No. 38 Great Clips Chevrolet Impala - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images for NASCAR

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to join Turner Motorsports,” said Shiplett. “This is a team that has proven that they have all of the necessary tools to go out and contend for wins each and every week and I look forward to helping to add to their success. I’m especially excited to work with Kasey again and to establishing a strong relationship with Brad. Great Clips is the longest-running sponsor in the series, so I am very proud to represent them both on and off the track.”

Shiplett, a former racer himself, has over 20 years of racing experience and has worked at several championship-caliber teams in all three of NASCAR’s top touring series. The Ohio-native will have a unique opportunity next season to work with a successful veteran (Kahne) and an up and coming rookie driver (Sweet). Kahne will be driving the No. 38 for 15 races throughout the year with Sweet stepping in to fill out the balance of the 33 races on the NNS schedule.

For his part, Kahne looks forward to teaming back up with Shiplett and feels that he could be just the person to help lead the No. 38 Great Clips team back to victory lane.

“It will be great to work with Mike again,” said Kahne. “He’s done a lot in the sport and he will be a great asset to Turner Motorsports. This 38 team has been on the verge of getting back into victory lane and I think the addition of Mike to the team is just what we need to get us there.”

Great Clips, Inc. is currently the longest-running sponsor in the NNS and has used the Nationwide Series as their primary marketing platform for the last 11 years. Their sponsorship began in 2000 with Akins Motorsports as they climbed on board to sponsor the team’s No. 38 entry with driver, Christian Elder. Mark Green piloted the No. 38 for one season before general manager, Doug Stringer, hired up-and-coming talent, Kasey Kahne, thereby solidifying Great Clips commitment to their NASCAR sponsorship.

Turner Motorsports Thumbnail

Turner Motorsports, LLC, established in 1999, has completed 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. The Chevrolet-backed team has created alliances with General Motors’ powerhouse teams Hendrick Motorsports, which provides engine support for both its NNS and NCWTS programs, and Earnhardt Technology Group for drive train and suspension technology assistance. Turner Motorsports’ marketing partners include Great Clips, BRANDT, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Exide, AccuDoc Solutions, Wolfpack Rentals, Fraternal Order of Eagles and ABF Freight. For more information on Turner Motorsports, visit www.turnermotorsportsllc.com.

About Great Clips:

Great Clips, Inc. was established in 1982 in Minneapolis. Today, Great Clips has more than 3,000 salons throughout the United States and Canada, making it the world’s largest salon brand. Great Clips salons employ nearly 30,000 stylists who receive ongoing training to learn advanced skills and the latest trends. Make Great Clips your choice for value-priced, high-quality haircare for men, women and children. No appointments needed, and salons are open nights and weekends. And, it’s more convenient than ever with Great Clips’ Online Check-In. To check-in online, visit www.greatclips.com or download the app for Android and iPhone. For more information about Great Clips, Inc. or to find a location near you, visit www.greatclips.com.

- Turner Motorsports Press Release

Great Clips Racing

All three drivers have deep roots in open wheel racing and all three look to be strong contenders for the Golden Driller trophy. Leffler, who will be driving for owner Keith Kunz, is credited with multiple USAC championships throughout his career. His best performance in the five-day event occurred in 1998 when he came away with a second-place finish. Other top finishes include a fifth-place in 2004 and ninth in 2000. Leffler did lay claim to the title as an owner when Damion Gardner won in the event in 2008, driving under the Leffler Racing banner.

Sweet and Hummel will both be driving KKR entries in the event. Sweet also made a name for himself in the national open wheel racing circuits. Tapped to drive for KKR in 2008, Sweet became a superstar in his own right in the USAC racing world with victories including the Belleville Midget Nationals, the Knoxville Midget Nationals and both the Sprint Car and Midget “Four Crown Nationals” at Eldora Speedway. Sweet has made four starts in the Chili Bowl Nationals with a best finish of ninth in 2010.

Hummel, who works for KKR as a mechanic, will be making his third start in the Chili Bowl Nationals. Prior to working at KKR, Hummel moonlighted in the midget series in California and Indiana. His career-best finish was seventh at Belleville.

After a practice session on Monday, January 9th, the 26th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals will kick off one night later with the first of four qualifying nights. For Leffler, Tuesday night will include the fourth annual International Chili Bowl Race of Champions, featuring past event winners and other top Chili Bowl contenders squaring off in a special feature race. The action continues with Wednesday’s River Spirit Casino Qualifier, Thursday’s Suburban Chevrolet Qualifier and then Friday’s International Qualifier.

The top-three finishers from each of the Qualifying Night features will automatically lock into the Saturday night (January 14th) Lucas Oil Chili Bowl championship feature, with the balance of Saturday’s Lucas Oil championship feature events lined up according to Qualifying Night finishes.

Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals Quick Facts

What: 26th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals

Where: Tulsa Expo Raceway – ¼-mile clay oval inside the QuikTrip Center at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds

When:

January 10-14, 2011

Tuesday – Warren CAT Qualifying Night plus Vacuworx Chili Bowl Race of Champions

Wednesday – River Spirit Casino Qualifying Night

Thursday – Suburban Chevrolet Qualifying Night

Friday – Vacuworx International Qualifying Night

Saturday – Lucas Oil Championship Feature Events

The five nights of racing action will be preceded by a practice session on Monday, January 9.

Past Winners: Kevin Swindell (2010 and 2011), Sammy Swindell (2009, 1998, 1996, 1992 and 1989), Damion Gardner (2008), Tony Stewart (2007 and 2002), Tim McCreadie (2006), Tracy Hines (2005), Cory Kruseman (2004 and 2000), Dan Boorse (2003 and 1999), Jay Drake (2001), Billy Boat (1997), Donnie Beechler (1995), Andy Hillenburg (1994), Dave Blaney (1993), Lealand McSpadden (1991), Jon Heydenreich (1990), Scott Hatton (1988), Rich Vogler (1987).

Trade Show: Always a popular attraction at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals is the Trade Show, which is open to the public each day (Tuesday through Saturday) free of charge. All variety of racing products, apparel and more is available with well over 100 different vendors. The Trade Show covers approximately 20,000 square feet.

Tickets: A limited number of reserved seats for Tuesday night’s Warren CAT Qualifying Event and the Fourth Annual Vacuworx International Chili Bowl Race of Champions are available for $43 per person and may be obtained by calling 918-838-3777 or at the gate if still available. Pit passes for all five nights are available at the gate as well.

Chili Bowl on the Net: All official news pertaining to the 26th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, including official entry lists, race results and recaps, is available first at www.chilibowl.com. Also, all five nights of the Chili Bowl Nationals will be broadcast live (audio) on www.racinboys.com.

- Stringer Motorsports / Great Clips, Inc. Press Release

No. 38 Great Clips Chevrolet Impala - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images for NASCAR

Kahne began his NNS career wheeling the No. 38 car with Great Clips, Inc. serving as sponsor. Together, Kahne and the world’s largest salon brand reached momentous milestones including capturing Kahne’s first NNS victory in 2003 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It was also Great Clips’ first win as primary sponsor. In 2005, Kahne captured his second career win at Texas Motor Speedway before stepping out of the ride as he progressed to the Sprint Cup Series ranks. In 2010, Kahne decided to return to the NNS on a limited basis and found himself back at the helm of the No. 38 machine, sporting the banner of his longtime sponsor. During both the 2010 and 2011 NNS seasons, Kahne piloted the car for eight races, racking up four top-five and six top-10 finishes.

Following in the footsteps of Kahne, Sweet made a name for himself in the national open-wheel racing circuits. After being tapped to drive for KKR in 2008 by Kahne himself, Sweet became a superstar in his own right in the USAC racing world with victories including the Belleville Midget Nationals, the Knoxville Midget Nationals and both the Sprint Car and Midget “Four Crown Nationals” at Eldora Speedway. Showing no signs of slowing his success, Sweet will embark upon a new adventure as he makes his debut in the NNS in 2012 with Turner Motorsports. No stranger to the Great Clips Racing family, Sweet has made 18 NCWTS starts as well as one NNS start (2010) sporting the Great Clips banner over the last three seasons.

Kahne has thoroughly enjoyed reuniting with his longtime sponsor and is looking forward to another season representing the Minneapolis-based company.

“I have had such a long-standing relationship with Great Clips and it’s been great teaming back up with them again,” says Kahne. “They gave me my first real shot in this sport and that is something I have never forgotten.”

For his part, Sweet is ready to jump into this next phase of his career and is grateful for the support of Great Clips, Turner Motorsports and Kahne.

“I can’t begin to say how excited and grateful I am for this opportunity to compete in the Nationwide Series and to join Kasey in representing Great Clips both on and off the track,” says Sweet. “Turner Motorsports is a first class organization with equipment capable of contending for wins week in and week out. I don’t think I could be in a better position to take the next step in my racing career.”

Great Clips, Inc. is currently the longest-running sponsor in the NNS and has used the Nationwide Series as their primary marketing platform for the last 11 years. Their sponsorship began in 2000 with Akins Motorsports as they climbed on board to sponsor the team’s No. 38 entry with driver, Christian Elder. Mark Green piloted the No. 38 for one season before general manager, Doug Stringer, hired up-and-coming talent, Kasey Kahne, thereby solidifying Great Clips commitment to their NASCAR sponsorship.

About Turner Motorsports:

Turner Motorsports, LLC, established in 1999, has completed 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. The Chevrolet-backed team has created alliances with General Motors’ powerhouse teams Hendrick Motorsports, which provides engine support for both its NNS and NCWTS programs, and Earnhardt Technology Group for drive train and suspension technology assistance. Turner Motorsports’ marketing partners include Great Clips, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, BRANDT, Exide, AccuDoc Solutions, Wolfpack Rentals, Fraternal Order of Eagles and ABF Freight. For more information on Turner Motorsports, visit www.turnermotorsportsllc.com.

About Great Clips:

Great Clips, Inc. was established in 1982 in Minneapolis. Today, Great Clips has more than 3,000 salons throughout the United States and Canada, making it the world’s largest salon brand. Great Clips salons employ nearly 30,000 stylists who receive ongoing training to learn advanced skills and the latest trends. Make Great Clips your choice for value-priced, high-quality haircare for men, women and children. No appointments needed, and salons are open nights and weekends. And, it’s more convenient than ever with Great Clips’ Online Check-In. To check-in online, visit www.greatclips.com. or download the app for Android and iPhone. For more information about Great Clips, Inc. or to find a location near you, visit www.greatclips.com.

- Turner Motorsports Press Release

Justin Allgaier

“Our NASCAR program has grown significantly over the years, and because of the strong support our racing program receives from our customers and vendors each year, it was a no-brainer to make it 19 straight seasons of such activity in 2012,” said Steve Cook, Northeastern Supply’s President and CEO.

During the company’s nearly two decades of NASCAR programming, Northeastern Supply has grown from a business with six branches in two Middle Atlantic States to one operating 32 branches and distribution centers conducting business in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, DC.

“The associate support we have given so many NASCAR teams in the Nationwide Division over the years has been an interesting journey for our company, and because of how they do business and treat their sponsors, it was an easy decision for us to remain with Turner Motorsports for another season,” Cook explained.

“We enjoyed three good seasons backing the efforts of the Great Clips team and drivers Jason Leffler and Kasey Kahne. Now we’ve decided to move over to Justin Allgaier and the #31 Brandt Farm Equipment Chevrolet team in 2012 in hopes of helping them challenge for the championship,” Cook added.

Allgaier is the 25-year-old Riverton, IL driver who in his last two Nationwide Series campaigns has posted two victories and finished fourth and third, respectively, in the 2010 and 2011 driver championship competition. Allgaier’s 2010 effort came while driving a Dodge for Penske Racing before moving over to a Chevrolet at Turner Motorsports last season in which he recorded six top five and 17 top ten finishes in beating everyone in points except for champ Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. and runner-up Elliott Sadler.

Nicknamed “Little Gator” at a young age because of his small size and ferociousness behind the wheel, Allgaier began developing his talents driving quarter midgets and by the time he was 12 had already earned more than 100 feature wins and five championships.

Allgaier steadily progressed up the competition ladder, moving to Late Models at age 13. In 2001, at just 14 years of age, Allgaier made national headlines when he became the youngest driver to ever qualify for the ‘A’ Main in the famed Chili Bowl indoor midget event in Tulsa, OK. That performance enabled Justin to earn a shot to race full bodied stock cars two years later when he debuted in the ARCA RE/MAX Series with a team part-owned by former NASCAR star Ken Schrader. In three starts in this high-level competition that season, Allgaier earned a best finish of 11th and the experience served as a springboard to a full-time ARCA effort in 2006.

In 2007, after returning to the Chili Bowl and earning a third place finish in the ‘A’ Main behind now 3-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and veteran J.J. Yeley, Allgaier ran all 23 ARCA races and finished fourth in driver points after winning once, posting four top five and 11 top ten finishes. He also found time that year to win five UMP Late Model Series and three midget races, displaying ability to successfully drive pretty much anything on four wheels.

Allgaier raced 21 times in 2008 in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, and at the age of 22 captured the overall championship with a 6-win, 14 top-five and 16 top-ten campaign that directly propelled him to NASCAR and a driver development contract with Penske Racing. He made his Nationwide Series debut for Penske that same year before competing full-time in the country’s second top stock car circuit in 2009.

In 35 starts that season, Allgaier recorded three top five and 12 top ten finishes en-route to a 6th place finish in driver points. Only a lack of sponsorship dollars kept Allgaier from continuing with the Penske organization beyond the 2010 season when Justin had a breakout year that included his first Nationwide Series victory, two poles, an average 11th place finish and a 4th place effort in driver points. Penske Racing’s loss is obviously Turner Motorsports’ gain and now to the benefit of Justin’s newest sponsor, Northeastern Supply.

Allgaier will be the lone Turner Motorsports driver to carry the Northeastern Supply flag in 2012 that will feature the hard-charging chauffeur in various Northeastern Supply promotions conducted throughout the season. Heading these promotions will be a variety of customer-driven events to be held in conjunction with each of the two NASCAR race weekends at the Dover (DE) International Speedway, Northeastern Supply’s “home” race track.

“We’re excited to have Northeastern Supply back in the Turner Motorsports family next year,” Allgaier stated. “The upcoming season will be Northeastern’s 19th consecutive in NASCAR Nationwide Series competition and fourth straight with Turner Motorsports. I know they have several big events scheduled throughout the year and I’m honored to have the chance to be included and play a more integral part in them.”

Allgaier is the latest top name to be added to the impressive list of drivers who have been sponsored by Northeastern Supply over the years. That list includes Leffler, Kahne, Yeley, Mike and Kenny Wallace, Jason Keller, Phil Parsons, Sterling Marlin, Hank Parker, Jr. and Kevin Lepage.

- On Track Marketing, Inc. Press Release

Larry (L) and Brandon McReynolds (R) talk during Friday’s ARCA test session at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway

“Brandon McReynolds eyes first start at Daytona in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200″

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Two-time Daytona 500 winning crew chief Larry McReynolds, who serves as an analyst on the NASCAR broadcast team for FOX Sports, watched over his son Brandon as the annual three-day ARCA Racing Series test session kicked off on Friday at Daytona International Speedway.

Approximately 60 drivers are participating in the test session in advance of the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season opener on Saturday, Feb. 18, the kick-off event to the stock car portion of Speedweeks 2012.

The 20-year-old McReynolds is turning laps at the “World Center of Racing” in the No. 4 Chevrolet for Turner Motorsports as he prepares for his first start on the 31-degree high banks of Daytona International Speedway.

McReynolds participated in the ARCA test two years ago with Eddie Sharp Racing, but didn’t have plans at the time to compete at Daytona. This year’s test is different. He knows he’s preparing for his Daytona debut in the upcoming 80-lap, 200-mile event.

“It’s a little more serious,” McReynolds said. “We’re always looking for speed. I think you got some guys out here laying down some PR laps. That’s not what Turner Motorsports is about. We’re down here for a legit test to see how fast we can go with what we’re going to be racing. I think we got a good piece.”

In background of the test is Brandon’s father Larry McReynolds, who won the Daytona 500 serving as the crew chief for Davey Allison in 1992 and Dale Earnhardt in 1998.

“When we won the 500 here with Davey in 1992, Brandon was not even a year old,” Larry McReynolds said. “He was Davey’s godson. I’ve got pictures of him in Victory Lane wrapped up in a baby’s blanket. It’s pretty cool to see him make laps here.”

During this week’s test, McReynolds stays at a distance but is always ready to offer advice to his son.

“He’s been racing since he was seven,” McReynolds said. “I’ve always played a huge role in his racing whether it was paying the bills or running the race team. We did that for a number of years with our own stuff. But Steve Turner and Turner Motorsports are giving him a great opportunity with great people.

“It’s actually kind of neat just being down here and being dad and just listening on the radio. At the end of the day, I can look at him and tell him things that I heard or saw or this is something you might want to think about. I do not want to be a meddling dad. I want to be here and support him and the race team and enjoy watching his career grow.”

Brandon McReynolds is unsure of his 2012 plans but hopes it will be at Turner Motorsports.

“We’re still working on it. I hope to be over at Turner Motorsports. I really enjoy working with those guys. They’ve let me do some testing over the offseason and I ran Talladega with those guys. I feel like I’ve got a really good home over there. We’re working away on it. It takes sponsorship to make race cars go around these days and we’re working on it. We’ll see what happens.”

Alli Owens

The 23-year-old Owens, who attempted to qualify for the February NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at DIS, sat out the majority of the 2011 season to have a baby. After giving birth to a daughter in October, Owens is ready to return to the track.

“It’s huge,” Owens said. “I just had a baby a couple of months ago. To be able to come back out here after everybody pretty much wrote me off . . . it seems like if you’re a mom, you’re done.”

During the test, Owens is driving the No. 1 Ford for Andy Belmont Racing and is planning on making her fourth career start in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200.

Her husband Paul Chodora, who works for a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team, is serving as her crew chief for the test.

Owens, with sponsorship from Baby Jock, is only scheduled to compete in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 but is exploring opportunities in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series for 2012.

“I was nervous,” Owens said of having a baby and then returning to racing. “It’s never been done before. You never see females who decide to have a family come back and be successful in the sport. We’re trying to do something that hasn’t been done before.

“To be back out here this year, it’s been even more special because I am a mom and now I’m getting the respect of being a parent and a driver.”

ARCA testing continues on Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A section of the Oldfield Grandstands will be open free to the public with access available through the lobby of the Daytona International Speedway ticket office.

Tickets for the 54th running of the Daytona 500 and other Speedweeks 2012 events are available online to www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

- Daytona International Speedway Press Release

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The 28-year-old driver made his mark racing go-karts at age 14, winning a regional championship in his home country of Brazil. Paludo then headed to the national ranks, racing Renault Clios in 2006, earning two podium finishes. He found further success in the Porsche GT3 Championship Series earning three wins, two poles and 11 top-three finishes in 2008, winning the series championship that year as well as in 2009.

Paludo made the transcontinental move to the stock car ranks in 2010, making nine K&N Pro Series East starts before jumping to the NCWTS in August of that year. Paludo made a statement in his first start, notching an impressive ninth-place finish at the high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway.

Paludo joins a stable of drivers including James Buescher and Nelson Piquet, Jr. who will contend for the 2012 NCWTS championship.

“I’m really excited to join Turner Motorsports next season,” said Paludo. “I’m grateful to Mr. [Steve] Turner for the opportunity he has given me to drive for the team and I’m looking forward to a strong season in 2012. I’m also thrilled to have some really strong teammates and I’m excited to see what we can do to make next season a good one for Turner Motorsports as we make a run for the championship.”

In adding Paludo to the already strong line-up of talent, team owner Steve Turner is affirming his commitment to giving young drivers a strong platform on which to build their careers.

“Miguel [Paludo] adds another dimension to our NASCAR Camping World Truck Series lineup,” Turner said. “He has shown a significant amount of potential and is committed to making his mark in the NASCAR ranks. He is a proven champion winning titles in multiple disciplines. I am looking forward to a very competitive 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season and watching all of our entries run up front.”

About Turner Motorsports:

Turner Motorsports, LLC, established in 1999, has completed its sophomore season of NASCAR competition. Owned by Texas businessman Steve Turner, the organization 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. The Chevrolet-backed team has created alliances with General Motors’ powerhouse teams Hendrick Motorsports, which provides engine support for both its NNS and NCWTS programs, and Earnhardt Technology Group for drive train and suspension technology assistance. Turner Motorsports’ marketing partners include Great Clips, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Monster Energy, BRANDT, 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

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Coming to Turner Motorsports for his sophomore year of Camping World Truck Series competition, Piquet Jr. brings with him a rich racing heritage. The son of three-time Formula One World Champion, Nelson Piquet, Piquet Jr. began racing karts at 8-years-old in his native Brazil. Making his way through the open-wheel racing ranks in South America and Europe, he made his Formula One debut in 2008 before making the transition to NASCAR in 2010. Currently engaged in a fierce battle for the 2011 NCWTS Rookie of the Year honors, Piquet Jr. has recorded four top-five and 12 top-10 finishes in 24 starts this season.

Nelson Piquet Jr. (Photo Credit: Lesley Ann Miller)

“I am excited to have the opportunity to come to Turner Motorsports in 2012. They are one of the top organizations in our sport and are proven winners. I know we will be in the hunt for the Camping World Truck Series championship and I will gain invaluable experience behind the wheel of the Nationwide Series car. I want to thank Steve Turner and everyone at Turner Motorsports and I know 2012 will bring great things for me and my new team,” Piquet Jr. said.

Adding another young driver to his roster, team owner Steve Turner, reaffirms his commitment to helping drivers solidly establish their careers with his organization.

“Turner Motorsports prides itself on cultivating young talent. One of our main objectives is to give drivers a platform to showcase their abilities to help propel them to NASCAR’s highest level. Nelson brings a significant amount of experience and depth to our driver line up. He also brings a strong international fan base to our program. I am confident he will compete for both race wins and the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship.”

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 Great Clips, Dollar General, 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

Nelson Piquet Jr. (Photo Credit: Lesley Ann Miller)

Turner Motorsports welcomes Nelson Piquet Jr. … Turner Motorsports is pleased to welcome NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) standout Nelson Piquet Jr. to the seat of the No. 30 Chevrolet for this weekend’s Ford 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Piquet Jr. made his NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) debut at Watkins Glen International in 2010. In his lone NNS start, the Brazil native brought home a seventh-place finish after qualifying in the 10th position.

NCWTS notes… As Piquet Jr. prepares for his first NNS race of 2011, the 26-year-old is wrapping up his rookie pursuit for the NCWTS championship. Over the course of 24 starts this season, he has captured five top-five and nine top-10 finishes, leading 52 laps along the way. He sits 10th in the championship point standings and is just five markers down in the fierce battle for the series’ Rookie of the Year honors.

Calling the shots… This weekend, Piquet Jr. will work with veteran crew chief Stewart Cooper. Cooper has worked with several drivers in 2011 including Kasey Kahne, Ryan Newman, Boris Said, James Buescher and Ricky Carmichael.

This week’s Impala… The No. 30 team will round out the 2011 season this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway hitting the track with chassis TMS-310. This chassis made its debut at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where Kahne drove it to a fifth-place finish after starting in the seventh spot. Buescher also piloted TMS-310 two weeks ago at Texas Motor Speedway, finishing in the 17th spot.

Bienvenidos a NASCAR… In support of NASCAR’s ‘Bienvenidos a NASCAR’ program, Piquet Jr.’s No. 30 Chevrolet will sport a special program decal this weekend. In addition to decals on entries in all three of NASCAR’s top series, the program will provide bilingual brand ambassadors, virtual garage tours and guidebooks of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage. There will be a Spanish language broadcast available via scanner (via ESPN Deportes), as well as ‘Bienvenidos a NASCAR’ ticket packages though Homestead-Miami Speedway and a Chino y Nacho pre-race concert on Sunday, Nov. 20th at 12 p.m. at the Coca-Cola Stage.

Turner Motorsports: A look back… In 33 Nationwide Series events in 2011, Turner Motorsports-prepared entries have notched three wins, 21 top-five and 62 top-10 finishes. Mark Martin kicked off the season capturing the team’s first-ever NASCAR win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March. It was Justin Allgaier’s turn in June when he nabbed his second-career win at Chicagoland Speedway and Reed Sorenson rounded the month out winning his first NNS race with the organization at Road America. Both of Turner Motorsports’ championship-contending drivers are inside the top-10 in the driver point standings with Allgaier in third and Jason Leffler in sixth.

In 24 NCWTS races in 2011, Turner Motorsports’ entries have earned 13 top-five and 31 top-10 finishes. The organization has earned five pole awards with Buescher earning three, and Carmichael and Steve Arpin capturing one each. Buescher is currently sitting third in the championship point standings, 28 markers out of the lead.

Nelson Piquet Jr. on racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series

“I am really excited to have the opportunity to get in the Nationwide car for Turner Motorsports this weekend. I have never done double duty before, so I am really looking forward to it. It is going to be a lot of seat time, more then I have ever done before in one weekend. I want to thank Steve Turner for giving me the opportunity to get in one of his cars, and I am looking forward to bringing home a solid finish in the No. 30 machine.”

Follow the No. 30 team on Twitter! Twitter.com/No30TurnerNNS

Follow Nelson Piquet Jr. on Twitter! Twitter.com/NelsonPiquet

Follow Turner Motorsports on Facebook! Facebook.com/TurnerMotorsports

- Turner Motorsports Press Release

No. 31 BRANDT Chevrolet Impala (Justin Allgaier) - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images for NASCAR

Homestead by the Numbers… The 25-year-old BRANDT Chevy driver has three NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway (HMS). He is credited with a best finish of 11th coming in the 2010 season finale.

Point Out the Points… Allgaier took sole ownership of third-place in the NNS championship point standings after his ninth-place finish at Phoenix International Raceway. Allgaier, who is on track to equal his best NNS championship finishing spot, sits 105 points out of first place.

This Week’s Impala… The No. 31 BRANDT team will hit the track with chassis TMS-313 this Saturday afternoon at HMS. This chassis last saw track action at Kansas Speedway where Allgaier started from the 21st spot and went on to finish in the 11th spot.

A Look Back on 2011 For Allgaier and the No. 31 Crew… Allgaier joined Turner Motorsports heading into the 2011 season along with hometown sponsor BRANDT. His season kicked into high gear at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with a runner-up finish to teammate Mark Martin. Allgaier’s impressive season includes leading the NNS championship on two separate occasions and grabbing his second career win in dramatic fashion in front of hometown fans and sponsors at Chicagoland Speedway. He notched one-win, six top-five and 17 top-10 finishes over the course of 33 races heading into the season finale at HMS.

Impressive 2011 For Turner Motorsports… In 33 Nationwide Series events in 2011, Turner Motorsports-prepared entries have notched three wins, 21 top-five and 62 top-10 finishes. Both of Turner Motorsports’ championship-contending drivers are inside the top-10 in the driver point standings with Allgaier in third and Jason Leffler in sixth.

Justin Allgaier - Photo Credit: John Harrelson / Getty Images for NASCAR

“I’m ready to get to Homestead this weekend. We’re coming off a few good runs that hopefully will continue as we finish out the season. It’s been a great year with everyone at Turner Motorsports. We went to victory lane and were in contention for the championship and wins. I can’t thank everyone at BRANDT and Turner Motorsports enough for everything this year.”

Follow the No. 31 team on Twitter! Twitter.com/No31TurnerNNS

Follow Justin Allgaier on Twitter! Twitter.com/J_Allgaier

Follow Turner Motorsports on Facebook! Facebook.com/TurnerMotorsports

- Turner Motorsports 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. 38 Great Clips Chevrolet Impala - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images for NASCAR

The end of an era… In this weekend’s 2011 season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Jason Leffler will make his final start behind the wheel of the No. 38 Great Clips machine. Leffler has piloted this car for the last six seasons, making headlines for the world’s largest haircare brand with his famous faux-hawk hairdo. Leffler will continue to represent Great Clips in select projects, with his long-time sponsor serving as his primary sponsor in his quest for victory in the 2012 Chili Bowl Nationals in January.

Sixth in the standings…. Leffler has secured sixth-place in the 2011 driver championship point standings after a season that has included two top-fives and 12 top-10 finishes with nine laps led. He has an average starting position of 13.0 and an average finishing position of 13.9.
Leffler a solid contender at Homestead-Miami Speedway (HMS)… In eight NNS starts at the 1.5-mile oval, Leffler has captured three top-10′s as well as a pair of fourth-place finishes (2003 and 2008). He has an average start of 17.9 and an average finish of 13.5.

Turner Motorsports: A look back… In 33 Nationwide Series events in 2011, Turner Motorsports-prepared entries have notched three wins, 21 top-five and 62 top-10 finishes. Mark Martin kicked off the season capturing the team’s first-ever NASCAR win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March. It was Justin Allgaier’s turn in June when he nabbed his second-career win at Chicagoland Speedway and Reed Sorenson rounded the month out winning his first NNS race with the organization at Road America. Both of Turner Motorsports’ championship-contending drivers are inside the top-10 in the driver point standings with Allgaier in third and Jason Leffler in sixth.

In 24 NCWTS races in 2011, Turner Motorsports’ entries have earned 13 top-five and 31 top-10 finishes. The organization has earned five pole awards with James Buescher earning three, and Ricky Carmichael and Steve Arpin capturing one each. Buescher is currently sitting third in the championship point standings, 28 markers out of the lead.

Happy 10-Year Anniversary, Great Clips… This season marks Great Clips’ 10-year anniversary as a primary sponsor in the NNS. The Minneapolis-based Great Clips, Inc., which is currently the longest-running primary sponsor in the series, came onto the scene in 2001 as a primary sponsor of Akins Motorsports No. 38 entry, then driven by Christian Elder.

Leffler on SIRIUS’ Morning Drive every Wednesday… Don’t forget to tune in to SIRIUS Radio’s “Morning Drive” with Mike Bagley and Pete Pistone every Wednesday at 10:30am to hear Leffler’s take on recent events in the Nationwide Series and what you can expect from the week’s upcoming race.

Jason Leffler - Photo Credit: John Harrelson / Getty Images for NASCAR

“I really only have one goal going into this weekend and that is taking this 38 team and Great Clips back into victory lane. It’s been an up and down season but I know we have it in us to go out there and get the win. I can’t say enough about this team! These are some of the hardest working guys in the garage and I couldn’t ask for a better team to have behind me. I also want to thank Great Clips for their years of support. It has been a privilege representing them both on and off the track for the last six years. They are an amazing company to work with and I have enjoyed working with not just the corporate staff in Minneapolis, but the thousands of Great Clips franchisees, managers and stylists around the country as well. I look forward to continuing my relationship with Great Clips with events like the Chili Bowl Nationals in January.”

Follow the No. 38 team on Twitter! Twitter.com/No38TurnerNNS

Follow Jason Leffler on Twitter! Twitter.com/JasonLeffler

Follow Turner Motorsports on Facebook! Facebook.com/TurnerMotorsports

- 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

No. 32 Dollar General Chevrolet Impala - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images for NASCAR

Welcome James Buescher - The No. 32 Dollar General team welcomes James Buescher to the seat of the Dollar General Chevrolet this weekend in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. This will mark Buescher’s 11th NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) start for Turner Motorsports in 2011. A title contender in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) competition, Buescher will be pulling double duty as he climbs behind the wheel of the Exide Chevrolet on Friday night.

Buescher at Homestead-Miami Speedway - Buescher will make his first NNS start at the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend. However, the Texas native has made three NCWTS starts at the track claiming an average finishing position of 18.7.

Buescher 2011 NNS Stats – This season, Buescher has made 10 NNS starts for Turner Motorsports, primarily in the team’s No. 30 entry. In 2011, he has notched one top-five and three top-10 finishes to go along with an average starting position of 18.2 and an average finish of 15.9.

Down But Not Out – Buescher currently sits third in the NCWTS point standings, 28 points behind the leader. The young driver will do all he can to make up that ground on Friday night in the NCWTS season finale to try and claim his first series championship. In only his second full-time season, Buescher has put up some incredible statistics in 2011 including 10 top-fives, 19 top-10s, three pole awards and 264 laps led. In his 22 races this season, Buescher has finished outside the top-10 on only three occasions.

First Season Success for Turner Motorsports - In the team’s first full season of NNS competition, Turner Motorsports-prepared entries have notched three wins, 21 top-five and 62 top-10 finishes. Both of Turner Motorsports’ championship-contending drivers have been a mainstay in the driver point standings top-10 with Justin Allgaier in third and Jason Leffler in sixth.

This Week’s Impala – This weekend, Buescher will pilot TMS-309 in the Ford 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. This car was last on track at the second Chicagoland Speedway event in September.

James Buescher - Photo Credit: John Harrelson / Getty Images for NASCAR

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Dollar General Chevy this weekend in the season finale at Homestead. While I’ve worked mostly with the No. 30 team on the Nationwide side of things this year, it will be a great experience to go over and work with Trent [Owens, crew chief] and the No. 32 guys this weekend. I really want to thank Dollar General and Rick Dreiling for the chance I have to drive the DG Chevy this weekend. I’m hopeful we can bring home a solid finish for them.”

- Turner Motorsports Press Release

Nelson Piquet Jr. (Photo Credit: Lesley Ann Miller)

Nelson will close off his first full season of the truck series in the Kevin Harvick Inc #8 Piquet Realty Chevrolet Silverado. After 24 of 25 races Nelson sits 10th in the championship and is ready for an all out battle on the oval with Joey Coulter for the rookie of the year honours, The 134 lap Ford 200 truck race will take place at 8pm Eastern Time this Friday 18 November.

Saturday will see him take the wheel of the #30 Turner Motorsports car for the 200 lap Nationwide race, which will take place at 4.30pm ET. It will be his first Nationwide event of the 2011 season, but will not be his first experience of the series. He made his debut at the 2010 Watkins Glen race, immediately impressing with a seventh place finish first time out.

Nelson Piquet Jr: “I am so looking forward to this weekend at Homestead. I seem to do quite well at this style of track and I’ve learned so much during the course of the season. I’m heading into the truck race with a lot of confidence in myself and my team. We are only five points behind Joey Coulter for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award, and I’m hoping that after the race this weekend we’ll be able to take over the lead. A solid finish will also help me achieve my primary goal of the season, finishing within the top-10 in the Driver Point standings. I’m excited to be getting in a Nationwide car again. Last year I got a good result at Watkins Glen so if I can get another result like that it will be fantastic.”

- Nelson Piquet Racing Press Release

No. 31 Exide Batteries Chevrolet Silverado (Jame Buescher) - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images for NASCAR

Date Start Finish LC/TL Status $Won

11/14/2008 10 19 137/137 Running $14,685

11/20/2009 21 18 135/136 Running $14,805

11/19/2010 20 19 134/134 Running $11,150

Starts Poles Wins Top-Fives Top-10s LC/TL $Won

3 0 0 0 0 306/307 (99.6%) $40,640

No. 31 Exide Batteries Chevrolet News and Notes

• This Week’s Silverado… The No. 31 Exide Batteries team will bring chassis TMS-011 to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) 2011 season-finale at the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway. TMS-011 has been the team’s mile-and-a-half work horse during the 2011 season. It has been utilized in seven NCWTS events, finishing inside the top-five five times and top-10 in all seven races.

• Get to the Point(s)… James Buescher and the No. 31 Exide Batteries team remains mathematically eligible to win the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series title. The Turner Motorsports team is only 28 markers out of the championship point lead heading into the series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

• Double Duty… James Buescher will do double-duty in South Florida this weekend. Not only will he compete in Friday’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series finale, but the 21-year-old will also drive the No. 32 Dollar General Chevrolet Impala in Saturday’s Ford 300. This will be the Texas driver’s 11th NASCAR Nationwide Series start in 2011.

• Championship Drive… Buescher, along with the other NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship contenders will participate in Thursday’s Championship Drive event in Miami Beach. The trio will be on site for both a press conference and an autograph session. The event will feature all the drivers mathematically eligible for the championship title in NASCAR’s top three touring series.

• Follow Me… Visit www.twitter.com/jamesbuescher or www.facebook.com/jamesbuescherracing for the latest news and updates on James Buescher and the No. 31 Wolfpack Rentals team.

• Watch and Listen… The Ford 200 will be broadcast live on Friday, November 18th on SPEED. Race coverage will begin at 7:30 p.m. EST. The event can also be heard live on MRN Radio as well as Sirius Satellite Radio, channel 90.Check local listings for start times.

James Buescher, driver of the No. 31 Exide Batteries Chevrolet Silverado - Photo Credit: Tom Whitmore/Getty Images for NASCAR

“Homestead [Miami Speedway] is a great race track. It is unique because there are three different lines into the corner. At most mile-and-a-half tracks, the bottom is usually the fastest route, but at Homestead [Miami Speedway] you can run the middle or top and keep your truck wound up. The variable banking gives the driver an opportunity to search around and find a line that is fast. If our Exide Batteries Chevrolet is not working on the bottom, I can search around and see if the middle or top of the track is faster. We will run side-by-side all night long which is fun for both the drivers and the fans.

“The Exide Batteries team is going to Homestead-Miami Speedway with one goal, which is to win the race. We have had a great year and I can think of nothing better than to cap it off with a win. We know we have to get the most points we can in order to have a shot to win the championship. We have proven we never give up. Regardless of the outcome, I am so proud of all the guys at Turner Motorsports. We have proven to everyone in the garage we are a championship caliber team.”

- Turner Motorsports Press Release