ARCA RE/MAX SERIES NEWS AND RUMORS
- Brandon Kelley back at Toledo?
UPDATE
Brandon Kelley is expected to return to the #23 Porter Glass Chevrolet
at Toledo. (04-30-08)
UPDATE:
Brandon Kelley is now expected to be back at Pocono next month.
(05-15-08)
- Hanson to make ARCA debut in
Toledo with Win-Tron Racing: While Holmdel, New Jersey
native Dominick Casola has spent the first six races in the No. 32
Dodge Charger, Casola will sit out the seventh race of the season
allowing ASA Late Model Series phenomenon Andy Hanson to take the helm
of the familiar Win-Tron entry. Hanson has enjoyed a very stout career
in the ASA Late Model Series and with his ARCA RE/MAX Series debut on
deck this weekend at Toledo Speedway, the Ramsey, Minnesota native is
looking at making the best of it. "I'm thrilled about the opportunity
to race for Win-Tron Racing this weekend at Toledo," said the 19-year
old Hanson. "The team is coming off a strong run at Kentucky Speedway
and I would like to keep their turn-around season alive with a strong
run in Sunday's race." (Win-Tron PR) (05-15-08)
- Mattioli back in the #14 at
Toledo: Eighteen-year-old Chase Mattioli, the
grandson of Pocono patriarchs' Dr. Joe and Rose Mattioli, has filed an
entry for Sunday's Hantz Group 200 presented by Federated Car Care.
"Outside of a picture on the website, I've never seen the place
[Toledo], but I'm really excited, especially since we finished 12th at
Salem. I've done about 300 laps at Toledo on the ARCA SIM game so
that's helped some. And we're going to test at Hickory this Thursday.
I've also got AP tests (college preparatory exams) on Wednesday and
Friday, so it's going to be a really busy week for me." Mattioli will
be driving the no. 14 Pro Tech & Associates Ford out of Andy
Hillenburg's shop. Veteran crew chief Dave McClure, who
worked with Chad McCumbee during his ARCA tenure, will be the crew
chief on the car at Toledo. (ARCARacing.com)
(05-15-08)
- Rhyne hospitalized:
Long time ARCA RE/MAX Series sponsor and engine builder Joe Rhyne
suffered a heart attack and underwent emergency surgery Tuesday, May
13. Rhyne is resting comfortably at Community Hospital, 901 MacArthur
Blvd., Munster IN 46361, where messages of cheer can be sent. Rhyne has
maintained a strong and consistent presence in the Series since 1988,
and is a past recipient of the ARCA Spirit Award, which is presented
annually to the individual who best displays dedication and support of
the ARCA RE/MAX Series and earns the respect of his peers by being
supportive, helpful and positive in attitude. (ARCARacing.com)
(05-15-08)
- Disdier to attempt Toledo with
Bowsher Racing: The continuous adventure for Michel
Disdier. the French driver, will take part Sunday, May 18 in Toledo
(Ohio) with its 2nd race of the ARCA championship. After beginnings
full with promises carried out on April 13 in Salem (Indiana) where it
was classified with a very beautiful 13th place, the continuous
adventure for Michel which controls Ford in the TEAM of Jack Bowsher.
"My objective is to confirm the good result of the first race and to
continue to garner experiment while trying to finish with best places
possible", announces Michel who knows already the oval of Toledo: "we
tested there before Salem, which was very good. I have a very good
feeling with this track ". Of good forecasts before these meeting again
with the American public which really adopted the "Frenchie." "Around
my arrival in this competition, it there had a passion of the public,
organizers and media", continues Michel, still surprised by the many
requests of the American press. Monday, Michel Disdier will fly away
for New York where he has appointments with journalists. Friday, it
will go to Toledo where the tests qualifiers will begin the following
day. During these timed tests, the French will try to place the best
possible one on the starting grid in order to continue his American
dream at the time of the race of Sunday. (Disdier PR -
Babel Fish Translation) (05-14-08)
- ARCA official's mother passes
away:
Condolences to longtime ARCA official and ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck
Series director Mike Hewer, whose mother, Phyllis L. Hewer, passed away
Saturday, May 10th. Visitation is today, Monday, May 12th at the
Schrader- Howell Funeral Home, 280 S. Main St., Plymouth MI 48170 (734)
453-3333 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Funeral
Services are Tuesday, May 13th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers,
charitable contributions, in memory of Phyllis L. Hewer, may be made to
the Plymouth Community United Way, 960 W. Ann Arbor Trail, Suite 2,
Plymouth, Michigan 48170. (ARCARacing.com) (05-12-08)
- Caisse joins HRE at Kentucky:
After the team's debut at Rockingham Speedway with Justin Marks,
Hattori Racing Enterprises is set for the second of eight ARCA RE/MAX
Series races on the team's partial-season schedule that will prepare
HRE for a full, ARCA RE/MAX Series season in 2009. The team was
organized by owner Shigeaki Hattori and the team's sponsorship group to
give young, talented drivers a chance to compete in the best equipment
possible. For Kentucky Speedway, Sean Caisse will pilot the no. 01
Advics Camry for HRE. Advics, with a facility in nearby Hebron, KY, is
sure to show support for Caisse in Saturday's Drive Smart! Buckle Up
200. "HRE was formed so that the sponsors, AISIN, AISIN AW and Advics,
and Hattori Racing Enterprises, can give young, developing drivers a
chance to compete in excellent racing equipment. We are working with
young drivers this year in preparation for a full season of competition
in ARCA in 2009," said Hattori. "Sean Caisse is a good, young driver
who has won many races and I think he will do a good job for HRE in the
Advics Camry." (Germain PR) (05-08-08)
- Congratulations to the Bowsher
family: Ashlynn Renee Bowsher was born on Sunday, May 4,
2008 at 11:56 a.m. She made her appearance at 20 1/2" long and weighing
7 lbs. 3.6 oz. Mother [Alfie Bowsher] and baby are doing great and Dad
[Todd Bowsher] is ecstatic! (Bowsher Racing) (05-08-08)
- Kapfhammer attempting six races
in 2008: Frank Kapfhammer is on the fast-track to Kentucky
Speedway for the May 10th Drive Smart! Buckle Up Kentucky 150.
Kapfhammer owns and operates five Long John Silver's franchises in
Louisville and five Subway franchises in southern Indiana. Kapfhammer's
no. 7 Chevy Monte Carlo will carry title sponsorship from Long John
Silver's for the upcoming race at Kentucky. "The Long John Silver's
sponsorship is from corporate," said Kapfhammer. "We're very fortunate
to have them as a marketing partner on our ARCA RE/MAX Series program.
"My dad (also named Frank) started the first ever Long John Silver's
franchise in the country in 1969 here in Louisville. Five stores later,
we're still here." Between racing in the ARCA RE/MAX Series and running
10 fast food franchises, Kapfhammer is staying plenty busy. "On the
Long John Silver's side of things, we've got 104 employees. On the
Subway end of it, we've got an additional 86 employees, so we're plenty
busy chasing the whole thing." On the ARCA RE/MAX Series side of
things, he's got no employees. "My crew is strictly volunteers. We'll
probably have nine or ten crew people at Kentucky, but they're all
family and friends of family. We've got Joe Rhyne motors under the
hood." Kapfhammer has announced his plans to race in as many as six
ARCA RE/MAX Series events in 2008 to include both races at Kentucky
Speedway, Kansas Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway and Chicagoland
Speedway. He's leaving himself the option of running one more at his
discretion. The car will carry title sponsorship from Long John
Silver's at each event with associate sponsorship from Pepsi, Dr.
Pepper and Fenley Construction. (ARCA PR) (04-06-08)
- Kimmel on Wind Tunnel:
Nine-time ARCA RE/MAX Series national champion Frank Kimmel is
scheduled to be a live studio guest tonight (Sunday May 4) on Wind
Tunnel, which airs on SPEED from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm Eastern. Show host
Dave Despain will no doubt recap today's race at Rockingham Speedway as
well as touch on the future of Kimmel Racing. (04-04-08)
- Driving instructor racing at
Rockingham: Jeff Boyer has been the lead driving
instructor at the Buck Baker racing school for ten years. He has shown
over 50 current drivers in various series from ARCA, Craftsman Truck,
Nationwide to Nextel/Sprint Cup Series drivers the correct way to
handle some of the toughest tracks in NASCAR. With 10,000 laps of
experience at ‘The Rock' under his belt, a used Tony Stewart
car, a heart bigger than a lion or a ‘tiger', Jeff Boyer
could use a few good hands in his corner. "If I qualify up front, then
I`ll try to run away from them, but up high, using the ‘Petty
line', saving my tires all the time. If I have to start near the middle
or back, I`ll let them go and just drive by when it`s time to go " said
the confidant challenger. "I have all I own tied up in this deal and I
plan on going for it, it`s all I can do". Every panel on the car is for
sale, anyway, anyhow, some sponsor or sponsors can be a part of racing
history and have a great time while getting exposure if they come on
board and I win this race. Let`s make a deal!" (Boyer PR) (05-01-08)
- Benson subbing for Schrader:
Johnny Benson will practice and qualify Ken Schrader's #52 Dodge at
Rockingham. Schrader is attempting the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at
Richmond this weekend. (04-30-08)
- Graham returns at Kentucky:
John Graham will race the #14 Andy Belmont Racing Ford at Kentucky.
(04-30-08)
- Stringer Motorsports signs
associate sponsor: Doug Stringer (owner of Stringer
Motorsports) has announced the signing of Lucas Oil as a product
sponsor on the #90 Great Clips Toyota Camry driven by Gabi DiCarlo.
“We are extremely proud that Lucas has come on board with our
team,” said Stringer. “Lucas produces the finest
lubricants in racing and teaming up with their company will be a boost
to our whole operation.” “With Lucas Oil our team
will be running with a proven winner, it only makes us
stronger,” said NASCAR Championship Crew Chief Barry Dodson
who now guides the efforts for Stringer. (Stringer Motorsports PR)
(04-30-08)
- Rogers to attempt Rockingham with
Schacht: Clay Rogers has teamed up with Bob Schacht
Motorsports for the ARCA RE/MAX Series Carolina 500 at Rockingham
Speedway on Sunday May 4. "I'm really excited about this Rockingham
race." said Rogers, "I like running at "The Rock" it's always good
racing and I'm looking forward to getting back there." Rogers added, "I
want to thank Bob Schacht for the opportunity to drive his car for this
race and also thanks to Killingsworth Environmental and Rusty Wallace
Ford for coming on board for the Carolina 500, we couldn‘t do
it without them." Bob Schacht said of teaming with Clay Rogers, "We're
looking forward to a strong run at Rockingham, Clay is a racer just
like I am and I'm confident that together we can get the job done."
(Schacht PR) (04-30-08)
- Bill Davis Racing penalized:
Based on post-race technical inspection after Friday's Kansas Lottery
$150 Grand ARCA RE/MAX Series race event at Kansas Speedway, the Bill
Davis Racing #128 team has been fined $1500 and team owner Bill Davis
and driver Michael Annett have been penalized with the loss of 25
championship points. The penalties were issued for violation of the
rear quarter panel height rule per the 2008 ARCA Rulebook. (ARCA PR)
(04-29-08)
- Marks to attempt Rockingham with
HRE: Shigeaki Hattori has founded Hattori Racing
Enterprises, HRE, a race team designed for developing young, talented
drivers. Hattori will see HRE compete in it's first race this weekend
at Rockingham Speedway in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. NASCAR Craftsman
Truck Series driver Justin Marks will drive the no. 01 AW North
Carolina Camry in his second ARCA race this season. "I am very excited
about this weekend at Rockingham Speedway. The track is very
challenging and the racing action should be very good. HRE has worked
very hard to give Justin Marks and AW Aisin the best Camry possible and
we are very anxious to see the race begin on Sunday," said team owner
Hattori. HRE has plans which include more ARCA RE/MAX Series races this
year. HRE will race at both Kentucky events, Michigan, Nashville,
Duquoin, Salem and Talladega. (HRE PR) (04-29-08)
- Tucker to run third Cunningham
entry at Rockingham: Cunningham Motorsports has added
another entry to its ARCA RE/MAX Series stable for this Sunday's
Carolina 500 at Rockingham Speedway. What started as a two-car team has
grown to a three-car effort. Cunningham Motorsports, which fields
Dodges for rookies' Tayler Malsam and Michael Phelps, announced today
that they have selected rookie Nick Tucker to pilot the #59 Dodge
Motorsports Dodge Charger for the Carolina 500. Tucker who resides in
Kannapolis, North Carolina, is originally from Bremerton, Washington.
Tucker is also an aero test driver for Gillette Evernham Motorsports.
He has seven starts in the ARCA REMAX Series with a top-10 finish and
has competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with five starts.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity to drive for Dodge
Motorsports and Cunningham Motorsports for this event," said Tucker.
"Making this step up to a professional and proven organization will
allow me to be competitive and showcase my talents. We had a good test
at Rockingham and were fast. I know that this opportunity will go a
long way in developing my skills. I would like to thank DCI, Comp-Cal,
Allsquare and Mannhardt Farms for their support in this event."
(Cunningham PR) (04-29-08)
- Jones Group Racing penalized:
Based on post-race technical inspection after Saturday's Prairie
Meadows 250 ARCA RE/MAX Series race event at Iowa Speedway, the Jones
Group Racing #30 team has been fined $1500 and team owner Terry Jones
and driver Jesse Smith have been penalized with the loss of 25
championship points. The penalties were issued for violation of the
minimum roof height rule per the 2008 ARCA Rulebook. (ARCARacing.com)
(04-24-08)
- Enfinger driving #14 at Kansas:
Grant Enfinger has been tapped to pilot the #14 Ford Fusion for Andy
Belmont Racing this weekend in the Kansas Lottery $150 Grand at Kansas
Speedway. Enfinger has been working at the ABR shop since early this
season, learning the ropes of ARCA RE/MAX Series competition from the
ground up. “I have a tremendous desire to learn the ropes of
the ARCA Series and Andy Belmont Racing has given me a great
opportunity,” said. I’ve done so many things so
far, including fab work, electrical, body work, preparing the car for
qualifying- I’ve even driven the transporter. Now I can
actually get behind the wheel. That’s why I came to ARCA- to
have the chance to learn all the different processes of competition
from the ground up. I didn’t want to be pigeon-holed into a
specialization.” (Belmont PR) (04-23-08)
- Aaron's Outdoors joins Sheltra
Motorsports: Aaron’s Sales and Lease,
America’s premier name in retail furniture, partners with the
Brannen Family to bring you Aaron’s Outdoors.
Aaron’s Outdoors can be found on Comcast/Charter Sports
Southeast (CSS) every Saturday morning at 8:30am for all hunting and
fishing enthusiasts. This show brings you an up close and personal look
at the South’s best game. Aaron’s Sales and Lease
brings you the largest selection of brand new, brand name furniture,
appliances, electronics and computers. “We are thrilled with
our new relationship with Aaron’s Outdoors,” said
Sheltra, who has been self-promoting Aaron’s Outdoors with
the camouflage cap the past two races. “It’s
exciting that Aaron’s has a new program that involves the
outdoors and the apparel they are sporting virtually matches our race
car which attracts us like a magnet. We are excited about our new
relationship with Aaron’s Outdoors and we hope to deliver
them a good finish Friday.” (Sheltra Motorsports PR)
(04-23-08)
- Taylor Barton to run ARCA?:
[Taylor] Barton, who drives for a team he owns, said he has half the
funding secured for what he needs to run some ARCA stock car races and
possibly a few in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. (Las Vegas
Review-Journal) (04-22-08)
- Sheltra's Dodge schedule
announced: Sheltra Motorsports announced today
it’s plan to run a Dodge Charger in a minimum of 10 ARCA
RE/MAX Series events this season beginning with the fourth race of the
season at Kansas Speedway on Friday, April 25, 2008. Starting with
Kansas Speedway this weekend, Sheltra Motorsports and driver Patrick
Sheltra plan to run the Dodge emblem in nine other events consisting of
Kentucky Speedway (May and July), Pocono Raceway (June and August),
Michigan International Speedway (June), Nashville Superspeedway
(August), Illinois State Fairgrounds (August), DuQuoin State
Fairgrounds (September) and Chicagoland Speedway (September). During
the off-season, Sheltra Motorsports purchased three Dodge Chargers from
North Carolina’s Penske Racing while also transforming one of
the team’s Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS to a Dodge Charger. RC
Consultants, a longtime engine builder in ARCA competition has
partnered with the Whitesville, Kentucky based operation to provide the
horsepower for the season. (Sheltra Motorsports PR) (04-22-08)
- Alli Owens’ reaction to
Danica Patrick’s victory: “What Danica
Patrick achieved is monumental. It wasn’t a question of if a
female would win in a major racing series, but when. I’m very
proud of what she’s accomplished. The question now becomes,
when will a female win in a major stock car series? I hope to one day
answer that question. She’s an inspiration to all of us
trying to reach that goal. “Next weekend, both Danica and I
will be racing at Kansas Speedway. I’m looking forward to
congratulating her in person.” (AO PR) (04-21-08)
- Opportunities at Bob Schacht
Motorsports: Bob Schacht Motorsports has opportunities
still available to funded or sponsored drivers for the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX
Series season and beyond. (04-19-08)
- Brandon Kelley to miss races;
Donny Kelley to drive: ARCA RE/MAX Series Rookie of the
Year contender Brandon Kelley, who was recently announced as the driver
for the #23 Hixson Motorsports Chevrolets for 2008, will miss several
upcoming races. Kelley, whose strong run at Daytona in
February caught a lot of people's attention, is dealing with some
private personal problems. The decision was made to replace
Kelley in the car while he continues to deal with those
issues. Kelley hopes to return to the driver's seat later
this spring. "We are committed to having Brandon Kelley as our driver,"
team owner Wayne Hixson said Monday from his race
shop. "Brandon has some problems that he is dealing with, and
we respect
that. We have to keep moving forward as a team, so we have
named a replacement driver for the next few events and will keep
working and looking forward to having Brandon back in the
car. Out of respect for Brandon's privacy, our team will have
no further comment about his absence from the car." Team owner Wayne
Hixson did not have to look long or far in finding a replacement
driver. Donny Kelley, Brandon's father and an accomplished
late model racer in his own right, will fill in as the driver of the
#23 during Brandon's absence. Donny Kelley, 48, began racing
motorcycles in the 1970's. He then moved on to Go-Karts,
Allison Legacy cars, and has spent the past four years in the ASA Late
Model Series. In 2004, Kelley made one ARCA RE/MAX Series
start at South Boston Speedway, having a very strong run until a
mechanical failure late in the race. When he is not racing,
Kelley manages his business, Porter Glass and Mirror, located in
Porter, Texas. "This is by no means the way I wanted to get on the
track this season," Kelley said Monday. "When we put this
deal together for Brandon, Wayne (Hixson) and I planned for me to run a
second car out of his shop a few times later this season. I
wasn't expecting to get behind the wheel this soon and I can't say that
I am happy with the current situation, but you have to play the cards
you are dealt. We had some bad luck this last weekend at
Salem, but I am looking forward to going to Iowa and Kansas.
After that we will evaluate where we are at and make some more
decisions. At Daytona I worked with the team, so I knew going
into Salem that I have a good team to work with, with Wayne (Hixson),
Mark (Haehn), and the guys. I would like to ask everyone to
keep Brandon in their thoughts and prayers, and hopefully we will have
him back in the car soon." (Hixson Motorsports PR) (04-16-08)
- Owens returns at Iowa:
Alli Owens will return to ARCA RE/MAX Series competition this weekend
at Iowa Speedway for the Prairie Meadows 250. The event marks her first
time competing since being involved in a motorcycle accident in March.
The 19-year-old Daytona Beach, Florida native suffered several broken
bones and wasn't expected to recover in time to compete in the Iowa
event; but as has been typical of Owens throughout her career, she
completed a task quicker than expected. "When the doctor told me that I
might miss Iowa I thought no way," said Owens, driver of the No. 12
ElectrifyingCareers.com Chevrolet. "I focused all my energy on
recovery. I worked as hard as I could with my trainer and followed my
doctor's orders and everything worked out. I feel great." (EC PR)
(04-16-08)
- Koch using Chevrolet and Ford:
Mike Koch will use Chevrolet and Ford cars during the 2008 season.
(ARCA Thunder) (04-16-08)
- Disdier to compete in more events:
Michel Disdier is expected to compete in 4-6 additional races with
Bowsher Racing. His next race is expected to be at Toledo.
(ARCA Thunder) (04-16-08)
- Clemons fined: ARCA
has fined Josh Clemons $500 for lead found in his water bottle during
the Salem weekend. (ARCA Thunder) (04-16-08)
- Sarff returns to ARCA:
Greg Sarff will return to ARCA competition this season. He is
expected to drive in a minimum of 15 events using the number from
Hytlon Motorsports and equipment from Penske Racing South.
Phil Bozell will be the crew chief. (ARCA Thunder)
(04-16-08)
- Lofton switching to #20:
Justin Lofton and Eddie Sharp Racing will switch to the #20.
Owner points from the #93 will carry over. (ARCA Thunder) (04-16-08)
- Pennington's wife passes away:
Free Pennington's wife passed away after giving birth to the family's
second child. (ARCA Thunder) (04-16-08)
- Mad Croc Energy Drink joins
Hansen Motorsports: As a popular energy drink overseas,
great tasting Mad Croc is now in the U.S.Looking to gain exposure to
race fans, Mad Croc has agreed to a sponsor program with Hansen
Motorsports. The team is excited to have Mad Croc on-board
and feels it is a way for an up-and-coming team to help promote an
up-and-coming energy drink … and vice-versa! “Race
teams go through a lot of beverages during the race season, and energy
drinks are a large part of the mix”, reports Todd Hansen,
team driver. He further stated that Mad Croc tastes great and
there is both regular and sugar free that doesn’t have an
affect on his blood sugar levels. Mad Croc will supply the team with
energy drink throughout the season and other fun items to be given to
fans. “Both kids and adults will love wearing the
Mad Croc logo on a cap or T-Shirt”, says team owner Bill
Hansen. (Hansen Motorsports)
(04-14-08)
- Team Keselowski switches to
Chevrolet: Team Keselowski will field Chevrolet cars for
Robb Brent in a minimum of 11 races. (04-14-08)
- Hawkins begins part time schedule
at Iowa: Matt Hawkins will begin his part-time
schedule at Iowa. In addition to Iowa, he plans on competing
at Kentucky, Nashville, and Chicagoland. (04-14-08)
- Bourque adds more races to
schedule: Eddie Sharp Racing announced today that Pierre
Bourque has added three races to his 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule.
The Ottawa, Canada resident will pilot the No. 02 for Eddie Sharp
Racing at Iowa, Kansas, and Rockingham speedways. "I'm very excited to
continue my driving with Eddie Sharp Racing," stated Bourque. "ESR has
a strong program and I'm looking forward to working more with Crew
Chief David Leiner and the entire team." (ESR PR) (04-13-08)
- Fire Protection Services to
sponsor Basham: Darrell Basham Racing officially has
officially announced that Fire Protection Services, Inc. out of
Louisville, Kentucky will be a sponsor on the No. 34 DBR Chevrolet for
the upcoming Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race at
Salem Speedway. "We are extremely happy to have Fire Protection
Services, Inc. as a sponsor for this race and hope to continue our
relationship with them at other events," stated Darrell Basham, who
will be making his 210th ARCA RE/MAX Series career start at Salem. "We
at DBR are excited to promote Fire Protection Services, Inc. and feel
that we can help them to expand their market by carrying their company
logo on our car. Fire protection is a very serious matter
both on and off the track and we hope to gain public awareness in the
process of our relationship with Fire Protection Services, Inc.,"
exclaimed Sandy Sparrow, PR Director for DBR. (Basham PR) (04-13-08)
- Kimmel back to Ford:
After a one-race departure, nine-time and defending ARCA RE/MAX Series
champion Frank Kimmel is back with the manufacturer with which he won
seven consecutive titles from 2001-2007. Kimmel, who this year formed
Kimmel Racing with his brother and crew chief, Bill, will drive the No.
44 Ford Fusion for the rest of the season, starting with this weekend's
(April 13th) Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200 by Federated Auto Parts
at Salem (Ind.) Speedway. Kimmel started the 2008 season off in a Dodge
at Daytona. "It's really great to be back in a Ford," said Kimmel, who
also won series championships in 1998 and 2000. "It's been our home for
a number of years, and we've had so much success with Ford all the way
back to the Taurus - and now the Fusion. Now that we're back, we're
real happy." "We're pleased to be back with the Kimmels, and very happy
that we were able to put together this deal that keeps them on the race
track, where they belong," said Doug Hervey, manager, North American
Racing Operations for Ford. "They've been committed to us for a long
time and we are committed to that loyalty, and we look forward to
another successful season with them." (ARCARacing.com)
(04-09-08)
- Disdier to attempt Salem MORE:
On April 13 in Salem, Indiana, Michel Disdier will join the ranks of
other international drivers including Montoya, Villeneuve and
Franchetti by racing in the ARCA / Remax series. His objective is
clear: to compete in as many races on oval tracks as possible in 2008
prior to making his move to NASCAR trucks. Michel Disdier is the only
Frenchman holding an official ARCA license. While he would
like to be the first Frenchman to make his mark in NASCAR, Disdier
wants to move forward prudently, gaining as much experience as he can
on the oval tracks before making the big move. "For me, this is a dream
come true,” says Disdier. “It’s
been a long time now that I have wanted to race in NASCAR.
I’ve given myself entirely to this project and am surrounded
by supportive people who have helped me all the way. This
year will allow me to discover a lot of new things, and I am ready more
than ever to live my American dream!" Racing with the team of Todd
Bowsher on April 13 in Salem will be Michel Disdier’s big
start. The combination of a top level team like Jack Bowsher
and Associates Motorsports and Michel’s desire to succeed
will certainly put him on the right course for achieving his NASCAR
goals. (Michel Disdier PR)
(04-06-08)
MORE:
Jack Bowsher & Associates Motorsports and race car driver
Michel Disdier have joined forces for the April 13th Kentuckian Ford
Dealers 200 at Salem Speedway. Disdier will make his ARCA
RE/MAX debut driving the famed No. 21 Jack Bowsher & Associates
Motorsports Ford on the tricky half-mile oval. “We are
extremely excited about Michel joining Jack Bowsher &
Associates Motorsports team,” stated team manager Todd
Bowsher. “We are looking forward to helping Michel
gain experience in these 3,400 pound stock cars and preparing him for
his ultimate goal to race in the elite NASCAR Series. I am
excited about working with him as his racing career continues to grow.
I am quite confident that the experience the Jack Bowsher &
Associates Motorsports team brings along with the rich history, we will
be able to make Michel’s learning curve a fast one.
The ARCA RE/MAX Series and Jack Bowsher & Associates
Motorsports are both what Michel needs to get off to a good start in
his stock car career.” (Bowsher PR) (04-08-08)
- Francis leaves Belmont; to start
own team: ARCA RE/MAX Series rookie Jake Francis failed to
make the ARCA 200 at Daytona back in February, but he won't let that
get him down. After parting ways with team owner Andy Belmont, Francis
has teamed up with Mike and Dave Simko for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers
ARCA 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts at Salem Speedway Sunday
afternoon, April 13th. "I can't say enough about Dick Bonner and Steve
Sanders," said Francis. "They have both helped me along in my career.
Mr. Sanders has been with me since the start, and Mr. Bonner came
onboard back in 2005, and has been crucial to the success of our team
ever since. "I am trying to build a new team - Jake Francis, Inc., and
Salem will be our first challenge. I have worked with Simko's in the
past, and I feel that we can field a competitive racecar, and win
races. "I have to thank my dad; he's always believed in me and I don't
know if I'll ever be able to repay him. If it weren't for him, I
wouldn't be where I am at now, and I wouldn't have the opportunities
that I have had." (Francis PR) (04-02-08)
- Art Seeger unveils new website:
Art Seeger Racing is proud to unveil its new website for 2008. Please
visit www.artseegerracing.com
to check out Art Seeger Racing’s brand new design for a new
season. (Seeger Racing) (04-01-08)
- Lofton signs with Eddie Sharp
Racing Full Season UPDATE 2: NASCAR West driver Justin
Lofton has signed a deal with Eddie Sharp Racing. He will
compete in 10 races. (02-08-08)
UPDATE:
Justin Lofton has signed with Eddie Sharp Racing to drive a partial
season in the ARCA RE/MAX Series in 2008. Lofton will pilot the No. 20
Dodge for ten events at the Salem Speedway, Kansas Speedway, Rockingham
Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Michigan International Speedway, Pocono
Raceway, Nashville Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway, Talladega
Superspeedway, and Toledo Speedway. "I am really looking forward to
driving for Eddie Sharp Racing," stated Lofton. "It is a stand-up
organization and I think I will have a lot of success there. I'm really
looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the [No.] 20 and taking
the green flag at Salem." (ARCARacing.com)
(03-03-08)
UPDATE 2:
California-native Justin Lofton has signed to drive the entire 2008
ARCA RE/MAX Series season for Eddie Sharp Racing. "We are extremely
excited to have Justin on board with us for the rest of the year,"
stated team owner Eddie Sharp. "Justin is a very talented driver. I've
been impressed to see the quick progress made by that team at recent
tests. They will certainly be tough competitors in this series."
(ARCARacing.com)
(04-01-08)
