Brian Rose will be teaming with Nocer Racing Strategies, a manufacturer of racing heads for R/C cars, when he pilots the #57 Dodge Ram in the April 12 Advance Auto Parts 250 at Martinsville Speedway. There’s long been a connection between NASCAR and the radio-controlled racer. Many R/C hobbyists are die-hard NASCAR fans, and many NASCAR drivers, crew and fans are die-hard R/C hobbyists. Rose is no exception. “I’ve been driving R/C cars and trucks as long as I can remember,” said Rose. “And just like in NASCAR, the goal is to run faster, longer, and cooler. That’s what Nocer heads do for the R/C racer.” Nocer is located in Rose’s hometown of Bowling Green, Kentucky. “We’re both little guys struggling against the giants of our industries,” said Rose. “Nocer started out with the goal of making a product that would improve the performance of R/C racers, and they did it. They’ve gotten some national attention, many big-time racers are using their products, and hobby shops are selling them as fast as they can get them. But they’re still a small company in a worldwide arena of competition, going head-to-head with the largest R/C suppliers in the world. And our 57 team knows just how they feel,” Rose added. “We pretty much have to mortgage the farm every week to get to the track. We’re lucky because some of the other teams have helped us out some, but not having the big corporate sponsor means we have to cut out just about everything that doesn’t directly relate to speed on the racetrack. In fact,” confided Rose, “we need to have a great finish at Martinsville so I can get my own Dodge Dakota out of hock. Before Nocer stepped up, that was the only way I could figure out to put a truck on the track that’s capable of finishing up front. We actually broke down on our way to the Mesa Marin race (in Bakersfield, CA) a couple of weeks ago, and spent the weekend in Amarillo, Texas. We had to withdraw our entry and spend all our money to get back on the road.” John Helveston, president of Nocer, sees the Martinsville race as a win-win situation for everybody. “It’s such a natural cross-promotion that I’m surprised every R/C manufacturer isn’t already doing this,” he said. “The exposure Brian can give us is tremendous. Look at what he’s done on a small budget. I know he’ll run well and get lots of camera time. We’re able to help out Brian some, and he’s helping us a lot.” Although this is only a one-race sponsorship, Helveston would like to be able to continue the relationship. “If I could figure out a way, Nocer would be on his truck every week. I’m just afraid some mega-sponsor is going snatch him up before I’m able to go Craftsman truck racing full time,” he said. “But for his sake, I hope someone does.” More information on Nocer Racing Strategies can be found at www.Nocer.com. More information on Brian Rose can be found at www.BrianRoseRacing.com.(PR)(4-10-2003)
