races. That plus Becca’s schedule with Toby (Nuttleman) and the guys up north will make her one of the most diverse racecar drivers in short track racing this year.”

After an impressive Florida Speedweeks, which included a win and three, second-place finishes in Super Late Model competition at New Smyrna Speedway with a Toby Nuttleman prepared car, Kasten will compete under the BDI banner in the UARA season opener at Hickory Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 12th. The Wisconsin native will return to Super Late Model racing when she competes in the BDI #51 in “The Race” at North Wilkesboro Speedway (NC) on Saturday April 9th and in the “Easter Bunny 150” at Hickory Motor Speedway on Saturday, April 23rd.

“I’ve gotten a huge boost of confidence after how I did at the end of last year and the way the season started off this year,” stated Kasten. “I’m hoping this string of success continues and builds throughout the future. I have an amazing opportunity this year with the caliber of equipment I will race and the people like Toby, Alex Query (crew chief, BDI #51 Pro & Super LMs) and Roger Johnson (crew chief, UARA) that will be helping me.”

Kasten spent a good portion of the latter part of last year working with Dillner’s Speed51.com, but it wasn’t until December at the Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway that they officially met. Shortly afterwards, Kasten and Dillner began talking about working together in 2011.

“It’s hard to find people you can trust in this sport and I was amazed at how genuine and generous he was with what he had to offer me,” said Kasten. “When we first started talking about working together, I was worried it was too good to be true. After a few meetings it finally hit me that this was real and it has the potential to be a really great thing. He flat out told me, ‘I have no desire to run a rental program and make money; I simply want to play the role as a team owner and feel like I’m helping and I’m involved.’ It’s a cool feeling when someone who has been in the racing world forever, and has seen everything, takes a huge interest in advancing your career. There are plenty of people he could have selected, but he chose to help me.”

Becca Kasten spent the 2010 season as part of the NASCAR Diversity program with Revolution Racing, but decided to explore other avenues in 2011.

The entire Becca Kasten racing schedule will be released shortly. The list of partners for Kasten and BDI Racing this year already includes FLUIDYNE High Performance Cooling Systems, Racing Electronics and Pink Carburetors.

The team’s websites, beccakasten.com and bdiracing.net are currently under construction for the upcoming 2011 campaign.

- BDI Racing Press Release

Panhandle Motorsports

ON DAYTONA:

“I’m a little nervous, but I’ve talked to a lot of the veteran drivers and racers who have been here. I’ve also paid attention to the tests and the ARCA race last week. This is the race everyone dreams about winning, and I’m racing in it at 18 years old. When I think about that, it can be a little overwhelming, but then I remember Cowboy (my crew chief’s) advice to think like I’m back racing my home track in Pensacola – Five Flags Speedway. It puts me back in my comfort zone and reminds me that I belong here. So even though I’m learning, I’m still going to race as hard as I can to be competitive.”

Johanna Long

“We have a talented class of Rookie drivers in the Truck Series, and it’s going to be exciting racing. My main goal as a Rookie is to gain respect from other drivers in the garage, just so when they see me on track they know I’m learning from them but also earning my spot on the starting grid. I’m proud to be in the mix of so many hardcore racers this year. Trucks will be a ton of fun.”

ON RACING A FULL SCHEDULE IN NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES:

“We’re putting ourselves out there, getting to every race track, and still knocking on every door we can to help with partnership marketing dollars to continue the momentum. It’s a little scary, but it’s what you have to do if you want it badly enough. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to drive every week. It’s great to see NASCAR really encouraging the next generation of fans to either watch our Series on TV or come to the track. I hope, being 18, that I can be a driver many of these new fans can identify with this year.”

CREW CHIEF KEVIN “COWBOY” STARLAND ON JOHANNA IN THE 2011 ROOKIE CLASS:

“I see the drive in this girl’s eyes every day,” he said. “The level of drive, determination and preparation she goes to in the quest for someday going Cup racing – I wish I could bottle that for every driver. The combination of her hunger and passion to learn and get better, paired with her innate ability and natural-born talent at 18, is really a recipe for good things in 2011. Watch out for this young driver – even though she’s still learning this year on the tracks she’s never driven – she’s going to be a competitor.”

DAYTONA/NASCAR STATS:

Long will make her first start at Daytona International Speedway on Friday. Long made seven starts in the NCWTS in 2010, in addition to 18 starts in late models and the famed Snowball Derby. In 2010, she made another major jump in the racing ranks, moving to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with Panhandle Motorsports – running a limited schedule to gain track knowledge and experience on the Speedways. Her season-best finish of 17th came at Indianapolis Raceway Park. She also has qualified among the top 20 in all seven of her starts, with a top qualification of 9th at Texas Motor Speedway in November 2010.

RACE:

The 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series kicks off with the NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway on Friday February 18th. The first practice is a 3 hour + 20 minute session scheduled for 4:40 P.M. on Wednesday February 16th, with the final 50-minute session slated for Thursday February 17th at 12:10PM. The 36-truck starting field will be determined in two-lap qualifying runs at 6:05 P.M. on Thursday evening. The tweltfh annual NextEra Energy Resources 250 will go green shortly after 8 P.M. on Friday night; it can be seen live on SPEED and heard live on select affiliates of the Motor Racing Network and on Sirius NASCAR Radio Channel 128.

- Girl Friday PR Press Release

Cale Gale, No. 2 Rheem Chevrolet Silverado

Rheem entered NASCAR as an associate sponsor in 2007 and stepped up as a primary NASCAR Nationwide Series sponsor of KHI’s No. 33 Chevrolet in 2008 with Gale driving the company’s first Nationwide race at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. The Rheem Racing program now includes sponsorship of NASCAR’s Canadian Tire Series, Camping World Truck Series, Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series.

The 25-year-old Gale, named after legendary NASCAR driver Cale Yarborough, racked up an average starting position of 6.8 in six Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Series starts, an even more impressive finishing position average of 3.5 and scored his first win in 2006. He made a combined 27 NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series starts from 2006 to 2008 for KHI. Gale’s 11th Nationwide Series start was in the now-familiar black and red Rheem Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway in 2008. That same year, Gale won the pole in the No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway finishing fourth.

One of the many driver casualties of the recession, Gale went on to drive for Rheem in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in 2009 along with competing in super late models throughout the southeastern United States. In 2010, the former Mobile (Ala.) International Speedway super-stock and late-model champion, made his debut as a crew chief in the ARCA Racing Series for Richard Childress Racing as well as working as a shock specialist and race-day engineer for Turner Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

“There are many, many things Rheem likes about Cale Gale, including his driving ability and rich driving heritage. But, what Rheem most appreciates about Cale is his tenacity, dedication and sincere commitment to achieving excellence at the highest levels of professional stock car racing,” said JR Jones, Rheem CEO and President.

In addition to putting Gale in the seat of six Camping World Truck Series races this season, Rheem is also the primary sponsor of Gale’s No. 83 Rheem Chevrolet Super Late Model car. Recently, Gale put the Rheem No. 83 on the pole at Pensacola’s famed Snowball Derby while setting a new track qualifying record of 16:33.

The lack of sponsors at every level of racing due to the economy has threatened to discourage talented young drivers to pursue their dreams as well as to reduce the ability of NASCAR’s leading racing teams to invest in driver development. Ed Raniszeski, Rheem Corporate Director of Marketing who is responsible for the Rheem Racing program said, “Racing is an important part of our marketing program. The Rheem Way is to focus on excellence at every level of the process; it is difficult to achieve or sustain quality without investing at each step of product development and customer satisfaction. That belief is at the core of the Rheem culture, so it is natural for Rheem to be involved from the highest to the most fundamental levels of racing. It is good for our company and our brands to help support the future quality of racing.”

In 2011, Gale takes another step on the journey he began with his father and racing coach, Bubba Gale, at age four. Before the racing season closes at Pensacola’s Snowball Derby, Gale will have racked up more high quality seat time than at any time in his career. “I am so thankful to Rheem for stepping up to support and believe in me. It is an opportunity of a lifetime; I am looking forward to being back behind the wheel at the NASCAR level representing my great sponsor Rheem as well as being back with KHI,” said Gale.

Gale will drive the No. 2 Rheem Chevrolet Silverado at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway, Texas Motor Speedway, Iowa Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas (Nev.) Speedway and Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

- Rheem Manufacturing Company Press Release

No. 83 Rheem / 4-Way Truck Sales and Parts Chevrolet Impala (Cale Gale)

Gale has competed in SPEEDFEST for many years dating back to the Lakeland Speedway days capturing wins in the Super Truck series and he is excited about his chances winning this weekend. “Starting the 2011 racing season with a win would really be good for not just me but for my dad and the rest of the guys that work so hard day in and day out getting ready to compete,” Gale said.

Gale has started his last two races from the pole position which included the Snowball Derby in December but didn’t get the finishes he was looking for. This will be the third race in this car and when asked about his level of excitement Gale said he was confident in the car and the team.

Team Rheem will be well represented this weekend at Lanier Speedway with Brandon Jones and Spencer Davis competing in the Rheen Super Truck 100. This will be the second race of the 2011 season for the two young guns with Jones looking to capitalize on his second place finish earlier this month in the Shriners Bowl.

SPEEDFEST is this weekend with practice and qualifying today and Saturday. Features are starting with the Rheem Super Truck 100 on Saturday night and the Pro and Super Late Models running on Sunday afternoon. For more information on this weekend’s event you can go to www.lanierspeedway.com.

About Rheem –

Rheem Manufacturing Company (www.rheem.com) is a privately held company with headquarters in Atlanta, Ga. In its 81st year of operation, the company distributes throughout North America and world markets an award-winning line of eco-friendly, technologically advanced residential and commercial heating, cooling, water heating, whole-home standby generators, controls, swimming pool and spa heaters, indoor air purification products and commercial boilers.

The nation’s leading consumer products review magazine recently reported that Rheem air conditioning products have been rated most reliable among all leading brands by tens of thousands of consumers. Richmond, one of Rheem Manufacturing Company’s premium brands, has for over 50 years been known for exceptional reliability, excellent value and trusted after-sale support.

- Double C Media Relations Press Release

Panhandle Motorsports

“Every track that I go to, I strive to soak in and gain as much experience as I can – and that’s exactly what we did last year,” said Long. “We had our ups and downs, and that led to a lot of learning experiences in NASCAR. This year is about moving forward and soaking in as much experience as I can, as well as being in contention for the Rookie of the Year title. It’s a huge commitment to run a full season, but hopefully we can put ourselves out there enough while continuing to knock on doors to attract marketing dollars. We’re still actively seeking out marketing partners to round out the year, but we’ll be doing our best to get to every single racetrack on the 2011 schedule in order to make that rookie dream happen.”

Continuing the national Girl Scouts of the USA partnership this year – with over 4 million young women in empowering programs across the world – Long will also continue to inspire local Girl Scouts in each city she races. The groundbreaking teenage driver will continue to speak about her journey in motorsports, hard work and determination in whatever they choose to do in life. She will also have her “honorary pit crew” members cross the stage with her at driver introductions at various racetracks.

“I’m extremely blessed to have the opportunity to do what I love to do and be able to race at tracks that I’ve only dreamed about – such as Daytona,” Long continued. “From the beginning of my career, I was always told that it wasn’t about gender – it’s all about being a competitor. That’s exactly how I see myself continuing this season. I’m looking forward to what this season brings – getting experience at new tracks as well as bringing lessons learned to the tracks I was able to run in 2010. There is a ‘youth movement’ that is the next generation of NASCAR, and I’m learning day by day that several people look to me to help inspire that group. I hope that I can do them justice in representing them!”

Long made seven starts in the NCWTS in 2010, in addition to 18 starts in late models and the famed Snowball Derby. A native of Pensacola, Fla., she began her racing career in go-karts at eight years old and then moved on to Legends cars.
She then made the big jump to the Pro Late Model division as a 15-year-old at her home track of Five Flags Speedway, where she won the championship and became the youngest champion in the history of the track. She went on to win three Blizzard Series races as well as the championship, along with the SUNOCO Gulf Coast Series Championship at age 17.
In 2010, she made another major jump in the racing ranks, moving to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with Panhandle Motorsports – running a limited schedule to gain track knowledge and experience on the Speedways. Her season-best finish of 17th came at Indianapolis Raceway Park. She also has qualified among the top 20 in all seven of her starts, with a top qualification of 9th at Texas Motor Speedway in November 2010.

Veteran crew chief Kevin “Cowboy” Starland has all the confidence that his young driver can make her mark in the 2011 NCWTS Rookie class. “I see the drive in this girl’s eyes every day,” he said. “The level of drive, determination and preparation she goes to in the quest for someday going Cup racing – I wish I could bottle that for every driver. The combination of her hunger and passion to learn and get better, paired with her innate ability and natural-born talent at 18, is really a recipe for good things in 2011. Watch out for this young driver – she’s going to be a competitor this year.”

ABOUT DRIVER JOHANNA LONG & PANHANDLE MOTORSPORTS:

Johanna Long, 18, is the youngest driver in the elite NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. In 2011, she will compete for the Rookie of the Year title for a full season in the NCWTS. Her career to date has included winning the prestigious Snowball Derby in 2010, the “Superbowl of Short Track Racing;”racing in NCWTS in 2010 with family race team Panhandle Motorsports in Homestead, Las Vegas, Martinsville & Texas Motor Speedway; as well as three starts with Billy Ballew Motorsports in the NCWTS; and two starts in 2009 in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. Former Blizzard Series Champion, SUNOCO Gulf Coast Series Champion and the youngest track champion in the history of Five Flags Speedway at age 15, Long continues to turn heads among racing’s elite. For more information, please visit www.JohannaLong.com, Facebook: http://bit.ly/bglf8H or Twitter: http://twitter.com/JOHANNALONG.

- Press Release

Tammy Jo Kirk (Photo Credit: RacinToday.com)

It was welcome news to the 48-year-old Kirk, the 1994 winner of the Derby. But Long’s win means Kirk is no longer the only female winner of the Derby.

“That is so cool,” said Kirk, when told about Long’s victory. “I had heard that girl was the track champion down there last year. Congratulations to her.”

Kirk’s racing career was hatched on motorcycles. She competed in the AMA National Dirt Track Series during much of the 1980s in an era when men had a difficult time accepting women as competitors.

“I was the only female and you would have 100 riders at most events,” Kirk said. “And to make the main event, you had to make it in the top 15. The last year that I raced (motorcycles), all of the nationals that I went to I made the main event.

“But I quit racing motorcycles because I couldn’t find parts. If you’re a female and you outrun some of the factory guys, you really couldn’t get any parts. I was so discouraged with motorcycles. The last year I raced I made seven main events and didn’t finish one because the motorcycle blew up. We couldn’t get parts to make it last 25 laps.”

- Fox News