Stephen Nasse Racing Logo

Big wins were scored in the early part of the year at Hickory Motor Speedway (NC), Gresham Motorsports Park (GA) and New Smyrna Speedway (FL). Those were followed by solid runs capping off the season that have paved the way for his first start of 2012, SpeedFest 2102 at Watermelon Capital Speedway (GA) on January 29th.

“Just talking about getting back in a race car is exciting,” said Nasse. “We had a good year in 2011. Of course, we wanted to win more races, but we were looking for experience and we found that with the races we ran. Now we are back and we are comfortable with the crew, Buggy Pletcher my crew chief, and we are ready for 2012.”

2012 will start at Watermelon Capital, the site for the 2012 SpeedFest, a 200-lap Super Late Model event. Nasse led more than 40 laps in his most recent start at the Cordele, Georgia facility. Now, armed with much more success underneath him, the 2011 Easter Bunny 150 winner is looking to be a tough one to beat come race day.

“It’s a tough place to get around,” said Nasse. “We were planning for Lanier (the original location of SpeedFest 2012 before being moved in recent days), but this is a little closer to home, so we like that. This will be another test for us to make sure we are up to speed and ready for the season.”

Nasse will do battle in SpeedFest 2012 against a tough field of some of the best Super Late Model talents, NASCAR stars and other short track champions. But there’s one NASCAR heavy-hitter that Nasse is most excited to rub fenders with.

“I got really excited when I found out Kyle Busch is going to be running the race,” said Nasse. “I have battles with my dad and the crew guys about who the best driver is and I always say Kyle Busch. He has the most talent and it’s cool to be racing with him.

“Hopefully I can beat him,” said Nasse. “That would go a long way for getting noticed.”

Nasse’s weekend will start on Friday, January 27th with a full day of practice. Saturday will bring more on-track action before qualifying takes place for Sunday’s feature events.

For more information on Stephen Nasse check out his website at www.stephennasse.com.

- 51 Sports Press Release

CONCORD, NC (September 19, 2011) – TJ Reaid was right where he wanted to be at the start of Saturday night’s Second Annual George Elliott Memorial Easy Racers 100 at Gresham Motorsports Park in Jefferson, Georgia.

He was back in his familiar number-41 and at the front of the field.

After qualifying seventh, the pill-draw inversion of seven put Reaid on the pole for the 100-lap event and the Acworth, Georgia native led through the first half of the event. Although winner Bubba Pollard wrestled the lead from Reaid on a second-half restart, Reaid hung on for a strong second-place finish.

“I had built such a big lead that I could pick and choose how to run my car,” said Reaid. “I knew once Augie and Bubba got around us that I’d have to push the car a little harder than I wanted to and it started getting a little tight. All in all, we were in contention. I feel like if we could’ve had a few more laps at the end of the race that we could’ve gotten back to Bubba’s bumper and given him a shot for the win.”

Reaid made his second start of the 2011 season back in his family-owned number-41 Super Late Model. Reaid saw plenty of success and earned many accolades in the family racer in recent seasons before hooking up with NASCAR driver Kyle Busch for a ride with the KBM organization before the 2010 season. Now, after more than a year and a half with that organization, Reaid is back in the 41, a number that his father Tony drove for many years around the dirt tracks of the Southeast, and enjoying the home cooking.

“The last couple races here we’ve had some bad luck. We’d have some good runs put together and then fall short, getting cars torn up and all that. It’s good to be back in the 41 car. I know my dad’s really pumped about that. To get a good run tonight for him really means a whole lot.”

With a solid runner-up finish behind him at one half-mile, Reaid will look to carry that momentum with his 41 ride into Pensacola, Florida’s Five Flags Speedway on Friday, September 23rd for the final round of the Buddy’s Home Furnishings Blizzard Series.

For more on TJ Reaid, please visit his website at www.tjreaid.com.

- 51 Sports Press Release

No. 55 Manpower to Horsepower Chevrolet Impala

Vaught’s latest achievement came on Labor Day in DuQuoin when he piloted his Venturini Motorsports No.55 Manpower to Horsepower Chevrolet to an impressive third-place finish (career best) in the Southern Illinois 100 presented by Federated Auto Parts.

“We didn’t have a very good car until the middle of the race. It started taking rubber and got better and better,” Vaught said. The “Venturinis are a great group of guys and have great equipment. I couldn’t ask for much more. Equipment like this makes it a lot easier for a driver to get good finishes of third and fifth in the dirt races.”

This was Vaught’s second consecutive top-5 finish with Venturini Motorsports in as many starts. Vaught made his debut with Venturini at Springfield on August 21st with a 5th place finish. Earlier in the year he drove his family owned car to a 10th place finish at Talladega.

Additional Information on Manpower to Horsepower

Manpower to Horsepower (MP2HP) is a one of a kind approach to rehabilitating our returning service members for the challenges that post-combat life presents. Whether it is loss of limbs, TBI or PTSD, our servicemen and women coming home are each faced with different obstacles to overcome in their return to daily life.

MP2HP is an accredited program (authorized by the Veteran’s Administration) and is offered through the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. All of the courses are taught locally at the race shop in Mooresville, NC. The courses offer certificated programs in Motorsports Management Technology for military veterans with physical and mental disabilities. These classes are customized to meet the individual goals and needs of each student.

MP2HP is a rehabilitation center that will serve not only as a full service, hands-on rehabilitation facility, but a center where veterans can work together to receive a different type of therapy. This form of therapy will help them successfully acclimate back into society from post-combat stress and injury while affording them real life racing exposure both at the shop and the tracks. The ultimate goal being to offer them a life-changing and productive path for which they can be proud of in an industry that prides itself on self-worth, respect and achievement.

There are more than 3,000,000 disabled Veterans along with another 240,000+ Veterans struggling with the effects of TBI or PTSD as a result of their military service from the Gulf and Afghanistan wars. The unemployment rate of these military heroes’ is well over 60%. Manpower to Horsepower is a Non for Profit Corporation based in North Carolina and a Vet-Help.org (501c3) initiative.

For more information on how you can help Manpower to Horsepower please visit www.manpowertohorsepower.org

- Venturini Motorsports Press Release

Venturini Motorsports Thumbnail

“The caliber of Venturini’s equipment is highly sought after in the ARCA Series and the opportunity to drive for them at Springfield and DuQuoin is an honor,” Will Vaught said. “The switch from a Super Late Model to an ARCA car is completely different. In a Late Model you can feel the suspension under you, where as an ARCA car is much stiffer and more difficult to know what the car is doing. That combined with putting an asphalt car on dirt is definitely a challenge but I’m confident in my ability and the equipment I’ll have with the Venturini’s,” added Vaught.

This will be Vaught’s second ARCA Series start of 2011. Earlier in the season Vaught showed off his talent at Talladega with an impressive top-10 finish on the Superspeedway.

The two race deal between Vaught and Venturini will feature Manpower to Horsepower (MP2HP) as the primary sponsor on the race car.

“Manpower to Horsepower is a phenomenal program which helps wounded veterans get back work after experiencing life changing challenges as a result of the sacrifices they’ve made for our country. I’m excited that Venturini Motorsports has teamed up with this foundation to spread the word of what good we can do for our war veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, added Vaught.

Additional Information on Manpower to Horsepower

Manpower to Horsepower (MP2HP) is a one of a kind approach to rehabilitating our returning service members for the challenges that post-combat life presents. Whether it is loss of limbs, TBI or PTSD, our servicemen and women coming home are each faced with different obstacles to overcome in their return to daily life.

MP2HP is an accredited program (authorized by the Veteran’s Administration) and is offered through the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. All of the courses are taught locally at the race shop in Mooresville, NC. The courses offer certificated programs in Motorsports Management Technology for military veterans with physical and mental disabilities. These classes are customized to meet the individual goals and needs of each student.

MP2HP is a rehabilitation center that will serve not only as a full service, hands-on rehabilitation facility, but a center where veterans can work together to receive a different type of therapy. This form of therapy will help them successfully acclimate back into society from post-combat stress and injury while affording them real life racing exposure both at the shop and the tracks. The ultimate goal being to offer them a life-changing and productive path for which they can be proud of in an industry that prides itself on self-worth, respect and achievement.

There are more than 3,000,000 disabled Veterans along with another 240,000+ Veterans struggling with the effects of TBI or PTSD as a result of their military service from the Gulf and Afghanistan wars. The unemployment rate of these military heroes’s is well over 60%. Manpower to Horsepower is a Non for Profit Corporation based in North Carolina and a Vet-Help.org (501c3) initiative.

For more information on how you can help Manpower to Horsepower please visit www.manpowertohorsepower.org

Manpower to Horsepower is a Non for Profit Corporation based in North Carolina and a Vet-Help.org (501c3) initiative.

- Manpower to Horsepower Press Release

Manpower to Horsepower

Vaught will be making his return to the Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Series after a month hiatus in his family owned No. 1V MP2HP car for the Batesville Motor Speedway events.

“It’s exciting to be back in my family’s equipment after three years of driving for another team.” Will Vaught said. “We built this new car in five days and I am incredibly excited to be back on dirt this weekend. The first time I raced in Batesville we finished in second-place position and unfortunately the second time I raced there we had a motor malfunction. I really hope to go back and finish first for this MP2HP team.”

MP2HP is a one of a kind approach to rehabilitating our returning service members for the challenges that post-combat life presents. Whether it is loss of limbs, TBI or PTSD, our servicemen and women coming home are each faced with different obstacles to overcome in their return to daily life.

MP2HP is an accredited program (authorized by the Veteran’s Administration) and is offered through the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. All of the courses are taught locally at the race shop in Mooresville, NC. The courses offer certificated programs in Motorsports Management Technology for military veterans with physical and mental disabilities. These classes are customized to meet the individual goals and needs of each student.

MP2HP is a rehabilitation center that will serve not only as a full service, hands-on rehabilitation facility, but a center where veterans can work together to receive a different type of therapy. This form of therapy will help them successfully acclimate back into society from post-combat stress and injury while affording them real life racing exposure both at the shop and the tracks. The ultimate goal being to offer them a life-changing and productive path for which they can be proud of in an industry that prides itself on self-worth, respect and achievement.

Vaught will also be the driver of the No. 55 MP2HP Venturini Motorsports ARCA Series car at the Springfield Mile on Sunday, August 21, 2011.

“Working with Manpower to Horsepower has really opened my eyes to how difficult it is to transition from soldier to citizen,” Vaught said. “I am so grateful for Venturini Motorsports and their willingness to become involved with such an incredible organization that is helping to spread the word on how important it is to take care of our military veterans returning from active duty. The education, housing and therapy they assist the veterans and their families in receiving is truly an honor to be associated with.”

For more information on how you can help Manpower to Horsepower please visit www.manpowertohorsepower.org

Manpower to Horsepower is a Non for Profit Corporation based in North Carolina and a Vet-Help.org (501c3) initiative.

- Manpower to Horsepower Press Release

Rod Johnson Jr (RJ) - Position One Motorsports

Baldwin Park, CA (April 27, 2011)

With series regular, and 2010 Sunoco Rookie of the Year, Luis Martinez Jr as his teammate, RJ will be aboard the #9 Sunrise Ford/Lucas Oil Ford entry and hoping that his circle track success can be carried over into the road racing discipline. To date RJ has never raced on a road course, but inexperience hasn’t deterred him in the past. With only 4 years of racing under his belt, the 21 year old has already achieved two professional championships. Despite the impressive resume though RJ understands that this race is not going to be a walk in the park. “I’m really excited to get to start my first NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race, but I’m also nervous about my first road race. It’s a complete learning curve and I’m just looking to complete all the laps and hope for a top-20 finish,” states Johnson. In addition to the Miller race RJ is also planning on running a few more selected races for the Sunrise Ford team later in the year.

To prepare for his debut the RJ spent a couple of days last week with the Sunrise Ford crew, and along with his teammate Martinez, RJ had a successful testing session in which he was able to run the newly configured 2.2-mile road course. “The test at Miller went very well for both RJ and I. I have a lot of faith that both Sunrise Ford cars will do very well at the race. RJ has shown a substantial amount of improvement since the first time he tested at Buttonwillow, just a few weeks ago. I can’t wait to see how he does in the race,” exclaims Martinez. For RJ’s part the time spent on the track was beneficial in preparing him for his first road race. “I felt our test went really well! I learned so much throughout the day and I owe all my improvements to my team and teammate Luis Jr. They have been helping me all throughout our tests,” says Johnson.

The action begins on Saturday at 8:45 a.m. for the practice session, followed by Coors Light Pole Qualifying at 1:30 p.m. and the race starts at 4:30 p.m.

ABOUT POSITION ONE MOTORSPORTS

Based in Baldwin Park, CA, Position One Motorsports enters its 4th year of stock car competition at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale. In the past 3 years of competition, the team has garnered a Championship in the S2 division in 2009, 1 win and multiple top-10s with drivers Mackena Bell, Sergio Pena, Randel King, and Luis Martinez Jr. For 2011, Rod Johnson Jr and Taylor Miinch will pilot the team’s Super Late Model and Late Model division cars respectively. You can follow Position One Motorsports on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PositionOne and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PositionOne. You can also visit the team’s website at www.position-one.com

- Position One Motorsports, Press Release

Ryan Blaney (Photo Credit: 51 Sports)

Blaney will pilot a Toyota owned by Dave Blaney and Ohio businessman Jim Weller. Trent Owens, regularly the crew chief for Reed Sorenson in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, will serve in the same role for the 17-year-old.

“I could not be happier to be making my first NASCAR start,” said Blaney. “To go to a place like Richmond is really cool and to do it in this series, where a lot of young drivers have come in and done well on their way to Cup, Nationwide, and Trucks, is pretty exciting.

“I’m confident in the team’s ability to do well. Between Trent Owens and my dad, there’s a pool of knowledge to pull from to do well at this place.”

Blaney has enjoyed success at the Super Late Model level, having captured five victories across three different states since 2010.

Blaney’s father Dave is a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competitor and was the 1995 World of Outlaws champion.

Seal Wrap, Heavy Duty Industrial Services, and NOS Energy Drink will serve as sponsors.

- Spire Sports + Entertainment Press Release

Historic North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway

On Saturday, the 300-lap green flag event known simply as “The Race” will crown its winner under the lights for the first time since the track opened in 1947. Thirty-five generator set light towers, similar to those that provide light for road crews working at night, will allow fans to enjoy the fifth-eighths mile speedway’s intense action in true Saturday night short-track fashion as 45 drivers battle for the $75,000 first place prize.

“I knew it could be done because my dad raced under generator set lights in the ’70s,” said Alton McBride Jr., who noted the speedway contracted with the Winston-Salem, N.C., branch of United Rentals and Hertz Rentals for the lights. “Tom (Mayberry, PASS owner and president) and I have both raced at some short tracks where we had only half of the candle light power that has been brought to HNWS. I guess you could say the lighting of this legendary track occurred because two warped minds – mine and Tom’s – got together with a wild idea and then sold it to Speedway Associates company team members and it became a reality.”

McBride said there were people who drove by the speedway on Highway 421 Tuesday night, saw the lights and came by the track to purchase tickets Wednesday because they didn’t want to miss “the historic moment.”

“None of this would be possible without PASS and we are proud to be associated with such a class organization,” McBride said.

Daytona 500 winners Geoff Bodine and Sterling Marlin are among the nearly 100 drivers who have entered the event, which will receive the green flag at 6 p.m. Saturday. Practice for the PASS Super Late Models and tour-type Modifieds will be Thursday from 4-8 p.m.. On Friday, practice begins at noon with PASS qualifying for the top-15 positions starting at 5 p.m. Modified time trials are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Twenty-lap PASS Super Late Model qualifying heats are slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, practice starts at noon with the two 40-lap Last Chance races set for 2 p.m. The 100-lap Modified race begins at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets are still available. Adults are $35 each with children ages 6-12 $15 on Saturday. Children under age 6 will be admitted free with a paying adult. Friday’s tickets are $10. Admission on Thursday is free.

- Historic North Wilkesboro Speedway Press Release

Russell Racing Thumbnail

“Can Tim Russell be stopped?”

In the last three races, Russell hasn’t been slowed one bit. The young Floridian scored the hat trick on Saturday, April 2nd, as he earned his third-straight win of the season in the Florida United Promoters Late Model Series race at Columbia Motorsports Park in Lake City, Florida.

“We’ve really found something,” said Russell of his hot streak. “Now, we’ve just to keep the streak going as long as we can.”

Russell started the night in the third spot, but it didn’t take him long to begin his march to the front.

“We got to second pretty quickly, I think about lap 10 we took second away,” said Russell. “It was just us and Wayne (Anderson) pretty much the whole race.”

Even though his Late Model was good, Russell knew he would have to be on his game to get to the top spot.

Tim Russell

With just five laps to go, Russell got his break.

“Wayne had something happen on his car and we inherited the lead. We weren’t the fastest car, but we were really, really close on speeds. We’ll take it though because a win is a win. We’ll just move on and make it better for the next time we go there.”

Up next Russell will head back to New Smyrna Speedway (FL) for the Billie Harvey Memorial 100 on April 16th. With two wins in the event in his career, Russell will look to make it another set of three.

“We had a really strong car at New Smyrna for the Pete Orr Memorial,” he said. “We’re going to bring the car we ran at Speedweeks and try to replace it with some of the things we did at the Pete Orr Memorial. We’re looking for a good result.”

For more information on Tim Russell, please be sure to visit www.timrussellonline.com.

- 51 Sports Press Release

Jared Marks

After posting solid results during the 45th Annual World Series at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway in the Super Late Model (SLM) and Crate Late Model (CLM) divisions respectively, Marks returned to school in the Buckeye State focused on satisfying his achievements with the momentum to carry onto a heavy summer racing season which will consist of competition in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards as well as an aggressive Late Model schedule.

“I’m looking forward to getting school over with so I can fully concentrate on racing,” said 16-year old Marks. “Believe it or not, the balance between maintaining a 4.0 GPA in high school and achieving success on the race track is a fine line.”

He added, “Luckily, a large portion of the race season is during the month where school is out of session. That offers a prime opportunity for me to be focused 100 percent on racing. On average, I’ll spend eight to 10 hours per day in the shop working on cars. I enjoy the hands on portion of working on and learning about them just as much as I do racing them. But, when school is alive, it can be difficult to deal with all of the work in the classroom and at the track.”

Of course when school is in peak, not only is Marks trying to keep his team and sponsors happy but his teachers too.

“My schoolwork is just as important to me as is my racing career. You see, I am enrolled in mostly advance placement and honor courses, so I usually spend two-three hours a night focused on school work. This is combined with the one and a half to two hours a day of weightlifting and cardio exercise to keep in shape and gain a competitive advantage over the competition. I am getting to the point in my career where races are becoming longer, sometimes 250 or even 300 laps, so physical fitness is extremely important,” Marks explained.

With a scheduled race in April at Toledo Speedway next month, Marks is mentally preparing himself.

“I would say that I have the tendency to put a lot of pressure on myself,” Marks explained. “I want to do well not only for myself and our sponsors but for my friends and family too. I’m very lucky to have the support of my friends and especially my family. They are a large part of my success and I appreciate all they have given me. My dad came from a racing background, so he understands the desire to be successful on the racetrack. But, before “play” comes into effect, it’s hitting those books hard and staying on track.”

Tentatively, Marks’ first short-track event for TMRDD (Tony Marks Racing Driver Development) in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is at the tight Toledo Speedway on Sunday, May 15. He will be a teammate to ARCA Rookie of the Year candidate and Canadian female driver

“While it will be fine to race in the Late Models, I’m looking forward to being a teammate at TMR with Maryeve (Dufault),” Marks sounded. “My goal is to work with her and with the TMR so we can bring home the best finishes possible. Of course, I wouldn’t mind a top-five or even a win or two along the way.”

About Tony Marks Racing (TMR):

Tony Marks Racing was founded in 2009 through the passion for racing of team owner and former driver Tony Marks. Marks is the successful owner of TMT, Inc., a logistics, warehousing and packaging company with over 400 employees whose customers are mainly comprised of Fortune 100 companies.

Marks began his racing career in 1985 getting behind the wheel of everything from drag racers, Dirt Late Models, SCCA Formula Fords, USAC F2000 Open Wheel and ARCA cars. Tony personally raced until 2005 amassing numerous wins, championships and track records along the way until he then changed his focus from driver to owner and began building racing programs for his children Jared (16 years old) and Rachel (13 years old). Under the auspices of TMR, Jared began his racing career in 2002 in quarter midgets and now competes in late model, CRA, ASA and ARCA Series events while Rachel continues her development program racing quarter midgets and Bandoleros.

TMR has been at the forefront of charitable giving through its’ “Driving Against Hunger” and “Million Meal Challenge” race programs which have raised over $200,000 for Forgotten Harvest in 2010 at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Michigan International Speedway.

For the NASCAR events TMR along with TMT, Inc. partnered with Forgotten Harvest for the “Million Meal Challenge For Our Kids” which helps to bridge the hunger gap while schools are out of session and feeds 20,000 children per day in the Detroit metro area. Forgotten Harvest was significantly displayed on the entry of Chase Austin during both the Truck and Nationwide events at Michigan International Speedway along with logos of “Million Meal Challenge” sponsors Walgreen’s, United Race Group, Holyfield’s Choice Alka-Power Water and Vitamin Spice. Evander Holyfield was also instrumental in the challenge, acting as Grand Marshall for the August race and announcing his “Fight Against Hunger” on behalf of Forgotten Harvest.

As the first race team to “Drive Against Hunger” through their partnership with Forgotten Harvest, TMR plans to continue their alliance with Forgotten Harvest and once again “Drive Against Hunger” during the 2011 season.

For additional information on TMT, Inc. please visit; tmtcompanies.net.

- Tony Marks Racing Press Release

Gus Dean

Under the leadership of USARacing Pro Cup Series veteran A.J. Frank, the youngster climbed into a Super Late Model for the first time in his career at the tight short track Saturday morning.

In practice, Dean quickly found his comfort zone in the No. 56 Whirlpool Cooling and Heating Chevrolet Impala. Following the foot steps of some of the series’ most developed drivers, Dean posted respectable practice times while communicating with Frank about the handling of his race car.

Looking for a solid starting position in time trials, the former American Kart Racing Association’s Junior II National Points Series champion posted the 18th fastest lap in qualifying, just a few tenths off the pole sitter.

Despite taking the green flag in the “eye of the storm” on a short track, Dean immediately began throttling forward through the field. Patiently, he studied his prey and took one position at a time while still climbing the No. 56 Whirlpool Cooling and Heating Chevrolet Impala up the leader board.

Reaching the top-10 by the halfway mark, Dean would continue to adjust to the heavier Super Late Model but impress the members of his Gus Dean Racing (GDR) team by posting lap times comparable to the leaders.

In the second-half of the event, the field would be stretched out into a long-green flag run which would allow the leaders to eventually lock onto the bumper of the No. 56 Chevrolet. Wanting to earn the respect of his competitors, Dean cautiously-aggressive tried to maintain his lead lap status but to no avail.

Thankfully, Dean’s determination kept his machine in the “Lucky Dog” position and when a late race caution flew, Dean would retain his lap lost.

Starting from the rear of the field, Dean methodically and diligently worked his way again though the lead pack and landed back in the 10th position when the checkered flag waived.

“I learned a lot out there,” said Dean following the event. “A.J. (Frank) and the team gave me a good race car. This place is no piece of cake in this heavier car, but I just kept my head straight and focused on my goal that I set earlier in the day, finishing in the top-10.”

He continued, “We’re running good and that’s a great feeling. I just want to thank Whirlpool Cooling and Heating, MODOC Research Group and The CornerStone Grill for their support and faith in this race team. Also a huge thanks to my Mom and Dad and the team for their hard work and encouragement.”

A.J. Frank, who’s become Dean’s driver coach as well as his crew chief, commented on his pupil’s performance. “I’m real proud of Gus,” he said. “The kid has impressed me a ton with his ability to get up to speed at some very difficult tracks. His feedback is right on and his heart is in the right place. It’s a real honor to work with him.

I want to thank Gus, the guys on the team, our sponsors and RE Suspension for their help and support this weekend. We enjoyed competing in the PASS Series and look forward to coming back soon.”

In addition to PASS South Series competition, Dean and Co. will run in the Late Model (LM) and other Super Late Model (SLM) events across the Southeast all year long.

For more on Gus Dean, please visit GusDean.com.

For additional input on Whirlpool Cooling and Heating, please logon to WhirlpoolHVAC.com.

- Gus Dean Racing Press Release

Gus Dean, driver of the No. 56 Whirlpool Cooling and Heating Chevrolet Impala SS.

Dean, the Bluffton, South Carolina native heads to the racetrack with the same mentality he took to the Sunshine State which includes learning and earning the respect of his peers. Just like New Smyrna, short trace ace A.J. Frank returns to the role as crew chief and driver coach for the first PASS contest of the season.

“I’m pretty optimistic about this weekend,” said the 16 year protégé. “Overall, our week at New Smyrna was quite a success all things considered. Obviously this weekend is just a normal racing schedule but I know exactly what I have to do.”

A barrier that Dean who in 2007 earned American Kart Racing Association’s Junior II National Points Series Championship and his Gus Dean Racing (GDR) team will face will be the rising star’s familiarity with a Super Late Model (SLM). After competing in both the Crate and Pro-Late Model divisions, the Electric City 150 will mark the first outing in the more challenging SLM.

“Anytime you race a new type of car, you can have some jitter bugs,” explained Dean. “Luckily, I have a great team and A.J. (Frank) as my mentor, so I’m prepared for any initial obstacles we may initially face.”

With no prior experience at the tight and treacherous AMS and hearing that the track is somewhat similar to Florence Speedway, a track he competed in the Allison Legacy Series, Dean realizes that plenty of seat time is crucial.

“There’s going to be a lot of tracks this year I’ve never been to,” admitted Dean. “Thankfully, I have prepared myself adequately both mentally and physically to adapt to my new surroundings. My goal for this weekend is very similar to New Smyrna, learn, earn and finish.”

For the second consecutive race, Whirlpool Cooling and Heating will leap aboard the team’s No. 56 Chevrolet Impala as the primary sponsor. “With a lot of teams just struggling to the race track, I am super blessed to have a great crew and a sponsor like Whirlpool Cooling and Heating. Their support has been incredible and their faith in me to represent their company is something you really can’t describe. Hopefully, Saturday, a good finish will let them know how much I appreciate them.”

MODOC Research Group and The CornerStone Grill will continue their support of the former Allison Legacy Series (ALS) pilot this weekend.

In addition to PASS South Series competition, Dean and Co. will run in the Late Model (LM) and other Super Late Model (SLM) events across the Southeast all year long.

For more on Gus Dean, please visit GusDean.com.

For additional input on Whirlpool Cooling and Heating, please logon to WhirlpoolHVAC.com.

- Gus Dean Racing Press Release

Gus Dean, driver of the No. 56 Whirlpool Cooling and Heating Chevrolet Impala SS.

Dean, 16 from Bluffton, South Carolina entered Speedweeks with the mind set of gaining speed, experience and respect of his fellow competitors. When the No.56 Whirlpool Cooling and Heating / Cornerstone Grill / Modoc Research Chevrolet Impala was unloaded, he immediately did just that!

Having only one chance to qualify for the whole week of racing, Dean had to get up to speed very quickly. In qualifying, he would post the eighth quickest time out of 24 cars that participated in that session. He would continue to gain more respect by going on to finish eighth that first night, racing like a veteran and bringing the car home without a scratch! Gus continued to gain confidence and speed everyday, while the team led by short track ace AJ Frank, was obviously building on what seems to be great chemistry. They would go on to have strong finishes every night never finishing outside the top-10.

On the fifth night of action hopes were high when Dean posted the fourth fastest speed in final practice that day. Unfortunately, while running solidly inside the top-five, two of the lead cars got together spinning in front of the whole field. Dean having no place to go would get collected receiving significant damage on the No. 56 car.

The wreck would prevent the team from competing in the last two nights of competition, but had gained enough points to still finish in the top 10 in the seven-race series. Even with the disappointment, the team is satisfied with what they accomplished and looking forward to a successful 2011 campaign.

“I want to thank Whirlpool Cooling and Heating, Cornerstone Grill, and Modoc Research for their continued devotion and belief in myself and our team.” He continued “Speedweeks was a great experience for me, and I feel a lot more comfortable in the bigger cars, I am very excited for the next race”

Dean’s next event will be the 150 lap PASS Super Late Model series opener at Anderson Speedway on Saturday, March 12th, 2011.

In addition to Late Model competition at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway, Dean and Co. will run in the PASS South Series and other Super Late Model (SLM) events across the Southeast all year long.

For more on Gus Dean, please visit GusDean.com.

For additional input on Whirlpool Cooling and Heating, please logon to WhirlpoolHVAC.com.

- Gus Dean Racing Press Release

Russell Racing

The one major prize that had eluded him though was the overall championship at the annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway (FL). Wrecks, blown engines and many other gremlins cost him the title over the last four seasons. 2011 might have turned out the same with strong talent from all end of the country coming into Russell’s wheel house. However in 2011 it felt different, no matter what went down on the race track Russell managed to find a way to keep his number 36 atop the points and with a fourth-place finish on Saturday night he scored the overall championship in the Super Late Model division.

“I owe this one all to my team,” said Russell in an emotional victory lane after the 100 lapper. “We’ve got one of the best teams out there. We’ve been working hard for many years to win this and finally we brought a title back to Russell Racing. My Dad’s won it and Pete Orr won it when he drove for my Russell Racing, so this is a pretty cool accomplishment.”

Russell scored two wins and had seven top-five finishes heading into the final night for the Super Late Models. Where wrecks and blown engines had cost him in the past this time, it looked as if they were home free as other suffered the gremlins that coast Russell in years past. However, after time trials for the main event Russell and the crew pulled the car from the impound area to work on it and elected to start at the rear with a race win and championship on the line.

“We were only 14th fastest so we figured we should work on it because it’s not good enough to win the race,” said Russell after qualifying. “We’ll see what we can do to make it go faster.”

The car was faster, but Russell found himself tangled up in a 12-car wreck just inside the 10th lap. The 36 suffered minor damage, but the crew made half a dozen pit stops to get it back to where it could race. Russell slowly picked his way up the leader board and clinched the championship when fellow competitor Ryan Moore went behind the wall.

“I was just sitting there riding, going half-throttling it at the beginning,” explained Russell. “I saw the wreck happen and got whoa’ed-up, but the guy behind me must’ve been driving off his hood and piled us into it. Fortunately, we didn’t get anything torn up, but the (steering) rack plate is down about an inch. I just was wheeling it as hard as I could. I can’t thank the guys enough for fixing it as quick and as well as they did. I’d like to thank All Cabling Security and Fire for stepping up for us this week. Without them, none of this would be possible.”

At the end of the week Russell scored eight top-five finishes to score the championship at the 45th Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car racing. Now Russell looks to win the Pete Orr Memorial 100 win in March, which would mean as much to him and his crew as any of the big wins they have had over years.

“Winning the Pete Orr would be cool,” said Russell. “Pete drove for the family so it would be extra special and that’s our next goal at New Smyrna Speedway.”

The Pete Orr Memorial Orange Blossom 100 will take place on Saturday, March 26th at New Smyrna Speedway (FL). Tim Russell will be going for his third win of the 2011 season.

For more information on Tim Russell check out his website at timrussellonline.com.

- Speed 51 Press Release

Jared Marks

Though never having the opportunity to actual race at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway, Marks care of his Tony Marks Racing (TMR) team spent their off-season profusely getting the 16-year old development driver accustomed to the tricky short track’s demeanor. In addition to his Late Model, Marks even tested the heavier 3,400-pound ARCA stock car, gathering a feel for the heavier machine as he’ll take to the diverse tour later this season.

When the first green flag flies on Friday night, February 11th, Marks in his No. 5 Tony Marks Racing Dodge Charger looks for consistency and comfort to set the tone for the short track version of Speedweeks 2011 with crew chief Jamie Roulo on top of the box, calling the shots.

“Testing went well despite the rain we faced,” offered Marks, a second-generation racer. “We gained a lot of knowledge during the test that I think will be useful for all nine days of competition.”

The youngster also commented on working alongside his newest friend, Roulo. “I’m looking forward to having Jamie on our side at New Smyrna. I’m counting on him to critique me all the way around. I want to know when I’m doing something right and I definitely want to know when I’m doing something wrong. His help will only make me a better driver.”

It’s a big week for the Marks family. While Jared Marks is hoping to nestle into a comfortable presence at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway, his father Tony Marks will be eyeing a successful season opener in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, approximately 15 miles southwest of New Smyrna with his TMR teammate Maryeve Dufault.

“I’m really proud of everything my dad has accomplished in such a short time with TMR,” continued the younger Marks, who himself tested competitively in an ARCA car at the 2.5-mile monster superspeedway last month. “He is a very busy guy, but he has really done a lot to not only support my racing career but help bring other drivers racing dreams come true. I hope it’s going to be a good couple weeks for TMR.”

Once the ARCA Racing Series season-opener is in the books, Jared Marks will have the solo support of his father at his side striving to make him proud by accomplishing his own personal goal.

“My goal is to survive all nine nights,” Marked offered. “I want to look at the whole nine nights as one big race in both divisions. If we can finish all the races, than I will be extremely satisfied with our effort. Without a doubt, we are capable of winning and that’s what I want to do for everyone at TMR, but I’m also trying to be realistic and not set the goals too high for myself. Focus is my determination and finishing will be my strength onto the next one (race).”

To further aid him in his trial and tribulations at New Smyrna, Jarit Johnson, brother of five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson and an avid race car driver himself will be on-hand to critique and steer Marks in the right direction.

“Jarit is just like one of us,” Marks commented. “He’s a great guy who wants to race. I am very thankful to him for caring so much about my racing career and program. He’s definitely taught me some things over the last week or two and I know I will only continue to learn more as I converse with him.”

For Johnson, himself a competitive racer, his early intuition of Marks reminds him a lot of himself.

“Jared is a good kid,” said Johnson, who also hails starts in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. “I’m all about helping. Jared does a good job listening and asking questions and that is one of the necessities of being an up and coming driver. It should be a fun week at New Smyrna.”

In addition to running a limited Late Model schedule this year across the Country, the Napoleon, Ohio native will also compete in a second part-time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards entry for Tony Marks Racing tentatively set to liftoff from Salem (Ind.) Speedway on May 1, 2011.

About Tony Marks Racing (TMR):

Tony Marks Racing was founded in 2009 through the passion for racing of team owner and former driver Tony Marks. Marks is the successful owner of TMT, Inc., a logistics, warehousing and packaging company with over 400 employees whose customers are mainly comprised of Fortune 100 companies.

Marks began his racing career in 1985 getting behind the wheel of everything from drag racers, Dirt Late Models, SCCA Formula Fords, USAC F2000 Open Wheel and ARCA cars. Tony personally raced until 2005 amassing numerous wins, championships and track records along the way until he then changed his focus from driver to owner and began building racing programs for his children Jared (16 years old) and Rachel (13 years old). Under the auspices of TMR, Jared began his racing career in 2002 in quarter midgets and now competes in late model, CRA, ASA and ARCA Series events while Rachel continues her development program racing quarter midgets and Bandoleros.

TMR has been at the forefront of charitable giving through its’ “Driving Against Hunger” and “Million Meal Challenge” race programs which have raised over $200,000 for Forgotten Harvest in 2010 at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Michigan International Speedway.

For the NASCAR events TMR along with TMT, Inc. partnered with Forgotten Harvest for the “Million Meal Challenge For Our Kids” which helps to bridge the hunger gap while schools are out of session and feeds 20,000 children per day in the Detroit metro area. Forgotten Harvest was significantly displayed on the entry of Chase Austin during both the Truck and Nationwide events at Michigan International Speedway along with logos of “Million Meal Challenge” sponsors Walgreen’s, United Race Group, Holyfield’s Choice Alka-Power Water and Vitamin Spice. Evander Holyfield was also instrumental in the challenge, acting as Grand Marshall for the August race and announcing his “Fight Against Hunger” on behalf of Forgotten Harvest.

As the first race team to “Drive Against Hunger” through their partnership with Forgotten Harvest, TMR plans to continue their alliance with Forgotten Harvest and once again “Drive Against Hunger” during the 2011 season.

For additional information on TMT, Inc. please visit; tmtcompanies.net.

- Tony Marks Racing Press Release