Erin Crocker

WIX will serve as the primary sponsor for Crocker’s #98 WIX Filters midget at POWRi races in Bloomington, Ind. (June 28), Haubstadt, Ind. (June 30), Belleville, Ill. (July 5 and July 6), Lincoln, Ill. (Aug. 16 and Aug. 17) and Du Quoin, Ill. (Dec. 7). WIX will also serve as Crocker’s primary sponsor in the 2014 Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Okla. (Jan. 14-18, 2014).

“I am thrilled to get back in the driver’s seat with the Team WIX program that embraces the American tradition of grassroots racing,” said Crocker, who started racing midgets at the age of seven. “I grew up at local, small town dirt tracks where my love for racing began. Racing is part of my DNA and when I spend time at the racetrack my passion for racing is renewed. Partnering with Team WIX allows me to focus on my racing roots and get back to what I love.”

Crocker, who is married to Ray Evernham, the former car owner and Hendrick crew chief who won three championships with Jeff Gordon, has remained ingrained in motorsports. Crocker started a sprint car operation with her husband in 2010 in Mooresville, N.C., and serves as a driving instructor, radio co-host, contributor for AskPatty.com and a member of the production team for the television series, AmeriCARna, which will air in 2014.

“WIX has a deep heritage with hometown racers, teams and local tracks as part of Team WIX program,” said Mike Harvey, brand manager for WIX Filters. “Erin embodies what a true, grassroots racer is through her childhood, passion and love for racing. We are proud to partner with her as she makes her comeback behind the wheel and fuels her passion as part of Team WIX.”

Crocker’s quarter midget racing tenure earned her the Female Driver of the Year awards in 1993, 1994 and 1995, as well as the Northeast Regional Champion award from 1993-1996 by the Quarter Midgets of America.

During Crocker’s career, she earned the 360 “Wild Card” awards in 2002 and 2003; the 410 “Wild Card” award in 2003; and 410 Rookie of the Year in 2003, all from the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.

Crocker was also the first woman to qualify for the Knoxville Nationals in 2003 earning her the title of 2003 Nationals Rookie of the Year in a sprint car and the first woman to win a World of Outlaw feature event in 2004. She also earned five ARCA Pole Awards through 2005 and 2007 and won the ARCA Racing Series Superspeedway Challenge Championship in 2007.

For more information, click here for Crocker’s Q&A.

About WIX Filters

Since 1939, Wix® Filters has been an innovator in filtration products. WIX designs, manufactures and distributes products for automotive, diesel, agricultural, industrial and specialty filter markets. Its product line includes oil, air, cabin interior, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic filters for automobiles, trucks, off-road equipment and manufacturing applications. For more information, visit www.wixfilters.com. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/wixfilters, follow us on Twitter @WIXFilters and visit our YouTube page at youtube.com/TheWIXFilters.

About Affinia Group Inc.

Affinia Group Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, including extensive offerings of aftermarket products for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles. With approximately $1.5 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.affiniagroup.com.

Source: WrayWard Media Relations Press Release

The article WIX® Filters Sponsors Erin Crocker in POWRi Lucas Oil National Midget Series is from Catchfence.

Todd Peck Helmet Design by Briana Hutton

At the beginning of the race season, Peck asked kids with juvenile arthritis to send him their original artwork for his helmet design. After receiving hundreds of entries, a panel of judges narrowed it down to four finalists. Their designs were posted on the Peck Motorsports facebook page, where the team’s fans voted for their favorite submission. In the end, it was Briana’s design that garnered the most votes.

“I love the design that Briana created,” Peck said. “It’s an awesome looking helmet. There were lots of great entries, too. It’s really inspiring to see the hard work and creativity that everyone put forth. I’m glad that I didn’t have to choose the winner. It would have been a tough decision.

“Each time I get ready for a race, my helmet will make me think of Briana and all of the other kids fighting arthritis. I’ll think about all of the obstacles and struggles that they have overcome. It’s a great reminder to me to never give up and keep giving it my best, just like them.”

In addition to Briana’s design, 13 of the design entries will be featured on Peck’s truck at Kentucky Speedway, where he will make his first start of the 2013 season. Each of the team members at Peck Motorsports chose their favorite design, which are now decaled on The No. 40 Chevy’s truck bed. Each kid who submitted the design will have his or her name below their creation.

At the end of the season, Peck will give his helmet to Briana. A duplicate helmet will be given to the Arthritis Foundation to be used to help raise funds for the organization.

Todd Peck started his career driving go-karts. He worked his way up to the national levels in karting before advancing to the Allison Legacy Series. Peck has experience in the Rev-Oil Pro Cup Series, more than 15 starts in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and five starts in the NCWTS. He has done all of this while overcoming the conditions of living with arthritis.

For more information, log onto www.peckmotorsports.com.

About Peck Motorsports

Peck Motorsports (www.peckmotorsports.com) is the only professional NASCAR race team headquartered in central Pennsylvania. Founded in 1988, Peck Motorsports is a family operation. Brothers Dr. Mike Peck and Tom Peck operated the team with success throughout the 90s. Today the team is still led by Dr. Mike Peck, but this time with son Todd Peck behind the wheel.

The family has a long, trusted history in the sport. Tom Peck has numerous top-10 and top-five finishes in the highest ranks of NASCAR. Todd Peck is the next generation of Peck family members to carry on the legacy of the proud Pennsylvania racers. The team is supported by Addiction Management Center, FK Rod Ends, Keystone BioFuels, Klotz Synthetic Lubricants, Lithium Pros, Pyramex and R-E-S. The team also has a collaboration with the Arthritis Foundation.

About the Arthritis Foundation

Striking one in every five adults and 300,000 children, arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability. The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the unacceptable impact of this serious and painful disease, which can severely damage joints and rob people of living life to its fullest. The Foundation funds life-changing research that has restored mobility in patients for more than six decades; fights for health care policies that improve the lives of the millions who live with arthritis; and partners with families to provide empowering programs and information.

Source: Breaking Limits Press Release

The article Helmet Design for Todd Peck Chosen by NASCAR Fans is from Catchfence.

No. 8 Trimmer Assist Chevrolet Layout

Luckily, the fans of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) will see the return of the grass with Max Gresham at the “Monster Mile” next week as his No. 8 Chevrolet will carry the only grass in the infield in the form of a special Trimmer Assist paint scheme.

Trimmer Assist will be the primary sponsor on Gresham’s No. 8 Chevrolet from Eddie Sharp Racing (ESR) for the Lucas Oil 200 on May 31. Gresham captured his NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship in 2011 at the 1-mile high-banked concrete oval.

The No. 8 Trimmer Assist Chevrolet will feature a green and blue fading paint scheme with a silver trimmer on both sides of the car and red trimmer string intertwining with the paint scheme.

In addition to the No. 8 Trimmer Assist Chevrolet sponsorship at Dover, Trimmer Assist served as an associate sponsor for the AmWINS Chevrolet at Charlotte Motor Speedway last week, when Gresham finished third in the North Carolina Education Lottery 200.

The new Trimmer Assist, a revolutionary new string trimmer and blower suspension system, is available online at www.trimmerassist.com and Amazon.com. The Trimmer Assist features a bungee suspension system that can be used effectively on string trimmers, edgers or hand held blowers. It is the best ergonomic solution to ease string trimmer and blower pain and fatigue.

For more information on the Trimmer Assist, visit www.trimmerassist.com.

About NLKUSLLC

NLKUSLLC founded in June 2011, Griffin Ga. was created to set up manufacturing and distribution of the Trimmer Assist. Sales have currently been through ecommerce through www.trimmerassist.com and Amazon.com.

About Eddie Sharp Racing

Eddie Sharp Racing (ESR) (TeamESR.com) is a championship winning racing team housed in a 45,000 square-foot facility in Denver, N.C. After getting its start in the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Racing Series, ESR has accumulated upwards of 20 race wins, the 2009 ARCA Racing Series Championship, and countless top-five and top-10 finishes in just five years of competition. By 2010, ESR began to make the transition into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) with a partial schedule before racing in the series full-time in 2011. By 2012, the team expanded to be a multi-truck team and secured its first victory in just the team’s 35th NCWTS race. Additionally, ESR continues to build its driver development program fielding various drivers in the ARCA Racing Series, the United Auto Racing Association (UARA) STARS Series and other late model events across the southeast.

About Made In USA Brand

The Made In USA Brand Certification Mark is the only certification mark logo registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for labeling and identifying goods either made or grown in the United States.

The number of Made In USA Brand accredited companies has grown to over 900 in just over a year.

Companies interested in securing the Made In USA Brand Certification Mark to label their products and marketing materials are encouraged to log on to www.MadeInUSABrand.com.

Race fans interested in pledging along with Max Gresham to look for and purchase made in USA manufactured goods can take the pledge for FREE at www.PledgeForUSA.com.

Source: Eddie Sharp Racing Press Release

The article Max Gresham’s No. 8 Eddie Sharp Racing Chevrolet Will Carry A ‘Trimmer Assist’ Paint Scheme For Dover is from Catchfence.

Matt Tifft

Tifft’s run, on-top of Win-Tron Racing’s teammate Mason Mingus’s second-place effort, made the event one to remember for the Mooresville, North Carolina-based Win-Tron Racing team.

While many were surprised by the run maneuvered by Tifft, the youngster necessarily wasn’t. The confidence in his team, plus his prior experience at the 0.5-mile paved oval, all equally paid dividends in the fifth ARCA Racing Series event of the year.

In the first practice session on Saturday afternoon, Tifft placed 10th before wholesale changes and a mock-qualifying run lifted the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKPSE) rookie to second heading into Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell a short time later.

Time trials saw Tifft nearly back-up his fastest lap in final practice, placing him seventh on the grid for his ARCA Racing Series debut.

With an enormous cheering section in the stands, Tifft took the green flag and fell into a rhythm, maintaining his placement inside the top-10 through the race’s first 50 circuits.

The yellow flag waived approaching lap 80, yielding an opportunity for Tifft to make one of his two scheduled pit stops from the sixth spot. A slight hiccup on pit road would slide the Buckeye native in the running order for the impending restart, landing him 13th.

Methodically and patiently though, Tifft crafted his No. 89 DOC 360 Chevrolet Impala back into the top-10 by lap 110. Settled in ninth when the seventh caution flag of the day waived, Tifft joined the leaders on pit road for their final stop of the day.

Brilliant work by the Win-Tron Racing crew allowed the rookie to gain four positions on pit road, lining up fifth for the restart.

When the green flag waived with 71 laps remaining, Tifft would fall into the clutches of nine-time champion Frank Kimmel for sixth, but immediately passed the No. 02 of Josh Williams to reclaim fifth on lap 132. A short time later, Tifft would lose the spot to teammate Mason Mingus.

However, when second-place runner Grant Enfinger succumbed to a flat tire inside the final 10 laps of the event, Tifft took advantage of his competitor’s misfortune, rising back into fifth where he took the checkered flag.

“What a great day for us,” said Tifft. “I had an absolute blast and I really couldn’t have asked for anything more in my ARCA debut. Our No. 89 DOC 360 Chevrolet Impala was pretty good from the moment we unloaded and that’s why we were able to run so competitively during the race. I cannot thank my guys, my friends, family and DOC 360 for making this race possible. It’s a dream come true.”

Tifft will take a breather, before returning to action on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East tour from Bowman-Gray (N.C.) Stadium on Saturday, June 1. His next scheduled ARCA Racing Series run will occur at New Jersey Motorsports Park on July 28.

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, becoming 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 Impresses In ARCA Debut For Win-Tron Racing At Toledo Speedway is from Catchfence.

Todd Peck

As the Arthritis Foundation’s signature event, The Arthritis Walk raises funds and awareness every year to fight the nation’s leading cause of disability. In addition to fighting arthritis and helping the millions of people who live with arthritis pain, the foundation aims to make the impact of arthritis and move together to help prevent and treat this serious and painful disease through research, education and community programs.

Participants walked for friends or family members with arthritis, and those with arthritis wore blue hats to signify their action to take control of their condition.

“Today was a whole lot of fun,” Peck said. “I really enjoyed seeing everyone come together and make strides towards fighting arthritis. It’s obviously an important cause to me and I was really excited to see the support that flowed in from the community.”

Peck, driver of the No. 40 Arthritis Foundation Silverado, had his race truck and team hauler at the event for the walk’s participants to experience. In an effort to boost the fundraising efforts, he accepted $1 donations for the foundation from participants to sign a sticky note and post it on his truck. He also accepted donations to sign his pit wall banner.

“It’s an honor to use our race program to help the Arthritis Foundation,” said Keith Wolfe, general manager of Peck Motorsports. “We’re proud to support their efforts and hope we can continue to do so for years to come. We’re already looking forward to next year’s walk.”

Peck announced last week that he will return to NASCAR Camping World Truck Series action this season, driving for his family-owned Peck Motorsports team. His first race will be at Kentucky Speedway on June 27.

About Peck Motorsports

Peck Motorsports (www.peckmotorsports.com) is the only professional NASCAR race team headquartered in central Pennsylvania. Founded in 1988, Peck Motorsports is a family operation. Brothers Dr. Mike Peck and Tom Peck operated the team with success throughout the 90s. Today the team is still led by Dr. Mike Peck, but this time with son Todd Peck behind the wheel.

The family has a long, trusted history in the sport. Tom Peck has numerous top-10 and top-five finishes in the highest ranks of NASCAR. Todd Peck is the next generation of Peck family members to carry on the legacy of the proud Pennsylvania racers. The team is supported by Addiction Management Center, FK Rod Ends, Keystone BioFuels, Klotz Synthetic Lubricants, Lithium Pros, Pyramex and R-E-S. The team also has a collaboration with the Arthritis Foundation.

About the Arthritis Foundation

Striking one in every five adults and 300,000 children, arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability. The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the unacceptable impact of this serious and painful disease, which can severely damage joints and rob people of living life to its fullest. The Foundation funds life-changing research that has restored mobility in patients for more than six decades; fights for health care policies that improve the lives of the millions who live with arthritis; and partners with families to provide empowering programs and information.

Source: Breaking Limits Press Release

The article Todd Peck Takes Part in Arthritis Walk-Charlotte is from Catchfence.

No. 40 Arthritis Foundation Chevrolet Silverado Layout

“Everyone at Peck Motorsports is extremely excited about the season ahead,” Peck said. “We’re more prepared than ever before. Now that we have enough Truck Series races under our belt to assess our program, I feel like we have a much better idea of our strengths and weaknesses. We’ve targeted the areas that need improvement and have been hard at work to correct those. I think everything we do on the track and off of the track will be a step above last season. I’m really looking forward to getting back and showing how far we’ve come.

Peck will continue his association with the Arthritis Foundation in 2013. As someone who faces the daily struggles of arthritis, Peck wanted to inspire others with the condition to live an active, healthy lifestyle. He reached out to the foundation during his inaugural Truck Series season in 2011. Through the partnership, he’s helped bring national attention to arthritis through the foundation’s branding on his truck, as well as speaking at several arthritis conventions across the country. He’s also hosted numerous children with the condition and their families at race events.

“The Arthritis Foundation is pleased to continue our partnership with Todd Peck in 2013,” said Stephani Tucker, Arthritis Foundation Director of Development, Mid-Atlantic Region. “Todd has been a great example to others with arthritis. We appreciate all he does to bring awareness to the condition. He and his NASCAR team have been a great partner of the Arthritis Foundation and we look forward to another great year together.”

The truck Peck will pilot throughout 2013 was revealed at the OrthoCarolina office on Randolph Road in Charlotte, N.C., where its sports medicine center is housed. On hand were several physicians, patients and race fans.

“I’m very proud of our association with the Arthritis Foundation,” said Keith Wolfe, general manager of Peck Motorsports. “I hope that we’ve shown that you can live a very dynamic life, even with arthritis. People are always surprised to hear that Todd has the condition. They didn’t think that someone with arthritis could be a race car driver. It’s really gratifying when we show kids and adults that they can still be very active.”

Peck’s first race will be at Kentucky Speedway on Thursday, June 27. The remaining races are to be determined.

About Peck Motorsports

Peck Motorsports (www.peckmotorsports.com) is the only professional NASCAR race team headquartered in central Pennsylvania. Founded in 1988, Peck Motorsports is a family operation. Brothers Dr. Mike Peck and Tom Peck operated the team with success throughout the 90s. Today the team is still led by Dr. Mike Peck, but this time with son Todd Peck behind the wheel.

The family has a long, trusted history in the sport. Tom Peck has numerous top-10 and top-five finishes in the highest ranks of NASCAR. Todd Peck is the next generation of Peck family members to carry on the legacy of the proud Pennsylvania racers. The team is supported by Addiction Management Center, FK Rod Ends, Keystone BioFuels, Klotz Synthetic Lubricants, Lithium Pros, Pyramex and R-E-S. The team also has a collaboration with the Arthritis Foundation.

About the Arthritis Foundation

Striking one in every five adults and 300,000 children, arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability. The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the unacceptable impact of this serious and painful disease, which can severely damage joints and rob people of living life to its fullest. The Foundation funds life-changing research that has restored mobility in patients for more than six decades; fights for health care policies that improve the lives of the millions who live with arthritis; and partners with families to provide empowering programs and information.

Source: Breaking Limits Press Release

The article Todd Peck Announces Return to Truck Series in 2013 is from Catchfence.

2013 NCWTS Driver Ryan Blaney (Cooper Standard) - Photo Credit: Sean Gardner/Getty Images

Ryan Blaney (@RyanBlaney22), driver of the Brad Keselowski Racing (@TeamBKR) No. 29 Cooper Standard Ford F-Series, made his first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) start at Charlotte Motor Speedway Friday night, after posting a 9th place qualifying effort earlier in the day.

Blaney got off to a solid start staying around the top 10 before the first caution flew of the evening. Crew chief, Doug Randolph, brought Blaney to pit road for three adjustments up on the track bar, four tires and fuel – after Blaney had been complaining of a very tight truck.

After the No. 18 wrecked and brought out caution number three on lap 73, Randolph, brought Blaney back to pit road for four tires, fuel and two adjustments up on the track bar, since the previous three track bar adjustment stop had tightened up Blaney’s Race Truck too much.

The night took a turn for the worse for Blaney and No. 29 Cooper Standard team, when Blaney radioed in under green on lap 97 saying his Truck was really, really bad. Randolph brought Blaney to pit road under green and realized one of the air guns being used to change tires had jammed and was not tightening the lug nuts accordingly, costing Blaney to go three laps down.

With a combination of bad luck and being in the wrong place at the wrong time all night long, Blaney and the team did all they could do to salvage a 25th place finish.

Blaney and the No. 29 Cooper Standard team now sit 7th in NCWTS driver point standings, 42 points back from first.

“That’s just racing. We can’t hang our heads over something out of our control. We’ll go back to the drawing board and prepare accordingly for Dover in a few weeks where I know we can get back on track. It’s really unfortunate to have a night like that in Charlotte of all places, because you want to show your best stuff at home where your friends and family are.” - Ryan Blaney

Source: Brad Keselowski Racing Press Release

The article Ryan Blaney 2013 NCWTS North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Post Race Report is from Catchfence.

Ross Chastain (Photo Credit: Jerry Markland / Getty Images North America)

Ross Chastain (@Ross Chastain), driver of the Brad Keselowski Racing (@TeamBKR) Melon 1 Ford F-Series, started in the 7th position Friday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway during the 11th Annual North Carolina Education Lottery 200. It was Chastain’s third start for BKR after finishing in the top 20 at Daytona International Speedway and Martinsville Speedway earlier this season.

Chastain had a solid start to the night racing in the top 10, before the caution came out on lap 72 for a wreck. Chastain said he was having trouble in the center off so, crew chief Chad Kendrick brought his Ford F-Series to pit road for one track bar adjustment, four tires and fuel.

The night all but came to a close for Chastain on lap 77 under green when there was a hole in the right rear of his Melon 1 Ford, forcing Chastain down pit road for two right side tires under green, knocking him off the lead lap.

The yellow flag waved again on lap 101 and Kendrick called Chastain back to pit road for a half a track bar adjustment and fuel. Chastain was granted with the lucky dog, putting him back on the lead lap in the 17th position. Chastain kept digging in the closing stages of the race and found himself placing in the 9th position overall after an up and down night.

The No. 19 BKR team now sits 11th in NCWTS owner point standings, 151 points back from first.

“It was one of those nights at Charlotte, I have to thank my team for not giving up. We saw a fast race Truck slip out of contention, but we battled hard to get back on the lead lap and place in the top 10. I’m proud of everyone and we are looking forward to Dover in a couple of weeks.” - Ross Chastain

Source: Brad Keselowski Racing Press Release

The article Ross Chastain 2013 NCWTS North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Post Race Report is from Catchfence.

Brad Keselowski (Photo Credit: Grant Halverson / Getty Images)

Brad Keselowski (@Keselowski), driver of the No. 2 Draw-Tite Ford F-Series, made his inaugural season start in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) during the 11th Annual North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Friday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Keselowski, the owner of Brad Keselowski Racing (@TeamBKR), qualified his Ford F-Series machine in the 19th position earlier in the day.

Keselowski opted to not pit during the second caution of the night on lap 25, instead, elected to stay out which positioned the Draw-Tite Ford in the 12th spot once the green flag fell again. On lap 71, under caution, Keselowski brought his Ford down pit road for four tires, fuel and an air pressure adjustment, saying he can see the leaders lift in the corners, but not being able to make up any ground.

After battling all night long to get up to the lead pack, Keselowski found himself sitting in the 2nd position with a little under 50 laps to go. The caution came out on lap 115 – Keselowski stayed out to sustain track position, restarting in the 4th spot.

With 15 laps to go, the No. 54 truck got loose under Keselowski, pushing him into the wall out of turn two, which damaged the Draw-Tite machine. The accident forced him back down pit road for repair and ultimately costing him a top five finish, placing him in the 14th spot overall.

Keselowski is slated to run additional NCWTS races for BKR later this season.

“It was a tough night behind the wheel and with my owner’s cap on tonight at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The team continues to improve and we are heading in the right direction, just need a little bit more speed in our trucks. I want to thank Draw-Tite and Cooper Standard for bringing all their employees and customers to the track today. I’m looking forward to my next (NASCAR Camping World Truck Series) start in Kentucky.” - Brad Keselowski

Source: Brad Keselowski Racing Press Release

The article Brad Keselowski 2013 NCWTS North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Post Race Report is from Catchfence.

Dakoda Armstrong (Photo Credit: Jonathan Ferrey / Getty Images North America)

Breaking away cleanly from his eighth place starting position, Armstrong settled in comfortably inside the top-10 after the drop of the green flag. The first caution period of the evening on lap 17 allowed his No. 60 crew to bring their driver to pit road for a splash of fuel, hoping to gain some track position. Unfortunately, Armstrong made slight contact with another competitor while exiting his pit box, forcing him to come back down pit road for repairs. With only minor damage to the left front bumper, Armstrong was able to confidently return to NCWTS competition at the tail end of the field.

Knowing he couldn’t waste any time, Armstrong began his march back towards the front immediately, climbing from 31st to inside the top-25 in four laps. Another quick caution bunched up the field once more, allowing Armstrong to gain even more positions, surviving three-wide racing to move back inside the top-20 by lap 70. Just as the WinField pit crew was preparing for a green flag pit stop, the caution flag dropped for the third time on lap 73, allowing Armstrong to come down pit road with the rest of the leaders the following lap. Getting four tires, fuel and an air pressure adjustment, Armstrong returned to the track in the 14th position.

The fourth caution of the evening followed shortly after the field returned to green, putting Armstrong in his fuel window to make it to the checkered flag. Crew chief Gere Kennon took advantage of the opportunity, bringing the WinField Silverado down pit lane for a final set of adjustments to help improve Armstrong’s tight handling condition, four fresh tires and fuel.

Returning to the track for his final run to the finish, Armstrong restarted eighth and quickly blasted his way to fourth. However, four cautions in the final 39 laps didn’t work in his favor as Armstrong struggled shifting into fourth gear and fought a tight handling condition, serving him a 12th place finish.

“We definitely had a better truck tonight that what our finish showed,” Armstrong explained. “My entire TurnOne Racing team did a great job getting us setup for tonight and adjusting when the track changed. I just had a hard time shifting into fourth gear on the final two restarts and we lost some spots because of that. But I’m proud of how much speed our WinField Silverado had and it was a solid night in the point standings for us.”

Notes:

- Dakoda Armstrong made his fifth NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start of the 2013 season in the No. 60 WinField Chevrolet Silverado at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 on Friday night.

- Working on race runs for the majority of all three NCWTS practice sessions, Armstrong’s lap times stayed consistent on longer runs and the WinField Silverado carried good speed during qualifying for an eighth place effort.

- Armstrong dropped to 31st early in the NC Education Lottery 200 after slight damage to the front of his Silverado cost him an extra trip down pit road. Moving up as high as fourth with less than 30 laps remaining, Armstrong slid back to the 12th position at the checkers.

- Friday night’s finish helps Armstrong improve two spots in the NCWTS driver point standings, currently 49 markers out of the lead in the eighth spot.

Source: Dakoda Armstrong Media Relations Press Release

The article Rebound From Early Set Back Yields 12th Place Finish for Dakoda Armstrong at Charlotte is from Catchfence.

Danny Efland (Photo Credit: Sam Greenwood / Getty Images)

This is a small family owned team out of Shelby North Carolina” said Danny, “but they really work hard. One of them spots while others crew chief and still others provide food for the crew. It reminds me of our Late Model days where most operations were family deals. It’s great to run for people that just push to do the best with the equipment they have and want to race, not just ride around for a paycheck. It puts the fun back in the sport.”

The Eurasia Resorts Silverado started from the 34th position but rapidly moved up with the help of Brad Parrott calling the shots. Brad, a very experienced NASCAR crew chief volunteered his help and immediately went to work making the Truck better. A short spin through the grass while avoiding another Truck that had crashed was the big excitement of the night and provided great TV coverage. Danny finally brought the undamaged Truck home in the top 20 for only the Teams 2nd time.

Danny will fly to Las Vegas on Sunday to meet the Eurasia Resorts people who are opening a unique resort hotel and shopping facility featuring stores from Europe and Asia that have not previously had an American presence.

Source: Danny Efland Racing Press Release

The article Danny Efland 2013 NCWTS North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Post Race Report is from Catchfence.

Miguel Paludo - Photo Credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images

After laying down the fifth-fastest lap in the afternoon’s qualifying session, Paludo took the green flag with the intent of bringing home the first win of his NCWTS career. Paludo dropped to the 11th position after finding that his Silverado was pushing tight back to the throttle, so when the yellow flag waved on lap 17, the No. 32 team took the opportunity to adjust the Levine Children’s Hospital machine, taking two tires, fuel and an air-pressure adjustment.

Restarting in the 10th spot, tightness continued to affect the handling of the No. 32, and despite maintaining their position, the team decided to make a bold move when the second caution of the day came on lap 27. “I want to make some big changes and get this thing right early,” said crew chief Jeff Hensley. “We’re going to gamble and give up some track position, but let’s see if we can get ourselves one of these wins.” Performing a thorough four-tire pit stop, the TSM team gave Paludo a track-bar adjustment, air-pressure adjustment and fuel while pulling a spring rubber. Although he emerged from the pits in the 26th position, Paludo now had a truck that was adjusted for the track conditions and more fuel than his competitors that opted to remain on track.

When racing resumed, Paludo began a march to the front that put him into the 14th spot by the time green-flag pit stops began on lap 66. With plenty of fuel to continue, Paludo remained on track as other trucks peeled off the track to pit road. The Brazilian was scored 10th when the third yellow flag of the day waved on lap 73, allowing Paludo to come to pit road for a final tweak of the Levine Children’s Hospital Chevrolet. Hensley called for four tires, fuel and a track-bar adjustment, putting Paludo ninth for the green flag. “Save me some fuel,” said Hensley. “We’re about five laps short but we’re getting exceptional fuel mileage tonight. We’re not going to pit again if we can help it.”

When green-flag racing resumed on lap 77, Paludo did an excellent job of moving around the racetrack, finding the best possible lines to improve his lap times. When the caution came out again eight laps later, Paludo was scored seventh. With several competitors opting to pit for tires and fuel, Paludo was on the front row for the lap-88 restart in the second position.

Paludo quickly overtook the first-place truck after the green, leading at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the first time in his career. Once in clean air, Paludo promptly pulled away from the pack, holding a steady lead as the yellow was shown on lap 95. Making his lane choice as the leader for the restart, Paludo battled NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski on the front row, pulling away effortlessly in the first turn. “This running up front thing is fun,” relayed Paludo over the radio.

The field was tightened by caution flags two more times, and each time Paludo dominated the restart and defended his position as the fastest truck on the track. Paludo continued to battle hard, finally being forced to relinquish his lead on lap 120 to a truck with fresher tires. Restarting with eight laps remaining, Paludo fell victim to other competitors who opted for fresh tires in the closing laps, and as a result of aero tightness as his clean air was lost, Paludo crossed the finish line seventh.

“I like being up front,” said Paludo with a smile. “We were really good tonight, we were great in clean air, we just lost to fresher tires at the end. My guys did a great job tonight. We made the calls we needed to make to win a race, and I’m very proud of everybody. We keep showing them we’re here; we haven’t had a race this season that we weren’t good enough to win. I’m hoping Dover will be the one where we finally make it to victory lane. I have to thank Levine Children’s Hospital for coming on board, they’ve taken good care of my son Oliver in the past and I’m looking forward to visiting with some of the kids there next week.”

Paludo gained two spots in the NCWTS Driver Point Standings, now ninth in the standings and three points out of eighth. The Truck Series has a one-week break before going ‘off to the races’ at Dover International Speedway on Friday, May 31st.

About Turner Scott Motorsports:

Turner Scott Motorsports was established in 1999 by Texas businessman Steve Turner, who was joined by partner Harry Scott Jr. as co-owner in 2013. This season will mark the fourth season of full-time NASCAR competition for the organization, which 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. The team earned its first championship when James Buescher captured the NCWTS title in 2012. Turner Scott 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 team Hendrick Motorsports, which provides engine support for both its NNS and NCWTS programs, and Earnhardt Technology Group for drive train and suspension technology assistance. For more information on Turner Scott Motorsports, visit www.TurnerScottMotorsports.com

Source: Turner Scott Motorsports Press Release

The article Miguel Paludo Leads 33 Laps En Route to Seventh-Place Finish in Charlotte is from Catchfence.

2013 NCWTS Driver James Buescher in garage area - Photo Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images

With nearly six hours of practice time for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) on the weekend at CMS, the Rheem team took advantage to fine tune their chassis that took home four victories in 2012. It was undoubted that Buescher was going to be one to contend with, as during the first practice the Rheem team finished in the 2nd spot on the charts. When it came to qualifying, Buescher just missed placing the No. 31 Chevy Silverado in the top 10, setting Buescher to roll off the grid in the 12th position for the North Carolina Education Lottery 200.

When the green flag released the 36-truck field for the 134-lap main event, Buescher immediately went to work picking his way through the field. By lap two, Buescher had already cracked the top 10 and he didn’t quit there. By lap 18, he was hunting down a top-five running spot. The race saw its first of eight yellow flags on the night, and during this yellow crew chief Michael Shelton called his driver down to pit road to top the Rheem Chevy off with Sunoco race fuel. When the race went back green, Buescher went back to work trying to pick his way through the field. On lap 30, Buescher reported to the crew that the truck was too tight, and Shelton radioed back to his driver that the team would fix him up on the next stop. After stalking the top five for many laps, Buescher finally cracked it on lap 53 and was running lap times quicker than the trucks in front of him.

Just as Buescher was scheduled to hit pit road for a green flag pit stop on lap 73, a yellow flag once again covered the 1.5-mile CMS, saving Buescher from having to pit under green-flag conditions. During this pit stop, Buescher came down and took four Goodyear Wrangler tires, Sunoco fuel and made a host of chassis adjustments in hopes to loosen up the No. 31 Rheem machine.

Continuing to run solidly in the top 10, Buescher was called on to make another great restart on lap 108. Hoping to make up some ground, Buescher saw a hole open up on the top side of the track and went for a three wide pass. During the attempt at the pass, a couple trucks below him got loose and slid up into the No. 31 Rheem Chevy, resulting in slight damage to the left front fender. During the second-to-final caution of the night, Buescher brought the Rheem Chevy back down pit road to the attention of his crew to take four tires and fix the damage on the left front fender.

Restarting the event back in the 19th spot, Buescher had his work cut out for him to make it back up to the top 10. Despite there being just under 20 laps remaining, that didn’t stop the team’s determination to bring home a second-consecutive top 10 as Buescher swiftly worked his way through the field and brought home a solid sixth-place finish. In the process, James Buescher and the Rheem team had a good points night, moving him up to a tie with fourth place in the championship standings.

“I’m really proud of my guys this weekend,” said Buescher. “It was a long weekend with lots of practice and they continued to work really hard right to the very end. We had a great truck here, and I’m happy that we were able to bring the Rheem Chevy Silverado home in the sixth place and continue our charge up the point standings. I can’t wait to get to Dover and continue our momentum.”

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is off next weekend but returns to action again on May 31, when they visit the high-banked 1-mile oval of Dover International Speedway.

About Turner Scott Motorsports:

Turner Scott Motorsports was established in 1999 by Texas businessman Steve Turner, who was joined by partner Harry Scott Jr. as co-owner in 2013. This season will mark the fourth season of full-time NASCAR competition for the organization, which 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. The team earned its first championship when James Buescher captured the NCWTS title in 2012. Turner Scott 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 team Hendrick Motorsports, which provides engine support for both its NNS and NCWTS programs, and Earnhardt Technology Group for drive train and suspension technology assistance. For more information on Turner Scott Motorsports, visit www.TurnerScottMotorsports.com

Source: Turner Scott Motorsports Press Release

The article Hard-Earned Top-10 for James Buescher at Charlotte Motor Speedway is from Catchfence.

Darrell Wallace Jr. (Photo Credit: Jamey Price/Getty Images North America)

RACE: N.C. Education Lottery 200

TRACK: Charlotte Motor Speedway

DRIVER: Darrell Wallace Jr.

TRUCK: No. 54 Liberty Tire Recycling / GroundSmart Rubber Mulch Toyota Tundra

START: 13th

FINISH: 27th

LAPS: 121 / 134

POINTS POSITION: 10th (58 points out of 1st)

Post Race Highlights:

· Racing in front of his home crowd, Darrell Wallace, Jr. made his first-career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) start at Charlotte Motor Speedway from the 13th position and looked to be in contention for a strong run early in the 134-lap N.C. Education Lottery 200 behind the wheel of the No. 54 Liberty Tire Recycling Toyota Tundra.

· Running in the top 10, Wallace radioed the team on lap 10 that he was way too tight to run his preferred line. Taking advantage of the first caution on lap 15, Wallace pitted on lap 17 for four tires, fuel and an air-pressure and track-bar adjustment. The race restarted on lap 23 with the No. 54 Liberty Tire Recycling team in 21st.

· Picking off one truck at a time, Wallace was in the fifth position when he radioed that the truck was ‘awesome’ on lap 50.

· Closing in to within laps of a possible green-flag pit stop, the caution flag waved on lap 71 forcing the team into fuel saving mode. Able to utilize the apron, Wallace made it to pit road on lap 73 from the third position for four tires, fuel and another round of adjustments. The race restarted on lap 76 with Wallace in the fifth position.

· Falling a few positions after the restart, but remaining in the top 12, Wallace made his final pit stop on lap 101 from the 11th spot for four tires and fuel telling the team the truck was really good. The race restarted on lap 103 with the No. 54 Liberty Tire Recycling Toyota team in the 10th position.

· With a fast truck and running lap times comparable to the leaders, Wallace moved up to third by lap 120. The final caution waved on lap 121 for a multi-truck incident and at the same time, Wallace spun off turn two after contact with a competitor and hit the inside wall. With too much damage to the No. 54 Toyota Tundra, Wallace was unable to finish the race and was scored with a 27th-place finish.

· Kyle Busch won the race followed by Brendan Gaughan, Max Gresham, Matt Crafton and Ty Dillon.

Source: Kyle Busch Motorsports / Joe Gibbs Racing Press Release