Backstretch Motorsports

DEBUT WEEKEND - Growing up in Daytona Beach, Fla. it’s no surprise that ARCA RE/MAX Series rookie Alli Owens is bubbling with excitement over her entry in the ARCA 200 at Daytona International Speedway. Not only does this race mark her first with DGM Racing, it also marks her series debut and first race on the famed 2.5 mile superspeedway. “This is a dream come true,” said Owens, driver of the No. 12 ElectrifyingCareers.com Chevrolet. “I still remember visiting the speedway for the first time. I was in the third grade and we went on a class field trip to Daytona USA. We took the tram, toured the pits and checked out the garages. It was the best field trip ever. After that trip, I knew that one day I would race there.” Owens path to DIS has brought her to the ARCA RE/MAX Series - a series considered to be a cost-effective training ground for tomorrow’s NASCAR stars. She hopes to follow in the footsteps of drivers named Busch, Allison, Parsons and Schrader, all of whom have won in the series before launching their NASCAR careers.

“ARCA is very competitive and has a long history as a stepping stone series,” said Owens. “That is one of the reasons why I’m racing here in 2008. I plan to learn as much as I can as I prepare for my career in NASCAR.” In 2008, Owens has partnered with DGM Racing, a longtime fixture in the series. Under the watchful eye of series veteran Mario Gosselin, DGM Racing has enjoyed much success, scoring two poles and three wins. In last year’s ARCA 200, Gosselin led for 21 laps before an incident in turn four ended his chance for victory.

 “Anyone who’s raced in Florida knows of Mario,” said Owens. “He has a reputation as a fierce competitor. When the opportunity came up to partner with him, it didn’t take long for me to say yes. “Mario has taken me under his wing and truly believes in me,” continued Owens. “He never second guesses me and trusts my feedback. Also, he has built a team that is second to none. With their support, I’m confident we will have many strong showings this season.”

* * * * * TEST, TEST, TEST - In preparation for the ARCA 200, Alli Owens tested her No. 12 ElectrifyingCareers.com Chevrolet extensively. The 19-year-old tested at Daytona International Speedway in December marking her first laps in an ARCA RE/MAX Series car. She followed that up with two tests at Talladega Superspeedway in January.

* * * * * NGWSD - Alli Owens was an award presenter at Volusia County School District’s National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) Celebration. The second annual event, held on Feb. 6, offered recognition of college-bound student athletes and awards for extraordinary Volusia County girls. More than 600 middle and high school girls attended the celebration which was held at DeLand (Fla.) High School. The Volusia County School District’s NGWSD Celebration is one of more than 1,000 events taking place across the country for NGWSD. Congress has proclaimed this national day each year since 1987. It recognizes the progress of girls and women in sports and the benefits that sports and fitness activities can bring to the lives of all girls and women. The day is organized nationally by the Girl Scouts of the USA, Girls Incorporated, National Association for Girls and Women in Sports, Women’s Sports Foundation and the YWCA of the USA.

 * * * * * GRAND MARSHAL - On February 2, Alli Owens served as the Co-Grand Marshal for the Inaugural Community Motorsports Parade. The event marked the start of Daytona Speedweeks festivities. NASCAR driver Mike Skinner was the other Co-Grand Marshal.

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“Minnesota Based Team Looking To Send Casola To First Career ARCA Victory”

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (February 7, 2008) - - A new driver is in the seat, but the same great Win-Tron Racing (formerly Country Joe Racing) crew is back for another year of ARCA competition, but as the team steers towards Saturday’s 45th annual ARCA 200 at Daytona, Win-Tron Racing has plenty to be looking forward to after the team literally dominated ARCA RE/MAX Series pre-season testing at the 2.5-mile Speedway in December. Two months later, the group is aiming to lead the way in the Super Bowl event for the 56-year old tour.

With sophomore ARCA RE/MAX Series driver Dominick Casola at the helm, the entire Win-Tron looks to continue their winning streak which has seen the standout ARCA organization win at least one race over the past three years and the team is plenty confident that their momentum could find them in victory lane Saturday afternoon.

“We would be lying if we told everyone that we didn’t think we had a chance to win the ARCA 200 at Daytona,” said Nate Thiesse, co-owner of Win-Tron Racing. “Since Talladega, our team has worked around the clock to bring several competitive Dodge Chargers for our biggest race of the year. After the test, we were satisfied, but went back to the shop looking for even more. We also believe in our driver Dominick Casola. He really showed a lot of talent at the end of last year. His determination to get the job done really impressed us at the test and we have no reservation that he can step up to the plate and be in the thick of the battle this weekend at Daytona.”

For Casola, the 2007 season was a positive one for the Holmdel, New Jersey native. In addition to several top-10 finishes, Casola burst onto the ARCA scene with a very impressive third place run in his “restrictor plate” debut at Talladega Superspeedway last October. With Casola thirsty for more of the same at Daytona, the former United Speed Alliance Racing (Hooter’s Pro Cup) Series driver is proud to be driving for Win-Tron Racing.

“Daytona is here and I am ready,” stated Casola. “We had an absolutely incredible test in December. The entire Win-Tron Racing bunch has put more hours than anyone can count with the goal to win the biggest race of the ARCA season. There’s no doubt in my mind that we can unload as strong if not stronger this week.” Casola added, “These guys are winners and their record speaks for itself. Talladega was the biggest race of my career, but Daytona will take over that role when I take the green flag on Saturday and I’m looking forward to the green flag with Win-Tron Racing!”

When asked about joining a team of Win-Tron Racing’s caliber, Casola was quick to point out he’s at home. “This is a new year for me and the lineup that Win-Tron Racing has is stout. Sometimes you go into a new situation a little nervous, but they make me feel right at home. The crew believes in me and as a driver. You can’t ask for much more. I know we have a shot at winning the race, we just need a little luck too.”

Thiesse noted, “Dominick doesn’t have a lot of superspeedway experience, but no doubt that his superior performance at Talladega last year brings any worries of his ability to get the job done to a screeching halt. His feedback at the test was exactly what we were looking for and his devotion to making a promising statement on the track puts the team high on the totem pole. If we aren’t one of the favorites to win, we’re definitely a sleeper.”

Win-Tron Racing will run a full ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule this season with hopes of capturing the coveted car owner’s championship. Casola and Win-Tron Racing standout James Buescher will pilot the team’s ARCA RE/MAX Series entries this year.

A. Casola Farms, a family-owned business will sponsor Casola’s No. 32 Dodge Charger this weekend at Daytona International Speedway. Casola will make his 23rd career ARCA start and his second restrictor plate event on Saturday. Stay tuned for a new website, but in the meantime further information on Win-Tron Racing is available by visiting win-tronracing.com or contacting Nate Thiesse at 952.469.1839. For more on Dominick Casola please visit, DominickCasola.com.   The ARCA 200 at Daytona (80 laps/200 miles) is the first of 21 events on the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule. The 45th ARCA race held at Daytona is a three-day show. Practice begins Thursday, February 7 with a five hour practice session planned from 12:00-5:00 p.m. ARCA SIM Factory pole qualifying is set for Friday, February 8 slated to begin at 12:00 p.m. A one hour and five minute final practice session is etched in on Friday evening from 5:10pm-6:15pm. The event will take the green flag on Saturday, February 9 shortly after 4:00 p.m. The race will be televised live on SPEED with additional race coverage online at arcaracing.com.  All times are local.

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“21 Year Old Driver Thrilled About First Daytona Start”

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  - If you ask sophomore ARCA RE/MAX Series driver Patrick Sheltra what Saturday’s ARCA 200 at Daytona means to him; he’ll tell you it’s one of the most critical events on the 2008 schedule and most likely his career. With that being said, Sheltra, the 21-year old Indiantown, Florida native will make his inaugural debut at the breathtaking 2.5-mile Speedway in his 26th career ARCA start.

Aiming towards his second-career restrictor plate start, Sheltra and his Whitesville, Kentucky-based Sheltra Motorsports team put a massive amount of hours into their restrictor plate program hoping to produce a better effort than the team’s 16th place finish last October at Talladega Superspeedway. Banking on the results of the team’s successful off-season tests confidence is high heading into the 45th annual ARCA 200 at Daytona.

“We’ve stepped up our restrictor plate (superspeedway) program up a ton,” said Sheltra, who will spend the 2008 season running a mixture of Chevrolet Monte Carlos and Dodge Chargers. “We started out the Daytona test with two machines and we went to Talladega with one. We know what our backup machine is capable of and we made significant changes to our primary car with the intent to find crucial speed and car control. We ironed out all the kinks and I believe we are in great shape.”

Sheltra isn’t just depending on his former Richard Childress Racing (RCR) Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS to lead the way in Saturday’s season opener; the veteran dirt ace also knows that he has plenty of knowledge and experience on his side. Former ARCA driver John Hayden will call the shots as crew chief, with former ARCA champion crew chief Keith Strunk overseeing the team’s efforts. “Experience is everything and Sheltra Motorsports has plenty of it,” Sheltra noted.  “John and Keith are very two influential and knowledgeable people and they are the back-bone of our operation. It’s because of them and the hard work of the entire Sheltra Motorsports team that we’re heading into this weekend’s event with high hopes,” Sheltra noted.

With just his second restrictor plate event on tap on Saturday, Sheltra knows that experience isn’t exactly on his side, but he’s leaning on his knowledge at Talladega and the heavy drafting sessions during the open test at Daytona to weed him through any potential traffic and in contention for his first career ARCA victory. “Daytona is a huge chess game. It’s really night and day between Talladega. Daytona is all about having a car that will handle. If you don’t have a car that you can maneuver, you odds of winning the race diminish. With the Sheltra Motorsports team being locked into the race, we can spend most of our focus on our race setup. Of course, we’ll dabble with our qualifying setup, but Daytona is the type of track that if you have a good car, you can come from the back to the front in a hurry even after a pit stop. We’re prepared for anything that this race may throw at us,” Sheltra advised.

The ARCA RE/MAX Series 2008 schedule consists of 21-races, two less events from the 2007 season. Sheltra is fully aware of the difference heading into the weekend and while many of his competitors are concentrating all of their efforts on Daytona, Sheltra is expanding his mind and keeping the coveted championship on deck.

“There’s just more than one reason to walk away from Daytona with a good run,” sounded Sheltra. “A good finish means you’ve started off your season in the right direction, not to mention your championship bid. We made a statement at the ARCA banquet (December 2007) that we want to win a championship this year and we have all the components to make it happen. We just need to be consistent, finish races and let the points fall into place. We finished seventh in our rookie season; not bad. But we are looking for more, much more in 2008.”

Immediately following Daytona, Sheltra will have zero time to relax as he’ll head to Volusia County Speedway two days later and return to his racing roots behind the wheel of the No. 23 Chevrolet for six nights of dirt racing in both the UMP and WoO Series. “February is always busy for me,” continued Sheltra. “I can make one of my dreams come true by competing at Daytona while still slipping and sliding on the dirt just two days later after competing in the biggest race of my ARCA career.”

Heading into Daytona, Sheltra has 25 ARCA RE/MAX Series starts to his credit with a career best finish of third on the dirt at Illinois State Fairgrounds (August 2007) with  an additional top-five finish (fourth) at Berlin Raceway (July 2007) while holding additional top-10s at Kentucky Speedway (June 2007), DuQuoin State Fairgrounds (September 2007) and Toledo Speedway (October 2007). Three ninth-place qualifying efforts at Kansas Speedway (April 2007), Pocono Raceway (June 2007) and Illinois State Fairgrounds (August 2007) is Sheltra’s best time trials efforts to date.Sheltra will make his first career start at “The World Center Of Speed” on Saturday afternoon. He notched a 16th place finish at Talladega Superspeedway, the other lone restrictor plate track on the ARCA circuit last October.

The ARCA 200 at Daytona (80 laps/200 miles) is the first of 21 events on the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule. The 45th ARCA race held at Daytona is a three-day show. Practice begins Thursday, February 7 with a five hour practice session planned from 12:00-5:00 p.m. ARCA SIM Factory pole qualifying is set for Friday, February 8 slated to begin at 12:00 p.m. A one hour and five minute final practice session is etched in on Friday evening from 5:10pm-6:15pm. The event will take the green flag on Saturday, February 9 shortly after 4:00 p.m. The race will be televised live on SPEED with additional race coverage online at arcaracing.com.  All times are local.Stay tuned for a revamped website, but in the meantime for more on Patrick Sheltra, please visit PatrickSheltra.com.

Patrick Sheltra, Sheltra Motorsports, Daytona International Speedway, Notes of Interest:•      Sheltra Motorsports will run a mixture of Chevrolet Monte Carlos and Dodge Chargers during the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series season. For Daytona, Sheltra Motorsports will run a Chevrolet Monte Carlo purchased from Richard Childress Racing (RCR). The machine is a former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series vehicle for 2007 Daytona 500 champion Kevin Harvick. Clements Automotive will provide the horsepower for the sophomore ARCA team.

•      Following Daytona, Sheltra will have two days to gather his thoughts before heading to Volusia County Speedway to compete in six nights of historic dirt racing in the UMP and WoO Series. Sheltra will run the No. 23 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. 

•      Sheltra will make 320 left hand turns on Saturday afternoon. 

• In addition to running a full 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule, Sheltra will also run a limited schedule in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and compete in selected dirt late model events (UMP and WoO Series) throughout the United States.

SHELTRA MOTORSPORTS FAST FACTS:

Team Name: Sheltra Motorsports, No. 60 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

Driver: Patrick Sheltra, Indiantown, Florida

Car Owner: Grace Sheltra, Indiantown, Florida

Marketing Partners: Ferguson Pipe Enterprises, Inc, FloraGanics, American Concrete Industries, Inc, Hardie Pipe, Indiantown Marina, Drug Discovery Testing (DDT), All About Flowers, Speed Media, The Casite Company, Sheltra & Son Construction, Sheltra Cattle Company, J&S Bulk Transportation, Inc., Martin County Petroleum and Purcell Tire & Rubber.

Crew Chief: John Hayden

Team Manager: Keith Strunk

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TOPEKA, Kan. (Feb. 5, 2008) – Sports Car Club of America members and leaders will descend on San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 7 – 9, for the 2008 SCCA National Convention. More than just an annual meeting required by the Club’s bylaws, the annual convention is a celebration of the previous year’s achievements, a preview of changes to come and perhaps most importantly, the perfect place for members to shape the future of the Club.

Each day of the SCCA National Convention offers members an array of seminars with topics varying from the new Street Survival program to Solo site acquisition, as well as Safety Steward and technical training. In addition to the presentations prepared by each department at the SCCA National Office, members can take part in Town Halls for their program of interest and ask questions directly to those who lead the governing boards.

In between sessions, a variety of exhibitors will be on hand to entice and educate SCCA members. If safety is your priority for 2008, BSR Safety Products will be showcasing the new S.A.V.E. Motorsport Safety Barriers and HANS Performance Products will have a full range of HANS Devices available. To make sure you’re getting the most out of your vehicle, Hawk Performance, the Official Brake Products of SCCA, and Toyo Tires, the Official Tire of SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge, will have products on display.

Regions preparing for their next big event can swing by the MotorsportReg.com and Genius Motorsports displays to learn about these new programs designed to simplify event management and member communication. Once you’ve got your competitors registered, the folks at the AMB booth can help you clock them precisely, then take a peak at the dazzling trophies and awards that can be created for your next podium celebration by Prize Possessions.

It’s never too soon to start planning for the 2008 National Championship Runoffs or Solo National Championships, and that’s why Visit Topeka, Inc. will have a booth to assist you with all your travel, lodging and dining questions.

Of course, SCCA will have its own merchandise available for sale so you can show off your passion for motorsports.

If you missed him at the Runoffs, artist Lou Byer will also be on hand with his unique motorsports art work.

Several social gatherings highlight the 2008 National Convention. Award luncheons are scheduled each day and members are invited to “Discover the Riverwalk” on Friday evening. The Convention closes with the SCCA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Banquet on Saturday evening.

For a full 2008 SCCA National Convention schedule see www.scca.com. Until then, see you in San Antonio!

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14-race schedule includes three new venuesMexico City weekend with NASCAR Nationwide Series will be a point raceA resounding success after the first year under NASCAR banner

The NASCAR Mexico Series has made tremendous progress in its brief history. The NASCAR Mexico Series, entering its fifth season overall and its second under the NASCAR banner, has established a strong following among the Mexican fans and become one of the most important motor sport series of in the country. The growth and interest among the public, media and sponsors has paved the way for the series to expand in 2008 throughout the Mexican Republic to take the excitment of the Championship to new cities with great fans for motor sports.The NASCAR Nationwide Series will return to Mexico City to run the Hermanos Rodriguez Autodrome road course for the third year in a row, and for the first time the NASCAR Mexico Series event on the same weekend will be a points event. Carlos Pardo won the 2007 race — the NASCAR Mexico Series Shootout — when it was a non-points race. The NASCAR Mexico Series will conclude the season at the Hermanos Rodriguez Autodrome oval course.Rafael Martinez captured the 2007 NASCAR Mexico Series championship by just four points over Germain Quiroga. Martinez clinched his first title by finishing fourth in the final race of the season at Mexico City, which was won by Quiroga.For 2008 season, the 14-race schedule features 11 ovals, includes three new facilities beginning with the first race at the new Queretaro Autodrome. The facility, which boasts a road course and an oval track, will host the first race of the season March 30 on the road course. The series will return Aug. 31 to run the oval.The NASCAR Mexico Series will make its first visit to the beautiful state of Chiapas, with its rich cultural history. Located in Southeastern Mexico, the Chiapas Autodrome in Tuxtla Gutierrez will host the NASCAR Mexico Series race October 5. Also joining the series is the city of Aguascalientes, home of one of Mexico’s top stock car drivers — Rogelio Lopez. The Aguascalientes driver recorded 15 victories, seven runner-up finishes and five third-place finishes in 42 races. In addition to being the all-time wins leader, he has the record of most pole positions with 14. The Aguascalientes city is famous for organizing one of the most important fairs of the country: The San Marcos Fair. It is in this same venue where the NASCAR Mexico Series will race at the Aguascalientes Autodrome Sept. 21.The NASCAR Mexico Series will return to the tracks that have helped make the series so successful. The Bernardo Obregon Autodrome tri-oval in Guadalajara will host two races, May 18 and July 27. The Miguel E. Abed Autodrome in Puebla will also run a pair of races (June 15 and Aug. 17), as will the Potosino Oval in San Luis Potosi (May 4 and July 13). The 2008 NASCAR Mexico Series schedule includes a stop at the Monterrey Autodrome in Monterrey June 1 and the Zacatecas Autodrome in Zacatecas June 29.A number of drivers are looking to challenge Martinez for the 2008 championship as the season continues to grow. Eight drivers have already committed to running for the Rookie of the Year.2008 SEASON SCHEDULENASCAR MEXICO SERIESDate Day Venue Autodrome

1 March 30 Queretaro New Queretaro Autodrome (Road Course)

2 April 20 Mexico City(Nationwide Series) Hermanos Rodriguez Autodrome (Road Course)

3 May 04 San Luis Potosi Potosino Oval

4 May 18 Guadalajara Bernardo Obregon Autodrome (Trioval)

5 June 01 Monterrey Monterrey Autodrome (Oval)

6 June 15 Puebla Miguel E. Abed Autodrome (Oval)

7 June 29 Zacatecas Zacatecas Autodrome (Road Course)

8 July 13 San Luis Potosi Potosino Oval

9 July 27 Guadalajara Bernardo Obregon Autodrome (Trioval)

10 August 17 Puebla Miguel E. Abed Autodrome (Oval)

11 August 31 Queretaro New Queretaro Autodrome (Oval)

12 September 21 Aguascalientes New Aguascalientes Autodrome (Oval)

13 October 05 Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas Chiapas Autodrome (Oval)

14 October 26 Mexico City Hermanos Rodriguez Autodrome (Oval)

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Gladdis and Andersen Racing Quickly Agree to Work Together For 2008 Star Mazda Championship Presented by Goodyear

PALMETTO, Fla. - Race car drivers need to have fast reaction times both on the track and when opportunity knocks during their careers.

Team owners like Dan and John Andersen of Andersen Racing have to be equally fast when presented with a rookie driver who performs like a veteran. Tom Gladdis did just that when the Palmetto, Fla.-based team tested him last week at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla., and today Andersen Racing announced it has signed the 16-year-old British driver for a full season in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear.

Gladdis was born in the Isle of Wight, England, and resides in Gibraltar, a British territory. He's sponsored by Marrache & Co., the international law firm of Gibraltar that has offices in London, Spain, Lisbon, Prague and Luxemburg.  

Both Gladdis and Marrache will fit right in with the Star Mazda series, which is sanctioned by IMSA and often serves as a support event for IMSA's American Le Mans Series with its tagline of world-class manufacturers, teams and drivers.

Gladdis only has one year of racing under his belt, finishing sixth in the rookie standings in the tough Formula BMW UK series last year. He sat in a Star Mazda car for the first time over the Christmas holiday, but he was very fast at the Sebring test.

Gladdis said he had planned to race in Asia this year, but he and Andersen Racing just clicked at the test.

"I loved working with everyone on the team," he said. "Everyone at Andersen Racing made me feel welcome.  They all worked very hard and put as much effort in as they could.  That's the main reason I signed with the team. The car they prepare is very good and fast."

Dan Andersen originally planned to run three drivers in the Star Mazda series this year.  Juliana Gonzalez and Yannick Hofman are already on board and the signing of two more drivers is imminent, but he still agreed to add Gladdis to his stable.

"He is a very fine driver, and the whole team wants him," Andersen said.  "We think he can win races, and possibly the championship."

The relationship developed very quickly.  "I read about Star Mazda at the back of an AutoSport magazine in England, and I knew we were coming to America over Christmas," Gladdis disclosed.  "I said to my dad that I would really like to drive one of those cars, and that's when he got me a test.  Things developed from there, we found Andersen Racing, and now I'm really anxious to get the season started in America."

The season opener is March 14 at Sebring, right before the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring ALMS race the following day.

Andersen Racing is the official development team of Rahal Letterman Racing, which competes in both IndyCar and the ALMS.  The team is sponsored by Allied Building Products Corp.

It addition to Star Mazda, Andersen Racing fields multiple entries in the F2000 Championship presented by Hoosier Racing Tire and the Indy Pro Series, the official development series of IndyCar. The team strives to provide the best training possible for future open-wheel superstars.

For more information on Andersen Racing see andersenracingteam.com and andersenracepark.com.  For more information on the Star Mazda series see starmazda.com.

About Allied Building Products Corp.:

Allied Building Products Corp., headquartered in East Rutherford, N.J., is one of the largest roofing and siding distributors in the United States. Founded in 1950 with five employees and two trucks, today it is a $1.8 billion building material distribution company with over 3,500 employees, more than 200 branches in 30 states, well over one million square feet of office and warehouse space, and an inventory of approximately 85,000 products, from residential roofing and siding to doors, windows, waterproofing, manufactured stone, interior products and commercial roofing systems. For more information see alliedbuilding.com.

About Andersen Racing:

Andersen Racing strives to provide the best and most comprehensive training possible for future open-wheel superstars while giving its marketing partners media exposure and hospitality opportunities at some of the most prestigious events in North America. It provides a unique, three-step program utilizing multiple entries in three different series: the F2000 Championship (webcast), Star Mazda (televised on SPEED) and the Indy Pro Series (televised on ESPN2). In 2008 it will field multiple entries in 42 races in 19 states and provinces at some of the best facilities on the continent, including the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Andersen Racing's principals, brother Dan and John Andersen, have extensive experience in series administration as well as team management. They've worked with many of today's top open-wheel stars, including several Indy 500 winners.

Andersen Racing is sponsored by Allied Building Products Corp. It is the official development team of Rahal Letterman Racing, which competes in the IndyCar Series and the American Le Mans Series.  In addition, its F2000 team is also the official factory team of Van Diemen. The team is headquartered at Andersen RacePark, an 18-acre facility in Palmetto, Fla. that includes a 1-mile test track. For more information see andersenracingteam.com and andersenracepark.com.

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Race/Date:     ARCA 200 at Daytona – Feb. 9, 2008Location: Daytona International Speedway – Daytona Beach, Fla.

NOTES: • This week’s racecar for Daytona International Speedway is Chassis 28-93.  This is the same car that Michael Annett drove to victory lane last year at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. • Making His Debut… This is Annett’s first race at Daytona International Speedway.  The only time he has ever driven on the 2.5-mile superspeedway was in a test session earlier this year. • Auto Pilot On… Pilot Travel Centers, LLC will serve as sponsor of Annett and his No. 28 Toyota Camry this weekend.  Pilot Travel Centers is the nation’s largest operator of travel centers and over-the-road diesel fuel stations. • Making History… Annett was the first driver in the 55-year ARCA RE/MAX Series history to take the Toyota nameplate to victory lane, which he did at Talladega in 2007.  He qualified second and led all but 19 laps en route to that victory. • Proving His Worth… Though Annett’s career ARCA Series stats boast only four starts, they are impressive:  one victory, one pole, two top-five finishes and four top-10 finishes. • The Puck Stops Here… At the age of 16, Annett signed a contract to play professional hockey for Team Illinois, a tier one AAA team. • Autographs Anyone… Annett along with the rest of the ARCA RE/MAX Series drivers will sign autographs in the ARCA garage on Saturday, February 9 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. • Listen and watch … The ARCA 200 is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 9.  It will broadcast live on the Speed Channel.

Michael Annett’s Racing Quotes:Michael Annett on racing at Daytona International Speedway:“I am really excited to be racing with Bill Davis Racing again this year.  Everything they have is first class, even their ARCA cars, and I think they proved that last year at Talladega.  Hopefully we can start the season off the same way we ended it last year, with a win.  We are going to do all we can to start the weekend of good for BDR and try and get this Pilot Camry into victory lane.”

 Michael Annett’s ARCA RE/MAX Career Totals  Starts  Wins  Poles Top 5s Top 10s DNFs4 1 1 2 4 0

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Bill Davis Racing's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Phillip McGilton and his wife Mandi announce the addition of their fourth girl today.  Presley Jade McGilton was born January 30, 2008 at 9:20 CST.  She weighed in at 8lbs and 1oz, 20 inches long.   Presley joins the overjoyed couples three other children Kylie, Shealah and Trinity.

Penske South racing driver Sam Hornish and wife Crystal welcomed their first child this morning. Addison Faith Hornish was born at 6:24 a.m. on Monday, February 4th. Baby Addison weighs 7lbs 2oz. and measures 18 inches. Both mom and baby are doing well.

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DELAWARE, Ohio (Jan 31) — The  fourth annual Mr. Aruba's Bench Race Winter Nationals in Ostrander, Ohio, raised  $2,800 for the JEGS Foundation's Racing for Cancer Research program. Held by  sportsman racer Mike "Mr. Aruba" DeChicco and Dr. Jane Graebner, the event  contested a Gambler's Race, a "Pink's" style eliminator, and a 50/50 raffle  drawing on Saturday, Jan. 26, at Ostrander International Raceway  Park. Aside from the money raised by entry fees, various auctions, and refreshments, several drivers decided to donate all or part of their winnings to the JEGS Foundation. Overall winner Doug Thompson and runner-up Durina McCarty  both gave back $300 each. Mike Harbolt returned $149 from his 50/50 winnings, while Deon Bressler of D&D Automotive and Doug Duell of Evansville Chrysler decided to donate $100 apiece to the cause. Gary Bumgarner of Auto Kolor of Columbus helped with generous donations that were used as door prizes. "The racing community is a very passionate group," said Scott Woodruff, director of media & motorsports for JEGS. "We're touched that these men and women got together to raise money for the JEGS Foundation again. It sounds like everyone had a great time and the fact they helped the  JEGS Foundation along the way is a great bonus." Since its' inception in 2003, the JEGS Foundation's Racing for Cancer Research program has raised money for The James Cancer Hospital Solove Research Institute, a National Cancer Institute-designated facility in Ohio, which is regarded as one of the top research and teaching hospitals in the United States.

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FT. PIERCE, Florida (January 31, 2008) - - They’re back at it again. You could even call them the three musketeers as ARCA RE/MAX Series drivers Patrick Sheltra (No. 60), Bryan Silas (No. 11) and Gabi DiCarlo (No. 90) will reunite together again to make an appearance together in Florida this Sunday, February 3rd at The Corner Bar in Ft. Pierce, Florida from 12:00pm-4:00 EST. The group made a similar appearance last November in Sheltra’s hometown of Indiantown, Florida.

On the day of the National Football League’s (NFL) biggest event the Super Bowl, the trio are steadily preparing for their Super Bowl in next Saturday’s ARCA 200 at Daytona. All three drivers are sophomores heading into the 56-year old tour’s season opener with Sheltra and DiCarlo anxiously waiting to making their Daytona International Speedway debut. Silas finished 23rd last February.

The full-time ARCA RE/MAX Series drivers will meet and greet with fans and sign autographs while discussing the upcoming season which kicks off on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at Daytona live on SPEED at 4:00pm local time and concludes on ARCA’s hometown turf at Toledo Speedway in October. Last season, all three drivers finished in the top-11 in the final driver championship standings.

“I’m looking forward to Sunday’s appearance,” said Sheltra, who will hightail from 10 nights of dirt racing at Golden Isles Speedway in Brunswick, Georgia to attend Sunday’s event. I went to Atlantic City earlier this month and had a blast but its more fun when you have your fellow competitors with you.” Sheltra drives for Whitesville, Kentucky based Sheltra Motorsports with Ferguson Pipe Enterprises and FloraGanics on board as his primary marketing partners. 

For Silas, Ft. Pierce is practically in his backyard and is thrilled about making another appearance in the Sunshine State. “I enjoy hanging with the ARCA fans,” said the 20-year old driver of the No. 11 Nortrax Ford Fusion. “Sunday will be my first appearance of the season, but I’m definitely pumped up about it. I’m ready to get back in the racing swing and this event officially kicks off the 2008 season for me.”

DiCarlo, one of two females expected to run the ARCA series full-time in 2008 doesn’t mind being the only female driver in the picture this weekend at The Corner Bar. “I have a lot of fun with Patrick and Bryan,” the driver of the No. 90 Great Clips Ford said. “The Indiantown Hoedown last November was a great chance for us to give the fans a triple whammy. I’m glad we are able to do the same again Sunday.”

For more on Patrick Sheltra, please visit PatrickSheltra.com.Further information on Bryan Silas is available by clicking on BryanSilasRacing.com. For additional input on Gabi DiCarlo, please logon to GabiDiCarlo.com.

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