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Scroll down to view past ARCA Racing Series news and rumors.

september 2008

  • Sheltra announces sponsor for Talladega: Officials from Sheltra Motorsports announced today the signing of Quality Turf of Okeechobee, Inc. as the primary marketing partner for Friday’s ARCA RE/MAX 250 at Talladega Superspeedway. “This is something new for us, but we’re very excited about it,” said Corey Kirton, President of Quality Turf of Okeechobee, Inc. “To be apart of the Sheltra Motorsports team for one of their biggest races of the year is a real honor for us, our employees and most importantly our customers. We look forward to a good race on Friday afternoon.” (Sheltra Motorsports PR) (09-30-08)
  • Townley moving to NASCAR: John Wes Townley is expected to move to the NASCAR Nationwide series in 2009 for RAB Racing. (ARCA Thunder) (09-30-08)
  • Sheltra to run two Nationwide races: Patrick Sheltra has completed a deal to run two NASCAR Nationwide series races at Phoenix and Homestead later this year. (ARCA Thunder) (09-30-08)
  • DiCarlo to run NASCAR, ARCA in 2009: Gabi DiCarlo will compete in the NASCAR Truck series in 2009. DiCarlo will run a part time superspeedway schedule in ARCA. (ARCA Thunder) (09-30-08)
  • Hattori to announce driver: Hattori Racing Enterprises is expected to make a driver announcement soon. (ARCA Thunder) (09-30-08)
  • Casola to reunite with ABR UPDATE: Dominick Casola is scheduled to return to Andy Belmont Racing at Talladega. He will drive the team's second car. (ARCA Thunder) (09-03-08)
    UPDATE: [Dominick] Casola will drive the No. 14 A. Casola Farms Halloween Special for his third ever ARCA restrictor plate event. “I’m really stoked about this opportunity to come back to Andy Belmont Racing and compete at Talladega Superspeedway,” said Casola who is hoping to return to the ARCA RE/MAX Series full time in 2009. “It was a magical day last October and while I won’t be driving the same car, I know the superspeedway equipment that Andy Belmont Racing is capable of providing, so I’m confident our A. Casola Farms Halloween Special will be a contender for the race.” (ABR PR) (09-29-08)
  • Sheltra adds sponsor: When the Loud Energy Drink 150 kicks off Sunday at the New Jersey MotorSports Park, area residents may recognize one of the sponsors on one of the cars on the track. The Toad Fish Bar & Grill, which has been busy since the racing destination opened this summer purchasing advertisements and passing out flyers at the track, announced this week they will help sponsor one of the cars in the race. On Sunday, the quarter panels on the Sheltra Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS will bear the Toadfish logo. It will be the first time a local business sponsors a car in a race at the new motor sports venue. (Bridgeton News) (09-27-08)
  • Lally to compete in New Jersey UPDATE: Andy Lally will make his season debut at New Jersey Motorsports Park later this season.  He will drive for TRG Motorsports. (ARCA Thunder) (08-13-08)
    UPDATE: The ARCA RE/MAX Series is set to tackle Thunderbolt Raceway at New Jersey Motorsports Park on Sunday in the series’ first stop at a road course since 2001. Andy Lally, who will drive the No. 48 TRG Motorsports Chevrolet in Sunday’s Loud Energy Drink 150, has a significant advantage over his competitors; most of whom will be visiting the 14-turn course for the first time. Lally, who is categorized as a “road race ace” won the Supercar Life 250 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car race held there on August 31st for TRG Motorsports sister company, The Racer’s Group. “I’m really excited to return to New Jersey Motorsports Park,” said Lally, who co-drove the No. 67 Johnnie-O Clothing/Sirius Satellite Radio Porsche GT3 at NJMP for TRG Motorsports’ Team Principal, Kevin Buckler. “It’s going to be cool to get back in an ARCA car. I haven’t raced in this series in over a year, so I’m really looking forward to it.” Lally’s team will be led by veteran NASCAR Crew Chief, Jon Wolfe. (TRG Motorsports PR) (09-27-08)
  • Mitchell picks up sponsor for New Jersey: Four Seasons HVAC has joined forces with Peterson Motorsports as primary sponsor of the No. 06 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, driven by Tim Mitchell. Marking the first time for the company as a sponsor in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, Four Seasons HVAC's partnership with Peterson Motorsports is designated for the Loud Energy Drink 150 at the New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey, on Sunday, September 28, 2008. "We feel that by partnering with Peterson Motorsports, that it will help us in the local market," said [Four Seasons President Scott] Hudson.  We're very excited about being a sponsor for Peterson Motorsports at the New Jersey Motorsports Park race." (Peterson Motorsports PR) (09-27-08)
  • Talladega test penalties: Two ARCA RE/MAX Series team owners have been penalized based on rules violations during the ARCA sanctioned open test at Talladega Superspeedway September 17-18. Arne Henriksen, owner of the Henriksen Racing #17, has been fined $1,000 for the use of unapproved spacers in the restrictor plate, spacer and intake area. Bill Venturini, owner of the Venturini Motorsports #15, has been fined $1000 for the use of a restrictor plate with unapproved alterations. (ARCARacing.com) (09-27-08)
  • Kimmel finds sponsorship for New Jersey: Stewart's Root Beer has announced that they will be teaming up with Kimmel Racing and driver Frank Kimmel for the inaugural ARCA RE/MAX Series race at New Jersey Motorsports Park on Sunday, September 28th 2008. "We are excited to help Kimmel Racing and also market our product with a great organization and driver," stated Paul Munson, Owner of Stewart's Root Beer in Hammonton, NJ. "Sponsoring a race team is a new venture for Stewart's Root Beer, but we feel we are with a team that has a proven track record and exudes the same dedication and enthusiasm we have at Stewart's Root Beer." "I am very excited to be teaming up with a company of this stature," nine-time ARCA RE/MAX Series Champion, Frank Kimmel said. "It's no secret we've been out looking for sponsorship, so I can't thank Paul and Stewart's Root Beer enough for coming on board. I look forward to growing the relationship between Stewart's Root Beer and Frank Kimmel Racing." (Kimmel PR) (09-23-08)
  • Win-Tron switches to Toyota at Talladega; Buescher to drive: Win-Tron Racing announced today the team will field a TOYOTA Camry for the upcoming ARCA RE/MAX Series event at Talladega Superspeedway with James Buescher at the controls. Win-Tron Racing has spent the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series season running the Dodge emblem but the team is focused on exploring their manufacturer options for the 2009 season while putting Buescher in contention in his inaugural restrictor plate event. “As a team we are very excited but optimistic about running a TOYOTA Camry for the ARCA race at Talladega,” said Win-Tron Racing’s Nate Thiesse. “It’s not a secret that TOYOTA has been extremely successful and somewhat dominant in the ARCA RE/MAX Series this year and we feel that in order for us to evaluate our potential options for 2009, we needed to get a jumpstart this year so we can be lined up when testing falls for the series at Daytona International Speedway in December.” The team’s automobile comes from Bill Davis Racing. (Win-Tron Racing PR) (09-18-08)
  • Gerhart to Nationwide in 2009?: Bobby Gerhart Racing is considering running NASCAR Nationwide series restrictor plate races next year.  BGR's ARCA program depends on sponsorship. (ARCA Thunder) (09-17-08)
  • Allgaier signs with Penske Racing: Penske Racing today announced the signing of 22-year old Justin Allgaier to drive in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Allgaier, currently ranked fifth in the 2008 ARCA Re/Max driver points standings, will drive a limited Nationwide Series schedule in 2008 and 2009 for Penske Racing, as he continues to develop as a driver. “We’ve had our eye on Justin for some time, and Penske Racing is fortunate to be in a position to bring him on board,” said Tim Cindric, president of Penske Racing. “Roger always enjoys the opportunity to grow people within our system and we are looking forward to helping him achieve his career goals.” “What a great opportunity to join Penske Racing and to show what we are capable of together in the Nationwide Series,” said Allgaier. “I look forward to my first opportunity to race in the Nationwide car later this season, and into 2009.” (Penske Racing PR) (09-17-08)
  • Speed penalized: During pre-practice technical inspection for the September 13 Eddie Gilstrap Motors Fall Classic 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race at Salem Speedway, the Sharp Enterprises #2 team was fined $500 and placed on technical infraction probation for the remainder of the 2008 season. The penalty was issued for unapproved alterations to the interior of the fuel cell. (ARCARacing.com) (09-17-08)
  • Carmichael to attempt Talladega: [Ricky] Carmichael, a 10-time AMA national motocross champion from 1997 - 2006, will attempt to make his ARCA RE/MAX series debut at Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 3. Carmichael has been entered into the event at the 2.66-mile speedway by Kevin Harvick Inc. (Courant.com) (09-17-08)
  • Benning to miss Salem? UPDATE May not return in 2009?: Norm Benning may miss Salem to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.  Only 31 trucks are presently entered. (09-10-08)
    UPDATE: Norm Benning Racing is considering moving to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series in 2009. If the team decides to compete in NASCAR, the ARCA RE/MAX program would likely be abandoned. (09-11-08)
    UPDATE 2: Noticeably absent from Salem Speedway this weekend was veteran driver Norm Benning, who broke a streak of 261 consecutive ARCA RE/MAX Series Series starts that began at Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 7, 1997. Benning, who has 271 career ARCA RE/MAX Series starts to his credit, opted to travel to New Hampshire for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race instead of this weekend’s Eddie Gilstrap Motors ARCA Fall Classic at Salem Speedway. Although he did not race in the ARCA RE/MAX Series this weekend, Benning was still present as a car owner, fielding the No. 84 Norm Benning Racing Chevrolet for West Milton, Ohio’s Greg Seevers. (ARCA PR) (09-15-08)
  • Hudson to complete season at Salem; using Venturini number: In their last race of the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series season, Brett Hudson returns to Salem Speedway looking for vengeance but a little magic too. "I'm glad about going back to Salem, but man we need some luck," said Hudson, the 2005 Salem pole winner. We had a good car in the spring but it was a case of a freak circumstance where we would up being at the right place, solidly in the top-10 at the wrong time and it put us out. We're back though and ready to pick up where we left off last September." Teaming up with Venturini Motorsports, the most recent winner in ARCA RE/MAX Series competition Hudson's Chevrolet Monte Carlo will carry the No. 25 emblem for the 18th race of the season. "Oh, there's a little pressure," Hudson admitted. "We're glad to be teaming up with Venturini Motorsports for the race this weekend. Hopefully we can back up their performance from Chicagoland and make it two-for-two under the Salem lights."  The BHM team will host Hudson Machine Shop, Fannon & Rice Cable Construction, G&A Trucking, Double H Hydraulics and Warrick Tubing as sponsors this weekend at Salem Speedway.  Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available for this weekend's activities. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Lisa Hudson of Brett Hudson Motorsports. (Brett Hudson Motorsports PR) (09-11-08)
  • Bowling fundraiser to benefit Bill Krick: There will be a charity bowling tournament to benefit Focus Motorsports Ministries in conjunction with the upcoming ARCA RE/MAX Series race weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park. The fundraiser is designed to benefit ARCA Chaplain Bill Krick, who has been recovering from heart surgery throughout much of the 2008 race season. The event will take place on September 26, 2008 from 8-11 p.m. at Strike Zone Lanes in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey. The cost is $80 per team (cash) and includes all bowling, shoe rental and a dinner buffet (Pizza, wings, salad, etc). Entry and fee due by the close of the ARCA event at Salem, Indiana, September 13. Space is limited to 18 teams so entries will be taken on a first come-first serve basis. (ARCARacing.com) (09-11-08)
  • Hixson seeking driver for 2009: Hixson Motorsports is currently searching for a funded driver for the 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series season. We [Hixson Motorsports] will provide all equipment and crew, just add your sponsor and let's go racing. Interested parties should contact Wayne Hixson at (423) 505-1230 or Roy Shipley at (423) 332-8623. Serious inquiries only please. (ARCARacing.com) (09-10-08)
  • Leslie offering race rentals; selling equipment: Leslie Motorsports Race Rentals Available. Race ready for Salem, New Jersey and Toledo. One 2007 Roush (#6) Intermediate car, two 2007 Yates (#88) Short Track cars and one 2007 Yates (#88) Intermediate car. Contact Tracy Leslie 810-499-8744. (ARCARacing.com) (09-10-08)
    Selling equipment:     Leslie Motorsports has placed an advertisment on RacingJunk.com that states that four cars, four engines, and templates are for sale.  No word on if they will return in 2009. (RacingJunk.com) (09-10-08)
  • The preliminary entry list for Salem includes:
    01 Sean Caisse 30 Terry Jones 41 Josh Clemons
    7 Jeff Caudell 32 Matt Merrell 48 James Hylton
    25 Brett Hudson 39 Kory Rabenold 73 Dale Shearer
    (ARCARacing.com) (09-10-08)
  • New marketing partner, paint schemes, and staff at Sheltra: Sheltra Motorsports will sport two unique paint schemes in two of the remaining five events on the 2008 schedule. The No. 60 team will unveil a new paint scheme at Salem Speedway on September 13th and follow up with a brand new marketing partner. [Deana Cumbow] joins the Sheltra Motorsports marketing team working with fellow Marketing representative Steve Howell. Cumbow boasts an impressive marketing background and has Motorsports experience dating back to the American Speed Association and most recently the ARCA RE/MAX Series at Eddie Sharp Racing. (Sheltra Motorsports PR) (09-04-08)
  • Cobb and Cope to attempt Chicagoland: Jennifer Jo Cobb and Amber Cope will compete for Derrike Cope, Inc., under the direction of Rick Markle Racing in this Saturday's ARCA RE/MAX Series event at the Chicagoland Speedway. The drivers will be jointly sponsored by business interests of Chicago businessman, Jim Finkl.  "This track suits my driving style and I am looking forward to being back in the ARCA Re/Max Series and particularly back at the Chicagoland Speedway," said Cobb.  "My crew chief (Rick Markle) and I have been discussing the fact that a win is within reach so we have been focused on finishing up front and representing our sponsors well in their hometown." Cobb's primary sponsor is Better Black TV(BBTV), a family friendly network geared toward African -  and multi-ethnic - Americans. Cope's primary sponsor is Starr E Music, and up and coming artist, Enrique Ruiz, aka RPM, whose debut album "Respect, Power and Music" is set to be released this month. (ARCARacing.com) (09-04-08)
  • Hudson to make final 2008 superspeedway start: In his final speedway start of the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series season, Brett Hudson is looking to notch his second top-10 finish of the season in Saturday afternoon's Chicagoland ARCA 200 at Chicagoland Speedway. "Obviously, we are thrilled to be going back to Chicagoland," offered Hudson. "Our first trip to Chicagoland Speedway was a memorable one. We're coming back a year later looking to make some more memories." The BHM team will host Hudson Machine Shop, G&A Trucking and Fannon & Rice Cable as sponsors this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. (Hudson Motorsports PR) (09-04-08)
  • Buescher back at Win-Tron: Buescher is looking to add a second career ARCA RE/MAX Series win to an already impressive résumé and swings into the Windy City excited to make his first mile-and-a-half start of the 2008 season. He has made four starts in 2008 all coming on short tracks. Buescher made his season debut at the Iowa Speedway before tackling ARCA's return to Canada at Cayuga Motor Speedway before playing in the Music City at Nashville Superspeedway last month. "I've never competed at Chicagoland Speedway but I'm looking forward to it," said Buescher, a native of Plano, Texas. "Win-Tron Racing has run very strong on the mile-and-a-half tracks this year, so we're expecting to unload strong and remain in contention." (Win-Tron Racing PR) (09-04-08)
  • Owens to make Chicagoland debut: The Chicagoland ARCA 200 marks Alli Owens' first visit to the 1.5 mile Chicagoland Speedway. Piloting one of her favorite race cars, the No. 12 ElectrifyingCareers.com Chevrolet nicknamed ‘Mudpuppy', Owens is optimistic. "Mudpuppy is my second favorite car mostly because it's very comfortable to drive," said Owens. "We ran it in Kentucky where I scored my career best finish. We also ran it in Kansas and Michigan but mechanical problems kept us from finishing well. This weekend, we put in our strongest motor and have a totally killer package." (Electrifying Careers PR) (09-04-08)
  • Speed to make NASCAR Sprint Cup debut at Lowe's?: Scott Speed may make his NASCAR Sprint Cup debut at Lowe's Motorspeedway in October. (ARCA Thunder) (09-03-08)
  • Special paint scheme for DiCarlo this weekend: Gabi DiCarlo and the Stringer Motorsports Great Clips race team will be sporting a Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus "Best of both worlds" paint scheme this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. Great Clips, Inc. recently announced collaboration with Walt Disney Home Entertainment that will promote and bring more awareness to the DVD release of Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus’ “Best of Both Worlds Concert.” As part of the promotion, the Stringer Motorsports Great Clips Toyota, driven by DiCarlo, will feature the Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus “Best of Both Worlds Concert” logo in Saturday afternoon’s Chicagoland ARCA 200 at the Joliet, IL track.  In addition, Great Clips salons around the country will give away Hannah Montana/Camp Rock posters for a limited time with every kid’s haircut to support their annual Back-to-School campaign. "We are excited to partner for a third year in a row with Walt Disney Home Entertainment to promote the DVD release of such a talented performer,” said Great Clips Vice President of Marketing, Terri Miller. The “Hannah Montana “Best of Both Worlds Concert” Great Clips Camry looks great! (Stringer Motorsports PR) (09-03-08)
  • Items stolen from Kimmel family: A southern Indiana family, well known on the ARCA racing circuit, were the victims of theft Friday afternoon [August 29]. The Kimmel family says several items, including racer Will Kimmel's helmet, uniform and other racing equipment, were stolen from their warehouse in the 200 block of W. Lewis and Clark Parkway in Clarksville. Will Kimmel says the items are so customized, so he is not sure why anyone would take them. "I don't know what they are going to do with it. My helmet is hand-painted, it's airbrushed and everything it says ‘Kimmel.' It's silver and orange, my uniform's got my name on it, Frank's has his name on it. I have no idea what they'll do with it," Will Kimmel told WAVE 3.  The Clarksville Police Department is investigating the theft. Anyone with information is asked to call the Clarksville Police at 812-288-7151. (Wave 3) (09-02-08)
  • Casola to drive for Sarff at Chicagoland: Dominick Casola returns to action in the ARCA RE/MAX Series driving the Capital City Motorsports Dodge Charger in the Chicagoland ARCA 200 on Saturday, September 6th. Casola will be sponsored by Quaker Steak and Lube Restaurants headquartered in Sharon, PA. “I am excited to get back behind the wheel at Chicagoland. It is one of my favorite tracks,” said the 21-year-old professional racer. “I appreciate Greg Sarff (car owner) giving me this opportunity and I am looking forward to carrying the Quaker Steak colors to at least a top 10 finish.” Casola has been running a limited schedule of events on the ARCA RE/MAX circuit this season as he plans his future in motorsports and works to put together a sponsorship package that will help make his plans come together. (A. Casola Motorsports PR) (09-01-08)