Dillon vs. Dakoda? The youngest and newest member of ThorSport Racing, Dakoda Armstrong, has his eye on just one prize. The up and comer plans to take his No. 98 EverFi/Drive for Savings Toyota Tundra ride straight to the Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year honors. While some may argue that being ROTY does not really mean all that much, Armstrong definitely takes exception to that notion. For him, it is not only a special honor, but one that lasts a lifetime and cannot be taken away. “You only get one shot at it in any series you go in,” Armstrong said. “I try to go for it in any series that I run in.”
Armstrong is no stranger to Rookie of the Year honors. In fact, he secured that honor in the ARCA Racing Series and definitely felt that has helped move him along in his career.
“Getting the Rookie of the Year honor has definitely helped propel me forward,” Armstrong said. “It’s the title you have and it is always brought up.”
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EverFi Joins as Co-Primary Sponsor: The No. 98 will have a new sponsor donning the hood as a primary this year as EverFi joins ThorSport Racing. EverFi, Inc. is the leading education technology company to teach, assess, and certify students in critical skills. EverFi teams with major corporations and foundations to provide programs to schools at no cost and is spreading into new facilities in its national movement across the 50 states. EverFi enables students to learn using the latest technology, including rich media, high-definition video, diagrams and avatars.EverFi’s education learning platforms include Financial Literacy, Student Loan Management, Digital Literacy, Cyberbullying, Alcohol Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness, and additional product areas to be announced in early 2012. Poker Face: The NASCAR Foundation will be having a Texas Hold Em Poker tournament in Daytona on Wednesday, Feb 22nd from 7-10 p.m, where Dakoda will be in attendance. The “High Speed Hold ‘Em on the Halifax” event will take place at the new clubhouse of MG on the Halifax which is located about 10 minutes from the track. The event is hosted by Betty Jane France and will have drivers, celebrities and poker pros playing in a tournament that benefits Speediatrics and The NASCAR Foundation. This charity event is an important one for the NASCAR Foundation and we are looking for several drivers who know how to play poker and will also play a part in announcing the donation to Speediatrics that night. Chassis History: The EverFi/Drive For Savings team has prepared chassis No. 24 for competition at the first event of the season. Armstrong has piloted this particular machine in one previous start, at Talladega Superspeedway last fall, finishing in the 17th position. |
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THOUGHTS FROM THE DRIVER: Dakoda Armstrong |
What are you feeling, getting ready for your first Daytona?
“I’m very anxious this week – I have a lot of nerves. I’m really excited though and just want to start the season off right. Our numbers look good from the wind tunnel, so I hope what looks good on paper is really fast on the track. That’s going to be the real determinant of how we do this week.”
Have you had some help from your veteran teammates, Johnny Sauter and Matt Crafton?
“Those guys have been great to work with so far, and there is so much knowledge between the two of them. Both guys have helped me understand the handling that goes on in the trucks. Last year was a learning experience. This year, they are helping with the transition to Toyotas and understanding what’s around me on the track. They know what I’m going for, and that’s a rookie title – so they are willing to help in any way they can.”
What do you think about the “Dillon vs. Dakoda” comparison in the rookie battle?
“For Rookie of the Year, my biggest competition is definitely Ty Dillon,” Armstrong said. “I competed against him in the ARCA Series. He’s got really good equipment and he’s a really good driver. We will definitely have some good racing and some good competition with him.”
Thorsport PR
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