Pocono Raceway Green Logo

While Pocono Raceway is an all day drive from the ARCA home office, the 2.5-mile Pocono triangle feels much like home. That’s because the upcoming event on Saturday, June 8 will mark the 56th appearance of the ARCA Racing Series on the ‘Tricky Triangle’ since 1983.

The event will precede the next-day Party in the Poconos 400 Presented by Walmart NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

While ARCA’s tenure at Pocono is impressive, so too is the list of winners over the years. It includes Tim Steele, Bob Schacht, Mike Wallace, Blaise Alexander, Kerry Earnhardt, Ryan Newman, Casey Atwood, Casey Mears, Scott Riggs, Frank Kimmel, Travis Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, and Joey Logano to name a few.

Early on in 2013, an interesting championship points battle is matching-up between nine-time champion Kimmel and 18-year-old rookie Mason Mingus. Mingus, who trails Kimmel by just 20 points after the fifth race of the season at Toledo Speedway, will be making his Pocono debut while Kimmel will be making his 41st consecutive start at Pocono.

On-track activity for the Pocono ARCA 200 includes one practice session on Friday, June 7 from 10:00-11:50 a.m., with Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell following at 2:05. The Pocono ARCA 200 is scheduled to get underway Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.

In addition to live coverage on SPEED, ARCARacing.com will feature live timing and scoring of all the ARCA on-track activities.

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is among the leading auto racing sanctioning bodies in the country. Founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum, the organization administers more than 100 events each year in multiple racing series, including the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the ARCA/CRA Super Series, the ARCA Truck Series and the ARCA Midwest Tour, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways.

Source: Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

The article ARCA Racing Series turning 56 at Pocono; Pocono ARCA 200 coming Saturday June 8 is from Catchfence.

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Tickets are on sale for $20 each at 36 Menards stores in the Minneapolis area, compared to $30 at the track on race day. Anyone buying tickets at Menards will receive a free pair of sunglasses at the track. Fans can also register to win four VIP tickets and get the chance to wave the green flag to start the race.

The Akona 250 presented by Federated Car Care will be the sixth ARCA Racing Series event of the 2013 season. There have been five different winners so far this season in the first five races. The most recent winners on the national touring series have been NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader last Sunday at Toledo Speedway and nine-time series champion Frank Kimmel at Talladega Superspeedway. Both of those drivers will be among those entered in the Akona 250.

Kimmel will appear at an autograph session at Cottage Grove, Minn. Menards store from 4-5:30 p.m. May 30 and at the Eden Prairie location from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the same night. Kimmel and other ARCA Racing Series drivers will be at the Burnsville store from 4 to 7 p.m. May 31.

The ARCA Racing Series made its’ first-ever appearance at Elko Speedway last year with Venturini Motorsports driver Brennan Poole taking the checkered flag. The race was completed in blistering speed, prompting series and track officials to add 50 laps to the race this year.

The Saturday schedule will include practice from 2-2:45 and 3:15 to 4 p.m., with Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell at 5:30 p.m., an on-the-track driver autograph session from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the race at 8 p.m. at the .375-mile paved oval speedway.

ARCAracing.com will provide live timing and scoring throughout the weekend, plus audio for the Saturday night race.

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is among the leading auto racing sanctioning bodies in the country. Founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum, the organization administers more than 100 events each year in multiple racing series, including the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the ARCA/CRA Super Series, the ARCA Truck Series and the ARCA Midwest Tour, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways.

Source: Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

The article Save big money on Akona 250 ARCA tickets at Menards is from Catchfence.

Milka Duno (Photo Credit: Misha Maximowitsch)

Duno gained five positions very quickly and advanced into top-20 territory by lap 30 of the 200-lap competition and reached 15th just a little over halfway into the race. With less than 30 laps remaining Duno captured 14th and took the 13th spot on lap 193 – and held it until the checkered flag waved.

There were eight cautions in the race and Duno brought her No. 35 Cantv / Milka Way Chevrolet into the pits and to her Venturini Motorsports crew twice – both times under caution.

“It was a good race for us at Toledo,” said Duno. “We didn’t do as well as we had hoped in qualifying but VMS gave me a great car for the race. We just kept at it, stayed out of trouble and steadily worked our way up – just good racing. My thanks to everyone at VMS – my crew chief, spotter and pit crew – and all the great people on the team.”

“Milka did a very good job staying after it all day to bring home anther solid top-15 finish,” said Billy Venturini, Director of Competition for Venturini Motorsports. “I know in the past she’s had more success on the big tracks, so we feel very positive after the string of good finishes on the short tracks. Now that the intermediates are about to come up VMS feels that Milka is beginning to hit her stride.”

With her 13th place finish at Toledo Speedway Duno is currently ranked 8th in the ARCA Series Driver Point standings.

Next up for Duno and her VMS squad will be the Akona 250 presented by Federated Car Care at Elko Speedway on Saturday, June 1

About Milka Duno

Duno has eight major race wins in the highest classes (Prototype) in the American Le Mans Series and Rolex Series and the highest finish ever by a female driver (2nd Place) in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the 48-year history of the race. Off the track, Duno is a certified Naval Engineer who holds four master’s degrees, earning the last three simultaneously.

Duno is also working through her “Milka Way” program to inspire youth to “Aim for the Stars” and achieve academic excellence. For more information on Milka Way, visit www.milkaway.com.

Fans cans also log on to her official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheOfficialMilkaDunoFanPage.

Duno can also be followed on Twitter at @MilkaDuno

Source: CapehartPR / RacePR Press Release

The article Milka Duno Drives Hard, Finishes 13th at Toledo Speedway is from Catchfence.

Mason Mingus

The superb performance with their No. 32 Diamond Equipment / Call 811 Before You Dig Chevrolet Impala has further stretched a spectacular start to the season for the Mooresville, North Carolina-based team which now includes one pole, three top-fives and five top-10 finishes.

More importantly though, the Brentwood, Tennessee native was able to drop 10 points from his deficit to nine-time ARCA champion Frank Kimmel in the race for the coveted series championship.

Under the direction of former ARCA Racing Series championship crew chief Mark Rette, the 18-year old not surprisingly showed speed from the drop of the green flag in practice. Posting the seventh and fifth spots respectively in the two sessions leading up to qualifying, Mingus netted his quickest lap of the week, placing him third on the starting grid, but also earned five crucial championship points.

From the drop of the green flag, Mingus had a very competitive car. He steadily held his own ground inside the top-five until the first round of pit stops occurred approaching lap 80.

During his stop, Mingus lost a few positions after being blocked into his stall by another competitor. The High School student would restart the event in fifth.

By the halfway mark, Mingus had worked his way back into the fourth spot, before making his final trip to pit road with 75 laps remaining.

Once again, the No. 32 Diamond Equipment / Call 811 Before You Dig Chevrolet would be blocked by the competitor ahead of them. This time, Mingus lost more positions than he bargained for, dropping four spots to eighth on the impending restart.

Patiently, Mingus hustled his way back through the field and marched his way back into the top-three with 38 laps remaining. The SCOTT Rookie of the Year contender was content to finish his second Toledo Speedway event in the third spot, but when second-place runner Grant Enfinger lost a tire within the final 10 laps of the race, Mingus now found himself riding in second and trailing first place by nearly six seconds.

Although he prayed for a caution, it would never come and he eventually ran out of laps to catch race winner Ken Schrader. Still, the rising star was pleased with his team’s run.

“I’m real happy with second,” said Mingus. “Everyone on this Win-Tron Racing team did a fantastic job all weekend long and I couldn’t be more proud. I was hoping for a caution when Grant (Enfinger) had his issues, but it just never materialized. Still, we gained some more ground on Frank (Kimmel) and were able to have a strong showing for everyone with Ohio 811, who were cheering us on from the stands.

Mingus now trails Frank Kimmel by a mere 20 points (1330 to 1310) as the series’ treks to Elko (Minn.) Speedway for the running of the Akona 250 presented by Federated Car Care on Saturday, June 1.

Exiting Toledo, the Tennessean has 18 ARCA Racing Series races to his credit. During that tenure, he has acquired three top-fives and 12 top-10 finishes, including second-place runs at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and at Toledo Speedway in May 2013. Additionally, a pole run last month, also at Mobile (Ala.) International Speedway is his best time trials effort to date.

Learn about Call 811 Before You Dig and what it can do for you by connecting to call811.com.

For more on Mason Mingus, please visit MasonMingusRacing.com.

Mingus tweets too. Follow him on Twitter @Mason_Mingus.

About Win-Tron Racing:

Located in Mooresville, North Carolina, Win-Tron Racing is the home of one the most potent ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards single-car operations. Owned by former racers Kevin Cywinski and Nate Thiesse, the team since has acquired the assets of County Joe Racing has become a favorable fixture on the circuit. Since Win-Tron Racing’s inception in 2007, the team has hosted a variety of drivers including leading drivers James Buescher, Blake Bjorklund, Justin Marks, Matt Merrell and Brandon McReynolds to their first career ARCA victories. In 2013, the team will begin its seventh year of competition with a presence in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series (East) and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Source: Win-Tron Racing Press Release

The article Mason Mingus; Win-Tron Racing Post Runner-Up Finish Again At Toledo Speedway is from Catchfence.

Elko Speedway Logo

“We went up there last year to watch the ARCA race, and it was killing me that I wasn’t in it,” Schrader said.

“But what a great show. All kinds of green flag racing – really, really good racing. We had a good car last year (with Tom Hessert driving) but we got crashed on the last lap. If our car makes it through Toledo this weekend (May 19), it’ll be the car we’ll take to Elko. If not, we’ll pull another one out of the shop. Either way, I’m definitely racing at Elko, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

With 80-plus races on his 2013 schedule, the 57-year-old Fenton, Missouri veteran driver has already raced in more than 20 races this season, and it’s not even summer yet.

“Been racing the dirt modified quite a bit already.”

In fact, Schrader has already raced his dirt modified at Elko a few years back, when track officials created a dirt surface over the asphalt.

“We raced up there a few years ago, but that was on the dirt. Either way, it’s a great little track. I like it either way.”

The Akona 250 at Elko will mark Schrader’s 62nd career ARCA start.

“It’s going to be a busy year, and a better one too because we have more ARCA races on our schedule this year.”

Schrader is slated to race in four ARCA Racing Series events in 2013 to also include the Menards 200 at Toledo Speedway (May 19), the event at Elko, the Southern Illinois 100 presented by Federated Car Care at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds (mile-dirt) on Labor Day, September 2, and the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 presented by Federated Car Care at Salem Speedway on September 14.

In addition, Schrader’s season includes 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races with team owner Frank Stoddard in the No. 32 FAS Lane Racing Ford, and at least two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events at Eldora Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg for Schrader, who spends most of his time behind the wheel of his Federated Auto Parts modified playing on dirt bullrings across America, coast to coast. But it’s more than just a play in the clay – it’s about crossing the finish line first, which he’s already done, winning twice this season at Volusia Speedway Park and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. And that’s not all. Schrader won on the final night of the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment at Volusia in February, and was crowned 2013 Speedweeks Gator Champion.

“It felt pretty good,” said Schrader, who became the only driver to win the Gator Championship and the overall points total in the same year. “It’s the second time we won the championship down there; we worked pretty hard at it. It feels awesome.”

During Schrader’s ARCA tenure, which reaches back to 1981, he has 16 career ARCA wins.

“One of the things I really like about ARCA is that it gives me a chance to play with these Cup type cars, and be competitive, and have lots of fun.

“Looking at Elko last year, one of the things I liked about it is that it’s got multiple grooves for a little track, and you can pass on the outside if you need to, which is real helpful on a tight little short-track.

“But it’s more than that; I’m just a really big fan of the ARCA Series, and I really enjoy being part of it. We’re looking forward to running at DuQuoin and Salem later this year too. I’m just a real fan of a series that runs all those different types of places.”

His ARCA triumphs are a stark reminder of his versatile driving skills, with wins at Toledo, the Topeka, Kansas road course, the Indiana State Fairgrounds mile-dirt, the Illinois State Fairgrounds mile-dirt, DuQuoin, the Hagerstown Speedway half-mile dirt, Nashville Superspeedway, and other short tracks at Salem, South Boston Speedway, and Anderson Speedway.

In 60 career ARCA starts, he’s logged 39 top-fives and 47 top-10s overall, with 15 Menards Pole Awards presented by Ansell. Through it all, he’s led an impressive 2,063 laps in 34 races.

Schrader was also the 1999 ARCA Racing Series car owner champion with Bill Baird driving, and a back-to-back car owner winner at Daytona with Mike Wallace and Andy Hillenburg.

His NASCAR career includes four Sprint Cup Series wins at Charlotte, Dover, Talladega, and Atlanta, two wins in the Bud Shootout at Daytona, three poles in the Daytona 500, and eight top-10 Cup championship points finishes.

Prior to his stock car career, Schrader first made a name for himself in USAC where he earned the USAC Silver Crown Series championship in 1982 and the USAC Sprint Car championship in 1983. He has 33 career USAC victories overall in Silver Crown, Sprints and Midgets.

Raceday at Elko starts with ARCA Racing Series practice from 2-2:45 p.m., with final practice following from 3:15-4. Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell starts at 5:30 with the Akona 250 set to take the green flag at 8.

Akona 250 Discount Tickets on Sale at 36 Menards Stores Across Minneapolis

Tickets are on sale now for the Akona 250 presented by Federated Car Care at Elko Speedway. Tickets are $20, compared to $30 on race day, and will be available at 36 Menards stores in the Minneapolis, Minn. market.

About ARCA

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is among the leading auto racing sanctioning bodies in the country. Founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum, the organization administers more than 100 events each year in multiple racing series, including the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the ARCA/CRA Super Series, the ARCA Truck Series and the ARCA Midwest Tour, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways.

Source: Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

The article NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader to race in Akona 250 ARCA event at Elko Speedway is from Catchfence.

Frank Kimmel

Kimmel started a ThorSport Racing career-best fourth, and overcame a brake-bleeder issue on his right-rear wheel that caused him to spin in the middle of the race. But Kimmel used effective pit work and clean driving to come back to third when a couple of his competitors had trouble.

“Congratulations to the AARP crew,” Kimmel, 51, said of Schrader and his accomplishment on a hot day in northern Ohio. “This third-place finish goes back to the crew, because they did a great job. I think we had a brake-bleeder come loose on the right-rear midway through the race and I spun the thing out one time.

“But the guys fixed it on our next pit stop and we fought back in a great short-track battle. What a great crowd we had at Toledo (Sunday). I’m sure they got their money’s worth.”

Kimmel was even more pleased to maintain his series points lead as he tried to win his record 10th ARCA championship.

From the time Mason Mingus out-ran Kimmel by one spot in qualifying to take five points away from the 30-point advantage Kimmel brought to Toledo until they finished second and third behind Schrader — with Mingus picking up five more points to unofficially leave Toledo 20 points behind — this weekend was a classic battle of youth versus experience, with the common denominator being both men are fast.

“Mason does a great job, he did it again (Sunday) and it’s going to be like that all year long,” Kimmel continued a tune he’s sung all season. “There’s some other competitors out there who are going to be tough, too — so there’s no way this is a two-man race, by any means.”

The series is off until June 1, when it will race at Elko Speedway in Minnesota.

ABOUT MENARDS:

With 280 stores in 14 Midwestern states, Menards has the tools, materials and supplies for all your home improvement needs whether just needing a light bulb or can of paint to building a deck or new home. Menards is known throughout the home improvement industry as the low price leader; it’s no wonder their famous slogan – “SAVE BIG MONEY” – is so widely known and easy to remember. Menards does things right – the company’s strength and success can be seen in the well-stocked and maintained stores, the lowest prices in town and the way guests are always treated like family in a hometown hardware store atmosphere.

About ANSELL:

Ansell is a global leader in protection solutions, with operations in North America, LAC, EMEA and Asia-Pacific. Ansell designs, develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of surgical, examination, industrial and household gloves, protective clothing and condoms. People in over 100 countries around the world put their trust in Ansell’s innovative, high-quality solutions to offer superior protection, combined with high levels of comfort and performance.

Ansell holds its operational headquarters in Iselin, NJ, USA and its parent, Ansell Limited, is registered in Melbourne, Australia. Worldwide, the group employs over 10,000 people in 33 countries.

ABOUT THORSPORT RACING:

ThorSport Racing, based in a state-of-the-art 100,000-square-foot facility in Sandusky, Ohio, is the longest-tenured active NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team. Thorsport, which has run full-season Truck Series schedules annually beginning in 1998, in 2013 will run the No. 88 Menards Toyota Tundra driven by Matt Crafton, the No. 98 Carolina Nut Co./Curb Records Toyota Tundra driven by Johnny Sauter and the No. 13 SealMaster Toyota Tundra driven by Todd Bodine in the Truck Series and the No. 44 Ansell/Menards Toyota Camry driven by Frank Kimmel in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.

Source: ThorSport Racing Press Release

The article Frank Kimmel retains ARCA point lead with third in Toledo is from Catchfence.

Thomas Praytor

“It’s always a challenge to race at a track you’ve never been to before. We really needed a solid finish today and we got what we needed,” offered Praytor. “Toledo is challenging in so many ways, not only the track but pit road is one of the tightest in all of motorsports. The record books will show start 24th finish 18th for our Realtor Chevy, no big deal, but it was wild on the race track today. Congratulations to Mr. Ken (Schrader) on becoming the oldest winner in ARCA history. Our guys had a great weekend and we gained a little ground in the points standings.”

Praytor and his Hixson Motorsports / Max Force Racing Team are currently 10th in the ARCA Series Championship standings and are looking for sponsorship to run the full 2013 season and remain in the hunt for the ARCA Series Championship.

For those who missed the live broadcast today SPEED will rebroadcast the Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care at 11:00 AM CST on Monday.

Source: Hixson Motorsports / Max Force Racing Press Release

The article Thomas Praytor Moose Soldiers to 18th at Toledo Speedway is from Catchfence.

Ken Schrader wins Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care at Toledo Speedway

Schrader started second in his Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet and led 163 laps. The NASCAR veteran took command of the lead early in the race and held off a long side-by-side battle with Grant Enfinger and took the checkered flag while waving to a capacity crowd.

Schrader pitted on lap 129 and came out second behind Josh Williams, who stayed on the track while most of the rest of the front runners pitted. Schrader, driving the No. 52, quickly got around Williams and got the front — and stayed there. Schrader is 10 days shy of his 58th birthday. Enfinger cut a right front tire late in the race and finished 15th.

Mason Mingus, who entered the race second in points, placed second with Frank Kimmel third, Justin Boston fourth and Matt Tifft fifth.

“I love it,” Schrader said in Victory Lane. “That’s five (at Toledo). We’ll take it. But, now, it means nothing because we have to go to Elko.”

Schrader’s Federated Car Care team celebrated in victory lane. It was his fifth win at Toledo Speedway and 16th all-time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards win.

After Enfinger’s car slowed, Schrader had a huge lead as Mingus was his closest competitor, but was a good distance away.

“We were just making laps at that point,” Schrader said. “We knew we had a big lead. We just had to keep it out front.”

Mingus, in the Win Tron Racing Diamond Equipment-811 Call Before You Dig Chevrolet, stayed up front all race but couldn’t get close enough to Schrader at the end.

“We’re pretty excited with second,” Mingus said. “I think we were close. We needed a caution there at the end to bunch up the field a little bit.

“But, I’m really happy with second. We gained 10 points on Kimmel. We’re getting closer.”

Kimmel, in ThorSport’s Ansell-Menards Toyota, spun in turn four on lap 85 and had to pit, but fought back for a third-place finish. He leads the point race heading into the next ARCA Racing Series event at Elko Speedway June 1.

“We kept battling all day,” Kimmel said. “To finish third, we’re good with that.”

Several ARCA Racing Series SCOTT Rookie Challenge competitors turned in great efforts. Mingus was the SCOTT Rookie Challenge winner for the second race in a row. Justin Boston, in the ZLOOP Computer and Electronics Recycling Toyota, was right behind Kimmel and Matt Tifft fifth and Austin Wayne Self sixth. Tifft and Self were making their ARCA Racing Series debuts.

Mason Mitchell placed seventh in the Happy Cheeks-BeavEx-Roulo Brothers Ford; Williams came home eighth in his Southwest Florida Cable Construction Ford while Kelly Kovski, driving for Allgaier Motorsports, and Cunningham Motorsports driver Tom Hessert rounded out the top 10 in his Barbera’s Autoland Dodge.

Enfinger’s long side by side battle with Schrader kept fans on the edge of their seats for several laps. Smoke was continually coming out of his Hewes Concrete Polishing-Motor Honey-Casite Ford, especially the last laps before his tire went flat.

“I think we had some issues with it from Salem,” he said. “It was a really good car, though. It was good all weekend. I think I kind of over drove it a little bit because of that and, eventually, we blew the right front.”

Pole sitter Kyle Benjamin led the first 21 laps before Schrader got under him while the two were battling lapped traffic. On lap 44, Benjamin’s car slowed and went off the pace and pitted for problems.

The race will be re-broadcast on SPEED at noon Monday.

About ARCA

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is among the leading auto racing sanctioning bodies in the country. Founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum, the organization administers more than 100 events each year in multiple racing series, including the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the ARCA/CRA Super Series, the ARCA Truck Series and the ARCA Midwest Tour, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways.

Toledo, Ohio (AP) The official finish for Sunday’s Menards 200 at Toledo Speedway with starting position in parenthesis, driver, hometown, type of car, laps completed, and reason out of race, if any

1. (2) Ken Schrader, Fenton, Mo., Chevrolet, 200; 2. (3) Mason Mingus, Brentwood, Tenn., Chevrolet, 200; 3. (4) Frank Kimmel, Clarksville, Ind., Toyota, 200; 4. (11) Justin Boston, Baltimore, Md., Toyota, 200; 5. (7) Matt Tifft, Hinckley, Ohio, Chevrolet, 200; 6. (10) Austin Wayne Self, Austin, Texas, Dodge, 200; 7. (6) Mason Mitchell, W. Des Moines, Iowa, Ford, 200; 8. (12) Josh Williams, Port Charlotte, Fla., Ford, 199; 9. (26) Kelly Kovski, Springfield, Ill., Dodge, 199; 10. (5) Tom Hessert, Cherry Hill, N.J., Dodge, 199; 11. (19) Brian Finney, Merritt Island, Fla., Chevrolet, 199; 12. (14) Kyle Weatherman, Wentzville, Mo., Dodge, 199; 13. (25) Milka Duno, Caracas, Venezuela, Chevrolet, 198; 14. (17) Blake Hillard, Owensboro, Ky., Chevrolet, 198; 15. (8) Grant Enfinger, Fairhope, Ala., Ford, 198; 16. (18) Bobby Gerhart, Lebanon, Pa., Chevrolet, 194; 17. (22) Roger Carter, Sunfield, Mich., Dodge, 193; 18. (24) Thomas Praytor, Mobile, Ala., Chevrolet, 192; 19. (27) Darrell Basham, Henryville, Ind., Chevrolet, 191; 20. (9) Taylor Ferns, Shelby Township, Mich., Toyota, 165; 21. (20) Jake Francis, Painesville, Ohio, Chevrolet, 121, clutch; 22. (13) Charles Evans, Jr., Pasadena, Texas, Ford, 93, handling; 23. (1) Kyle Benjamin, Easley, S.C., Chevrolet, 67, gear; 24. (28) Chris Bailey, Jr., South Park, Pa., Ford, 66, carburetor; 25. (21) Korbin Forrister, Cedar Town, Ga., Ford, 64, rear end; 26. (16) Spencer Gallagher, Las Vegas, Nev., Chevrolet, 52, accident; 27. (15) Cody Lane, Port Richey, Fla., Dodge, 19, rear end; 28. (29) James Hylton, Inman, S.C., Ford, 17, handling; 29. (30) Will Kimmel, Sellersburg, Ind., Ford, 2, handling; 30. (32) James Swanson, Clarksboro, N.J., Chevrolet, 2, handling; 31. (31) Dennis Strickland, Carleton, Mich., Ford, 1, handling.

Time of race: 1 hour, 19 minutes, 27 seconds; Margin of victory: 4.779 seconds; Lap leaders: Benjamin 1-22, Schrader 23-47, Enfinger 48-59, Schrader 60-126, Williams 127-129, Schrader 130-200.

Source: Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

The article Ken Schrader win Menards 200 at Toledo; becomes oldest winner in ARCA Racing Series history is from Catchfence.

Kyle Weatherman

Kyle Weatherman finished 4th in his ARCA Racing Series debut at Salem (IN) Speedway April 28, 2013.

Weatherman had a very successful test at Toledo last month and is excited about his chances on Sunday. “The test at Toledo was excellent; it could not have gone better,” Weather said. “Michael Harper (crew chief) and the crew hit the set up perfectly and we know we have a fast car that will be competitive.”

Harper, when not turning wrenches for Weatherman Motorsports, drives one of the most popular Monster Jam Monster Trucks on the circuit. “The Outlaw” is a fan favorite and Harper was won several awards for his performances.

“Michael is kind of crazy behind the wheel of “The Outlaw” but he has been instrumental in my on-track success,” Weatherman offered. “We have won a lot of races together and we look to have that same kind of success in the future.”

With his debut under his belt, the youngster can breathe a bit easier. “The Salem race was a lot of fun but at the same time a little nerve racking,” Weatherman offered. “It was our first race as a team and we needed some time to work on the little things. The crew did an outstanding job on our pit stops and we have a lot of confidence for this weekend.”

The team will only contest a handful of short track events in the ARCA Racing Series this season so making each start count is a priority. “My dad (Daryn Weatherman) has put together a first-class effort for us this season,” Weatherman explained. “We are still looking for sponsors so we can race the entire schedule next season so it is important we run well and finish each race.”

Weatherman earned the Scott Rookie-of-the-Race at Salem is focused on a repeat performance. “Toledo is a completely different track than Salem and in some respects much easier to drive,” Weatherman said. “I love the layout, the facility, and can’t wait to be out there with other cars. It is going to be a blast and I know the fans will see a great show.”

The ARCA Racing Series offers fans a chance to get up close and personal with the stars of the sport before the race. Weatherman (and the other drivers) will sign autographs before the event and fans of Kyle can like the team on Facebook and enter contests for a chance to win team swag and other prizes.

The Toledo event will be broadcast LIVE on SPEED Channel Sunday afternoon May 19 at 2:00pm ET. Check local listings.

Weatherman will also continue to race his Legends car in the Pro division throughout the season at select events across the country and the Summer Legends Shootout at Charlotte (NC). He will also race a handful of asphalt Super Late Model races including the prestigious Snowball Derby in December.

You can follow Kyle all season long at www.weathermanmotorsports.com, www.kyleweatherman.com or on Facebook. Signup for the team newsletter and receive free signed herocards and the opportunity to win other team swag from Kyle.

About Weatherman Motorsports

Weatherman Motorsports is owned by successful business entrepreneur Daryn Weatherman who operates a large commercial and residential glass business in suburban St. Louis, MO. The team features his sons, Kyle and Clayton, who compete in a variety of racing series’ (ARCA, Legends, IMCA, and Super Late Model) across the country. You can follow all the action all season at www.weathermanmotorsports.com. The team is supported by loyal sponsors that include: United Nissan, CashBack, St. Charles Glass & Glazing, Mittler Brothers Machine, Tanner by Mittler Brothers, Richardson Racing Products, David Regan Ford, James Dent Racing, and Vandergriff Toyota.

Source: Weatherman Motorsports Press Release

The article Kyle Weatherman Excited About ARCA Toledo Race is from Catchfence.

A layout of the No. 89 DOC 360 Chevrolet Impala driven by Matt Tifft for Win-Tron Racing in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.

But, it’s more than just taking advantage of an off-weekend to the Hinckley, Ohio native — much more.

The occasion yields an opportunity for the teenager to shine in the trenches of his home state in front of fans, family and sponsors – giving them a sneak peek of what’s to come for the driver of the No. 89 DOC 360 Chevrolet Impala.

“I don’t think words can describe the emotions and the anxiousness of being able to run at Toledo Speedway this weekend,” said Tifft, the reigning 2012 ARCA Midwest Series Rookie of the Year.

“This is an opportunity for me to leave a footprint, if you will, in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Without Win-Tron Racing and the support of DOC 360, I know none of this would be possible.”

Luckily for the 16-year old, the fifth race of the ARCA season won’t be his first trip to Toledo Speedway, nor in an ARCA car. Last week, Tifft joined fellow Win-Tron Racing teammate Mason Mingus in a private test at the 0.5-mile oval, where the Buckeye native left the track upbeat about their performance.

“I know the track very well, but I don’t know the cars,” Tifft added. “It’s the same thing for me in the NASCAR K&N Series. I’ve been to some of the tracks, but I’m still learning the car. This weekend will be a learning experience, but it will be one that I think we can capitalize on.”

And what does that exactly mean when he says capitalizing?

“I would be stoked to finish inside the top-10 with our No. 89 DOC 360 Chevrolet Impala,” sounded Tifft. “It’s 200 laps, so it’s a pretty long race and anything can happen. I just have to be attentive to my surroundings and hope for the best. I know Win-Tron Racing has had a lot of success at the track over the years, so I’m eager to add to that statistic.”

He concluded by saying, “It’s going to be a blast competing with Mason (Mingus) again at Toledo Speedway. We raced together a couple weeks ago in a Late Model event and had a lot of fun. He’s having a super season in the ARCA Racing Series, so hopefully we can have the opportunity to secure two strong runs on Sunday and give everyone a feel about how strong Win-Tron Racing is.”

The Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care (200 laps / 100 miles) is the fifth of 21 events on the 2013 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 72nd ARCA race at Toledo Speedway is a two-day show. Practice begins Saturday, May 18 with a forty-five minute practice session planned from 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. A final practice is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later in the day, slated to begin at 3:30 p.m. The event will take the green flag Sunday, May 19 shortly after 2:00 p.m. The race will be televised live on SPEED. Additional coverage including timing and scoring available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local (Eastern).

Learn more about DOC 360, by visit: drinkdoc360.com or Facebook/drinkdoc360.

For more on Matt Tifft, please visit MattTifftRacing.com or click on his Facebook page.

Tifft tweets too, follow him @matt89tifft.

About DOC 360:

DOC 360 is owned and manufactured by Wis-Pak, Inc. Wis-Pak is a manufacturer and distributor of Pepsi-Cola and other leading soft drinks. The company’s corporate office is located in Watertown, Wisconsin and production facilities are found throughout the Central and Southern United States. Wis-Pak is owned by 39 Shareholders, representing 63 independent Pepsi-Cola franchises. Wis-Pak is majority owner of WP Beverages, which is the seventh largest Pepsi-Cola franchisee in the United States with corporate headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin.

About Win-Tron Racing:

Located in Mooresville, North Carolina, Win-Tron Racing is the home of one the most potent ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards single-car operations. Owned by former racers Kevin Cywinski and Nate Thiesse, the team since has acquired the assets of County Joe Racing has become a favorable fixture on the circuit. Since Win-Tron Racing’s inception in 2007, the team has hosted a variety of drivers including leading drivers James Buescher, Blake Bjorklund, Justin Marks, Matt Merrell and Brandon McReynolds to their first career ARCA victories. In 2013, the team will begin its seventh year of competition with a presence in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series (East) and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Source: Win-Tron Racing Press Release

The article Matt Tifft Prepares For ARCA Debut With Win-Tron Racing is from Catchfence.

Menards 200

Kimmel will appear at the Menards store in Holland from 4 to 5:30 Friday and at the Toledo Menards store on Alexis Rd. from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday.

Tickets for Sunday’s race are now on sale at Menards for the discounted price of $15, compared to $25 on race day at the track.

The Menards 200 is race No. 5 on the 2013 ARCA Racing Series schedule. Kimmel enters the Toledo race leading the championship point race and is coming off a win at Talladega Superspeedway.

The tickets are on sale at six Northwest Ohio Menards locations.

About ARCA

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is among the leading auto racing sanctioning bodies in the country. Founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum, the organization administers more than 100 events each year in multiple racing series, including the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the ARCA/CRA Super Series, the ARCA Truck Series and the ARCA Midwest Tour, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways.

Source: Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

The article ARCA champ Frank Kimmel making 2 Toledo-area Menards appearances Friday; race tickets for Menards 200 on sale at 6 area Menards locations is from Catchfence.

Thomas Praytor

Practice and qualifying are on Saturday with an autograph session and race on Sunday. If you can’t be there in person the race will be broadcast live on SPEED at 2:00PM with live timing and scoring on www.arcaracing.com. For more on the Moose- www.realtorcar.com. Tickets for Sunday’s Menards 200 are now on sale at six Northwest Ohio Menards locations for the discounted price of $15, compared to $25 on race day Sunday at the track.

HIXSON MOTORSPORTS / MAX FORCE RACING: Max Force Racing is based out of Mobile, Alabama and is fielding cars in its 16th season of competition. Max Force has teamed with another home grown operation, Hixson Motorsports with 3 decades of experience in the ARCA Series from Soddy Daisy Tennessee for the 2013 season.

Thomas “Moose” Praytor: In 2012, Moose made his first ARCA start in the inaugural ARCA-Mobile 200 at Mobile International Speedway. He also raced in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250 at Talladega with Andy Belmont Racing and rounded out the season with several starts for Venturini Motorsports. Prior to the ARCA series, The Moose started cutting his racing teeth at 8 years old on short tracks across the Southeast, racking up local and state titles along the way. The Moose and his Max Force Racing Team earned the Ironman Status of the Gulf Coast in 2011 for competing in every Late Model (Pro & Super) Race at Mobile International Speedway and Five Flags Speedway, finishing in the top 10 in the Championship standings at both tracks.

Source: Hixson Motorsports / Max Force Racing Press Release

The article Thomas Praytor And REALTOR Car Ready to Tackle Toledo is from Catchfence.

Menards 200

ARCA Racing Series championship defenders, the Roulo Brothers, and Cunningham Motorsports spent all day on the half-mile track, each team with two drivers.

The Roulo Brothers brought 2012 ARCA national champion driver Chris Buescher, who played the role of coach and mentor to SCOTT Challenge Rookie contender Mason Mitchell, who took his first laps around Toledo Monday morning. Buescher has won four of the last five ARCA races at Toledo. While there are no plans for Buescher to race in the upcoming Menards 200, the NASCAR Nationwide Series driver understands the track as well as anyone, and arguably better than many.

“I honestly don’t know what it is,” Buescher said. “You know I hated this track after my first two runs here. Ever since then, I’ve had something click and have been able to get around here pretty decent. I think Mason should be in good shape come next week. The car’s pretty close; I like how it’s driving. I feel like we’ve made some gains, and we’re going to get him back in here before too long and see what he thinks about what we’ve been working on this morning.”

According to Buescher, who finished 12th in the recent Nationwide race at Darlington, he feels Mitchell is getting up to speed quickly.

“He’s a quick learner; he’s done a really nice job this year,” added Buescher. “They had some luck not go their way so far, but just trying to speed up the learning curve as much as possible.”

Mitchell was grateful to have Buescher helping.

“I’m getting some good tips from the one and only Chris Buescher,” Mitchell said. “Everything’s going pretty good right now. It’s (Toledo Speedway) got its own character. Just gotta figure out everything, just like anywhere else. It’s pretty smooth.”

Cunningham Motorsports, led by NASCAR champion crew chief Paul Andrews, tested with veteran and former Toledo polesitter Tom Hessert and newcomer Austin Wayne Self, who, like Mitchell, took his first laps on the fast Toledo half-mile.

“First time I’ve seen the track,” Self said. “The car’s feeling pretty good. We put stickers on it; it’s been a lot more comfortable with those. Just working on trying to get the car a little better, to get the good run off the corner; but I think we’re pretty happy right now the way it’s going.

“It’s a really cool track. You get here, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be a real fast track, but you get on there, and it’s a lot faster than it looks, so I’m excited to see what it’s going to be like with all the cars on it.”

Self, 17, is slated to make his series debut in the No. 22 Cunningham Motorsports Dodge in this Sunday’s Menards 200.

Outside of Hessert’s wins at Iowa and Salem, the Cherry Hill, Jew Jersey driver has had some of his best finishes at Toledo, finishing third back-to-back in 2009 and 2010. He was also fourth in 2011, the year he won the pole, and finished fifth last year. Ironically, Hessert has never tested at Toledo.

“I’ve never had the opportunity to test here in the past, so it’s pretty cool to be able to spend the day up here,” Hessert said. “It’s the car we ran at Mobile. It’s actually a car I ran a lot when I was with Cunningham in 2010, so it’s nice to be back in it. It’s a little snug right now; we’re working on it. We’ll figure it out as the day goes on.

“Hopefully, we’ll get that little bit extra we need to try and get the win up here. I’m sure we’ll make a long run – just gotta get it to where it’s driving a little better on the short run first.”

Discount Tickets on Sale Now for Menards 200

Tickets are on sale now for the Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care at Toledo Speedway. Tickets are $15, compared to $25 on race day, and are available at Menards stores in Toledo, Defiance, Holland, Oregon, Sandusky and Findlay.

The weekend’s activities include ARCA Racing Series practice and qualifying plus the ARCA Truck Series Grogan’s Towne 50-lap race on Saturday, May 18. The Menards 200 is Sunday, with an autograph session at noon and the race at 2 p.m.

The Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care is live on SPEED.

About ARCA

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is among the leading auto racing sanctioning bodies in the country. Founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum, the organization administers more than 100 events each year in multiple racing series, including the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the ARCA/CRA Super Series, the ARCA Truck Series and the ARCA Midwest Tour, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways.

Source: Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

The article Toledo Speedway busy with more testers in prep for Menards 200; 2012 ARCA champ / Nationwide driver Chris Buescher Coaches rookie Mason Mitchell is from Catchfence.

Spencer Gallagher II

Hey Batter, Batter – Gallagher, a Las Vegas, Nev., native will be the special guest of the Toledo Mud Hens Friday, May 17 at the famed Fifth Third Field. The Mud Hens, a Triple-A affiliate to the Detroit Tigers, will be taking on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Along with signing autographs for the fans and taking photos with the No. 23 Allegiant Air Chevrolet show-car, Gallagher will also be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at 7 p.m.

Toledo 2012 – Gallagher has one prior start at the .5-mile paved oval during the 2012 season. After starting 23rd and charging to the front, Gallagher suffered damage during a lap five altercation relegating him to a 34th place finish.

Race Rewind: Talladega Superspeedway – Racing at one of the circuit’s biggest tracks less than two weeks ago, Gallagher was poised to earn another solid finish before a slower car set off the “big one” on lap 34, collecting 11 cars including Gallagher. The Gallagher Motorsports crew attempted to fix the heavily-damaged car before being forced to a 27th-place finish.

Your Vacation Starts at TOL – A sun and sand filled Florida vacation is closer than you think when flying Allegiant Air from local Toledo Express Airport (TOL). Allegiant offers non-stop service to Daytona Beach/Sanford (SFB), Punta Gorda, Ft. Myers (PGD) and Tampa/St. Petersburg (PIE) from the easily accessible Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority run airport.

Meet and Greet – ARCA Racing Series drivers will partake in an all-access autograph session Sunday from 12 – 1 p.m. on the front stretch of Toledo Speedway. Fans can walk on the track, talk with the drivers and get up-close access to the cars. Gallagher will also be visiting with fans throughout the weekend at the official No. 23 Allegiant Air Chevrolet show-car display located on the midway.

Lights, Camera, Action – Race fans everywhere can tune into the close quartered, side-by-side racing action Toledo has become synonymous for on Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. live on SPEED (all times Eastern).

Spencer Gallagher, Driver of the No. 23 Allegiant Air Chevrolet Impala SS:

“I really look forward to getting back racing at Toledo Speedway. The track has a ton of history and character and after last year’s unfortunate outcome I feel like we are owed a good finish. With this being ARCA’s home track and race it really has a neat aurora around it and I know my Allegiant Air Chevrolet will be good thanks to my Gallagher Motorsports crew.”

Allegiant, Travel is our deal. ®

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations. The company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, while also offering other travel-related products such as hotel rooms, rental cars, and attraction tickets. All can be purchased through the company website, allegiant.com. The company has been named one of America’s 100 Best Small Companies by Forbes Magazine for four consecutive years.

Source: Gallagher Motorsports Press Release

The article Spencer Gallagher 2013 ARCA Menards 200 Pre Race Report is from Catchfence.

Austin Wayne Self

Tom Hessert plans to rebound from a disastrous weekend at Talladega Superspeedway where he finished 26th, after being caught in the “big one” on lap 35. Toledo Speedway is a track where Hessert has finished in the top-5 in 5 of the last 9 races, with a best finish of third twice. Hessert earned his third career victory this season at Salem Speedway in April.

Austin Wayne Self will make his first ARCA Series start in the #22 AM Technical Solutions Dodge at Toledo. The 17 year old from Austin, TX ran 3 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKNPSE) races this season with the Cunningham organization. Self finished 17th in the inaugural UNOH Battle at the Beach at Daytona International Speedway in February; 12th at Bristol Motor Speedway, with his best NKNPSE finish of 9th coming in April at Richmond International Speedway. In addition, Self has been running various late model races at his family-owned Central Texas Speedway in Kyle, Texas. Self’s schedule includes 4 more ARCA Series races this season, as well as 4 additional NKNPSE races.

Both of the teams tested for the 5th race of the 2013 ARCA Racing Series season at the .5 mile track north of Toledo, OH on Monday.

The Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care weekend begins Saturday with two 45 minutes practice sessions, at 11:45 and 1:00. Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell is scheduled for 3:30. Sunday’s schedule shows an on-track autograph session from 12-1, with the green flag flying on 200 laps (100 miles) at 2:00.

Source: Cunningham Motorsports Press Release

The article Cunningham Motorsports Counts on Veteran and Rookie at Toledo Speedway is from Catchfence.