PEAK Motor Oil and Antifreeze and Michael Waltrip Racing Team Up to Launch "PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge": PEAK Motor Oil and Antifreeze, a brand within the portfolio of Old World Industries, and Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) jointly announced the launch of the "PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge," a nationwide quest for the next up-and-coming stock car driver. The program, which runs through May 31, asks race fans to submit their video audition at PEAKStockCarDream.com, highlighting their abilities, personalities, and telling fans why a panel of PEAK representatives and judges should choose them to become the next driving phenom. The program offers fans thrilling opportunities, including:
· 10 first-place winners will participate as a top driver in a three-day race program with coaching and judging from Michael Waltrip, Clint Bowyer, Danica Patrick, and other racing stars
· One winner from the driving school will be selected and fast-tracked through an extensive journey including preparation, training and the opportunity to earn their license
· Per qualification and licensing, the company will put the winner in a PEAK sponsored stock car with a race team in a sanctioned race to prove that they have what it takes to become Michael Waltrip Racing's next stock car driver
"The PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge is a really big deal for all the men and women across the country who feel they could be professional race car drivers if they were just given a chance," said Michael Waltrip, two-time Daytona 500 champion and founder and co-owner of MWR. "Our sport is always trying to usher in a new generation of driving talent as well as spread our passion for racing with everyone, and PEAK is giving us a really unique opportunity to do so."
MWR isn't the only top-tier team to support PEAK in their search for stock car racing's newest talent. Racing superstar Danica Patrick will also work with PEAK, serving as an expert and contest judge. Danica will put 10 finalists' skills to the test at a driving school in July, where she and a panel of PEAK representatives and judges will select the ultimate winner.
"Our affiliation with Michael Waltrip Racing is a natural fit for the PEAK brand, and the Stock Car Dream Challenge is a strong extension of our sponsorship," said Bryan Emrich, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Old World Industries. "The DIYers that use our products every weekend could only dream of getting behind the wheel of a sponsored stock car, and we're excited to give them this opportunity."
PEAK representatives will judge the video auditions based on a variety of factors including originality, enthusiasm for racing, racing ability and experience, attention to the PEAK brand, and total points on the contestant's online profile page. Contestants can acquire points by uploading photos to Instagram from motorsports events, tagging @peakauto in Twitter and Facebook posts, and reaching 500 video views.
"This is going to be a tough competition," said Clint Bowyer, driver of the No. 15 Toyota. "I know how it feels to work your way to the top and I know how hard it can be. The winner will have earned their spot and I'm excited to get out there and race with them."
With more than 30 years of involvement in NASCAR, NHRA, IndyCar, Supercross, and Monster Jam, PEAK is no stranger to race fans. In 2013, PEAK joined forces with Michael Waltrip Racing to become a primary sponsor on Clint Bowyer's No. 15 Toyota for three races in each of the next three NASCAR Sprint Cup seasons. PEAK will serve as a primary sponsor at the May Talladega race, the July Daytona race and the September Chicago race in 2013. Since 2005, Danica Patrick has been an official product ambassador for the entire line of PEAK automotive products, appearing in numerous television, print and radio advertisements.
To enter the PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge and to see the complete set of official rules visit PEAKStockCarDream.com and follow @peakauto on Twitter.(3-2-2013)

Calderon wins first NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series race in US: Abraham Calderón jumped out front early and paced the field en route to his first career victory on an historic night for the NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series. Friday night's race at Phoenix International Raceway was the first race for one of NASCAR's international touring series in the United States. The 2013 season is the seventh for the Mexico series with NASCAR. Friday's race was the first of 15 points races of the season. Former champion Antonio Pérez finished second, followed by 17-year-old Rubén García Jr. Garcia was the series' 2012 rookie of the year. Rubén Pardo finished fourth and Homero Richards fifth. Carlos Peralta was sixth, followed by Patrick Goeters, Irwin Vences, Jorge Goeters and Hugo Oliveras.(NASCAR Wire Service)(3-2-2013)

Sixth Annual NASCAR Diversity Luncheon held at Daytona 500 Club: on Thursday [Feb 22nd] NASCAR celebrated the outstanding achievements of ground-breaking individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the advancement of diversity initiatives at the sixth annual NASCAR Diversity Awards Luncheon. "At the luncheon, we have an opportunity to celebrate a few of the people and organizations whose dedication and commitment are shining examples of our industry understanding the importance of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our sport," said Marcus Jadotte, NASCAR vice president of public affairs and multicultural development." From the competitors on tracks to the employee's across our offices, NASCAR is more diverse than ever and we have positioned ourselves to place the sport in front of new audiences like never before." During a ceremony held at The DAYTONA 500 Club at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR recognized the following individuals and organizations across the industry:
NASCAR Diverse Driver: Kyle Larson In his first season of NASCAR competition, Kyle Larson  a Japanese-American from Elk Grove, Calif.  raced into the record books in impressive fashion. In 2012, Kyle scored two wins and 12 top 10s in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. He capped his season off with Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors en route to bringing home Rev Racing and the NASCAR Drive for Diversity's first series championship. Kyle became just the third driver in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East history to capture the championship and Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in the same season. Kyle signed on with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing and will make his national series debut this season in the NASCAR Nationwide Series where he has a full-time ride with Turner Scott Motorsports. He has already been to Victory Lane once in 2013 when he won the opening race of the UNOH Battle At The Beach on Monday, Feb. 18.
NASCAR Diverse Crew Member Award: Tesfa Lee The NASCAR Pit Crew Development Program Presented by Sprint is designed to identify, coach, train and develop minority athletes who possess the skill, ability and attitude to be a successful NASCAR pit crew member. Today's crew member award winner, Tesfa Lee, exemplifies the desire and talent the program was created to develop. When Tesfa Lee showed up to the 2009 Combine with very little background in NASCAR the coaching team did not know what to expect. He proved to be a fast learner and in seven months had already started working with a team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Tesfa has followed that up with consistent improvement and has gained excellent experience as part of several championship-winning teams. In 2010, he was part of the Germain Racing team that won the NASCAR Camping World Truck championship with Todd Bodine. Then last year, he was a member on Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s NASCAR Nationwide Series team that won the title for Roush Fenway Racing. In 2013, Tesfa will continue his great work with Roush Fenway as a member of Trevor Bayne's No. 21 NASCAR Sprint Cup and No. 6 NASCAR Nationwide Series crews.
NASCAR Diversity Internship Program Award: Stacey Houston Stacey Houston, a senior at Davidson College (N.C.), interned in Charlotte, N.C., with the Market Research Group in the NASCAR Marketing Department. During the course of his internship, Stacey worked on a variety of projects, one of which was the development of a database that allows the department to create more impactful and meaningful questionnaires for the official NASCAR fan council.
Institution Award: Ten80 The Ten80 Student Racing Challenge is a project-based STEM curriculum and annual competition league that provides students with professional development opportunities in related disciplines. Ten80 Student Racing Challenge teams are mini-race teams that compete using a 1:10 scale electric radio-controlled car. This program has helped thousands of students not only develop a passion for NASCAR and motorsports but also to cement their interest in careers based on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
NASCAR Partner Award: Octagon As the agency of record for several of NASCAR's key partners including Sprint and Sunoco, Octagon has diligently worked with NASCAR to create and support initiatives that help to expose the sport to new audiences in unique ways. Octagon's dedication has led the company to annually bring on an intern from the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program, a commitment that has given several minority students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the sport.
NASCAR Young Racer Award: Ryleigh Lemonds Nine-year-old Ryleigh Lemonds is making her mark as a future driver to watch. During 2012, Ryleigh competed in 29 races and wheeled off 10 wins, 27 top 5s and 29 top 10s, winning on five tracks in three states. Ryleigh's epic season ended with her winning the Langley Speedway Bandolero Track championship and the 2012 INEX Virginia State Bandolero Bandit championship. In 2013, Ryleigh will be a developmental driver with Rev Racing, participating in arena racing and driving one of the team's Bandolero cars at select tracks throughout the southeast.
NASCAR Industry Ambassador: Bryan Sperber As president of the Phoenix International Raceway, Bryan Sperber sets the strategic direction for one of NASCAR's most popular tracks. Under Sperber's leadership, Phoenix International Raceway has become imbedded in the local community and continuously seeks to form partnerships with minority organizations such as the Arizona Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce. In 2013, Phoenix International Raceway will host the NASCAR Toyota Series' inaugural race in the United States, where some of Mexico's best drivers will compete during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend.(NASCAR)(2-23-2013)

Brad Keselowski Racing Inks Hausler for NASCAR K&N Program: Brad Keselowski Racing (BKR) announced that it has secured the driving services of Zak Hausler, a talented 17 year-old race car driver from Tomball, Texas. BKR is owned and operated by 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, Brad Keselowski. Hausler will compete in up to 20 Super Late Model races in 2013 for BKR in addition to six NASCAR K&N Pro Series East starts. Hausler will debut in a BKR Super Late Model at Speedfest in Cordele, Georgia on January 27th. The team is targeting their first K&N Series start at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida on April 13th.
Hausler's goal is to expand to the entire K&N Pro Series East schedule in 2014 targeting the Rookie of the Year award as well as the coveted NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Championship for BKR. Hausler was the National Points Champion in the Legends Pro Division in 2010 and was the NASCAR Whelen All-American State of Texas Champion and Rookie of the Year in 2011. Haulser also won track championships at Thunderhill Speedway in Kyle, Texas as well as Houston Motorsports Park in Houston, Texas.
"It has been my dream since I was six years old to race stock cars in a regional NASCAR sanctioned series. The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East is a fantastic and exciting starting point. I am so happy to be with such a talented group of people at BKR," said Hausler. "The mission of Brad Keselowski Racing is to give back to the sport by providing opportunities to talented development drivers. Zak Hausler is a talented young man, and we are excited to have him driving for BKR on this journey up the NASCAR ladder," said Keselowski.(Brad Keselowski Racing)(1-20-2013)

Dylan Kwasniewski to Race in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East for Turner Scott Motorsports: Dylan Kwasniewski, the 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West (NKNPSW) Champion, will compete for a championship in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKNPSE) with Turner Scott Motorsports (TSM) in 2013. TSM, which currently houses NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) teams, will expand their operation to include three full-time and two part-time entries in the NKNPSE ranks. Kwasniewski will first take to the track for TSM in the UNOH Battle at the Beach in Daytona, which the young driver locked himself into by winning the 2012 NKNPSW Championship.
Kwasniewski got his start in racing at the early age of five, competing in go-karts. Moving up the ranks, Kwasniewski went on to become the youngest champion in track history in the Semi Pro Legend Car series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Kwasniewski made his NASCAR debut in 2011, finishing an impressive fifth place in the NKNPSW final point standings despite not competing in the first race. Kwasniewski tallied two wins, two poles, eight top-fives and nine top-10s. Not to be outdone by his performance from the previous season, 2012 was one for the record books. Kwasniewski went on to record three wins, six poles, 12 top-fives and 15 top-10s en route to becoming the youngest champion in NKNPSW history.
"It is really exciting and an honor to join Turner Scott Motorsports, especially at this time when the organization has just announced their expansion," said Kwasniewski. "Everyone I've met at TSM so far is dedicated and committed to results and performance. Moving from the West Series to the East is a natural progression for me as I continue to develop as a driver. The chance to drive for Turner Scott Motorsports under the direction of Steve Turner, Harry Scott Jr. and veteran Mike Greci came up last fall. I knew immediately it would be a perfect fit for me. TSM has consistently put the best equipment on the track in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series, and I know they will do the same in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, giving me the best opportunity to win races and make a run at the championship this year."
"Being able to add another young talent like Dylan [Kwasniewski] to our portfolio of drivers for 2013 is great for this entire organization," said Steve Turner, co-owner of Turner Scott Motorsports. "Not only is he is talent on the track, but he is a amazing young man off the track. Everyone at Turner Scott Motorsports is looking forward to working with Dylan." Details regarding Kwasniewski's sponsor, crew and car number will be provided in the near future.(Turner Scott Motorsports)(1-16-2013)

Kenzie Ruston Teams Up With Turner Scott Motorsports to Compete in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2013: Turner Scott Motorsports (TSM) announced today that Super Late Model standout Kenzie Ruston and Turner Scott Motorsports will team up and compete full time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKNPSE) in 2013. TSM, which currently houses NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) teams, will be expanding their operation into the NKNPSE ranks with five entries with two entries running a partial schedule. Ruston, originally from El Reno, Okla., got her start in racing at the 0.2-mile Lil' Texas Motor Speedway in the Bandolero division. After two successful seasons, Ruston moved up to the Legends cars in 2009, winning seven championships in her first season and becoming the first female to win an asphalt national championship.
In 2010, Ruston moved up to compete in Super Late Models, recording multiple top-10 finishes. In 2011, Ruston had a breakout season, becoming the first female to lead laps and finish in the top-10 in her first Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) race. In her four ARCA starts, Ruston had two top-10 finishes. Ruston also competed in the ARCA/CRA Super Series and claimed victory at Lucas Oil Raceway Park in Indianapolis, becoming the first female to win an ARCA/CRA event. This past racing season, Ruston competed full time in ARCA/CRA and added to her list of many "firsts." In the 19 events she competed in, Ruston scored six top-five and 12 top-10 ten finishes, and was voted Speed51.com's National Short Track Most Popular Driver, the first female to win the award since its establishment six years ago.
"Steve Turner and Harry Scott Jr. have built an industry-leading organization and it's an honor to be able to join them in their new venture into the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East," said Ruston. "It's going to be a great year under the leadership of Mike Greci. There's a lot of experience in this shop and I feel like we can use that to our advantage and be very successful on the track. Being able to make the leap up to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East is what I've worked my whole career towards and it's becoming a reality. I'm just excited to get to Bristol Motor Speedway and get the season started."
"I've been fortunate enough to watch Kenzie [Ruston] grow up and progress through her career," said Turner Scott Motorsports co-owner Steve Turner. "Kenzie has the willingness to want to learn and become a great race car driver, and I am happy to give her the chance to advance her career and have her race against some of the best in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. I know she has the talent to do well and we are expecting big things out of her this season." Details regarding Ruston's sponsor, crew and car number will be announced in the near future.(Turner Scott Motorsports)(1-16-2013)

Austin Dyne Joins Turner Scott Motorsports to Compete in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2013: Turner Scott Motorsports (TSM) announced that NASCAR K&N Pro Series West (NKNPSW) 2012 Sunoco Rookie of the Year Austin Dyne will compete full time for the team in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKNPSE) in 2013. TSM, which competed in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) in 2012, will expand their operation to add five entries in the NKNPSE, with two of the entries running a partial schedule.
Dyne, who started racing go-karts in 2007, has quickly moved up through the racing ranks. In 2010, Dyne graduated from go-karts to formula cars. Racing in the Skip Barber Eastern Championship, he scored his first victory at Lime Rock Park in 2010. In 2011, Dyne advanced to stock cars, competing in S2 and Late Models at California's premier short track Irwindale Speedway. In 2012, Dyne earned two top-fives and eight top-10s in his rookie season in the NKNPSW. With one less start than his closest competitor, Dyne's strong effort allowed him to capture the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award by one point.
"I am really thrilled to be racing for a championship-caliber organization like Turner Scott Motorsports," said Dyne. "I want to thank Steve Turner and Harry Scott Jr. for giving me the opportunity to race in such top notch equipment. Each year the East Series is where some of the best development teams compete, and I look forward to racing against these teams as I continue my racing career."
"All of us at Turner Scott Motorsports are extremely pleased to have Austin join our team," said Steve Turner, co-owner of Turner Scott Motorsports. "He is a great driver with great skills. I am confident we can continue his development and have a successful season. I personally enjoy working with the younger talent and helping them reach their goals." Details regarding Dyne's sponsor, crew and car number will be announced in the near future.(Turner Scott Motorsports)(1-16-2013)

NASCAR Welcomes The 2013 NASCAR Drive For Diversity Class: Coming off the most successful season in the nine-year history of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program, NASCAR and Rev Racing welcomed the 2013 NASCAR D4D class live on Google+ Hangout today  a group that will attempt to match the first series championship in the program's history. "Four drivers selected from the NASCAR Drive For Diversity Combine will join three returning drivers to compete for Rev Racing in 2013," said Max Siegel, owner of Rev Racing. "With Kyle Larson capturing NASCAR D4D's first title in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, as well as the series' Sunoco Rookie of Year Award, the new class is in a position to continue the momentum and defend the 2013 title."
Bryan Ortiz, from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and Ryan Gifford, of Winchester, Tenn., will return to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. Ortiz finished second to teammate Larson in the Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors last season and fifth in the standings.
They will be joined by Daniel Suarez of Monterrey, Mexico, and Mackena Bell of Carson City, Nev. Suarez is coming off a third-place finish in Mexico's NASCAR Toyota Series, while Bell drove in Rev Racing's Late Model program last year.
Annabeth Barnes from Hiddenite, N.C., and Jack Madrid from San Clemente, Calif., will pilot the Late Models for Rev Racing. While Devon Amos, from Rio Rancho, N.M., will compete for the team's Legends program.
"In 2012, the NASCAR Drive for Diversity initiative has strengthened its position as a leading driver development platform in our sport with outstanding finishes from many drivers, especially Kyle's championship, which was a first for the program," said Marcus Jadotte, NASCAR vice president of public affairs and multicultural development. "Clearly, the NASCAR D4D initiative and Rev Racing have raised the bar in preparing young drivers for success in our sport." Seventeen hopefuls went through a three-day driver evaluation of on-track performances and physical fitness to be considered for a spot in the 2013 D4D class. For the second-consecutive year, the NASCAR D4D Combine was held at Langley Speedway, a .4-mile asphalt oval and NASCAR-sanctioned track.
While several of the drivers will compete in the UNOH Battle at the Beach at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 18-19, the full team will begin its season in March. The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series drivers will make their series debut at the historic Hickory Motor Speedway March 9, while the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East drivers open their season on March 16 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Toyota and Toyota Racing Development will once again support Rev Racing and the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program, with all drivers racing Toyota Camrys in 2013. Goodyear, Mobil 1, Sprint, NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI), 3M, Wix Filters, Mechanix Wear, iRacing, Castle, JRI Shocks, Impact, Playseat, Doghouse Systems, Logitech and Sign Innovations also return to support Rev Racing and the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program.(NASCAR)(1-16-2013)

Gray Gaulding To Compete in NASCAR K&N Pro Series: After two successful seasons in the Pro All Star Series (PASS) South, Gray Gaulding Racing (GGR) announced that 14-year old racing sensation Gray Gaulding and the #20 Krispy Kreme Toyota will now be chasing the checkered flag in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series. At 11am, on Monday, January 7, Gaulding and representatives from Krispy Kreme Doughnuts unveiled the new #20 Krispy Kreme Toyota Camry at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC.
"I am excited to be competing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and I hope to follow in the footsteps of the many K&N series drivers who have gone on to achieve national prominence," says Gaulding. "Krispy Kreme and I set out in 2012, to touch and enhance lives both on and off the race track, and I am blessed to have Krispy Kreme, my team, family, and fans by my side as I take this giant leap forward in my career."
Gaulding, who signed a multi-year marketing partnership with Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation in February 2012, just shy of his 14th birthday, began his racing career on dirt bikes and motorcycles at the early age of three. Since that time, Gaulding has hit the track in Bandolero, Legend and Super Late Model racing competitions throughout the Southeast; was signed as a developmental driver with Kevin Harvick Incorporated and earned a number of coveted racing titles.
With the support of Krispy Kreme and a host of major sponsors including Dean Foods, Toyota Racing, Impact by Mastercraft Safety, WileyX Sunglasses, and Anderson's Maple Syrup, GGR will enter the K&N series with a newly acquired race shop, crew chiefs, cars and equipment- including the #20 car previously owned by Joe Gibbs Racing.
"Gray continues to prove himself both on and off the track and we are excited to have him represent the Krispy Kreme Brand", explains Dwayne Chambers, Chief Marketing Officer for Krispy Kreme. "He is a joyful and dedicated young man with amazing skills and an unmatched passion for the sport of racing as well as his fans. We look forward to championing Gray as he wins races and wins hearts in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series."
Gaulding will sport the Krispy Kreme fire suit and take the wheel of the #20 Krispy Kreme Toyota Camry for 16 races during the 2013 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East tour, including Bristol Motor Speedway (3/16), Grays hometown track of Richmond International Raceway (4/25), Langley Speedway (6/22), and the historic Bowman Gray Stadium (6/1). Along with three NASCAR K&N Pro Series West races at Phoenix International Raceway (3/2), (11/9), and Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, CA (11/26). The 2013 season will kick off on February 19th during the inaugural UNOH Battle at the Beach at Daytona International Super Speedway.
Leading the program will be two veteran NASCAR crew chiefs Doug George and Doug Howe. "This is an amazing opportunity for both Doug Howe and I to work with such a young talented driver." explains Doug George. "Gray is so smooth behind the wheel and yet such a hard racer. That's what makes him the total package in this business." (Gray Gaulding Racing)(1-7-2013)

Cunningham Motorsports adds development driver: Anderson Bowen, a 15-year-old rookie from Suwanee, Georgia, has announced plans to run three ARCA Racing Series short track races in 2013 with Cunningham Motorsports. Bowen's first ARCA race with Cunningham Motorsports will be the second race of the season at Mobile Int'l Speedway on March 9. He'll follow that up with the next event on tour at Salem Speedway, and wrap up his ARCA schedule at Madison Int'l Speedway in late August. Bowen also plans to run both NASCAR K&N Pro Series East races at Iowa Speedway with the Cunningham organization. Bowen will have guidance from veteran NASCAR champion crew chief, Paul Andrews, for his ARCA Racing Series races.(Cunningham Motorsports PR) (12-26-2012)

NASCAR's Next Wave Of Superstars Just Over The Horizon: NASCAR has a talent-laden farm system loaded with the stock car racing's future stars. From the NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Craftsman Truck series through the sanctioning body's touring divisions and on the Whelen All-American tracks, there's a single common denominator: Youth, lightning fast youth. The pipeline leading to the ultimate destination  the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series  figures to overflow for years to come. And from the looks of 2012, current NASCAR Sprint Cup competitors had best be ready to defend their turf and their jobs.
Dillon Brothers Lead The Charge  Again
Austin Dillon made history in 2011, becoming the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series' youngest champion at age 22. That goal accomplished, his owner and grandfather, Richard Childress gave Dillon an even greater challenge, a full-time opportunity in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, where he thrived in his #3 Chevrolet. The young competitor won twice at Kentucky Speedway, never left the top four in points and claimed Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors.
There's another Dillon on the horizon  Ty Dillon  and the 20-year-old is coming up fast in his older sibling's mirror. Like Austin, Ty won NASCAR Camping World Truck Series rookie honors in his first full season. He also scored a victory, at Atlanta Motor Speedway, led the championship standings with his #3 Chevrolet and was on the threshold of a title as late as the waning laps at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Buescher Triumphs, Piquet's Stock Car Fortunes Rise
A first NASCAR national series victory  not with his #31 Turner Motorsports Chevrolet but in the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series opener at Daytona International Speedway  propelled James Buescher on a championship course. The 22-year-old Texan did win in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, four times in fact, twice in Kentucky and at Kansas and Chicagoland. Piquet, the one-time Formula 1 driver from Brazil, became a NASCAR star in a break-out year. Like Turner teammate Buescher, Piquet won in two series  NASCAR Camping World Truck and NASCAR Nationwide Series, his latter victory scored at the fabled Road America road course in Elkhart Lake, Wis. Piquet, 27, won at Michigan and Las Vegas en route to a seventh-place championship performance. He also led the series with four Keystone Light poles.
Patrick Proves Ready For Prime Time
Danica Patrick became NASCAR's highest finishing female competitor in 2011 with a fourth-place finish at Las Vegas. She set another record for her gender as a fulltime NASCAR Nationwide Series competitor in the #7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet during the past season  the first female to produce a top-10 finish (10th) in a national series. Patrick's 17th-place performance at Phoenix, her last of 10 premier series starts, readied her for a NASCAR Sprint Cup rookie campaign in 2013.
Record Number Of NASCAR Camping World Truck First-Time Winners
There were nine of them in 2012, all under the age of 30, beginning with John King's upset victory in the season-opening race at Daytona. King, 23, was participating in just his eighth series event. As noted, Buescher, Dillon and Piquet also were first-time winners. They were joined by 2011 Sunoco Rookie of the Year Joey Coulter, 22, at Pocono; Cale Gale, 27, at Homestead; Parker Kligerman, 22, at Talladega and Justin Lofton, 26, at Charlotte. Number nine, Ryan Blaney, became the youngest series winner at 18 years 8 months when he captured the series' second visit of the season to Iowa Speedway. Among the season's top-five championship finishers, only runner up Timothy Peters is older than 22.
Young Stars On The Rise In NASCAR Touring, Whelen All-American
A year after becoming the youngest race winner and pole sitter in NASCAR K&N Pro Series West history, Dylan Kwasniewski took the big step in his sophomore season in becoming the youngest champion in the 59 years of the series. The 17-year-old Las Vegas driver won three times and posted 12 top fives in 15 races en route to taking the title by six points over teammate and defending champion Greg Pursley.
Kyle Larson had never raced a stock car prior to February. That lack of experience didn't slow down the transition for the 20-year-old open-wheel star from Elk Grove, Calif. Larson won twice  including at New Hampshire  on his way to winning the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship. He joined Joey Logano and Ryan Truex in becoming the only drivers in the series' history to win rookie of the year and the championship in the same season. He also gave Rev Racing and NASCAR Drive for Diversity their first NASCAR touring title. Larson, an Earnhardt Ganassi Racing development driver, nearly won for Turner Motorsports in his fourth career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start.
Darrell Wallace Jr. picked up his sixth career win in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East at Greenville early in the year. It was a big milestone year for the 19-year-old from Concord, N.C., a graduate of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program, as he made four NASCAR Nationwide Series starts for Joe Gibbs Racing. Wallace scored three top 10s and earned his first 21 Means 21 Pole Award presented by Coors Brewing Co., at Dover. He became the first African-American driver to win a pole in the Nationwide Series.
After capping 2012 by winning the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West finale at Phoenix, Ryan Blaney continued his successful progression. After rallying from a spin to finish second in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East opener at Bristol, Blaney also finished second at Iowa in a partial season in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series. The 18-year-old from High Point, N.C., made 13 NASCAR Nationwide Series starts and nine in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, highlighted by his breakthrough victory at Iowa.
Corey LaJoie contended for victories but just couldn't get to Victory Lane through his first 23 career NASCAR K&N Pro Series East starts. After breaking through for his first win at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C., though, the 21-year-old driver from Concord, N.C., was the hottest driver in the series. Including his win at Bowman Gray, LaJoie scored five victories and two runner-up finishes in the final 10 races of the season to finish second in the championship points race to Larson.
Lee Pulliam has only been racing for six seasons. But the 24-year-old from Semora, N.C., quickly rose to the top in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. Driving the asphalt Late Model divisions at Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Va., Kingsport (Tenn.) Speedway, Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, N.C., Southern National Raceway Park in Kenly, N.C., and South Boston (Va.) Speedway, Pulliam collected 22 wins and 30 top fives in 36 starts to win his first NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national title. The championship came a year after he finished third in the national standings.
Other breakthrough performances: Chase Elliott, 17, became the youngest pole winner in NASCAR K&N Pro Series history and also scored his first career NASCAR win at Iowa. & Ben Kennedy, the 20-year-old grandson of Bill France Jr., earned his first NASCAR victory in the historic inaugural NASCAR oval race in Europe at Tours in France. He also finished ninth in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East points. & Ryan Preece, 22, from Berlin, Conn., had two wins and six poles and finished second in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. He also ran his Modified at weekly tracks in Connecticut and at Riverhead Raceway, winning 14 times and finishing fifth in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national standings.(NASCAR)(12-17-2012)

Destination: Race Day Announces Young Hawks Program: Destinationraceday.com is searching for up and coming drivers age 17 and under to feature on its news, info and stats website along with the NASCAR and ARCA information it normally reports. The program, Destination: Race Day Young Hawks, will provide a select group of young drivers with an outlet to publicize their driving stats and future aspirations, as well as feedback and assistance on media relations, website design, marketing to potential sponsors and more throughout 2013. Interested drivers should be age 17 or under and have at least three years experience competing in organized motorsports of any kind in the United States. To be considered, drivers should follow twitter.com/draceday and tweet them a message containing #DRDyoungHawks. Anyone wishing to stay posted on the program and its drivers should also follow @draceday.(Destination: Race Day PR)(12-8-2012)

EGR's Larson to run final two with Turner; talks about future: Kyle Larson, a development driver for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, will run the #4 Turner Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races at Phoenix International Raceway and Homestead Miami Speedway. The 2012 NASCAR K & N Pro Series East Champion, Larson won his first NASCAR title with a sixth place finish in the season finale Saturday at Rockingham Speedway, also taking Sonoco Rookie of the Year honors. Below are a few excerpts from recent NASCAR teleconference:
Q: I was wondering if you could tell us a little bit about your racing background before you started racing in the K & N Series?
Larson: I started racing Outlaw Karts in California there. They're really light and have no suspension and they have a roll cage and a wing on top. They have a lot of horsepower for how much they weigh, so they really kind of beat you up and let you get used to how much horsepower they have. After I did that until I was 14, I moved into wing sprint cars with 360 and 410 cubic inch engines and got a lot of experience doing that, racing those for I think this was my sixth season. I won a lot of races and won a championship out there in the King of West Series, and last year I moved on into racing in the Midwest a lot with the USAC series in the Midgets, Sprint car and Silver Crown cars and gained a lot of experience there racing for Keith Kunz and a bunch of different car owners really. I ran for a lot of different people. I think last year was really my breakout season. I won a lot of big races and I got picked up by Earnhardt Ganassi Racing this year, so that helped out, and this year is my first year in the K & N Series. It's been a quick road, but it's been really fun.
Q:You've been really good in both of the truck races you've run this year, 10th at Kentucky and 6th in your other race. What are your goals for the last two races of the season?
Larson: Well, my goals are to do better than I did in my last race, which was a 6th, but if I could come away with two top 10s again that would be really good to get four top 10s in only -- only having four truck starts. If I could get a win, that would be great. That would be really cool. I'm just looking to go out there and gain some more experience and get used to the bodies and the different types of tires and get some experience racing on bigger tracks like Homestead. That's going to be really fun. Phoenix should be a lot of fun, too. I've been there to watch before when the USAC cars raced there. Hopefully I can take a little bit of what I've learned by watching open wheel cars into the trucks.
Q: What is your schedule looking like for next year? Do you have any full-time rides set up for next year?
Larson: I don't really have anything set up for next year yet. I know these guys at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing are working on some different things for me and hopefully will have an answer here shortly and can hopefully be racing anything, whether it's moving up into trucks or Nationwide and hopefully I'll still be able to race Sprint cars and Midgets. As long as I'm racing, I'll be having fun.(NASCAR IMC)(11-8-2012)

Larson captures K&N Pro Series East Crown with sixth-place finish at Rockingham: The 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship came down to the last lap of the season and when the smoke cleared at Rockingham Speedway, rookie Kyle Larson won his first NASCAR title. It marks the first NASCAR touring championship for Rev Racing and NASCAR Drive for Diversity. The 20-year-old Larson, from Elk Grove, Calif., also won the series' Sunoco Rookie of the Year, joining only Joey Logano and Ryan Truex in the 26-year history of the series to accomplish that feat of earning the championship in their rookie years. Larson will be crowned the 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East champion at the NASCAR Touring Awards on Dec. 10 at in the Crown Ballroom of the Charlotte Convention Center at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Tyler Reddick, 16, earned the victory in the Classic 3 Championship presented by RCR Racing Museum in a wild finish. Reddick, who was making his series debut, got a run on race leader  and championship contender  Brett Moffitt coming out of Turn 2 toward the checkered flag. Moffitt came up on Reddick, made contact, and went spinning onto the grass. Reddick then came around to take the yellow and checkered flags. A sixth-place finish by Larson was enough to give him the title by 15 points over Corey LaJoie. LaJoie also finished second to Reddick in Saturday's race. Moffitt, who was in position to clinch the title if he would have avoided the accident on the final lap for the win, finished the race 21st and third in points, 24 points back.(NASCAR IMC)(11-4-2012)

NASCAR Diversity participate in NFL Diversity and Inclusion Symposium: NASCAR Diversity Affairs attended the NFL's first Diversity and Inclusion Symposium earlier this month. The event was designed to bring together sports leagues, organizations and governing bodies in order to create an open dialogue and share best practices around diversity and inclusion. Representatives from the NFL, MLB, NBA, MLS, NASCAR, WWE, USOC, USTA, USATF, NCAA, GLAAD and various universities were among those present at the event. The main goal of the symposium was to share and inspire ideas to promote equal opportunities and empower diverse communities within each of the sports and organizations present.(NASCAR Diversity.com)(10-31-2012)

Bill Elliott Racing's Massey wins Legends National Champion title: After earning both the Winter Flurry and the Thursday Thunder Series Championships at Atlanta Motor Speedway Mason Massey has won the Legends Pro Division National Championship race. The 15-year-old development driver for Bill Elliott Racing piloted his #15 Jeff Foxworthy Full Force Energy Shot / Elizabeth Lee sponsored machine to Victory Lane at AMS after leading every lap of the 40-lap Championship event. Massey started on the pole after setting the fast time in qualifying and winning a heat race. In addition to dominating the Legends Pro Division at Atlanta Motor Speedway all year, Massey has made several starts in his #9 Late Model and has earned his first two wins, both coming at Montgomery Motor Speedway; the first of which came in only his sixth career start and the second was in the famous 48th Annual Alabama 200 where he is now the youngest driver ever to win. Massey will be back in the driver's seat for Bill Elliott Racing at Five Flags Speedway (FL) for the Allen Turner Snowflake 100 as part of the 45th Annual Snowball Derby weekend on December 1st.(Bill Elliott Racing PR)(10-30-2012)

Women in the Winner's Circle Celebrating 10th Anniversary: The 10th annual Women in the Winner's Circle Awards Celebration will take place Friday evening, Dec. 7 at the Indiana Convention Center, following the second day of IMIS. Founded in 1994 by Lyn St. James, a seven-time Indianapolis 500 starter and recognized leader in motorsports, the Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation focuses on programs for driver development, advocacy, diversity and education, particularly for women who aspire to become racecar drivers. The non-profit foundation is dedicated to making a difference and reaching the day when opportunity and diversity are no longer concerns, but are taken for granted. The annual Women in the Winner's Circle Celebration is the foundation's major fundraiser, celebrating the success of women in racing, helping them build strong ties with each other and the motorsports community, and honoring those who have provided leadership and opportunities for women in racing. In addition to marking the event's 10th anniversary, the evening will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Title IX, the important piece of legislation that resulted in educational opportunities for girls and women, including those in the motorsports world. For more information about the Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation or registration details for the 10th Annual Awards Celebration, Lyn St. James.com.(10-25-2012)

2012 NASCAR Drive For Diversity Combine Day 3: After three days of evaluations -- the last two of which consisted of on-track testing at Langley Speedway in Hampton, Va. -- Rev Racing personnel will pour over their notes from the 2012 NASCAR Drive for Diversity (D4D) Combine and pick their team for the 2013 racing season. It won't be an easy task, which for Rev Racing and the NASCAR Drive for Diversity is a good thing. "We saw a ton of talent -- a lot more talent than ever before," said Jefferson Hodges, Rev Racing's director of competition. "And some of them were the same kids. I don't know what they did between last year and this year, but they really stepped up their game. I was really happy about it. "I think there are a lot more drivers that deserve an opportunity in our Late Model program than there are openings, so that part of is going to result in some tough decisions." Thursday's final session was a half-day, with a handful of drivers making additional runs as officials got a second look to help gather more information. All drivers are still in the running for spots on the 2013 Rev Racing team, which will be selected from among the 2012 Rev Racing drivers and the Combine participants. That selection will take place following the completion of the 2012 season. Rev Racing still has a pair of NASCAR K&N Pro Series East races on the schedule. The first NASCAR race weekend of 2013 is the UNOH Battle At The Beach on the .4-mile oval on the backstretch of Daytona International Speedway during February's Speedweeks, which will feature both a NASCAR K&N Pro Series race as well as a NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model event.(NASCAR PR)(10-18-2012)

2012 NASCAR Drive For Diversity Combine Day 2: Dylan Smith peeled off the track following his practice laps at Langley Speedway in Hampton, Va., Wednesday morning and keyed the radio: "Hey guys, I just want to say 'thank you' for this opportunity." It's a sentiment that was shared among the 17 candidates that took part in the on-track portion of the 2012 NASCAR Drive for Diversity (D4D) Combine put on by Rev Racing. After the combine kicked off with fitness evaluations and iRacing simulations Tuesday, the drivers got to show what they could do Wednesday in three identically prepared Late Models on the .4-mile NASCAR Whelen All-American Series track. The day was divided into a morning and afternoon session, with each of the drivers getting an opportunity to make 10-lap runs. Headquartered in Concord, N.C., Rev Racing, owned by Max Siegel, operates the NASCAR Drive For Diversity program, which is the industry's leading developmental program for multicultural and women drivers and pit crew members. Rev Racing fields cars in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. The 2013 Rev Racing team will be selected from among the 2012 Rev Racing drivers and the Combine participants. This year's Combine class included drivers from twelve U.S. states as well as Canada and Mexico, and a variety of racing experience from sprint cars to Late Models. The Combine will conclude Wednesday with additional on-track testing sessions.(NASCAR PR)(10-17-2012)

Reid Lanpher joins JR Motorsports Late Model program: Fresh off its first late model championship, JR Motorsports is adding a second team to the grass-roots program started by Dale Earnhardt Jr. a decade ago by hiring Reid Lanpher to drive in 2013. Lanpher, 14, will join reigning champion Josh Berry in filling the 2013 driver line-up for JR Motorsports. Both will compete for the title at Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Va. Motor Mile is one of five NASCAR Home Tracks in Virginia, as it hosts NASCAR-sanctioned races in both touring and weekly racing series. This will be the first time in four years that JR Motorsports has fielded a multi-team operation in its late model program. A native of Manchester, Maine, Lanpher began racing motocross at the age of five, winning multiple championships before moving to competitive snowmobile racing. A transition to four wheels in the Maine Mod Series followed in 2010, where Lanpher led the most laps and earned the most heat wins that season. The JR Motorsports late model team is coming off its most successful season in team history after Berry clinched the organization's first championship at Motor Mile Speedway. Along the way, he drove the #88 Speedco Chevrolet to one win, 15 top-fives and 17 top-10 finishes. The team also earned seven poles and earned an average finish of 4.2 in 18 races.(JR Motorsports PR)(10-17-2012)

2012 NASCAR Drive For Diversity Combine Day 1: Sprints and simulators were on the itinerary Tuesday afternoon at Virginia's Hampton University as the drivers participating in the 2012 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine put on by Rev Racing were put through the paces both on the running track and at the wheel. Before the drivers slide behind the wheel of a Late Model for the on-track portion of the combine -- slated for Wednesday and Thursday at Langley Speedway in Hampton -- the evaluations began for the 17 candidates hoping to land a spot with Rev Racing. The group took part in driving on simulators for iRacing, which added the .4-mile Langley oval to its system this year. The track is a member of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. In addition, the drivers also participated in a fitness evaluation led by Rev Racing's strength and conditioning coach Phil Horton. The NASCAR D4D program created in 2004 is now executed by Rev Racing and the team is competing in their third season in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. Currently the top two rookies in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, Kyle Larson and Bryan Ortiz are in the 2012 D4D class, while Larson and Rev Racing graduate Darrell Wallace Jr. made their national series debuts this year. Earlier this season, Wallace became the first African-American to win a pole award in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, while Larson has been impressive in several [two] NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts. And the combine provides the opportunity for a driver to follow in the footsteps of Larson and Wallace. Earlier in the day, Ryan Gifford, Jorge Arteaga and Bryan Ortiz joined Langley owner Bill Mullis and Late Model champion Greg Edwards along with Hampton city officials in a commemorative tree-planting at the Peninsula YMCA as part of NASCAR's Green initiative. Langley will help plant approximately 100 trees throughout the city, including new parks and areas recovering from a recent tornado. The 2013 Rev Racing team will be selected from among the 2012 Rev Racing drivers and the Combine participants..(NASCAR PR)(10-17-2012)

Talent search launches; shoot-out in October: UPDATE: Star Racing offers scholarships: The annual race driver talent search conducted by Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle launches September 12th, 2012. The nationally acclaimed driver development program is focused on finding top young drivers and developing them towards professional Stock Car careers. Talented drivers from across the United States will be selected to participate in an extensive, three day driver try out event known as "The Shoot-Out," scheduled to start in one month on October 12-14, 2012. Star Racing Supply is offering $16,000 to $25,000 to help each winning driver selected from the Shoot-Out to race with RSWC ... up to 20 drivers total. This $380,000 in racing sponsorships, is designed to help young racers make the jump up into auto racing. Combined with additional powerful prizes offered by Star Racing Supply, for next season, this Shoot-Out promises to be advantageous in many ways for young drivers that are high on talent and low of funding. Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle has achieved major steps for young drivers working toward professional careers in stock car racing. From finding top young talent ... developing them in the most comprehensive program ... helping families raise funds to race and go to the next level ... to arranging meetings and tests with Cup Teams for RSWC development drivers. The Shoot-Out, is not a race, but rather a major event to test young race drivers from different backgrounds and different age categories, to determine which drivers have the talent and potential to be developed towards professional Stock Car careers with RSWC. Most racers consider being selected to the Shoot-Out an honor in itself and a key checkmark for a young driver's resume. The drivers selected for the RSWC development program through the Shoot-Out will have a stock car career focused training program tailored specifically for them, their age, experience and development stage. RSWC places drivers with top racing teams in the series that fits the driver best at that point, including USAC Ignite Midgets and Sprint Cars as well as NASCAR Modifieds and Late Model Stock Cars. The RSWC program provides all the components to train, coach, race, groom and mold talented drivers into what Cup Teams want, as they step up the ranks of Professional Stock Car racing. Families of young, winning drivers, ages 11 to 21, are encouraged to get detailed information from the website and submit their resume before the September 30th, 2012 deadline. The web-site is Winners-Circle-Racing.com.)(RSWC PR)(9-11-2012)
UPDATE:The West Coast's one stop shop for all oval track racing needs is stepping up to the plate in three powerful ways to assist young racers for 2013. First on deck, Star Racing Supply will be offering sponsorship to winning drivers in the renowned Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle Driver Development Program Talent Search/Shoot-Out. Star will provide each winning driver $16,000 to $25,000 for car racing sponsorships in USAC and NASCAR series races, for up to 20 drivers total. That is a $60,000 increase over last year, bringing the grand total to $380,000 in sponsorship dollars awarded to the talented drivers entered in this prestigious annual driver talent search conducted by Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle.(10-5-2012)

Cast your vote for your favorite D4D Driver: For the fifth consecutive year, fans can vote online for the Most Popular Driver of the Year Award in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (Twitter hashtag: #KNEast). The link to the 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Most Popular Driver ballot will be hosted on NASCAR HomeTracks. Fans may vote once per day and are encouraged to vote throughout the season. Voting continues through November 18. Last year, Chase Elliott was voted by the fans as the Most Popular Driver in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. The winner will be honored at the NASCAR Night of Champions Awards on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Charlotte Convention Center's Crown Ballroom in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.(NASCAR Diversity.com)(9-20-2012)

2012 NASCAR Drive For Diversity Combine candidates selected: As the NASCAR season hits the home stretch, preparations for 2013 are already underway. That process will begin in earnest for select drivers Oct. 16-18 with the 2012 NASCAR Drive for Diversity (D4D) Combine at Langley Speedway in Hampton, VA. NASCAR and Rev Racing today announced 17 candidates invited to take part in the three-day evaluation. The NASCAR D4D program created in 2004 is now executed by Rev Racing and the team is competing in their third season in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. Currently the top two rookies in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, Kyle Larson and Bryan Ortiz are in the 2012 D4D class, while Larson and Rev Racing graduate Darrell Wallace Jr. made their national series debuts this year. Larson has top 10s in both starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Wallace has a top 10 in all three of his NASCAR Nationwide Series races. The 2012 Combine will be a three day driver evaluation of on-track performance, marketing and media aptitude, and physical fitness. Langley, a .4-mile asphalt oval, is the NASCAR sanctioned track hosting the event for the second consecutive year.The 2013 Rev Racing team will be selected from among the 2012 Rev Racing drivers and the Combine participants.
Participants include:
Devon Amos, Rio Ranch, NM, Age 21
Dustin Ash, Las Vegas, NV, Age 24
Annabeth Barnes, Hiddenite, NC, Age 17
Collin Cabre, Thonotosassa, FL, Age 18
Kayla Cazares, Goffstown, NH, Age 16
Amber Colvin, Mooresville, NC, Age 17
Jessica Dana, Olympia, WA, Age 17
Paige Decker, Eagle River, WI, Age 19
Cassie Gannis, Phoenix, AZ, Age 21
Lindsay Katz, Kalamazoo, MI, Age 21
Jack Madrid, San Clemente, CA, Age 17
Kate McCall, Port Orange, FL, Age 16
Dallas Montes, Bakersfield, CA, Ageu 18
Hannah Newhouse, Twin Falls, ID, Age 15
Dylan Smith, Randolph, VT, Age 20
Daniel Suarez, Monterrey, Mexico, Age 20
Erica Thiering, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Age 22
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications)(9-20-2012)

Bill Elliott Racing's Mason Massey youngest winner of Alabama 200 at Montgomery: Just three short months after earning his first Late Model victory at the same track, 15-year-old Mason Massey took the checkered flag at Montgomery Motor Speedway in the 48th Annual Alabama 200 behind the wheel of his #9 Jeff Foxworthy Full Force Energy Shot and Elizabeth Lee Ford for Bill Elliott Racing. Massey qualified second for the race and started fourth following an inversion of the top five drivers. The 200-lap event was the longest of his career to date and he took the lead for the final time on lap 166. Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, and Neil Bonnett are just a few of the legendary drivers who have made it to Victory Lane in this historic event.Massey will be back in the driver's seat for Bill Elliott Racing later this month at Five Flags Speedway (FL) for the Allen Turner Pro Late Model 100 on September 29th.(Massey/Bill Elliott Racing PR)(9-18-2012)

JR Motorsports' Josh Berry wins Motor Mile Championship: Josh Berry delivered JR Motorsports something the team had never accomplished in either the NASCAR Nationwide Series or Whelen All-American Series: A championship. The 21-year-old Hendersonville, Tenn. native secured both his and the team's first championship Saturday night at Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, VA. Berry put together a masterful season at the .416-mile oval, notching one win, 15 top-fives and 17 top-10s in 18 races. The No. 88 Speedco team's qualifying record was even more impressive with seven poles and 15 front-row starts in 2012. he next race on Berry's schedule is the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 event at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 21.(JR Motorsports PR)(9-17-2012)

Jones to make debut in K&N PRO Series East for ESR: Eddie Sharp Racing development driver Brandon Jones will make his first appearance in a NASCAR-sanctioned event when he makes his debut in the K&N Pro Series East on September 3 at Greenville Pickens Speedway. Weeks after winning his first United Auto Racing Association (UARA) STARS Series race at Concord Speedway, 15-year-old Jones will take the next step up the racing ladder as he competes in the Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 140 at the historic half-mile speedway on Labor Day evening. Jones joined ESR in January 2012 after securing track championships in the pro truck division at Lanier Speedway and Gresham Motorsports Park in 2011. In addition to running select super late model and pro late model events across the Southeast, Jones has been competing for the Rookie of the Year title in the UARA-STARS Series.(Eddie Sharp Racing PR)(8-30-2012)

Little joins Coulter Motorsports K&N team:Third generation NASCAR driver, Jesse Little, has been signed to drive for Coulter Motorsports in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. The high school sophomore will make his debut on Labor Day weekend at the historic Greenville-Pickens Speedway as the half-mile hosts the Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 140. Little has made selected starts in the series in 2012 including Richmond International Raceway in April where he became the youngest driver to ever take the green flag in NASCAR's premier development series. Posting an 11th place finish in the Blue Ox 100 gave Little his highest finish in his brief K&N Pro Series career. While the focus will be on the upcoming Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 140 at Greenville-Pickens, Little will be building for a run towards the 2013 K&N Pro Series East championship and Rookie of the Year honors. Leading Little's team at Coulter Motorsports is Kris Bowen, a veteran crew member of the organization. Little will continue to race out of the Team Little Racing shop with his NASCAR Whelen All-American Series late model as time allows.(Coulter Motorsports PR)(8-17-2012)

Larson wins "Ultimate Challenge" at Southern Iowa Speedway: When you wave the big checks this young racer has turned heads. "Young Money" Kyle Larson lived up to his nickname again, roaring to a second Casey's General Stores Ultimate Challenge victory in a row on Tuesday night at the Southern Iowa Speedway. The 30-lap victory was worth a cool $15,000 to the Elk Grove, Calif., native and the Hoffman Racing #69 sprint car team of Ohio.(Oskaloosa.com)(8-9-2012)

Rookie Brandon Jones notches first career win: In just his 10th United Auto Racing Association STARS Series race, Brandon Jones recorded his first career win on Saturday, August 4 at Concord Speedway. The 15-year-old from Atlanta, Ga. joined Eddie Sharp Racing in January 2012, and has raced in late model and super late model races across the southeast for the winning organization. After rolling off fifth in his first race at Concord Speedway, Jones battled the competition before being declared the race winner of the City Chevrolet 150. Jones and the UARA-STARS Series will be back in action at Tri-County Speedway on Friday, August 10.(Eddie Sharp Racing PR)(8-6-2012)

Larson wins back-to-back in POWRi National Midgets at US 36 Raceway: Kyle Larson won the feature in the POWRi Lucas Oil National Midget Series at US 36 Raceway for the second straight year Sunday. Larson, of Elk Grove, Calif., stays busy racing coast-to-coast. He's emerged as a short track superstar since the start of 2011. Larson had 22 victories in Midgets and non-wing and wing Sprint Cars last year in national events and series. Larson also appears to have a promising future in stock cars. Chip Ganassi Racing signed him last winter and Larson has wins in two late model and one in NASCAR's K & N Pro Series East Series races. He also finished 10th in his debut in the NASCAR Camping World Series race at Kentucky Speedway on June 28. And Larson is continuing to run short tracks. Larson has won in his last three starts in POWRi. The streak began a year ago on his 19th birthday, July 31, at US36 Raceway. Larson followed with a victory at Spoon River Speedway in Canton, Ill., on Sept. 17. Larson was fourth in his other POWRi start in 2011 at Junction Motor Speedway in McCool Junction, Neb.(POWRi PR)(7-31-2012)

Moffitt to make Nationwide debut with RAB at Iowa: RAB Racing with Brack Maggard will partner with current NASCAR K&N Pro Series East points leader Brett Moffitt when he makes his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut this weekend at Iowa Speedway. The Grimes, Iowa native is currently in his fourth full season of NASCAR K&N Pro Series East competition. He has compiled nine wins, 27 top-five and 32 top-10 finishes in 42 series starts, and holds a 22-point advantage in the driver standings with nine of 14 events completed on the 2012 schedule.(RAB Racing/Moffitt PR)(7-31-2012)

Gregory & sponsor join Coulter for three; maybe more: Aleks Gregory and sponsor The Mosquito Patch are pleased to announce that they are joining forces with long-time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards powerhouse Coulter Motorsports for a minimum of three races to wrap up the 2012 racing season. Gregory will make his first start with Coulter Motorsports piloting the #61 The Mosquito Patch Chevrolet in this weekend's Pennsylvania ARCA 125 at Pocono Raceway. Prior to pairing with Coulter Motorsports, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana-native, Gregory, made four ARCA Racing Series starts in 2012 (Daytona International Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Pocono Raceway and most recently Michigan International Speedway), his debut season of ARCA competition.(Coulter Motorsports PR)(7-31-2012)

NASCAR & Rev Racing announce location/date for 2012 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine:The 2012 Drive for Diversity Combine is scheduled to take place October 16-18 at Langley Speedway in Hampton, VA. The highly-competitive event identifies talented women and minority drivers and provides them the opportunity to join the Rev Racing team and compete in developmental NASCAR series. At the 2011 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine, 26 drivers competed for four NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and two NASCAR Whelen All-American Series rides. The rigorous three-day combine tests drivers in multiple areas including physical fitness, media aptitude, racing knowledge and driving skill. Applications for this year's NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine will be accepted through August 1, 2012 and can be found on RevRacing.net.(NASCAR Diversity Newsletter)(7-19-2012)

Ryan Blaney to #22 Nationwide team for Penske: Penske Racing announced today that third-generation race car driver Ryan Blaney has joined the organization and he will compete in the #22 Dodge in selected NASCAR Nationwide Series events over the balance of the 2012 season. Blaney, the 18-year-old son of current Sprint Cup Series driver Dave Blaney, will make his Penske Racing debut in the #22 Discount Tire Dodge Challenger in the Nationwide Series race at Iowa Speedway on Saturday, August 4th. Blaney will also drive for the team in at least two other races this season. He will race the #22 Snap-on Dodge at Richmond International Raceway and he'll drive the #22 Discount Tire Dodge at Kentucky Speedway. With a winning junior developmental track record established in Quarter Midgets, Bandolero and Legends cars, Blaney has also raced successfully in Super Late Models and the ARCA Series as well as the NASCAR K&N Pro Series. Continuing his development in 2012, Blaney has made three Nationwide Series starts this season for Tommy Baldwin Racing and he was impressive in a seventh-place finish at Richmond earlier this year.(Penske Racing PR)(7-17-2012)

Tyler Edwards gets win at Gerhardt Classic: 18 year-old Atlanta Georgia native, Tyler Edwards scored his first career USAC NorCal Ignite Midget Series victory by winning the second feature at the Fred Gerhardt Classic at Madera Speedway on Saturday night. Edwards is a member of the Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle program which develops drivers for a career in motorsports. Tyler brings lots of experience to the RSWC team in asphalt oval with a background in NASCAR Late Models, Legend cars and Quarter Midgets. Next up for Edwards is race number eleven and twelve "Hot August Nights of Racing" August 18th at Stockton 99 Speedway.((RMG/Winners-Circle-Racing PR)(7-17-2012)

Moffitt holds off Larson to win at Clearfield: Brett Moffitt held off rookie Kyle Larson in a green-white-checker finish after a late caution set up a sprint to the finish Saturday night in the Samuel 150 in the first NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at CNB Bank Raceway Park since 1988. Moffitt, who picked up his second win of the season and ninth overall, started from the pole and led all 153 laps of the race. It was the second career wire-to-wire win for from Grimes, Iowa, native. The previous came in the 2011 season opener at Greenville (S.C.) Pickens Speedway. Larson, who earned his first win last month, picked up his seventh top-10 finish in eight career starts.(National Speed Sport News)(7-16-2012)

Self to drive #22 Dodge for Cunningham Motorsports in 2013: Cunningham Motorsports, the Official Driver Development Team for Penske Racing, has signed c, the driver from Austin, Texas to drive in at least five ARCA short-track races during the 2013 season. The 16-year old development driver will be teamed up with veteran Crew Chief Paul Andrews in the #22 Dodge. Behind the wheel since the age of four, Self has been competing this year in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series in the #07 Sport Clips/Big Red Chevy Impala and currently sits well inside the top 20 in the national standings. "I have to agree with Austin on this one, it's pretty awesome," said Tim Self, President of AM Racing. "We are still building Austin's 2013 race schedule. So far we have at least five races with Cunningham and plans are underway to have five to six NASCAR K&N races on the 2013 schedule as well. The 18-year old age limit ARCA imposes for 1-mile or larger tracks makes it tough to fill out the ARCA side of the schedule, but hopefully we will be able to squeeze in a few more races with Cunningham. That's our goal." "We also plan to pick up a 12-pack or so of NASCAR Late Model races with Sellers and round out another 27-race schedule. All in all, 2013 is going to be a very busy season for Austin as he races for three different teams in three different series with multiple sponsors. We are blessed to have this opportunity. It was completely unexpected. God may not be predictable but he is always dependable," added Mr. Self.(Austin Wayne Self PR)(7-3-2012)

Elliott wins World Crown 300 at Gresham: Chase Elliott completely dominated Wednesday's World Crown 300 super-late-model race, winning all three segments at Gresham Motorsports Park to take home $20,000. Elliott, the current NASCAR K&N Pro Series East point leader, was never seriously challenged throughout the 300-lap event. Elliott set fast time and darted into the lead at the outset of the event. Bubba Pollard finished second at the half-mile asphalt oval. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver David Ragan was third ahead of Austin Theriault and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series regular Cale Gale.(NationalSpeedSportNews.com)(7-5-2012)

Larson to make series debut at Kentucky: UPDATE EGR development driver; to drive awareness to team's social media: It was announced on twitter that nineteen year-old Kyle Larson will make his NASCAR Camping World truck debut this weekend at Kentucky Speedway. Larson is entered in the #4 Chevrolet for Turner Motorsports. [Larson recently picked up his first K&N Pro Series East Slack Auto Parts 150 at Gresham Motorsports Park on June 9th. Monday night he won the A-Main in the UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint car event at Wayne County Speedway. Larson, who picked up his first UNOH All Star win the previous night at Cannonball Speedway, scored his second consecutive victory at a track he had never laid eyes on. Larson made his first ARCA start at Michigan International Speedway on June 15, where he started 7th and finished 13th.](Twitter-@TrucksOnSPEED) [More background on Kyle Larson is posted on the Kentucky Race page.](6-26-2012)
UPDATE: EGR developmental driver Kyle Larson will make his first national touring series start in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Kentucky Speedway on Thursday, June 28, with a unique paint scheme aimed to drive awareness toward the team's social media engagement. The 19-year-old will race the #4 Turner Motorsports entry branded by EGR social and digital media assets, including: @EGRTeams, EarnhardtGanassi.com and the Chip Ganassi Racing Teams mobile application.(EGR PR)(6-26-2012)

Rev Racing's Kyle Larson wins at Gresham: Kyle Larson, driver of the #6 Rev Racing and L&M Ethanol Maintenance Contracting, Inc. Toyota Camry, takes home his first win in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, Saturday night in the Slack Auto Parts 150 at Gresham Motorsports Park. After this win, 2012 Rookie of the Year contender, Larson, has moved within three points of NASCAR K&N Pro Series East points leader Chase Elliott. Larson and his fellow Rev Racing drivers will make their return to the track in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Visit Hampton, VA 175, at Langley Speedway, in Hampton, VA, on Saturday, June 23.(RevRacing.net)(6-11-2012)

2012 NASCAR Diversity Internship program launches in Charlotte: Each year, NASCAR welcomes students from around the country into the NASCAR industry as participants in the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program. The 10-week, full-time, paid summer internship is designed to expose diverse college students to the many career opportunities within the motorsports industry. Since its inception 13 years ago, over 180 students have interned in the motorsports industry, several going on to full-time employment in the industry after completing their internship. To celebrate this year's class of interns, the annual NASCAR Diversity Internship Program Orientation kicked off in Charlotte, NC on May 17th, 2012. The orientation session introduced the program participants to the exciting and complex world of NASCAR and as well as other key elements of the motorsports industry. Full list of interns is as follows:
Andrea Bejarano, University of Central Florida, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications
Che Boisseau, Virginia State University, Octagon
Julian Xavier Botella, University of North Florida, Daytona International Speedway, Guest Services
Justin R. Casselle, Xavier University, Catalyst, PR
Jusan M. Hamilton, Ithaca College, NASCAR Racing Operations
Robert Harbour, Florida State University, NASCAR Public Affairs
Carla Harris, Virginia State University, NASCAR Member Services
Stacey Houston, Davidson College, Marketing & Media
Perron D. Jones, Georgia Institute of Technology, NASCAR IT
Jenise King, Howard University, NASCAR Licensing
Brian Lee, Purdue University, NASCAR R & D
Cameron McCarty, North Carolina State University, NASCAR Engineering
Pedro Mojica, University of Texas at San Antonio, NASCAR R & D
Anna Richter, Winthrop University, NASCAR Foundation
Alisha Jo Sanford, Texas A&M University, NASCAR Diversity Affairs
Clarence A. Scott IV, Baker Unversity, NASCAR Industry Marketing
Vernon Walker, University of North Florida, NASCAR Automotive Group(NASCAR Diversity)(6-7-2012)

Chase Elliott posts second Blizzard Series win at Five Flags: Chase Elliott started an impressive winning streak by taking the checkered flag in Friday night's Buddy's Home Furnishings Blizzard Series Rubber & Specialties 100 at Five Flags Speedway; a race that saw more than one three-wide battle for the lead in the closing laps. Elliott captured his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series East win just a week earlier at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa. Running on the momentum of the Iowa victory, Elliott jumped in the seat of his #9 Super Late Model back in familiar territory at the Pensacola, Florida half-mile, where the defending Snowball Derby Champion found himself in victory lane for the second time in series competition this season and third time in as many starts since last December's Snowball event. Te next installment of the Buddy's Home Furnishings Blizzard Series will come when the Super Late Models return to the Pensacola, Florida half-mile on June 22nd.(Speed51 PR)(5-29-2012)

Chase Elliott wins K&N Pro event at Iowa: Elliott, driver of the #9 Aaron's Dream Machine/Hendrickcars.com Chevrolet, won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East-West combination event at Iowa Speedway on Saturday night. The 16-year-old Elliott took the lead on Lap 145 from Brett Moffitt and held on through a green-white-checkered finish for his first victory in 16 career K&N Pro Series East starts. Elliott still ranks first in the 2012 championship standings, and extended his lead to 20 points over second-place Moffitt. As the overall race winner Elliott has earned a secured starting position for the inaugural UNOH Battle At The Beach on the short track at Daytona International Speedway during 2013 Speedweeks. Elliott's win also welcomed Chevrolet back to Victory Lane in the K&N Pro Series East. The last time the manufacturer earned a win in the series was on August 28, 2010. Elliott now has posted one win, six top-five finishes, 11 top-10s and led 50 laps in 18 career K&N Pro Series starts. Next up, Elliott will drive his #9 Aaron's Dream Machine/Hendrickcars.com Chevrolet in the May 25 super late model event at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla. Then, he will race in the June 2 K&N Pro Series East event at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C.(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(5-21-2012)

Gaulding scores first SLM win at Southern National: Gray Gaulding and the #2 Krispy Kreme, Coulter Motorsports Toyota team earned their first super late model victory of the 2012 season on Saturday evening at Southern National Motorsports Park. Rain had postponed the Super Series-SLM 150 the previous Saturday after Gaulding set the fastest time and earned the pole. With the green flag waving for the final time on Lap 99, Gaulding paced the final 26-laps unscathed enroot to his first super late model victory of 2012, in the #2 Krispy Kreme Toyota for Coulter Motorsports. The next stop for Gaulding and the No. 2 Krispy Kreme Toyota in the PASS South Super Model Series is May 26 at Concord Speedway.(Coulter Motorsports PR)(5-14-2012)

Elliott wins SLM race at Gresham: The 16-year old Chase Elliott drove his #9 Aaron's Dream Machine/Hendrickcars.com Chevrolet to Victory Lane for the second time this season at Gresham Motorsports Park after winning the Racing Radios 100 Super Late Model event on May 12. After Saturday night's win, Elliott now has five wins and seven top-10 finishes in just nine late model events so far this season. In the 12 late model events he's run at Gresham over the past three years, he has posted four wins, eight top-five finishes, nine top-10s and also earned three pole positions at the half-mile track. Next up, Elliott will drive his #9 Aaron's Dream Machine/Hendrickcars.com Chevrolet in the May 19 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East event at Iowa Speedway. He will return to Gresham Motorsports Park for the Slack Auto 150 K&N Pro Series East race on June 9.(ChaseElliott.com)(5-14-2012)

Moffitt wins from pole at Richmond: The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East made its third stop of the season on Thursday, April 26th, at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, VA for the Blue Ox 100. Brett Moffitt, driver of the Hattori Racing Enterprises #11 Kobe Toyopet Toyota Camry, put the car on the pole, claiming the 5th Coors 21 Means 21 Pole Award of his career. Moffitt led the most laps, and celebrated a maximum points day by putting the car in Victory Lane. This was both the first pole and the first NASCAR win for HRE, a race team newly-formed in 2012. The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East heads next to Moffitt's home track, with a great deal of momentum on his side. The fourth stop on the schedule is the Iowa 150 presented by Graham Tire Company at Iowa Speedway on May 19, 2012. Moffitt, a native of Grimes, Iowa, won the race last year in a dominating fashion.(Moffitt/Hattori Racing PR)(5-2-2012)

Rev Racing's Max Siegel named CEO of USA Track & Field: UPDATE: NASCAR statement: USA Track & Field's board of directors has selected Max Siegel to serve as CEO, President and Chair Stephanie Hightower announced Monday. The board voted unanimously to hire Siegel after two CEO searches that took place over the course of 16 months. He will become the fourth CEO in the organization's history when he assumes his duties on May 1 as part of a two-year contract. Chief Operating Officer Mike McNees had served as interim CEO since September, 2010. Working in various executive capacities in the sports and entertainment fields over the last 20 years, Siegel's track record has consistently been that of financial growth and competitive success. The owner of Rev Racing, Siegel took NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program and advanced it from a fledging effort to add diversity to the sport into a competitive juggernaut on the racetrack. In 2011, his team's drivers won 50 percent of all races on the K&N Pro Series East circuit, NASCAR's top developmental circuit. Siegel is a former director on the boards of USA Track & Field and the USA Swimming Foundation with more than 20 years as a high-profile executive and attorney in the sports, entertainment and media industries. The first African-American to graduate with honors from Notre Dame law school, Siegel is a native of Indianapolis and resides in the city.(USATF.org)(4-23-2012)
UPDATE: "Our Drive for Diversity (D4D) program continues to enjoy great success, evidenced by the fact that just this season we have several drivers from the program performing well across several NASCAR series. Max Siegel, an integral part of D4D through his role as owner of Rev Racing, has done an excellent job fostering the talent of these young drivers and so many more. He also has been dedicated to helping to attract more diversity to our sport across all entry points. We are confident in the leadership at Rev Racing, and we're excited for Max personally as he adds duties to his role with USATF. We look forward to his continued leadership at Rev Racing, and we'll continue to build on the success of the Drive for Diversity program."(NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications)(4-23-2012)

Chase Elliott wins at Gresham: Chase Elliott's 2012 spring break will be one he remembers for years to come, thanks to his Beau Slocumb Memorial 208 win on April 7 at Gresham Motorsports Park. Instead of hitting the beach for a traditional vacation, Elliott chose to compete in a local late model event held in honor of the late Beau Slocumb. The 16-year-old Elliott overcame a part malfunction and drove his #9 Aaron's Dream Machine/Hendrickcars.com Chevrolet back through the field not once, but twice to win the 208-lap event. As the third segment began, Elliott was able to maintain the lead for the race's final 33 laps to take the checkered flag. This was Elliott's fourth late model win of the season in just seven starts. Next up, Elliott will drive his #9 Aaron's Dream Machine/Hendrickcars.com Chevrolet in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East event at Richmond International Raceway on April 26.(Chase Elliott.com)(4-9-2012)

Wallace wins at Greenville Pickens Speedway: Darrell Wallace Jr. won the Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 150 in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East action on Saturday night at Greenville Pickens Speedway. Wallace, out of Mobile, Ala., led every lap but one on the way to his first win of the 2012 season and the sixth of his series career. Wallace's first win came at the Greenville track to open the 2010 season. With his victory, Wallace locked up a spot in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series race at the UNOH Battle at the Beach at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway during next February's Speedweeks.(Hometracks.NASCAR.com)(4-9-2012)

Elliott sweeps weekend; wins at Mobile & Pensacola: Chase Elliott started his weekend on a high note and ended it the same way by winning two late model events. On Saturday evening, Elliott drove his #9 Aaron's Dream Machine/Hendrickcars.com Chevrolet to Victory Lane at Mobile International Speedway. The following afternoon, Elliott returned to the site of his most memorable win to date -- the Snowball Derby -- and dominated the late model event at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla., on Sunday to capture the checkered flag. Next up, Elliott will drive his #9 Aaron's Dream Machine/Hendrickcars.com Chevrolet in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East event at Greenville Pickens Speedway on March 31.(Chase Elliott PR)(3-26-2012)

NASCAR Drive For Diversity and Rev Racing open K&N Pro Series East season: NASCAR Drive for Diversity and Rev Racing will open its K&N Pro Series East season at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 17, building off a 2011 season highlighted by unprecedented on-track success. Four Rev Racing drivers will participate in the season opener of NASCAR's top developmental series during the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup weekend at Bristol. The team is coming off the most successful season in the history of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity, which is entering its ninth season as one of NASCAR's leading on-track initiatives. Rev Racing collected six wins in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and had three drivers finish in the top 10 in series points. The drivers (Twitter handle in parentheses) who will compete at Bristol Motor Speedway include:
Jorge Arteaga (@JorgeArteaga46): Arteaga, 25, from Aguascalientes, Mexico, will run his first full season in NASCAR K&N Pro Series. He competed in NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Models for Rev Racing last season, and also participated in the NASCAR Mexico Series, where he was voted Most Popular Driver by the fans.
Ryan Gifford (@RyanGifford2): The 23-year-old driver from Winchester, Tenn., will return to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East for his third full-time season in the series. He became the first African-American in series history to win a pole award in 2010 and has finished in the top 10 in the standings in each of his two seasons with Rev Racing.
Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin): The 19-year-old open-wheel standout from Elk Grove, Calif., will move into the NASCAR K&N Pro Series ranks after he became the first driver to win a World of Outlaws race and score victories in all three USAC divisions in the same season last year.
Bryan Ortiz (@BryanORacing): The Bayamon, Puerto Rico native will move up to NASCAR K&N Pro Series from Late Models in his second season with Rev Racing. The 23-year-old has a strong road-racing background and will also compete in select events in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.
Toyota, Sprint and Goodyear are the primary partners supporting Rev Racing and NASCAR Drive for Diversity. Complete information on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series is available at NASCARHomeTracks.com or by following @NASCARHomeTrack (hashtags: #KNEast & #NWAAS); Rev Racing's official website and Twitter is RevRacing.net and @RevRacin; information on the NASCAR Drive for Diversity can be found at NASCARDiversity.com or on Twitter @NASCARDiversity.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications)(3-14-2012)

Laing joins Coulter Motorsports driver development program: Coulter Motorsports has expanded its 2012 driver development line-up to include UARA (United Auto Racing Association) competition with 18-year-old Tyler Laing. Driving the #16 Coulter Motorsports Chevrolet, Laing will race full-time in the upcoming UARA season. Laing's rookie season will be guided by crew chief Mike Toemmes, who formerly worked with NASCAR K&N Pro Series East driver Drew Brannon. The program along with the teams PASS South Super Late Models, will be under the tutelage of former NASCAR driver Randy Renfrow. Laing, a Southwest Ranches, Fla. native, recently moved to Mooresville, N.C. and is a student at the NASCAR Technical Institute. He makes the transition to UARA with a variety of accomplishments in his young career. Laing began racing quarter midgets at only eight years old and earned a plethora of wins and track records. He later moved to the Fastruck Pro Touring Series and in 2009 was crowned series champion. His racing resume also includes super late model experience and one NASCAR K&N Pro Series East start in which he finished 11th. Laing's 2012 UARA racing season begins Saturday, March 17, with a 150-lap event at Hickory Motor Speedway. The season includes 16 races total across North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.(Coulter Motorsports PR)(3-14-2012)

Sather to debut with Make Motorsports at Martinsville: Natalie Sather, 27, experienced sprint car driver and up-and-coming stock car racer, will be joining MAKE Motorsports as a development driver for the 2012 season. Sather, a Fargo, ND, native will be piloting the #50 MAKE Motorsports entry in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for two scheduled events; the Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway on March 31 and the Good Sam Roadside Assistance Carolina 200 presented by Cheerwine at Rockingham Speedway on April 15. Sather is currently scheduled to make her debut in a MAKE Motorsports NASCAR Nationwide Series entry at Richmond. Additional races will be added as Sather and the team add partners and continue the development of their program.(MAKE Motorsports PR)(3-13-2012)

Australian, Scott Saunders to make NASCAR debut in K&N East Series at Bristol: NASCAR's MacDonald Motorsports will be debuting their NASCAR K&N East Series program March 17th, 2012 at Bristol Motor Speedway with two young guns in control. 18 year old, UNC College Student and second generation NASCAR car owner Jenifer MacDonald will be following in her father's footsteps as she will become a first time K&N Pro Series car owner for the #49 MacDonald Motorsports/ INOX Dodge being driven by Australian karting champion, Scott Saunders. Rookie Scott Saunders, 23, will be piloting the K&N Pro Series #49, as he begins to take the steps to further his racing career from being a worldwide karting champion to learning the ropes of NASCAR racing. Mark Durgin will serve as the crew chief for Saunders this season during the K&N East season. Durgin, is a long time NASCAR veteran, and has plenty of experience under his belt having worked over the past five seasons in the Nationwide Series for Turner Motorsports and Kevin Harvick Incorporated.(MacDonald Motorsports PR)(3-13-2012)

Pastrana returns to NASCAR circuit at Bristol: Travis Pastrana will make his long-awaited return to the NASCAR circuit Saturday night in the K&N Pro Series East season-opener at Bristol Motor Speedway. The 11-time X Games gold medalist expected to make his Nationwide debut last season at the July 30 race in Indianapolis. However, two nights before the race, Pastrana attempted the "TP Roll" which is a 720 on a motorcycle during the Best Trick Competition during the X Games. The landing didn't go as planned and Pastrana shattered his right ankle and foot. The injury and surgeries forced the 28-year-old driver to miss his entire 2011 Nationwide schedule. The Maryland native's Nationwide debut is now set for April 27 at Richmond. Pastrana plans to run seven Nationwide Series races as well as 11 K&N Pro Series races in 2012. Pastrana will race under the Pastrana199 Racing banner in 2012. The team will have a technical alliance with Michael Waltrip Racing supplying personnel and equipment. Boost Mobile will sponsor each of the seven Nationwide races while iRacing.com will serve as the primary sponsor in four K&N races. Longtime NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Matt Crafton will be at Bristol as a tutor for Pastrana. (Pastrana 199 Racing PR)(3-13-2012)

Moffitt to drive for Hattori Racing: Brett Moffitt has been named driver of the #11 Toyota Camry for Hattori Racing Enterprises for the 2012 NASCAR K & N Pro Series East. Moffitt, a 20-year old Grimes, Iowa native will enter his 4th season on the K & N Pro Series East in 2012. He drove for Michael Waltrip Racing last season, and Joe Gibbs Racing in 2010. In 34 starts, Moffitt has earned an seven wins, four pole positions, 20 top-5 and 25 top-10 finishes, and has never finished worse than 3rd in the Championship points standings. Moffitt will join teammate Sergio Pena at Hattori Racing Enterprises in 2012. HRE is preparing for its first year of full-time competition, with owner,Shigeaki Hattori; a former championship-winning racer. Hattori earned the Formula Toyota title in 1994 and also competed in the Indy Racing League's Indy Lights and IndyCar Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Setting the foundation for Hattori Racing Enterprises is four-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series Champion Andy Santerre, who will manage the race team and who was Moffitt's former crew chief in 2009. Crew Chief will be Dave McCarty who has over 20 years experience in all types of racing - NASCAR Nationwide Series, Camping World Truck Series, ARCA, ASA and K&N Pro Series East. HRE will field Toyota Camry's with manufacturer backing from Toyota Racing Development for both Brett Moffitt in the #11 and Sergio Pena in the #1. HRE is located in a state-of-the-art building owned by Germain Racing in Mooresville, NC and was designed by Hattori so he could continue to enjoy American stock car racing while developing young, talented drivers.(Hattori Racing PR)(2-27-2012)

Massey to race for Bill Elliott Racing: Mason Massey Racing announced today that driver Mason Massey will pilot the #9 Pro Late Model for Bill Elliott Racing during the 2012 season. Praelia Pharmaceuticals has come on board to sponsor Massey in the #9 machine to promote their new product Jeff Foxworthy's Full Force Energy Shot which will be on store shelves in March. Massey will compete in a 20-race schedule under the direction of Crew Chief Ricky Turner which will take him to tracks including South Alabama Speedway (AL), Five Flags Speedway (FL), Gresham Motorsports Park (GA), Montgomery Motor Speedway (AL), and Mobile Speedway (AL). Massey will take over the seat vacated by Elliott's son Chase who has been signed to a multi-year contract with Hendrick Motorsports. Massey has accumulated numerous accomplishments including multiple championships throughout his racing career and he is ready to take the next step and continue honing his skills behind the wheel. The team is very proud to announce the partnership with Praelia Pharmaceuticals and the brand new Jeff Foxworthy's Full Force Energy Shot. Massey will participate in appearances at various food and drug chains that will carry the product once it has been released, as well as handing out samples of the Shot and other Praelia Pharmaceuticals products at the race track. Massey will get behind the wheel of the #9 machine for the first time on Saturday, March 3rd, 2012, at South Alabama Speedway for the Pro Late Model Rattler 125 with Jeff Foxworthy's Full Force Energy Shot on the car.(Mason Massey PR)(2-27-2012)

NASCAR celebrates Diversity accomplishments: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing today celebrated the outstanding achievements of ground-breaking individuals and organizations in the area of diversity at the fifth annual NASCAR Diversity Awards Luncheon. At a ceremony held at The DAYTONA 500 Club at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR recognized the following individuals and organizations across the industry for their outstanding impact:
NASCAR Drive for Diversity Participant - Darrell Wallace Jr: Wallace, 18, who lives in Concord, N.C., started racing when he was nine years old and has found plenty of success along the way. In 2005, Wallace's first year of INEX Bandolero division competition, he won 35 of 48 races. The next year he moved up to INEX Legends cars, winning 11 races. He won his first late model race at Franklin County Speedway (Callaway, Va.) in 2008. At just 14, he became the youngest competitor to win a late model race at the historic speedway. Before late models, he raced karts, bandoleros and legend cars, often dominating the competition. In 2009, Wallace was named a development driver for Joe Gibbs Racing. With support from JGR, he competed with his family-operated team in a number of late model events throughout the Southeast. Darrell was a participant in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program in 2009 and 2010 competing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. In 2010, Darrell became the youngest and first African American to win in the K&N Pro Series with his win at Greensville Pickens and scored a second win in New Hampshire to earn the Rookie of the Year Award. Darrell followed up his rookie season with a second-place finish in the K&N Pro Series East standings, winning races in Richmond, Columbus and Dover.
Young Racer Award -- Walter Thomas III: Walter Thomas III, 13, is an Indianapolis, Ind., native. Walter's young racing career began at four years old when he started racing quarter midgets followed by three years in junior dragsters. For the past two years, he has raced in bandoleros where he scored a win in a national qualifier as well as becoming the first African American to win the Outlaw Track Championship at Indianapolis Speedrome. Walter finished 2011 in a legends car where he will continue his racing career this season. Walter's success and work ethic extends into the classroom, where he is an honor roll student.
NASCAR Diversity Internship Program Award -- Perron Jones: An Augusta, Ga., native, Perron is currently enrolled in Georgia Tech University in Atlanta, Ga., where he majors in Computer Science. Perron interned via the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program with the IT department in Daytona Beach, Fla. During his internship, Perron worked in the service call center and wrote a valuable app that saved the department several additional man hours. In addition to his coursework, Perron also runs track at Georgia Tech and recently set a school track and field record in the 60m dash while holding a 3.37 GPA.
Educational Institutional Award -- Hampton University: Hampton University is awarded this prestigious honor because of their role in the off-track evaluation of participants at the 2011 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine hosted by Langley Speedway. Both the Sports Managements School and Scripps School of Journalism and Communications participated in key initiatives. Professor Ralph Charlton and his sport management students organized a car show which enhanced awareness for Revolution Racing and the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program while promoting and advertising the Combine in the greater Hampton citywide. They also provided facilities to evaluate driver fitness. Professor William "Chris" Leonard's 43 students from the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications received real-world experience by staging a series of media exercises across multiple campus facilities which covered one-on-one interviews, live group press conferences, at-track coverage and news packages which ran on Air America.
NASCAR Partner Award -- International Speedway Corporation: In an effort to increase participation and awareness of the sport among Hispanic fans, the NASCAR Diversity Affairs department partnered with ISC tracks to execute a pilot program entitled "Bienvenidos a NASCAR." With guidance and support from several ISC tracks (Chicago, Miami and Phoenix), NASCAR increased its targeted Hispanic reach via advertising and promotions, as well as concerts and Spanish language garage QR codes that gave an overview of the sport. The resulting partnership enhanced the at-track experience for Hispanic fans by incorporating culturally relevant touch points throughout the race weekend.
NASCAR Industry Ambassador -- Steve deSouza: This year marks Steve deSouza's 14th year as vice president of NASCAR Nationwide Series operations at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). Over that time JGR's NASCAR Nationwide Series operations has grown to include three teams, while the driver development program has flourished under deSouza's watchful eye that continues to identify many of the sports' talented young drivers. Through his work in the developmental series, he afforded drivers like Aric Almirola, Marc Davis and Darrell Wallace Jr. the opportunity to compete in the national series as well as providing test opportunities for several other minority drivers. Joe Gibbs Racing has been committed to diversity for years and Steve deSouza has been a key part of their team's dedication in this area.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications)(2-22-2012)

Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates sign Larson as development driver: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates signed 19-year-old Kyle Larson to its roster as a developmental driver. The Elk Grove, Calif. native took the racing world by storm in 2011  his first season competing on the national racing scene. Larson captured 22 major professional feature wins, including victories in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, all three United States Auto Club National Divisions and the American Sprint Car Series. Larson gained international notoriety last fall by sweeping the 4-Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway -- winning in Midgets, Sprint Cars and Silver Crown cars in the same night. He was subsequently nominated for the 2011 SPEED TV Performer of the Year Award against some formidable competition -- NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, Formula One champ Sebastian Vettel; MotoGP star Casey Stoner; Supercross/Motocross star Ryan Villopoto and his new Ganassi teammates IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti and GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series champion Scott Pruett. In addition to his role as an Earnhardt Ganassi Racing development driver, Larson, who is Japanese American, will also participate in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program in 2012 for Rev Racing in the NASCAR East Series.(Earnhardt Ganassi Racing)(2-18-2012)

Marcos Ambrose Motorsports expand to two-car team:After a successful debut season, Marcos Ambrose Motorsport returns with an expanded two-car program for 2012. Once again campaigning in the premiere late model stock car division, the UARA Stars Series, the team's signature number nine Ford Fusion will be driven by 14 year old prodigy Ben Rhodes, who will be joined by experienced Australian racer Clayton Pyne aboard the all-new number six machine. While Rhodes may be a newcomer to the UARA Stars Series, his background in Legends racing has grounded him well for the step up to the big V8 powered sedans, with the young talent testing at several tracks during the off season. Pyne meanwhile has an extensive and successful racing resume, which includes campaigns in the V8 Supercar Development Series, dirt track late model Super Sedans, Formula Ford, Midget Speedcars and Go Karts. After Pyne met with Ambrose at Watkins Glen International in 2011, the wheels were put in motion for the New York based racer to join the drive to be the next Australian in NASCAR. The UARA Stars Series this year will consist of 16 rounds, with venues including legendary NASCAR tracks such as Rockingham Speedway and Hickory Motor Speedway, where the season kicks off on March 17. The squad will once again be partnered with Jamie Yelton's FHR outfit out of Hickory, North Carolina, which as a car preparer and driver himself has an impressive list of accomplishments under its belt.(Marcos Ambrose Motorsports PR)(2-14-2012)

Former KHI Development Driver lands major sponsor and new team: Coulter Motorsports is pleased to announce that Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation has joined the team as Primary Sponsor of the Pro All Star Series (PASS) #2 Car driven by 2011 PASS Rookie of the Year, Gray Gaulding. Gray will debut the Krispy Kreme #2 car at the Dillon Motor Speedway, South Carolina Clash on March 10, 2012. The highly recognizable Krispy Kreme logo will adorn Gaulding's Chevrolet and firesuit for 16 races during the 2012 PASS-South Super Late Model Series, including South Boston Speedway (10/10), Wake County Speedway (5/11), Hickory Motor Speedway (9/22), and Fairgrounds Speedway (10/6). In addition to racing his way to the checkered flag, the 13 year old Gaulding will make a number of scheduled stops to meet and greet fans at Krispy Kreme shops throughout the country. Dubbed the "future of NASCAR", and poised for another spectacular winning season, Gaulding's racing accomplishments to date include: youngest winner ever in a Legend car at age 12; youngest Legend National Champion at age 12; youngest race car driver to make the Legends Million at age 12; youngest driver to sign with a cup driver (KHI) at age 12; youngest PASS (Pro All Star Series) Series Rookie of the Year at age 13.(Coulter Motorsports/Krispy Kreme PR)(2-8-2012)

Stenhouse Jr., Jason Johnson form new team: Two-time ASCS National Sprint Car Champion Jason Johnson and 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. have announced that they have partnered to launch an all-new team called "Stenhouse Jr. Racing." The Stenhouse Jr. Racing ASCS team has selected Roush Yates Engines of Mooresville, N.C. as the team's power plant supplier. The team will continue to run Maxim chassis. Under the new team partnership, Stenhouse Jr. Racing will field a Ford-powered sprint car team that will witness Johnson in an all-out assault to win the 2012 ASCS championship. Stenhouse Jr. will compete in a team car in anywhere from three to five races in 2012 - as his NASCAR racing schedule permits. Johnson and Stenhouse Jr. will campaign the numbers 41 and 6, respectively. In addition to the team's commitment to compete on the 2012 Lucas Oil ASCS national tour, it was also announced that driver Johnson, a/k/a "The Ragin Cajun," will compete in approximately 20 to 25 World of Outlaw events (final schedule to be announced later).(Stenhouse Jr. Racing PR)(2-6-2012)

Chase Elliott wins SpeedFest Pro Late Model event: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 Aaron's Dream Machine Chevrolet, left Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, Ga., this past weekend with a visit to Victory Lane, followed by a solid sixth-place finish. Elliott earned the pole position for the first SpeedFest Pro Late Model event, but subsequently started third after the field was inverted Sunday. The 16-year-old driver consistently ran inside the top three for the majority of the 150-lap race. On the white-flag lap, two cars spun behind Elliott in Turn 4, and he avoided the wreck when the field circled past it again on the .375-mile racetrack. Amongst the chaos on track, Elliott continued to battle the #1 car of Mike Garvey on the final lap and was able to maintain his first-place position when the race concluded. The Aaron's Dream Machine team celebrated in Victory Lane, while the crowd gave Elliott one of the biggest cheers of the day. With the second race approaching its start, Elliott regained his focus and strapped himself back in to the #9 Chevrolet. When the green flag waved for the CRA Super Series SpeedFest 200, Elliott rolled off the grid in 11th. In the opening laps, Elliott steadily drove through the field and was running fifth by the halfway point, when the field observed a mandatory 10-minute break for adjustments and optional tires. During this break, crew chief Turner made the call to not take tires so Elliott would lead the pack at the restart. Kyle Busch, who went on to win the second event, opted for two tires, and he lined up from the outside pole position, next to Elliott. Elliott battled hard during the remainder of the 200-lap event, and when the checkered flag waved, he finished sixth. Elliott's next super late model event will take place on March 23 at 5 Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla., the site of his most notable win -- the Snowball Derby, which he won in December 2011.(Chase Elliott PR)(1-30-2012)

NASCAR, Rev Racing announce 2012 team: NASCAR and Rev Racing announced today the six drivers that will compete for Rev Racing in the 2012 season. The announcement was made during the preseason NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, where the drivers were introduced. Rev Racing, formerly known as Revolution Racing, operates under the ownership of Max Siegel and will field four teams in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and two teams in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. The team is coming off the most successful season in the history of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity, which is entering its ninth season as NASCAR's leading on-track initiative. Rev Racing collected six wins in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and had three drivers finish in the top 10 in series points last year.

The drivers (Twitter handle in parentheses) who will compete for Rev Racing in 2012 include:

Jorge Arteaga (@JorgeArteaga46) -- Arteaga, 25, from Aguascalientes, Mexico, will run his first full season in NASCAR K&N Pro Series. He competed in NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Models for Rev Racing last season, and also drove in the NASCAR Mexico Series, where he was voted Most Popular Driver by the fans.

Mackena Bell (@MackenaBell) -- Bell, 21, from Carson City, Nev., will be in her third year with Rev Racing having competed in both the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series and NASCAR K&N Pro Series. This will be her second full-time season in Late Models.

Trey Gibson (@TGibsonRacing) -- The 19-year-old from Easley, S.C., will enter his second season driving a Late Model with the team after finishing seventh in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series South Carolina standings last year.

Ryan Gifford (@RyanGifford2) -- The 22-year-old driver from Winchester, Tenn., will return to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East for his third full-time season in the series. He became the first African-American in series history to win a pole award in 2010 and has finished in the top 10 in the standings in each of his two seasons with Rev Racing.

Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin)-- The 19-year-old open-wheel standout from Elk Grove, Calif., will move into the NASCAR K&N Pro Series ranks after he became the first driver to win a World of Outlaws race and score victories in all three USAC divisions in the same season last year.

Bryan Ortiz (@BryanORacing)-- The Bayamon, Puerto Rico native will move up to NASCAR K&N Pro Series from Late Models in his second season with Rev Racing. The 22-year-old has a strong road-racing background and will also compete in select events in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.

The four NASCAR K&N Pro Series drivers will compete in the East, which opens its season at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 17. Bell and Gibson will compete in the Late Model division at multiple NASCAR Whelen All-American Series tracks in the southeast. The year-long NASCAR Drive for Diversity consists of three training and development components: classroom, physical fitness and racing. Additionally, an interactive fan engagement asset travels throughout the country to educational institutions and racing venues as part of the Fueling Dreams Tour, which uses a combination of iRacing simulators, show cars, deejays, driver meet/greets and career panels. The Rev Racing team drivers were chosen after they competed in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine last fall. This driver assessment event brought selected drivers together to demonstrate their abilities in a head-to-head evaluation session both on and off the track. Toyota, Sprint and Goodyear are the primary partners supporting Rev Racing and NASCAR Drive for Diversity.(HomeTracks.nascar.com)(1-26-2012)

Jones joins ESR as development driver: Brandon Jones, a 14-year-old from Atlanta, Ga., will join Eddie Sharp Racing as a development driver in the late model ranks. After securing track championships in the pro truck division at Lanier Speedway and Gresham Motorsports Park in 2011, the up-and-coming driver will pilot the #33 Rheem Chevrolet in an extensive schedule of races in the United Auto Racing Association (UARA) Series, Pro All Stars Series (PASS), and Champion Racing Association (CRA) Series. The 2012 season will also present Jones with an opportunity to learn and seek guidance from another very successful short-track racer. Butch Miller, the three-time American Speed Association (ASA) Series Champion, has been hired to oversee the program as the competition director and team manager of ESR's late model program. While Miller has found victory lane in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, the Coopersville, Mich., native is best known for his success on the short track circuit. He currently tops the list of the most career poles in the ASA Series, and ranks third on the list of career ASA career wins. Jones will make his debut with Eddie Sharp Racing at SpeedFest 2012, January 27-29, at Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, Ga., where he will race the #33 Rheem Chevrolet in the Rheem 150.(Eddie Sharp Racing PR)(1-25-2012)

Venezuelan, Nelson Canache Jr. signs with Venturini Motorsports for 2012 ARCA season: Nelson Canache Jr., a two-time champion in the Venezuelan Super Touring GT Class Series has signed with Venturini Motorsports in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards for the upcoming 2012 season. Canache, who spent his 2011 season competing in the Seat Leon Super Cup in Mexico and the NASCAR Whelen All American Series under the Lee Faulk Racing banner, is now looking to bolster his racing resume and pursue the highest ranks of American stock car racing. Canache will drive full time for Venturini; competing in all 20 events listed on ARCA's 60th Anniversary Season schedule, making his ARCA debut on February 18th at Daytona International Speedway. Canache will make his ARCA Racing debut with an added sense of national pride, when the series returns to Daytona International Speedway on February 18th for the season opening event, driving the No.35 Venturini prepared - Venezuela sponsored Chevrolet. The event will be televised live on SPEED Channel starting at 4:30 EST. Check your local times and listings for broadcast information.(VenturiniMotorsports.com)(1-24-2012)

Pena set to drive for Hattori Racing Enterprises: Sergio Pena will be behind the wheel of the #1 Toyota Camry for Hattori Racing Enterprises for the 2012 NASCAR K & N Pro Series East. Pena, an 18-year old Winchester, VA native will enter his 3rd season on the K & N Pro Series East in 2012, his first two were as part of the NASCAR Diversity Program. Pena made the racing world take notice in his NASCAR debut at the Toyota All-Star Showdown at Irwindale Speedway in 2010 when he beat Sprint Cup veteran Joey Logano for the pole award and finished 2nd in the event - his first time in a K & N Pro Series car. Setting the foundation for Hattori Racing Enterprises are four-time NASCAR K & N Pro Series Champion Andy Santerre, who will manage the race team and Championship-winning Crew Chief, Matt Goslant. Goslant and Pena were a team last season where Pena won three of 12 races, scored seven top-10 finishes and finished 5th in the series point standings. HRE will field Toyota Camry's with manufacturer backing from Toyota Racing Development . HRE is located in a state-of-the-art building owned by Germain Racing in Mooresville, NC and was designed by Hattori so he could continue to enjoy American stock car racing while developing young, talented drivers.(Hattori Racing Enterprises)(1-19-2012)

"Shoot-Out" winning drivers announced for 2012: The annual talent search known as The Shoot-Out always sorts out the top talented young drivers from across the nation. With the driver search complete, nine new talented drivers coming from all over the US will join the returning 11 drivers from last year's RSWC driver roster. These 20 drivers, each with $6,000 to $25,000 of sponsorship dollars from Star Racing Supply, will train and race with the RSWC driver development program with the goal of working their way up the ladder to professional stock car careers. Each driver stood out uniquely and drove impressively in the Shoot-Out to earn a position in the RSWC program.
Among the highlights in the class of 2012 is young 11 year-old driver Cole Glasson. Glasson of Corinth Texas brings an impressive racing resume of five years in asphalt sprint go karts competing in 426 races with 225 podiums and 98 wins. The karting star has collected two IKF Road Race Grand National Championships as well as earning the IKF expert status, runner up in the largest US Rotax Grand Nationals and a KART National Championship.
Tyler Edwards of Atlanta, Georgia brings a variety of racing skills to the RSWC program. The 18 year-old driver started his racing career in Quarter Midgets capturing four championships and one runner-up championship. Edwards moved on to race Legend cars collecting four wins, four pole positions and six top fives in his first season. Recently Tyler jumped into a NASCAR Late Model gaining valuable seat time in a full size stock car which led him to finishing in the top five as well as setting fast time in qualifying.
Molly Helmuth, 16 year-old female driver from Seattle, Washington trains in go karts but races three different types of stock cars at her local track Evergreen Speedway. In 2010, Helmuth was voted Washington State Driver Rookie of the Year as well as Rookie of the year in Mini Stocks becoming the youngest ever driver to hold this honor. 2011 was her year of progression as Molly set the track record and posted two podiums in the Mini Stock as well as two podiums in her rookie season in the Pro 4 Truck and made a Late Model debut at the end of the season.
Jared Storer, 16, from Davenport, Washington is an accomplished speedway go kart driver has collected 11 victories, numerous top five finishes and one championship in Jr 2 animal within three years of racing. Storer proved to be very coachable at the shoot-out as well progressively learned the cars and track quickly for his first time on asphalt. The dirt oval champion will look to make an impact in the paved USAC Norcal Focus Midget series at Stockton 99 this year.
Spencer Hill, age 15 of Albuquerque, New Mexico, an experienced speedway go kart and mini sprint driver has brought multiple wins and a championship to the RSWC program. Hill collected an Arizona State Championship, five time winner of the Phoenix Holiday Classic as well as five top tens at the IKF Grand Nationals. Spencer Hill will also be competing in the Norcal Focus Midget series with his teammates.
The Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle Modified team will gain four new drivers in 2012, beginning with Tripp Gaylord. The 16 year-old from Golden, Colorado has gained multiple achievements in dirt go karts, Dirt Stock cars, Sport Modifieds and Legends. Not only did Tripp run races on dirt or asphalt but he preformed ice races on frozen Colorado lakes.
Matt Gilbert, 20 year-old from Merriam, Kansas, will transition from Midwest Lightning Sprints to Star Grand American Modifieds on the west coast. Gilbert began racing in Road race Go karts in 2001 and by 2007 Matt collected 11 championships. Matt moved up into the Midwest Outlaw Lightning Sprints for two years collecting two championships and most improved driver honors. This past season, Gilbert ran in the Midwest Lightning Sprints and grabbed a championship in his rookie year.
Kyle Slader, 6 year-old Okie from Muskogee, Oklahoma is an expert in dirt racing. Kyle started racing in dirt go karts collecting four championships and 84 wins. Slader moved into Factory Stocks in 2009 grabbing six wins, a championship and earning Rookie of The Year honors. In 2010, Kyle won 22 races and took home a Sport Mod Championship in his rookie year as well as runner up Champion in Street Stocks. In 2011, Slader gathered an A Mod Championship and a runner up Championship in Sport Mods.
Cody Hoover, 20, from Ortonville, MI brings dirt experience to the RSWC program with five quarter midget championships within nine years of racing. In 2008, Hoover moved from quarter midgets to 600 Wing Unrestricted for three years collecting two wins, eight top fives and 12 top tens. Last season Cody debuted in a 410 Super Sprint Car. Hoover was on the gas quick displaying his smart and coachable personality and was fast at the shootout.
The race season begins shortly for these 9 drivers but the off-season has been busy already with testing and classroom training sessions. The new season begins on March 31 with many of the new drivers competing in the USAC Focus Midgets Madera Gerhardt Classic event at Madera Speedway in Madera, CA, and with NASCAR Modified openers on April 7 at Stockton 99 Speedway in Stockton, CA.(RMG/RSWC PR)(1-17-2012)

Santerre leaves Revolution Racing; moves to Hattori Racing: Andy Santerre called it a "challenge." But the Cherryfield native and four-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series East points champion said he is looking forward to working for former Indy Racing League driver Shigeaki Hattori and his Hattori Racing Enterprises team in the K&N and Automobile Racing Club of America series this coming season after parting ways with Revolution Racing. Some personnel changes at Revolution Racing left a sour taste in his mouth. "I loved doing what I was doing [at Revolution Racing] and we were very successful on the K&N side. We had great people, I was able to hire who I wanted to and we had fun," said Santerre. "But they have new management and they've made a lot of changes that I didn't agree with and that I didn't want to be a part of. It wasn't the direction I wanted to go in." Santerre spent two years as the competition director with Revolution Racing under NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program and his drivers won six of the 12 K&N series races last season. "I have no hard feelings toward them. They treated me well. Max [Siegel] bought my [Andy Santerre Motorsports team] and he was fair to me. I want them to succeed, and Jefferson Hodges, who was the competition director on the Late Model side and has taken over for me on the K&N side while also handling the Late Models, is a real good friend and a real good guy. He can call me any time [for advice or help]," said Santerre. Santerre said five valued and cherished employees were laid off in November, including crew chiefs Dave McCarty and Matt Goslant. McCarty was the crew chief for Darrell Wallace Jr., and Goslant was the crew chief for Sergio Pena. They each won three races last season. Wallace finished second in points and Pena was fifth. The other two Revolution drivers, Ryan Gifford and Michael Cherry, wound up 10th and 14th, respectively. McCarty, Goslant and the other three employees have joined Santerre with Hattori. Santerre said Hattori racing will have one full-time team in the K&N Series and another will run a partial schedule, although "I'm pretty confident we'll have a second full-time team, too. We're looking for sponsors for that team now." They will also have a team that will run a part-time ARCA schedule. The drivers will be announced later this week, he said.(Bangor Daily News)(1-12-2012)

Bobby Labonte Racing returns to single car in 2012; Pearson returns: Bobby Labonte Racing (BLR) announced today that the team will once again return to the national dirt late model circuit in 2012 with driver Earl Pearson Jr. driving the familiar #44 Dodge. Lucas Oil will continue its long-standing sponsorship of Pearson Jr. and joins BLR for its sixth consecutive season. The team will operate as a single-car entry this race season with veteran BLR crew member Matt Langston stepping up as crew chief. Former general manager and crew chief Jason Fitzgerald has moved back to Florida with his family while Brad Neat will race out of his home state of Kentucky. The team will continue to race its in-house Longhorn Chassis and is currently developing a new chassis that the team will debut early this season. Pearson Jr. will then compete in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series as well as select World of Outlaw events and non-sanctioned national events throughout the year. Pearson Jr. and his BLR team competed in 57 different events in 2011 with 25 top-10 and 15 top-five finishes to their credit. The team will travel to Golden Isle Speedway in Brunswick, Ga., to kick-off its season February 12.(BobbyLabonteRacing.com)(1-11-2012)